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I've got State Farm and my agent is located two blocks away from my house. I got cheaper rates from Geico's third party insurer Narrangasset Bay, Adirondack and Allstate but I would rather pay more than to deal with any of those companies who are based in another state and I can't speak to in person. At least with State Farm I can speak to an agent in person if I'm not happy with the service I'm getting online or on the phone.
Try contacting an independent agent who can rate in several different companies. I work for one in Smithtown and we can write many different companies including Narragansett Bay.
Be careful with Allstate. Inquire on how they handle a roof claim in the event of a windstorm.
Try contacting an independent agent who can rate in several different companies. I work for one in Smithtown and we can write many different companies including Narragansett Bay.
Be careful with Allstate. Inquire on how they handle a roof claim in the event of a windstorm.
This was the dreaded "hurricane deductible" I mentioned. Apparently if your roof is blown off by wind, there's a hefty deductible in the thousands....on my policy, that deductible wouldn't come into play unless the wind that caused the damage was deemed to be over 110MPH. I don't know that we'll ever see that here? I often wonder what they use to gauge the windspeed if there is a claim...suffice to say, I don't want to find out. I believe other insurance companies kicked in at a lower speed. I don't remember. I liked the policy and haven't even thought about it the past 6 years. The price has crept up though. This thread is inspiring me to at least see what's out there now...
I had Allstate for 20 years. They dropped me even though I had NO claims. I live in the middle part of L.I. A lot of Co were dropping people 5-10 years ago afraid of storm payouts.
Now Allstate calls me EVERY MONTH to sign back up. NO Thanks!
That caused my auto insurance to go up $400 per year because I lost the "bundle rate"
So, I switched to Utica National with Auto, Umbrella & homeowners. Everything bundled saves you a lot! They are not the cheapest. However, their customer service & claims processing are amazing! Unfortunately, I had to put in 2 claims within the last few years. ABSOLUTELY no issues, great customer service!
Bottom line, I rather pay $200-$300 +/- more with great service than some fly by night Co.
Utica is expensive but they pay everything. Worth it if you can get them to write you.
And I agree, I would be very careful who you get your HO policy with, if you have choices. There are differences between policies that can make a huge difference if you have a large loss. For instance, State Farm pays living expenses with no cap. If your house blows away or burns down, you don't want to have to worry about a cap on your rent payments.
A few years back when Allstate dropped me, I called EVERY MAJOR insurance Co.
They ALL told me "we're not writing policies in your area". Some said "call back in a few months, maybe we'll start writing again in your area". Again, I'm between the LIE & Sunrise, no way near the water.
I'm sure most started writing again. I wouldn't switch to any of them! They have no problem dropping you, but beg when they want you're business back.
Allstate for several years now. The bigger insurance companies were shying away from the areas you mentioned prior to Sandy. Allstate dropped me at one point but there was class action suit and I had the option to return which I did as the other insurance company was too expensive. Allstate had told me if I consolidate all my policies with them, they would have kept me the first time around so that is what I do now.
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