Seems like it just doesn't get better (insurance, new house) - New Jersey (NJ) - City-Data Forum

izannimda · 07-22-2009, 09:11 PM

I've been using Geico auto insurance for a while now, and they've been good to say the least. However, my rates went up 2 years in a row. It's not by much. We're talking about 17 dollars. I'm not in the insurance industry, and so I don't pretend to know much about insurance. However, I've been driving for ages, and haven't had a ticket or accident for ages. My car is used on the weekends as I take public transportation to work. I should be lower risk, right?

I asked the rep over the phone why this is happening. He was pleasant as I am sure he's been asked a million times now the same question. His answer was as follows:

"These are statewide rate hikes, and they have nothing to do with your driving record. The cost of medical coverage bills in NJ having been increasing dramatically over the past several years."

I decided to let it go at that point, and not grill him any further. He's just doing his job, and has no control over the rate increase. Okay. The cost of living in NJ is insane, and there is no escape unless you just decide to move to another state, which in not an option for a lot of people.

Does anyone even care anymore, or do they just accept the fact that NJ is going to be like California very soon with respect to the fiscal nightmare that is looming in this state?

DailyJournalist · 07-22-2009, 09:15 PM

Try Progressive, my rates are very reasonable. My rates actually went down when I moved back to New Jersey from Florida.

zoebabi76 · 07-22-2009, 09:50 PM

Shop around. If you find a better rate call Geico and ask them to match or simply move coverage with another company.

Obrero · 07-23-2009, 05:10 AM

Have you tried other insurance companies or do you just like to complain? NJ Cure might have better rates. NJ Manufacturers (if you can get 'em) will almost certainly have better rates. Shop around. Be proactive.

mgt04 · 07-23-2009, 05:14 AM

Wow my rates continuously go down with GEICO and with the same coverages too.

MoorestownResident · 07-23-2009, 05:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by izannimda

I've been using Geico auto insurance for a while now, and they've been good to say the least. However, my rates went up 2 years in a row. It's not by much. We're talking about 17 dollars. I'm not in the insurance industry, and so I don't pretend to know much about insurance. However, I've been driving for ages, and haven't had a ticket or accident for ages. My car is used on the weekends as I take public transportation to work. I should be lower risk, right?

I asked the rep over the phone why this is happening. He was pleasant as I am sure he's been asked a million times now the same question. His answer was as follows:

"These are statewide rate hikes, and they have nothing to do with your driving record. The cost of medical coverage bills in NJ having been increasing dramatically over the past several years."

I decided to let it go at that point, and not grill him any further. He's just doing his job, and has no control over the rate increase. Okay. The cost of living in NJ is insane, and there is no escape unless you just decide to move to another state, which in not an option for a lot of people.

Does anyone even care anymore, or do they just accept the fact that NJ is going to be like California very soon with respect to the fiscal nightmare that is looming in this state?

Four things:

1. Medical lawsuits, warranted or not.

2. Not enough people take public transportation, there is very limited rail service in NJ to NJ destinations.

3. Too many people getting into work around 8 or 9, makes the roadS a nightmare. If more people got in at 7 or 7:30 and left around 4-4:30 there would be fewer accidents, dealth and lawsuits.

4. People drive like morons - don't yield to traffic on the left as the law states especially on acceleration lanes. JUST TO BE CLEAR - WHEN ENTERING A HIGHWAY YOU DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO CUT SOMEONE OFF ON YOUR LEFT, YOU MUST YIELD TO TRAFFIC ON THE LEFT. YOU DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY.

That's the bottom line. Some of it we can't control, some of it we can.

luckyshoes · 07-23-2009, 05:57 AM

I just got a letter warning me my premiums might go up. They just changed the territories by zip which puts your zip into a certain category based on risk. Effective this year for the whole state, doesn't matter what insurance co. So it might be that your zip code moved into a more risky category? My co. said that some zips are going to go up and some are going to go down in price and it's something they don't do very often.

http://www.njpaip.org/newjerseycarin...ges01-2009.pdf

ansky · 07-23-2009, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgt04

Wow my rates continuously go down with GEICO and with the same coverages too.

Me too. I've had Geico for 5 years and my rates have steadily declined each year. Earlier this year we moved to a new house and our rate dropped $300/year for 2 cars.

RobRiguez · 07-23-2009, 08:18 AM

Mine went up $200 this year. Called 2 other companies for quotes and got even higher rates. 1 more year and I can get back into NJ manufacturers. Cant wait.

NatasNJ · 07-23-2009, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MoorestownResident

4. People drive like morons - don't yield to traffic on the left as the law states especially on acceleration lanes. JUST TO BE CLEAR - WHEN ENTERING A HIGHWAY YOU DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO CUT SOMEONE OFF ON YOUR LEFT, YOU MUST YIELD TO TRAFFIC ON THE LEFT. YOU DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY.

While I agree you do not have the RIGHT to cut someone off, one is suppose to merge into traffic so there is a give/take when an entrance ramp lane enters a highway where the cars coming on and the cars in the (far right) lane are suppose to allow a merge.