car insurance advice? (Auburn, Old Town, Belfast: purchase, closing, living in)

[ekh32]

Hey I have to switch my car insurance. I would like to stay local. I have always had a local agent and have heard awful stories about the big corporate companies. Does anyone have any advice? I live in Old Town, but would just like someone in Maine who I can trust.
Thanks!

[AustinB]

I've always had good luck with state farm insurance. We have the whole nine yards thru them and the prices seem reasonable. The agents are local too.

[forest beekeeper]

I have done really well using Gieco.

They are not local, they are a big corporation.

[BacktoNE]

We used our AAA membership when we lived in ME to get the best rates. However, we have since switched to Progressive after doing extensive research. They have excellent rates, very quick service and you can actually speak to a human when you call them. They do have local offices in each State, or you can call the "800" number.

[deerislesmile]

Originally Posted by forest beekeeper

I have done really well using Gieco.

They are not local, they are a big corporation.

Ditto to Geico- they have always given me low rates and excellent customer service. I have gone through them for several years and find it easier than when I was using an insurance agent (less expensive, too!).

[ekh32]

Thanks for the advice. I was checking reviews on Geico, they gave me a really low quote, but I read a lot of angry customer complaints when they had to file a claim. I spoke with a State Farm agent today. I guess its just going to be who gives me the best quote.

[bringselpup]

It sounds like you are headed toward success but I'll just throw something in here since others will read too.

We tried to stay local and after setting up checking accounts in downtown Belfast at TD Banknorth went over to the desk and sat down and got car insurance with them also. It turns out to be Travelers. We were very unhappy to find when I called later I couldn't talk to the local agent anymore. I had to call corporate. So much for trying to stay local.

Not only that but now they are closing the Belfast branch so it's two strikes from the same place. We just moved our checking and I expect to be looking for a new insurance provider when our current policy runs out.

[ekh32]

corporations are making it pretty hard to deal locally.

[forest beekeeper]

Originally Posted by ekh32

corporations are making it pretty hard to deal locally.

Build a better mouse trap and you will get market share.

It is called 'Capitalism'.

MsDonalds franchises get more marketshare and squeeze out Mom&Pop burger stands.

WalMart squeezes out .....

I was living in Italy and a big deal in the European news was about WWW shopping. Folks in tiny villiages, in tiny countries, could suddenly purchase online from around the world at lower prices. Capitalism kicked their butts.

[cjstong]

Patron Insurance is a local insurance company. Underwriting, Claims, etc all handled out of their office in Auburn. Check them out on the web and they only deal through local independent insurance agents as well.