Car insurance recommendations (Allentown, Erie, Bethlehem: 2009, apartments, homeowners insurance)

[2kidsimdone]

We are moving the end of August and need all the basics...car insurance, homeowners insurance, etc. Can anyone recommend a reasonable insurance carrier in the Whitehall area? We have 1 car and an SUV. Also, what would the rates generally be for those types of cars?

[JohnZ963]

Well, you can start by trying all of the major companies. State Farm, Allstate, Progressive, Geico, etc. You can either get quotes online or visit their local offices. Their websites probably have the local office information. I know I've seen ads for Allstate and State Farm offices somewhere in Whitehall.

As far as cost, it really depends on the specific vehicle. There is a huge difference in cost for insurance for, say, a 1992 Ford Explorer and a 2009 BMW. I moved from the area a couple of years ago but was paying $800 a year for a single male driving a 3 year old domestic sedan with 500 deductible collision, 100000/300000 liability. I had a friend paying $1,500 a year for a new Infiniti and one friend paying $400 a year for a 15 year old beat up Buick.

Also, if you are commuting to NJ and tell them that when they ask, they will jack up your rates. It's not entirely honest, but I would withhold that piece of information from them. It's really none of their business, although some will argue with me on this. If you drive 15,000 miles a year, tell them 10,000. If it ever comes up later, well, you took a sudden trip to Florida in the car that drove up the mileage, etc. I fortunately have a company vehicle now so I don't have to worry about any of this.

[PA.Dutchman]

Ask the agent about your coverage for Hit and Runs and coverage.

There are multiple hit and runs in Whitehall, Allentown, Bethlehem etc daily. It has gotten very bad! My own mother was hit and run three times while living in a Senior Apartments at 15 th and Walnut Streets in Allentown.

I went with her to see her agent and the agent had also been hit and run earlier this year. Everyone's rates have gone up because of number of hit and runs in this area.

We also have quite a few cars stolen weekly as well. This is another question you will want to ask so you are covered.

There is a stolen car Task Force working on the problem. Northampton and Lehigh County's DA and police enforcement are working together to try to slow things down.

The Lehigh - Northampton Task Force had a thing in the media if you own a Honda or Toyota from 1990 to 2001 expect it to be stolen at least once. This past week someone stole the Catalytic Converters off 37 new Hondas at a Honda Dealership north of here.

That is probably still on the Morning Call Newspaper site.

[toobusytoday]

We like State Farm and the rates have been reasonable, even when our oldest son was just starting to drive. I'd rather not say what vehicles we have or what we pay on the forum, but your best bet is to call a couple of agents as John suggested and get some quotes.

[PA.Dutchman]

Just know from past experience Erie has been good for us. It's Home Office and Headquarters are in PA.

I agree with toobusytoday call a few agents and give Erie a try.