Homeowners Insurance-Goose Creek (mortgage, house, earthquake)

[Techgeek]

I have USAA for my auto and homeowners insurance policies. My auto actually goes down every year but since I moved into my house 3 years ago, my homeowners has increased by nearly 50%.

My mortgage guy got me a decent quote from his companies insurance arm but the policy is with a company I've not heard of before so I'm a little weary of just jumping ship for a cheaper premium-especially if it means I'm not covered if something happens (hurricane, earthquake, etc).

So, can anyone recommend a good insurance provider? I would be willing to move both my auto and home policies if I can get similar or better coverage for a better price.

I have quoted with some of the big national carriers but several don't do online quotes for this area and one doesn't do quotes at their 800-number. They say the HAVE to refer me to a local rep.

Seems like it should be easier to get insured...

[DJShymansky]

C.T. Lowndes (they write through Universal)
Taylor Agency (they write through ASI)
Farm Bureau
State Farm

All would serve you well, I'm seeing great rates come through on all of them.

[Techgeek]

The quote that my mortgage guy got me was with universal. I've never heard of them. Are they any good?

My mortgage guy is with Shelter so the quote was through Carolina One Insurance and they quoted a policy from Universal.

[DJShymansky]

Universal has been writing great rates, and as far as I can tell they are pretty decent. Insurance companies are what they are, I don't know enough about each company's internal filings to know which are solvent and which aren't, but even nationwide marquis companies could go broke covering a natural disaster on the coast, i.e. hurricane Hugo/Katrina. I'd stick with the lower premiums, to keep the property covered, and maybe keep your others covered with a larger company that you trust.

[Techgeek]

Things have been busy lately and I kind of put this on the back burner because the adjustment in my mortgage payment is still several months away.

HOWEVER, I contacted one of the suggested agencies today and was given a quote for homeowners and earthquake for $500 less than what I am paying now...

The quote is with Capitol Preferred Insurance. They are a relatively young company (incorporated in 1998) but the agency I spoke with has been around for 160 years and assures me that they vet all of their providers before they begin writing policies with them.

Google reveals some info and the woman at the agency said that they had been writing with them for around 5 years with no trouble to speak of so it's promising.

So can anyone tell me anything about Capitol Preferred?

[ChachiBarcola]

Originally Posted by DJShymansky

C.T. Lowndes (they write through Universal)
Taylor Agency (they write through ASI)
Farm Bureau
State Farm

All would serve you well, I'm seeing great rates come through on all of them.

I work with CT Lowndes and am very satisfied. I have one agent who helped my with home, auto, flood and earthquake. Great rates and good service.

[DJShymansky]

I should have put Capital Preferred on my list as well. Very good company, and they'll likely write for Universal, if I recall.

[Techgeek]

I ended up going with it. I'm saving a ton of money.