[tahoerobin]

I moved back to Nevada a few months ago. I knew auto insurance would be higher than where I was living previously, but I've lived in Nevada before and don't remember the rates being THIS high. I finally found an affordable rate with Insurance Specialists on Eastern. They're brokers, and worked with me. (Yes, that's a plug, and no, I don't have an involvement with them other than as a customer.)
However, after Costco spammed me with a thousand mailers touting their amazing rate, I finally called to compare. They switch you over to a broker. I must say I was impressed because he rather quickly told me they had "nothing even close to what I was paying." Or something like that.
What's up with this? I know driving records, etc., even credit history can affect your rates. But to this extent? I have renters insurance with them, too, but I haven't compared rates.

[Tek_Freek]

We kept hearing how insurance here was terribly high and expected the worst. Our combined house/car is within $50 of what it was in Iowa.

[Desert_Love]

Originally Posted by tahoerobin

I moved back to Nevada a few months ago. I knew auto insurance would be higher than where I was living previously, but I've lived in Nevada before and don't remember the rates being THIS high. I finally found an affordable rate with Insurance Specialists on Eastern. They're brokers, and worked with me. (Yes, that's a plug, and no, I don't have an involvement with them other than as a customer.)
However, after Costco spammed me with a thousand mailers touting their amazing rate, I finally called to compare. They switch you over to a broker. I must say I was impressed because he rather quickly told me they had "nothing even close to what I was paying." Or something like that.
What's up with this? I know driving records, etc., even credit history can affect your rates. But to this extent? I have renters insurance with them, too, but I haven't compared rates.

I was previously in Hawaii and when I moved to Vegas (the first time, moving back again) my insurance almost doubled! I was like WTF?! I have a clean driving record and great credit! I called Geico and they told me it's nothing I did. Rates are also according to the city. Duh! Then I moved from Vegas to North Carolina (for a short time, but still switched my insurance over), it was almost half of what I was paying in Hawaii. The entire experience was frustrating yet informative.

It's insane the wide range of rates according to where a person lives. But I get it! The drivers in Vegas are horrible. It definitely helped me to improve my defensive driving skills. All I know is I'm not looking forward to higher insurance rates when I move back

I'm going to check out Insurance Specialists. Can't hurt to compare their rates against Geico. I really appreciate your post and sharing your information ... and great find!

[Desert_Love]

Whoops. I messed up. I wanted to edit not delete. LOL. Here's my post again

Originally Posted by Tek_Freek

We kept hearing how insurance here was terribly high and expected the worst. Our combined house/car is within $50 of what it was in Iowa.

That's really interesting! I wonder why your rates didn't dramatically increase? You lucked out. Awesome!

[Michael-MS]

I also have a rate that is comparable to my old state PA. I get calls all the time from agents who can't touch it.. offering close to double for the same coverage. State Farm/Liberty Mutual here.

[Desert_Love]

Originally Posted by Michael-MS

I also have a rate that is comparable to my old state PA. I get calls all the time from agents who can't touch it.. offering close to double for the same coverage. State Farm/Liberty Mutual here.

Fantastic! I'll have to check their rates and compare. I really appreciate your info too!

[Tek_Freek]

Originally Posted by Desert_Love

Whoops. I messed up. I wanted to edit not delete. LOL. Here's my post again



That's really interesting! I wonder why your rates didn't dramatically increase? You lucked out. Awesome!

We think a large part of it is that we have been with the same company for a long time (Encompass), and they didn't want to lose us.

[delgadobb]

Originally Posted by tahoerobin

However, after Costco spammed me with a thousand mailers touting their amazing rate, I finally called to compare. They switch you over to a broker. I must say I was impressed because he rather quickly told me they had "nothing even close to what I was paying." Or something like that.

What broker did Costco use? I went through them & they use Ameriprise (unless something has changed recently). Never heard of them using a broker. Were they maybe under the impression you were still in Oregon & had to outsource you in case they don't write policies there? I've seen stuff like that happen.

I'm still with Ameriprise & pay only $220 every 6 months for liability, $1K deductible collision (will only use it for major accident) & $100 deductible comprehensive. Roadside assistance is included as a Costco Executive member. It helps that I have a spotless driving record, great credit & drive a boring car (I think - Kia Optima).

The last several years in Las Vegas my insurance has been consistently cheaper than when I was in the midwest, where I had decent rates. With Ameriprise, it's been pretty significant savings. While in Las Vegas, I've used State Farm & Allstate prior to Ameriprise. Even with a home/auto discount factored into the car insurance the other two can't touch Ameriprise (which is just auto). My mom (back in the midwest) has also gone through Costco to switch to Ameriprise because of significant savings.

The key thing I've learned out here is: SHOP AROUND! There is a huge variance in rates, I've been quoted everything from my current $220 to as high as $800 every six months. Some agents are shocked that their $450 rate doesn't get my business, but I politely tell them I can beat it by a good amount in at least 3 places. Do your homework, put the time in & call around, my guess is you'll be surprised. (If you search on here, there are plenty of valid old threads that have lots of useful suggestions on this topic.)

[Desert_Love]

Originally Posted by Tek_Freek

We think a large part of it is that we have been with the same company for a long time (Encompass), and they didn't want to lose us.

Right! That makes sense.

I've been w/ Geico for a long time too. This was not my first vehicle insured w/ them. I'm not sure if the high rate was due to my vehicle being only 2 years old at the time. I got quotes from all the popular insurance agencies and no one could compete w/ what I was paying at Geico ... that was definitely due to being a long time customer w/ them. But still the fact that it almost doubled! Now the same vehicle is 7 years old. It will be interesting to see what happens this time around w/ the Geico rates. Plus the quotes from other companies.

[yellowsnow]

I have Amica and it's not expensive at all.