Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Is anyone aware of a trustworthy resource for gaining a little education on which homeowner insurance companies to avoid and which have the most satisfied customers?
Realtor directed me to an insurance broker who was supposed to save me the time of calling around and provide quotes from 7 companies. The broker only came back with one quote (because "other companies didn't quote or their quote wasn't competitive") and urged me to go with a company called Frankenmuth. For an insurance broker to only come back with one quote, I'm suspicious.
When I read the reviews for Frankenmuth online, I see stories of fraud and frustrated customers. (granted, I know there's a bias in motivation towards going online to report negative and less the positive) When I search for claims processing performance data on Michigan.gov I think I see 43% of their payments lag for more than 2 weeks (which seems low, but I honestly don't fully understand what's being measured/reported here)
Consumer Reports and JD Powers appear to rank a company called Amica highly... any experience with them? (I called Amica directly and the rates are within $10/mo of each other)
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
44,585 posts, read 81,206,701 times
Reputation: 57821
I wouldn't accept recommendations from someone who might have a vested interest. I would ask others in the neighborhood, friends or relatives who they use, and read the reviews as you did. We use State Farm on our first house in 1978 because we were happy with their car insurance, and they offered a "multi-line" discount. Still with them now on our third home and our 3 cars. They may not be the cheapest but have been helpful and reliable.
Fortunately, you can pick and choose an insurer that writes homeowner's policies in your area. More than likely, there will be be multiple insurers available to pick from. Out of curiosity, where is the home ??
Yes multiple insurers, so getting detailed quotes is no problem.
But, assessing which company could be a headache later if/when I need to use the policy is harder to get a read on.
Is anyone aware of a trustworthy resource for gaining a little education on which homeowner insurance companies to avoid and which have the most satisfied customers?
Realtor directed me to an insurance broker who was supposed to save me the time of calling around and provide quotes from 7 companies. The broker only came back with one quote (because "other companies didn't quote or their quote wasn't competitive") and urged me to go with a company called Frankenmuth. For an insurance broker to only come back with one quote, I'm suspicious.
When I read the reviews for Frankenmuth online, I see stories of fraud and frustrated customers. (granted, I know there's a bias in motivation towards going online to report negative and less the positive) When I search for claims processing performance data on Michigan.gov I think I see 43% of their payments lag for more than 2 weeks (which seems low, but I honestly don't fully understand what's being measured/reported here)
Consumer Reports and JD Powers appear to rank a company called Amica highly... any experience with them? (I called Amica directly and the rates are within $10/mo of each other)
Thanks!
You should try to find a really good independent agent--they do exist.
I called about six different agents one day, looking for quotes for 'Citizens'--the Fla state insurer and I got six different quotes for the same company. I found an agent through a friend who always got me the lowest rates and gave great advice. She had been in the business a long time.
Some of my family has insurance through Frankenmuth and has for decades. I would assume that they would have switched if it was that awful.
Most of my family goes through the Al Bourdeau Insurance Agency. They deal with a bunch of insurers. They have offices in Oakland County (which I am assuming you live in or near). If you call the Flint office, hang up if you get Ron. He is rude and he is the reason why I don't use them. I tried to call and get someone else, but I always get transfered to him since he entered me into the system.
FWIW- I use Farm Bureau in Clarkston. Rossell Agency. I've always been happy with their customer service.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
