In this thread, I detail my frustration with State Farm (warning, naughty language). I will obviously be shopping for a new insurance company, and would appreciate any suggestions of companies that have been good to you.
Also, I am obviously going to wait until I get both checks from State Farm before I drop them, but is there anything else I should know about before I change insurance companies? Like should I not tell my new insurance company that I had problems with the old, lest I be seen as a troublemaker? Is it wise to call my State Farm agent and call him all the horrible names I wish to call him, or is there some kind of “permanent record” or blacklist or something out there? Should I be very polite and make up a benign reason as to why I’m switching or should I let him know exactly why?
If you qualify, USAA is wonderful. You are eligible if, you or your spouse are currently serving in the military, have recently retired from the military, have had USAA in the past or if your parents had USAA.
I’ve had pretty good luck with Amica. It’s a mutual company, so don’t wait for bells and whistles, but the rates are low, and the service is fantastic. Customer Service is very solid as well.
Allstate is suppose to be pretty good around here (Chicago-area) as well.
Your asking for opinions so I’d suggest Cincinnati Insurance. They are only sold through independant insurance agents. I worked as a claims adjuster for them and still have coverage for my house and cars thorugh them. Service is excellent. The reason I appied to work for them in early 90’s was that they were listed as the best claims service by consumer reports. They will very likely have an adjuster who lives in your town and works from their home.
As for how to change, that easy walk into an independant agent tell them your fed up with the service provided by your current carrier and thell them what you want to insure. Talk with friends and neighbors (you know the ones who got paid for their hail damage) find out which agent they use and talk with them.
As an insurance agent I would recommend to tell them why you are leaving, but do it in a polite manner. If you tell them “I am switching companies because of X, Y and Z.” They may take that to heart and try to fix the problems. If you call them screaming “You are such assholes because when X, Y and Z happened you did nothing to help me! [Include more swears here]” they will just think you are a jerk and not listen to anything you have to say. Also, they will speak to your new insurance company so it is best to make sure the relationship ends amicably. Don’t burn any bridges unless you have to, especially when it comes to your banking/insurance/financial/etc information.
I use American National. If you use them for car and home and go 3 years without a claim they start kicking back 25% a year . It was the lowest priced one when I joined about 8 years ago and have gotten kickbacks 5 of those years. It’s nice to get a little extra money as a surprise as I can never remember when it’s going to come.