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Why certain insurance companies?

Posted on 6/13/12 at 1:35 pm
Posted by kennypowers816
New Orleans
Member since Jan 2010
2449 posts
Posted on 6/13/12 at 1:35 pm
Spinoff from the other 2 insurance threads:

Who do you buy your insurance from and why? (Broker or direct)
If direct, why do you go with a particular company? (cost, reputation, etc?)

In theory, if its the same coverage for a lower premium, you should just go with the cheaper quote. But I know some people prefer particular companies because of claims issues, etc. If that is your approach, can you please elaborate as to why you go with a certain company over potentially "discount" type companies with the same coverage.

FYI - I'm talking mainly homeowners, renters and auto.

TIA


Me:
Auto - Progressive because it was significantly cheaper than others I was quoted for the exact same coverage. Allstate was literally more than twice the price for the same coverage.
Renters - Farmers because progressive doesn't offer it in my area, and it was cheaper than other quotes I got.
Posted by Slickback
Deer Stand
Member since Mar 2008
28158 posts
Posted on 6/13/12 at 1:57 pm to
I'm an independent agent, so I'll shop for the cheapest rate. If it is with a captive agent, I have no problem going with them. There are several companies I won't touch though.
Posted by KG6
Member since Aug 2009
10920 posts
Posted on 6/13/12 at 2:02 pm to
(no message)
This post was edited on 8/7/12 at 11:43 pm
Posted by kennypowers816
New Orleans
Member since Jan 2010
2449 posts
Posted on 6/13/12 at 2:04 pm to
quote:

There are several companies I won't touch though.


If you don't mind me asking, who and why?
Posted by Chad504boy
4 posts
Member since Feb 2005
179325 posts
Posted on 6/13/12 at 2:06 pm to
Premiums
Company Ratings
Coverages
Deductibles
Posted by Slickback
Deer Stand
Member since Mar 2008
28158 posts
Posted on 6/13/12 at 2:10 pm to
quote:

If you don't mind me asking, who and why?


Anyone who isn't rated by AM Best.
Posted by Chad504boy
4 posts
Member since Feb 2005
179325 posts
Posted on 6/13/12 at 2:25 pm to
quote:


Anyone who isn't rated by AM Best.



meh... i wouldn't say that across the board. Sometimes the premiums are worth the "risk".
Posted by Slickback
Deer Stand
Member since Mar 2008
28158 posts
Posted on 6/13/12 at 2:44 pm to
quote:

meh... i wouldn't say that across the board. Sometimes the premiums are worth the "risk".


No doubt, but with good credit and a new house you can still get a cheap arse rate with a better company.

Some people need a little Lighthouse in their life, though.
Posted by Chad504boy
4 posts
Member since Feb 2005
179325 posts
Posted on 6/13/12 at 2:45 pm to
quote:

you can still get a cheap arse rate with a better company.



not in the world i live.
Posted by Slickback
Deer Stand
Member since Mar 2008
28158 posts
Posted on 6/13/12 at 2:48 pm to
Northshore?

If it doesn't fit with ASI or Bankers they usually or SOL in our agency. I quit dealing with Occidental and Lighthouse due to piss poor underwriting and lack of professionalism.

Gulfstream has pushed me close to that point, but not over the edge yet.



BTW, Got anyone that will insure a metal building with living quarters as a primary residence in St. Tammany?
Posted by DandyPimp
New Orleans
Member since Jan 2007
1119 posts
Posted on 6/13/12 at 2:53 pm to
Slick - care to expand on your experience with Occidental? Just went with them for homeowners. They were signiciantly cheaper than my other alternatives.
Posted by Chad504boy
4 posts
Member since Feb 2005
179325 posts
Posted on 6/13/12 at 2:53 pm to
quote:

Northshore?

If it doesn't fit with ASI or Bankers they usually or SOL in our agency. I quit dealing with Occidental and Lighthouse due to piss poor underwriting and lack of professionalism.

Gulfstream has pushed me close to that point, but not over the edge yet.



ASI is pretty high with a lot of the market... southshore mostly too. SFIC, Centauri, Americas, GeoVera baby....


quote:


BTW, Got anyone that will insure a metal building with living quarters as a primary residence in St. Tammany?


HO3 policy or a dwelling policy?
Posted by Slickback
Deer Stand
Member since Mar 2008
28158 posts
Posted on 6/13/12 at 2:59 pm to
HO3, but may need to do a DF.

I put it with AMIG and they shite on me. Called and asked for underwriting asked for approval, got it, wrote her name down, issued it, and then got a non-renewal with a bs reason. There is no point fighting with them either. Underwriter that non-renewed it sent me and email stating, "i'm sorry you were given incorrect information, but we are not able to accept this risk."



quote:

SFIC, Centauri, Americas, GeoVera


We have a contract with Americas, but probably only have 2 on the books.

You write through Lighthouse? Try their new program? I'm timid after dealing with Waterstreet. I'll wait til some other agents in our office issue a few. I was the scapegoat the first go round.
Posted by Chad504boy
4 posts
Member since Feb 2005
179325 posts
Posted on 6/13/12 at 3:01 pm to
quote:


You write through Lighthouse?
yeah, haven't put much there yet, usually something fits better elsewhere.
Posted by Slickback
Deer Stand
Member since Mar 2008
28158 posts
Posted on 6/13/12 at 3:02 pm to
quote:

Slick - care to expand on your experience with Occidental? Just went with them for homeowners. They were signiciantly cheaper than my other alternatives.


I wouldn't have a problem being insured by them, they just make it hell on the agents. They are A- Rated through AM Best, and have a solid policy.

If you've already went through the underwriting process then I wouldn't worry about it. If you haven't and your home isn't in perfect (like almost brand new), expect an underwriting memo and an increase in your dwelling coverage.
Posted by Chad504boy
4 posts
Member since Feb 2005
179325 posts
Posted on 6/13/12 at 3:07 pm to
quote:

Slickback



all the companies have become PITA's... you just gotta learn to roll with it and play by their rules.
Posted by Slickback
Deer Stand
Member since Mar 2008
28158 posts
Posted on 6/13/12 at 3:10 pm to
quote:

you just gotta Get a new job.




The stupidity of some of the underwriting memos and the underwriters themselves amaze me. I've been left in awe of their ignorance, on multiple occasions, after hanging up with them.
Posted by DandyPimp
New Orleans
Member since Jan 2007
1119 posts
Posted on 6/13/12 at 9:40 pm to
quote:

If you've already went through the underwriting process then I wouldn't worry about it. If you haven't and your home isn't in perfect (like almost brand new), expect an underwriting memo and an increase in your dwelling coverage.


My policy went into effect in late April. Their inspector was out then (at least he put a doortag out). Have not heard anything. Am I in the clear? House is over 100 years old. I'm sure they could nitpick if they wanted.

I was depopulated from citizens this year. The new company Access Insurance quoted a 14% increase from my last citizens policy at about $4200. Occidental came in at $3000
Posted by H2O Engineer
New Orleans
Member since Feb 2011
630 posts
Posted on 6/13/12 at 9:46 pm to
I'm with nationwide now because state farm dropped me after my reckless driving and it was the cheapest quote I could find. Plan on getting back with state farm in 3 months after the charge is expunged.

Anyone have any opinions on nationwide?
Posted by reb13
Member since May 2010
10905 posts
Posted on 6/14/12 at 12:45 am to
Usaa, because they're unbeatable.
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