How did you shop around for insurance quotes?

[mrsbornkuntry]

We have had USAA auto insurance for about 15 years and have added homeowners insurance a couple years ago. Whenever I've checked around they've always had the best price for us. However I haven't done this recently and my car insurance seems exceptionally high so I want to check around and see if I can get a better deal elsewhere, but I'm overwhelmed. Is there a website where I can get multiple quotes or should I check out specific local companies? Can anyone recommend someone I should check in NC?

 

[disney212]

Check to see if your or spouse's company have any discount through them. I went from paying $237 a month down to $98 for better car insurance. I received a discount for moving my home owners, the home insurance is $110 more per year but includes earthquake insurance which my good hands company didn't offer.

 

[APiratesLifeForMe2]

I am an insurance agent and the one thing I don't recommend is going to one of those sites where they give you rates from several companies. Those sites simply collect your information and sell it to agents from multiple companies. Then you start getting calls, emails and mail that usually overwhelm most people. I would honestly first recommend talking to a few friends/family. See who they have for insurance companies and ask if they have been satisfied. I typically recommend finding a company that has a local agent if you are looking for the personal touch as opposed to visiting a carrier's website and requesting a quote that way. Plus you can get a feel for how the agency is run by interacting with someone over the phone/email, whatever is your preference.

In the past you may not have found better rates since USAA is known for offering competitive rates to a specific target of people (military). Some companies simply cannot compete with the preferred pricing but that isn't to say things haven't changed. It doesn't hurt to check.

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

I am an insurance agent and the one thing I don't recommend is going to one of those sites where they give you rates from several companies. Those sites simply collect your information and sell it to agents from multiple companies. Then you start getting calls, emails and mail that usually overwhelm most people. I would honestly first recommend talking to a few friends/family. See who they have for insurance companies and ask if they have been satisfied. I typically recommend finding a company that has a local agent if you are looking for the personal touch as opposed to visiting a carrier's website and requesting a quote that way. Plus you can get a feel for how the agency is run by interacting with someone over the phone/email, whatever is your preference.

In the past you may not have found better rates since USAA is known for offering competitive rates to a specific target of people (military). Some companies simply cannot compete with the preferred pricing but that isn't to say things haven't changed. It doesn't hurt to check.

Thank-you for the info. That's what I was afraid of with the online quote websites, I already get too much spam now.

I know one new agency moved to my town, I can't remember what company it was, and they were cold calling people and when I told them I had USAA they said "oh, thank you anyway" and hung up without even asking how much I was paying. But I would like to at least ask around.

 

[APiratesLifeForMe2]

Thank-you for the info. That's what I was afraid of with the online quote websites, I already get too much spam now.

I know one new agency moved to my town, I can't remember what company it was, and they were cold calling people and when I told them I had USAA they said "oh, thank you anyway" and hung up without even asking how much I was paying. But I would like to at least ask around.

Exactly! I have certainly quoted USAA customers and couldn't come close to their premiums but then I have quoted other USAA customers that I saved over $1000 a year. If you can't find anyone with a recommendation or simply don't feel like having that conversation with friends and family, then I would recommend calling an independent agency as well as a few captive carriers like State Farm, Nationwide etc. If you prefer convenience of location then keep an eye out for an agency located on your way to work, picking up the kids from school, near the grocery, etc.

 

[tvguy]

I am an insurance agent and the one thing I don't recommend is going to one of those sites where they give you rates from several companies. Those sites simply collect your information and sell it to agents from multiple companies. Then you start getting calls, emails and mail that usually overwhelm most people. .

Boy you aren't kidding. The phone calls literally started 30 seconds after I completed the form and continued for 3 months. Best part, NONE of the insurance companies offered the kind of policy I was looking for. I don't think a single one of those calls lasted more than 30 seconds.

 

[DetroitDisney]

USAA is super legit and hard to beat.

I use Esurance for my cars and its crazy cheap, and Amica for my home. Amica was a nice surprise because its crazy cheap for me compared to anything else, and I have only had good experiences with them.

Just my $0.02

 

[Shanna-like-Banana]

We've had USAA for 12 years and have always had great rates with them.

I was surprised when we moved from Texas to SC that not only did our rates go up, but by how much they went up. It really does make a difference what state you live in.

I decided to look around at some local agents through State Farm, Countrywide and one other. I was trying as best as possible to get a policy coverage very similar to what USAA gave us. Not a single one came close. I mean like the lowest was nearly 40% higher than the new higher USAA rate.

My moms husband is a veteran and stupidly doesn't use USAA, I really don't know why. The premium for his one vehicle is more than our two cars (van&truck), homeowners and personal property combined.

 

[jcano]

We've had auto through USAA for 20+ years. Great price. Great service. That said, it can't hurt to check around and reassure yourself that you aren't paying too much.

 

[Hisgirl]

I have used Amica for car/home/life/umbrella for over 30 years but...their rates have seemed high so I decided to shop around.

I first did my homework and researched JD Powers and other review sites. I noted the top companies and sought quotes from those. I called USAA and Auto-Owners, Traveller's and one other. Amica was indeed high, but we found we could save a good deal of money without giving up 'customer rating satisfaction' by changing to Auto Owner's. USAA did not save us money, which was surprising. And our credit is hall of fame excellent and with no wrecks.

Amica's customer service and client loyalty (amica TO the client) is ridiculous good so if I have to file a claim, I hope I feel as happy as I was with Amica.

 

[LuvOrlando]

Do you have your policy contracts so you know what you are asking? Those contracts are so big & you may have endorsements so ypu want to remember. I forget the term for it but I know with USAA i have it where they will pay current cost to replace things without depreciation factored in but my neighbor had depreciation built in so when Sandy ruined my roof I got a new $15,000 roof for $500 and they only got $1000 for theirs, the rest was OOP. Be cautious, I know its not cheap but i have always felt USAA has my best interests at heart so that keeps my business. We have 4 auto, home, umbrella & multiple life for everyone that all together runs close to $600 a month but I know in the case of a death or other castrotraphic event I wont end up destitute so I'm ok with the expense for now when we are vulnerable because im still a stay at home mom with kids. A good friend of mine lost her husband and she actually lost her home because of all the red tape with insurance -tragic

 

[NinaBella]

I usually recommend USAA to co-workers and the majority who spoke with USAA have switched. We use USAA for home/property insurance, car insurance, life insurance. I have looked at their dental insurance but DH work insurance is slightly cheaper and better.

Be careful leaving an insurance company. I live in Florida and have been covered in this home by USAA since 2003. USAA no longer will accept new Florida clients. I found out from a friend who moved to Korea for a couple years and when she went to cancel her insurance with USAA they said once she canceled they would not cover her again so it would be better for her to keep "something" covered even a storage building. LoL. So when she returned from Korea she could add a house back.

 

[HM]

You might try reading about insurance in NC here first:
http://www.ncdoi.com/Consumer/
http://www.ncdoi.com/_Publications/Consumer Guide to Automobile Insurance_CAU1.pdf

There is some really good information in the brochure (second link).