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Timo · Jul 29, 2002, 09:21 AM

...and other prosaic concerns.

Who's got good car insurance?
How did you research your options?

OldManMac · Jul 29, 2002, 09:29 AM

I've used AAA for 37 years. Every couple of years I do some comparison shopping, and they all usually come in with pricing which is within a few bucks of each other, so I just stay with AAA. Last year i checked with GEICO (which is GE owned), and they were almost double every body else; so much for saving 15%, as they advertise! I contacted them, regarding the huge difference, and they just responded with a generic, "according to the information you gave us, our pricing is correct," so I again stayed with AAA. Insurance for cars is one of those necessary evils. I haven't had an accident in 35 years, and the last ticket I got was for driving on an expired license, 20 years ago, and it costs me $850/year to insure 1 car here in Michigan.

CaseCom · Jul 29, 2002, 09:33 AM

And here by "non-torque car" I thought you meant my Civic ... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />

I have the same policy I've had for 10-plus years when I was spun off my dad's policy in college ... never shopped around. Probably paying way too much. I should raise my deductibles, too.

With the ZIP code system you really get screwed if you live in the city. When was moving to Milwaukee and looking for a place my auto insurance agent at the time, in all seriousness, said, "Any chance you could live in Racine County west of I-94? You'd get a great rate." No thanks

Timo · Jul 29, 2002, 09:36 AM

<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by CaseCom:

With the ZIP code system you really get screwed if you live in the city. <hr /></blockquote>Oh we're used to it, I guess. Tryin' to take the edge off, anyway.

RAzaRazor · Jul 29, 2002, 11:06 AM

<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by KarlG:
....., and it costs me $850/year to insure 1 car here in Michigan.<hr /></blockquote>Youch! I'm 23 and Single and it only costs me $800/Year for my 4x4.

Weird!

Insurance Sucks, it's a scam and a waste of money. The way they figure rates is insane, and makes no sense. (but I probably only say that because I have never needed it. If I get into an accident, it will probably be worth it.)

<img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" />

zigzag · Jul 29, 2002, 11:40 AM

I recommend AMICA. They are consistently rated by Consumer Reports as having the best combination of rates and service, and my experience has been consistent with that.

Also, they offer cheap umbrella coverage if you carry both your auto and homeowner's with them. For an extra $100 a year you get $1 million of coverage.

Bear in mind that they are a mutual company, so the initial rates might be a few dollars more, but you get some of that back every year when they divvie up the profits.

It used to be that you had to be nominated by an existing member to join, but now they're advertising to all comers.

derbs · Jul 29, 2002, 11:56 AM

is it illegal to drive without insurance in the US?

miro7 · Jul 29, 2002, 12:05 PM

<blockquote>quote:<hr />is it illegal to drive without insurance in the US? <hr /></blockquote>Yes, though, that really doesn't stop people. The penalties aren't very stiff and are easily mitigated. Often times, people caught without a license are often repeat offenders.

I had heard that SC had the highest insurance, but after seeing some of the above numbers, I'm not so sure. I had a friend move down from Virginia (originally from Michigan) and his first comment was how high car insurance is here in SC. <shrugs> I seem to pay less than you guys (that is, if I only count myself, not my wife, although hers is less than mine) at about $744/yr for a 25 yr old. That is through State Farm, which despite reputation, seems to be pretty cheap and also fiesty on claims.

[ 07-29-2002, 12:10 PM: Message edited by: miro7 ]

zigzag · Jul 29, 2002, 12:08 PM

<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by derbs:
is it illegal to drive without insurance in the US?<hr /></blockquote>It depends on the state, but I would bet that all 50 states require it by now. Each state has different insurance regulations and requirements.

malvolio · Jul 29, 2002, 12:09 PM

<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by miro7:
 <blockquote>quote:<hr />is it illegal to drive without insurance in the US? <hr /></blockquote>Yes, though, not that that really stops people. The penalties aren't very stiff and are easily mitigated. Often times, people caught without a license are often repeat offenders.<hr /></blockquote>The penalties vary from state to state. In New York, they are pretty stiff: Automatic one-year license revocation plus a $1000 fine.

miro7 · Jul 29, 2002, 12:13 PM

<blockquote>quote:<hr />The penalties vary from state to state. In New York, they are pretty stiff: Automatic one-year license revocation plus a $1000 fine.<hr /></blockquote>I guess that I should have qualified the original statement by saying that the penalties don't really seem to be effective. For instance, in SC we have similar penalties as NY, but the fine often gets reduced, and what, exactly is revoking a license going to do for someone who was driving without insurance? IOW, Here in SC that would mean that you would have someone driving without insurance and without a license <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />

Mediaman_12 · Jul 29, 2002, 12:15 PM

Do Amarican Kids (i.e. yonger than 25) get screwed for Insurance in the US Like here in the uk?
The reason I ask is, that on US TV programs thet we get to see over here (Shows & 'real stuff') they all seam to be driving around in fancy 'sports' cars.
Here in the UK anybody under 25 with anything approaching a decent car get's really hammered (i.e. Over �1000 ($1,557.59 )per year).
Going asking for a quote for some cars will get you laughed out of the office (yes this happened to a frend of mine, I was with him, (it was a while ago). He was looking at a Escort RS Turbo in a private add so went and asked for a quote. All the staff in the Office where laughing there heads off. We left)

maxelson · Jul 29, 2002, 12:17 PM

We here in Mass have some pretty limited choices. No fault and all. We did the research which involved a simple phone call, answer a few questions. Boom Quote. And man, did they swing. $1000 difference in one case. Feh. So. After living in a bunch o states and going through this process so many times, I have come to this- we always get our insurance through AAA. Great coverage and the best price I could find. ANd that open on saturdays thing is key... you know... for those rapid plods back and forth from the RMV to agent...

maxelson · Jul 29, 2002, 12:20 PM

Under 25s get screwed on insurance? Yeah. And they should, IMO. Ever seen the way most of them drive? I just don't think 16yos should be allowed drivers licenses. 18 is a maybe, but still half of them don't realize they are manipulating a 2000 projectile weapon and the other half do and drive like it.

TNproud2b · Jul 29, 2002, 12:21 PM

Yes, American kids (under25) get screwed on insurance rates. Boys moreso than girls - as justified by their higher claim rates.

sek929 · Jul 29, 2002, 12:21 PM

If you are young, under 25, and have full coverage on your own name be prepared to get ass-raped by insurance.

I have a friend who pays $2700 a year, and hes never been in an accident. Since I don't care in spending more than my vehicle is worth in insurance I am under my father's plan as a "secondary" driver. Costs me 700$ a year, plus there is no collision or anything. I figure once I get out of college and **** I'll get my own.

Insurance is a ripoff. Just drive carefully and don't smack into people, easy enough.

zigzag · Jul 29, 2002, 12:23 PM

<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Mediaman_12:
Do Amarican Kids (i.e. yonger than 25) get screwed for Insurance in the US Like here in the uk?
The reason I ask is, that on US TV programs thet we get to see over here (Shows & 'real stuff') they all seam to be driving around in fancy 'sports' cars.<hr /></blockquote>I don't know if it's as bad as it is in the UK, but rates are much higher for people under 25 in the U.S. Also, it's harder for people under 25 to rent cars.

Person Man · Jul 29, 2002, 12:24 PM

<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Mediaman_12:
Do Amarican Kids (i.e. yonger than 25) get screwed for Insurance in the US Like here in the uk?
The reason I ask is, that on US TV programs thet we get to see over here (Shows & 'real stuff') they all seam to be driving around in fancy 'sports' cars.
Here in the UK anybody under 25 with anything approaching a decent car get's really hammered (i.e. Over �1000 ($1,557.59 )per year).
Going asking for a quote for some cars will get you laughed out of the office (yes this happened to a frend of mine, I was with him, (it was a while ago). He was looking at a Escort RS Turbo in a private add so went and asked for a quote. All the staff in the Office where laughing there heads off. We left)<hr /></blockquote>Oh yes, youngsters do get "screwed" with much higher rates... after all, the under-25 set is a "higher risk" group...

Person Man · Jul 29, 2002, 12:30 PM

I just switched insurance companies three months ago. I had been with Progressive, and I was paying ~$500 a year for Ohio state minimum on an old 1987 Pontiac, with no collision or comprehensive coverage.

Recently I bought a newer (used) car, and the bank required me to carry collision and comprehensive coverage. Progressive charged me an additional $500 to do that... for STATE MINIMUM coverage! ($1000 a year, total).

I said screw that, so I used Progressive's "we'll give you the rates for three competitors" and found that State Farm had the best rate.

Now I get 10x the coverage I had (much, much better than state minimum), PLUS collision and comprehensive, through State Farm, and it's only $675 a year. Since I went ahead and also got renters' insurance through them, they gave me a discount on my car insurance, so I only pay $600 for car insurance.

derbs · Jul 29, 2002, 12:33 PM

<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by malvolio:
The penalties vary from state to state. In New York, they are pretty stiff: Automatic one-year license revocation plus a $1000 fine.<hr /></blockquote>that's quite harsh. Banned from driving for one year??

kidtexas · Jul 29, 2002, 12:39 PM

<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by RAzaRazor:
Insurance Sucks, it's a scam and a waste of money. The way they figure rates is insane, and makes no sense. (but I probably only say that because I have never needed it. If I get into an accident, it will probably be worth it.)<hr /></blockquote>Yeah, after my dad got hit by a car while on his motorcycle (they had no insurance to speak of), insurance seemed like a good move after about $300,000 worth of bills...

In other news, State Farm has a deal where if you have no moving violations, etc, and are under 25, if you keep a driving log for 2 months and meet with your insurance agent, you can get rates pretty low. The quote for me with a new car was around $800/year (MD).

NJ insurance blows.

Nimisys · Jul 29, 2002, 03:09 PM

i am paying 1200 a year for full coverage on my RX-7 with deductables between 300-500$ and am under 25... hell a twin turbo 1995 Rx-7 would have been 1600$

i got wawanessa

SimeyTheLimey · Jul 29, 2002, 03:30 PM

<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Mediaman_12:
Do Amarican Kids (i.e. yonger than 25) get screwed for Insurance in the US Like here in the uk?<hr /></blockquote>In 1988 I moved from Suffolk to the U.S. (Virginia) I was 21 at the time and I recall being really shocked how cheap car insurance was. In particular, full coverage wasn't much more than liability insurance (what you would call third party, fire and theft). That was in a Washington, DC suburb. When I was in Louisiana it went down another 50%.

You could check for yourself if you want. Go to an insurance company that does online quotes like <a href="http://www.progressive.com" target="_blank">Progressive</a> and fill out the form . You will need a zip code. 22314 is a Washington, DC area zip if you want a quote for an medium-sized, medium expensive urban area.

miro7 · Jul 29, 2002, 04:19 PM

<blockquote>quote:<hr />that's quite harsh. Banned from driving for one year??<hr /></blockquote>When you hit someone and you have no insurance--and it is found to be your fault, the indivdual that you hit has to pay for any damages incurred (not on your car) beyond what their insurance will not pay. The end result is usually that the insured driver will end up paying more out of pocket, higher insurance premiums, and possible medical expenses. The person who gets slapped with a $1000 fine and no license for a year gets a much better deal unless of course, they get sued or kill someone. The penalties may sound harsh, but uninsured drivers are a good driver's bane.

Timo · Aug 5, 2002, 03:51 PM

ah, <bump>

cheerios · Aug 5, 2002, 04:17 PM

See, that's what I don't get about insurance: I can be a GREAT driver, and the MOMENT some idiot run's a red and t-bones my car, I have to pay higher rates because I turned in a claim? if ins is there for emergencies, why charge more money when an accident, ESPECIALLY if it wasn't your fault, happens?

LeftWingLock · Aug 5, 2002, 04:36 PM

I just stuck with State Farm when I bought my first car from my dad. My wife also had State Farm before we got married so we have just stayed with them. We also have our homeowners insurance thru the same company so we get some discounts that way. I've been happy with the service and have never really shopped around.