Kemper vs Travelers Insurance (Plano, Liberty: homeowners insurance, brokers, how much)

[lablvrs]

We're moving to Plano from Missouri in a few weeks. Our current insurance policies are held with Shelter Insurance, which is not underwriting policies in TX, so we're having to switch & shop around. Looking to get homeowners insurance as well as auto insurance for our 2 vehicles. I've been getting quotes from several companies----both major insurers with local agents & brokers who are getting best rate. I've gotten facts from State Farm, Travelers, Farmers, Amica, and a brokerage. Unfortunately, no military connection, so I can't use USAA. So far, it looks like we can get the best deals from Travelers or Kemper (owned by Unitrin?). I've heard of Travelers, but have never heard of Kemper. Not familiar with quality of service from either.

Has anyone on this forum used either Travelers or Kemper for homeowners and/or auto insurance? If so, what comments can you share about your experience, good or bad? I've tried to find reviews of both companies online & neither looks stellar---at least as regards to customer service & claims response.....but I think most of the feedback for this type of industry that makes it to the web is going to be negative....customers that are happy often don't take the time to post--they're getting the service they expect.

Thanks for any feedback!

[nsumner]

I've heard great things about Travelers. They have really good rates. Closed on a home on Friday for 370K and yearly premium is only $665 with standard 1% decuctable.

Naima

[TurtleCreek80]

My homeowners is with Travelers through the Gray Agency here. No complaints, but I haven't had to file any claims yet either. Rates are reasonable.

[Walter Benjamin]

We've had Kemper for a year for home and auto, with no claims and no problems.

When we bought the house, our agent spoke very highly of Kemper and recommended them to us -- for whatever that's worth.

[BstYet2Be]

.
Here is the Texas Dept of Insurance site where you can compare sample rates and policy provisions for both home and auto insurance that you might find useful: State of Texas HelpInsure.com
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[Pete53FR]

I have had two hail storm roof replacement claims with Travelers and they have been fair and handled claims quickly. Sometimes in Texas it is not how much Insurance Cost but how good they are with claims.

I cannot speak for any other Company except SafeCo who was also good with my claims. I have had 3 claims in last 22 years

[lablvrs]

BstYet2Be: Thanks for the link. I will check it out. However, I've got the policy details in hand/as to cost, coverage & provisions. That is how I've narrowed to these 2 companies. But, if someone's coverage is affordable & policy looks great, that doesn't always mean that they're great when it comes to dealing with actual claims.

Pete52FR: Yes, it seems like customer service/claims handling is the big concern with most companies....thanks for sharing about your experience! That is why I made this post---hoping to find some people who have had claims & can say if their experience has been good/bad. In my 12 years of home ownership in MO, I've not had a claim yet, but it sounds like with the wind/hail storms in TX its pretty common to have those types of claims & I've been reading some real horror stories.

Is there anyone else who has had to file a claim with either Travelers or Kemper? how quickly did they handle your claim, did you feel you were treated fairly or did they try to dodge the payout?

[synchronicity]

Originally Posted by lablvrs

BstYet2Be: Thanks for the link. I will check it out. However, I've got the policy details in hand/as to cost, coverage & provisions. That is how I've narrowed to these 2 companies. But, if someone's coverage is affordable & policy looks great, that doesn't always mean that they're great when it comes to dealing with actual claims.

Pete52FR: Yes, it seems like customer service/claims handling is the big concern with most companies....thanks for sharing about your experience! That is why I made this post---hoping to find some people who have had claims & can say if their experience has been good/bad. In my 12 years of home ownership in MO, I've not had a claim yet, but it sounds like with the wind/hail storms in TX its pretty common to have those types of claims & I've been reading some real horror stories.

Is there anyone else who has had to file a claim with either Travelers or Kemper? how quickly did they handle your claim, did you feel you were treated fairly or did they try to dodge the payout?

One anecdote is hardly data, but I've had Travelers for auto and home in Illinois, had a couple claims with them and they were handled quickly and efficiently. No complaints from me, quite the opposite.

Again, this is just one person's limited experience, your mileage may vary and all that.

[mSooner]

I haven't used either but if you are shopping for a low rate, check out Liberty Mutual...they came is WAY under the "big name" brands

[tracenat]

We have Travelers for Auto. We were in a terrible accident and they were really great and fast.