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Hi there,
We relocated from NJ (where I think we had one of the highest insurance rates in the nation) to NC 1 1/2 years ago.
I did the same thing as you. I called our national auto insurance company and switched states. They gave me the same song/dance when I asked them why no change in rates.
SO...I called some local auto insurance companies...and GET THIS......the rate dropped by 50%!!!! It appears that if you stay with your same insurance company and simply switch states, THEY WILL GET (edited here because my original word that does not begin with an F didn't get past the filters) YOU.
We are good drivers (no points or anything) with 2 cars and were paying over $2000/year. Now we pay $1,000 year. You can get an online quote from Geico just to test it out....which is where we went. They were cheapest. But the local AllState offered a price not much higher and we have our home ins with them so there'd be a discount. Someday I'll move it over.
I try to plaster this all over this board to make sure people KNOW not to use their same auto insurance company. My NJ/National company were willing to lose me, a long time customer (which they did) rather than reduce their rates. Whatever.
PASS IT ON!!
Lauren
I would change, but I'm very loyal to USAA...they are a great company and I've no problems with them until now. I think I might call back tomorrow and try to get a 2nd opinion about it...now that I've researched this whole "reinsurance" policy. If still no luck, I might just check out other companies and see what the rate difference would be. Thanks!
My rates went up when I moved from the Washington DC area to here. I was pretty surprised as well - I wound up raising my deductibles to $1K just to keep it within a few dollars of my old rates. My agent had no explanation other than the rates were just higher.
My rates increased as well moving from CT to NC. I was VERY surprised by that. I may have to look into a change as well. Then again, with the type of drivers I encounter in NC on a daily basis, I am not surprised rates went up!!!
I would change, but I'm very loyal to USAA...they are a great company and I've no problems with them until now. I think I might call back tomorrow and try to get a 2nd opinion about it...now that I've researched this whole "reinsurance" policy. If still no luck, I might just check out other companies and see what the rate difference would be. Thanks!
My loyalty would walk out the front door if they wouldn't work with me. Unlike MA (where the state sets the rates so it doesn't matter who insures you), NC is competitive. Get another quote from another company. If you still feel loyal, bring the quote back to your present company and ask that they match it. If not, I'd walk.
I'd have to agree. In my book - good customer service/loyalty might "buy" you 5-10% premium (meaning - I'd be willing to pay said premium), but getting thrown into an assigned risk pool with no justification, no willingness to work with you, and a 50% premium over prevailing market rates just means you're getting, well - "played" (the other word I'm thinking of won't get past the moderator).
Unless you have a really "hot" car which is a high theft risk, or all insurers in the area somehow agree your circumstances dictate a high premium - not getting gouged would at least factor into my decision.
I recently "fired" Amica who had been my auto insurer for the past 18 years after they sent me a letter saying that they could not offer me the best rates since I had opened a new credit account in the past year. (I opened it due to zero percent offer on a transferred balance after we racked up some large expenses from an overseas adoption). Anywho... they did not care and although I had been a great customer and had great service with an excellent credit history, this did not sit well with me. We now have our two vehicles and our home with Farm Bureau. Great service and low fees so far. No claims yet, thank goodness. I am sharing my story in case your credit history may be playing a role in your increase. Good luck with your move.
I live in NYC (queens) and I have Geico on 2 Cars I pay 764.10 every Six Months. When I told them I will be moving down to Zipcode 27513 ( Cary) I was just quoted at 342.90 every six Months. $420 less
Was paying $1600/yr for 2 cars in NJ, once we moved to NC I switched to Geico and am paying exactly half of that--$800/yr. Just spend 15 min on-line to get a free quote--their website is very user-friendly and any CSR I have ever spoken too has been very helpful.
OP, I defenitely think you should shop around. That loyalty might be costing you big $. Did they have a good reason for throwing you into the high-risk pool?
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