Needed: Auto Insurance

TheUnknown285 · #1 06-01-2002, 12:47 PM

I'm finally getting my car fixed! :happy:

But, in Georgia, motorists are required to have at least liability auto insurance.

So, could anyone give my some websites and companies that give online quotes? Thanks.

I've already tried the following:

Allstate
Progressive
State Farm
Travelers
South General

**mrisch**[$] · #2 06-01-2002, 12:48 PM

You might look at epinions' personal finance area - there are a lot of reviews of insurance companies.

You also shouldn't limit yourself to online quotes. An agent can work wonders, plus there may be a great carrier out there that doesn't do online quotes.

TheUnknown285 · #3 06-01-2002, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mrisch
You might look at epinions' personal finance area - there are a lot of reviews of insurance companies.

Ya know, I honestly didn't think about that.

I'll need to check that out.

Quote:

You also shouldn't limit yourself to online quotes. An agent can work wonders, plus there may be a great carrier out there that doesn't do online quotes.

Oh, I know. I'm just starting there.

magenta321 · #4 06-01-2002, 07:47 PM

Met -- but I think they are Progressive now. My new Met policy says Met and it says Progressive. They were the cheapest for me, anyway. I went from paying a couple thousand in ins a year with "Your in theives' hands, with Allstate" to paying less than a thousand a year with Met. Met didn't believe me when I told them how much I was paying for my old insurance. That's what I get, I guess, for going with my parent's insurance company, rather than doing the research on my own.

There are so many factors. Some companies are better for people with problem driving records, some are better for people who are young, etc. so if you have any strikes against you (ie, you are not 40 years old with a perfect driving record) you'll see who favors what when you get your quotes.

Good luck.

TheUnknown285 · #5 06-02-2002, 03:54 AM

Following Mrisch's advice, I went to Epinions. I found what I think is a good deal with Liberty Mutual: $1,199.00 for a 12 month policy.

I'm still looking, though.

By the way, if it helps any, I'm 17 with no accidents and a good student.

GrandmaOf5 · #6 06-03-2002, 03:39 AM

Try GE Insurance. They beat every rate we checked on, and believe me, we checked a lot of them.

http://www.geautoinsurance.com/

Car insurance is based on so many factors; age, driving record, geographic area, you name it. So it is different for everyone. A lot of people swear by Geico, but they couldn't beat our rates.

Good Luck in your search!

TheUnknown285 · #7 06-03-2002, 08:08 AM

Thanks for the help Grandmaof5, but "Rate quotes are not available in GA." Back to the drawing board.

sylvanb · #8 06-03-2002, 12:41 PM

If you have military connections, check out USAA. The rates are generally good, and the service is excellent.

TheUnknown285 · #9 06-03-2002, 02:01 PM

My grandfather was in the Army. Another was in the Navy. And my grandmother worked as a civilian in the program budget area of some Army base. Does that count?

poseidon · #10 06-03-2002, 02:24 PM

Being in the insurance biz myself, I can agree that USAA is the superior company in the industry. But, it is very difficult to obtain a policy through them.

I'd give my own company's website, but I like to keep who I work for a secret.

Recommendations though:

1. If a company offers you a PIP policy (or Medical Payments) -- I don't know what Georgia rules mandate, don't take the PPO option. You save 20% on your PIP/Med Pay premium (which isn't a lot) and the hassle just isn't worth the risk. Most PPO doctors wind up fighting with the insurance company adjustor anyhow (I don't do auto so I have no explanation for this), and they've told you what doctors you need to see anyhow.

2. Do not sign away (refuse) your Uninsured Motorist coverage. Too many people do this thinking that they'll again save money. With 40% of the drivers on the road being uninsured, the chances that you get hit (and subsequently get hurt) by an uninsured motorist is very high. You don't want to put yourself in a situation where you're wondering how to pay for medical bills because your own benefits have run out.

3. All companies basically sell the same policy. 90% of the companies out there sell you the EXACT SAME policy. A few of them (State Farm, Farmers, Allstate) write their own, but there are only very subtle changes from the other 90% of the policies out there. You are purchasing a service. You will likely need the service some day.

If you purchase the cheapest policy (through someone like GEICO) you will usually regret the purchase when it comes time to make a claim. GEICO has a horrid customer satisfaction record. You may want to shop through an independent insurance agent.

Jeff

**thinkerlady**[$] · #11 06-03-2002, 04:03 PM

We were just in this position a few months ago. We did all the legwork and settled on Liberty Mutual. Partly because I received a discount from them from the college I attended, and because of their good premium. We completely revamped our policy since we live closer to the city now.

They also have a super good student plan. I think it is in the neighborhood of 25%, but I could be wrong. We haven't insured our teenager yet--she doens't have a license, but it won't be long.

Stay AWAY from geico. We had them when I was younger, and horrid is a mild statement for their customer relations!!!!

sylvanb · #12 06-03-2002, 04:11 PM

Awww, gee, too bad. I checked USAA's membership rules, and grandparents don't count. You, your spouse, or your parents must have been in the military.

You could marry a soldier, maybe. No, probably a bad idea. It would cost a lot more than the insurance.

**hymie**[$] · #13 06-05-2002, 12:09 AM

Quote:

GEICO has a horrid customer satisfaction record.

Can't tell that by us. We have GEICO. Our car was stolen from Manhattan and recovered a few days later in Brooklyn. The engine and interior were fine, but the body and tires were horribly damaged, to the tune of some $8000. It was this close to just being considered a total loss. The insurance process was effortless and painless. We called them, we went to the shop that was holding the recovered car, an adjuster came to inspect it, and a week or so later we had it back good as new.