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So after reading all the raves about Amica, I called them 2 weeks ago to get a quote for a house we're in escrow for. I got a quote but was told it needed approval from the local office (northern california). Supposed to hear back 2 days later but never did. Started calling again this past Monday, told I should hear in 2 days, but again didn't hear. Tried again yesterday and today. It's been frustrating as I expected such good service, I can only imagine what it'd be like if I had an actual claim and wasn't just trying to give them my money. In fact, trying to give them lots of money since I'm seeking a bundle for home, earthquake, flood, auto and umbrella policies.
Anyway, called again today. Woman on phone said underwriter will not approve the policy until they get a house inspection based on our application. She said they always get an inspection but that this time they need it before they issue the policy. I asked her what part of the application was a problem but she said she couldn't disclose that. We have excellent credit, never filed a claim on our renter's or car insurance. The house we're buying has had one claim we know of that was for a tree that knocked down part of a fence.
Is this so unusual? I had no problems getting offerings from other insurance companies and will probably just go with someone else so we can close escrow.
Some insurance comapnies are in fact much hard to insure with. At one time Aetna was this way;and had a high turn down rate.Insurance companies are getting more and more careful inwriting policies having apyed out so much in claims for mold and other thngs in certain areas.Some even refuse to write new policies in certain states. I am sure that the fires in california will have the same consequence as it has on the coast al states with hurricanes. It has gooten high to insured a home there and many staes have had to adopt a pool system where you do not have a choice of companies but are assigned disaster parts.
I've contacted Amica for both car and home insurance in the past, and both times met with profound disinterest. My feeling is that they're satisfied with their customer base and aren't really going after new business. Personally I'd rather work with a company that takes an interest in serving their customers.
My feeling is that they're satisfied with their customer base and aren't really going after new business.
That's exactly how they made me feel. I'm glad to hear it might not just be me -- I hate rejection.
Thank you both for your replies. I feel a little better now.
Still not sure if we want to try to jump through their hoops, esp if we end up getting rejected -- is that something that follows us, ie, will other insurers see that they rejected us and follow suit, or is it something that ends up on our credit report?
That's exactly how they made me feel. I'm glad to hear it might not just be me -- I hate rejection.
Thank you both for your replies. I feel a little better now.
Still not sure if we want to try to jump through their hoops, esp if we end up getting rejected -- is that something that follows us, ie, will other insurers see that they rejected us and follow suit, or is it something that ends up on our credit report?
I used to be an underwriter for Amica. They are very, very picky about who they insure. IF you are accepted, they are very good with claims. DM me for more details if you are interested.
I used to be an underwriter for Amica. They are very, very picky about who they insure. IF you are accepted, they are very good with claims..
Interesting! I applied with totally clean driving, claim and credit histories, and basically got a big yawn from them, while an out-of-state friend of mine has (or had?) them as a carrier even though they had to file several claims for accidents. Doesn't matter to me, there's plenty of other insurance companies out there (my current company actually sent me a nice little check last year for keeping a clean record ).
I don't know where you live, so it could be that they just aren't interested in increasing business in your area. Other reasons might be the type of car you own, where it is parked during the day and overnight, if you live in an environment where there are a lot of claims filed, or possibly even your profession.
I used to be an underwriter for Amica. They are very, very picky about who they insure. IF you are accepted, they are very good with claims. DM me for more details if you are interested.
Ok, I guess I won't take it too personally.
I called them back and they said to forward a copy of our home inspection report. If their underwriter says it's ok, they'll then issue a binder subject to their doing their own inspection after closing.
Interesting! I applied with totally clean driving, claim and credit histories, and basically got a big yawn from them, while an out-of-state friend of mine has (or had?) them as a carrier even though they had to file several claims for accidents. Doesn't matter to me, there's plenty of other insurance companies out there (my current company actually sent me a nice little check last year for keeping a clean record ).
That is bizarre about accepting your friend vs. you.
But the check you got from your current carrier sounds like a nice consolation prize. Never heard of that. Can I ask who you use?
I don't know where you live, so it could be that they just aren't interested in increasing business in your area. Other reasons might be the type of car you own, where it is parked during the day and overnight, if you live in an environment where there are a lot of claims filed, or possibly even your profession.
Wow, your profession? I can understand how it might affect your insurability for umbrella policy, or car insurance, but homeowner's? That's interesting.
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