Auto/Home Insurance recommendation (2013) (Eden, Hart: rental, car insurance, condo)

[atxcio]

This is a great thread, because I'm in the process of shopping out my homeowners insurance.

I've got USAA for everything. And there is no doubt, they are top notch in service. But over the past few years, it seems like my homeowners insurance has gone up 5-15% each year... and they always tell me it's because of an across-the-board increase for Texas/Travis County/My Area. I've never had a claim. But I'm getting tired of paying hundreds more each year, so I'm going to see what else is out there.

The auto insurance from USAA has remained at a good rate, so I'll likely keep that.

[CptnRn]

I just got a phone call indicating State Farm plans on raising our homeowners insurance by $300, even though we have never had a claim. Time to check rates with other companies it appears.

[Moonlady]

I've had about 4 different homeowner's policies over the last 10 years. They all start out with great rates and then slowly increase them. We've never had a claim either.

I would love to understand the rationale. Last year, mine went up about 25%. I switched over to Liberty Mutual with much better rates.

It's almost like they are encouraging you to change insurance companies!

[SergeL]

I've had a very bad experience with Liberty Mutual. The way how they are handling the claim is unacceptable. Had to use my lawyer to resolve the issue. Their estimates were too low and wasn't covering cost of repair. Never again.

[Moonlady]

Originally Posted by SergeL

I've had a very bad experience with Liberty Mutual. The way how they are handling the claim is unacceptable. Had to use my lawyer to resolve the issue. Their estimates were too low and wasn't covering cost of repair. Never again.

Was that homeowners or auto?

I haven't had to file any claims with them as a policy holder, but I did have a car accident where the guy at fault had Liberty Mutual. I don't remember any issues at the time.

[SergeL]

Originally Posted by Moonlady

Was that homeowners or auto?

I haven't had to file any claims with them as a policy holder, but I did have a car accident where the guy at fault had Liberty Mutual. I don't remember any issues at the time.

Actually I had both. The Homeowner clam was the biggest pain in the butt. I was living in Maryland and we had this Blizzard 2010 and I had a water leak damage and torn gutters. First they refused to provide me a list of approved contractors and didn't sent appraiser to estimate damage. They just told me, get it fixed, we will take care. So, I found a few and pick one with best price/reputation. Then they refused to pay him for all repairs just because in their computer the prices was much smaller. I spent a lot of time on the phone arguing with supervisors. Then I asked my lawyer to deal with it. He sent a letter and magically they found appraiser in my area who came to the house and matched contractor's estimates. In private conversation he told me that this is common practice.

My auto claim was not fault accident, but they refused to acknowledge that. I was making U-turn and fella on the Cadillac was trying to pass me on the right. So, it cost me deductible and bad records in the insurance report.

Like I said, never again.

[luigi1212]

Hmmmm, well, why were you making a u-turn in the first place? Duhhhh lol you were obviously at fault!!

I recently had a homeowners claim and was able to really notice their whole process..I noticed the insurance is heavily regulated so little room to "cheat" customers...since I do have a construction background (and I DO read my policies to make sure I buy what I need) I surely noticed how my contractor wanted to take advantage of the fact that there was insurance involved...

Plus, didn't you guys take a risk management course in college???

Going back to the OP's question...If he can get into USAA it will be a good choice, I always hear that they are excellent w/ customer service......for your home insurance, I personally don't care how much I pay as long as I get best coverage..it is my d @mnnn got home for god's sake!! If you get something cheaper...make sure about the coverage

[austinliving]

Any recommendation on a Farmers insurance agent for home insurance, would appreciate it thanks.

[EzPeterson]

Originally Posted by austinliving

Any recommendation on a Farmers insurance agent for home insurance, would appreciate it thanks.

Besides avoiding Farmers for your HO policy?

Personally, I'd stay away from the big 3 (Farmers, State Farm, Allstate). They've been getting hammered with claims since the 90's and have the most restricted policy forms, and the worst rates.

Plenty of independent agents out there selling companies that pay more claims, faster, for better prices.

[sanmiguel]

Our niece is an insurance executive who offers several company lines. We asked her to review our current auto/home coverage which we get through Costco/Ameriprise. She candidly admitted that she couldn't beat it for quality of claim handling or low premiums.