WTF am I paying car insurance for????
#16
I ended up with Geico a few years ago due to a situation, cough...cough.
I should be good now to explore other companies. I will entertain any suggestions you all have on good insurance companies...wait, is that an oxymoron?
Thanks for all the comments. Very helpful and eye-opening.
#17
Three Wheelin'
With their cookie commercials insurance companies would have us believe they are our friends - ready, willing and able to spring to our help -in oh, such a friendly manner!
This is far from the truth. There only reason for their existence is to make as big a profit as possible.
They do this by denying your claim, moving the goal post and nickle and dime-ing. This is the claims department's stock in trade - it's standard practice.
i recently made a claim to Hagerty; from their reaction one would have thought it was the end of the world. To put it mildly, they were not happy.
I intend to mention this to their reps the next time they are extolling the virtues of Hagerty from their stall at a car show..............
Has anyone a story of insurance company generosity they can share?
This is far from the truth. There only reason for their existence is to make as big a profit as possible.
They do this by denying your claim, moving the goal post and nickle and dime-ing. This is the claims department's stock in trade - it's standard practice.
i recently made a claim to Hagerty; from their reaction one would have thought it was the end of the world. To put it mildly, they were not happy.
I intend to mention this to their reps the next time they are extolling the virtues of Hagerty from their stall at a car show..............
Has anyone a story of insurance company generosity they can share?
#18
Rennlist Member
I think the most important thing is to deal with an independent insurance agent. Tell them what you want, let them do the homework for you.
Then you are dealing with someone face-to-face who wants/needs your business. Sure, you may pay a little more, but when you need them, they go to work for you. They also have all the "contacts" and work behind the scenes for you if needed.
I've overheard mine tell the insurance company " He is a long-time customer of ours and we need you to..." and the insurance company does.
BOL,
Then you are dealing with someone face-to-face who wants/needs your business. Sure, you may pay a little more, but when you need them, they go to work for you. They also have all the "contacts" and work behind the scenes for you if needed.
I've overheard mine tell the insurance company " He is a long-time customer of ours and we need you to..." and the insurance company does.
BOL,
#19
I have never had anything bad to say about my insurance, but I've been with the same company for 20 years for my house and 3 cars currently and my body shop is one of their select insurers.
#20
Rennlist Member
I have only positive comments to make about Nationwide Insurance, from the way they handled totaling my first Porsche to paying top dollar for bodywork to repair a hit and run dent in the current car's rear wheel arch.
#21
Addict
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I'm just going through this same aggravation with State Farm. I've had all my cars insured with them for almost 30 years, along with my home and blanket personal liability. This counts for nothing. The local agent is an acquaintance, which also counts for nothing. I spent 15 minutes with him yesterday, roasting him slowly over hot coals, "Like a good neighbor..." = BS, told him he is always available and willing to discuss additional coverage, I've always paid in full/on time, ZERO at-fault collisions ever, but he is no help when I have questions about a claim, even something as minor as a cracked windshield. I could never pin him down as to what SF would pay for the windshield. He kept trying to steer me to Safelite and aftermarket crap glass.
Bottom line, the car is going to Walter's Porsche in Riverside for a genuine Porsche windshield and new seals, total cost of $1492. I know there is at least $200 of excess markup in that price, but I want the job done right by a shop that will stand behind their work. And I know that if I ever sell this car, an aftermarket windshield is a deduction.
Bottom line, the car is going to Walter's Porsche in Riverside for a genuine Porsche windshield and new seals, total cost of $1492. I know there is at least $200 of excess markup in that price, but I want the job done right by a shop that will stand behind their work. And I know that if I ever sell this car, an aftermarket windshield is a deduction.
#22
Drifting
I am insured by American Modern Home via Leland-West. Back when I had a 964 the windshield got nailed by a rock thrown by a semi. I did not get the plate number but I called to file a glass claim and by using "their" glass company (can't remember who it was) their was no deductable. Leland-West handled the details and the glass people called to set up the appointment - no fuss no hassle Sigla glass installed in front of my house. No rate increase reprecussions down the road either.
#24
As stated before, talk with a supervisor! I had a windshield busted in my Porsche 356, by a rock from a truck. The first insurance person wanted to talk about aftermarket, I told her that I paid the premium for original replacement parts, then later talked with her supervisor, calmly and firmly... they paid up for a Sigla (yeah just try to find one for a 1958 Porsche) When I found one, the supplier asked if I wanted a Tinted Windshield, I said yes of course.
That's why we pay the high rates and the "Agreed VAlUE", 19A Clause.
Good Luck,
Bert
That's why we pay the high rates and the "Agreed VAlUE", 19A Clause.
Good Luck,
Bert
#25
I'm just going through this same aggravation with State Farm. I've had all my cars insured with them for almost 30 years, along with my home and blanket personal liability. This counts for nothing. The local agent is an acquaintance, which also counts for nothing. I spent 15 minutes with him yesterday, roasting him slowly over hot coals, "Like a good neighbor..." = BS, told him he is always available and willing to discuss additional coverage, I've always paid in full/on time, ZERO at-fault collisions ever, but he is no help when I have questions about a claim, even something as minor as a cracked windshield. I could never pin him down as to what SF would pay for the windshield. He kept trying to steer me to Safelite and aftermarket crap glass.
Safelite is who I'm being steered to use and I refuse. If talking with a supervisor yields the same results as the agent, I will probably just pay out of pocket to get the job done right and drop this crap company for one that knows what customer service is. Oh wait, is there such a thing anymore??
Bart, care to share who you're with?
#26
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I had great luck with RSA (Royal Sun) after my truck was stolen (and recovered with On-Star).
Agent told to take it to the dealer where they paid for re-key, alignment, inspection, and detailing (after finger printing by cops which is messy).
I was impressed.
Marc
Agent told to take it to the dealer where they paid for re-key, alignment, inspection, and detailing (after finger printing by cops which is messy).
I was impressed.
Marc
#27
Burning Brakes
With insurance companies I never expect a thing from them. Anything I get is always a surprise. That is the attitude to have. For anything major, court is almost mandatory. Expect it.
#28
Pro
Most Porsche owners are pretty wealthy. For such people, insurance shouldn't be for repairs, it's for liability (e.g. protecting you from some ambulance chaser lawyer in the event of an accident)
Adjust your expectations and coverage appropriately and you'll be much happier.
Adjust your expectations and coverage appropriately and you'll be much happier.
#29
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My policy, for example, has a "glass deductible" that is different from the comp/collision deductible. I just recently had the windshield replaced on my 95 ...the entire job was seamless: from the glass shop who did all the interfacing with the insurance co., to the insurance company who did not balk when the installer needed to bill them for an additional moulding; from dropping off the car to driving her home; all was perfect. And all told, it cost me only my glass deductible. Zero headache, and even a follow-up call from the insurance company. This was no isolated incident as I have had to replace maybe 4 windshields over the decades with a variety of cars (and different insurance carriers). Yet I've heard stories like yours that did not go well. There are those time where the "cheapest" deal really is the cheapest deal.
Oh, and for any who are curious, the companies I have had superb dealings with regard to claims have been 21st (and when they were 20th) Century, Allstate, and most recently The Hartford. Good companies ought to be rewarded with patronage and recommendations. The crap companies get what they deserve.
Edward
#30
Gee, I guess I'm one of the poor ones...
Well now I feel foolish. I was not aware that there were different levels of services one could get. Thanks for the education and the recommendations, Edward.
My policy, for example, has a "glass deductible" that is different from the comp/collision deductible. I just recently had the windshield replaced on my 95 ...the entire job was seamless: from the glass shop who did all the interfacing with the insurance co., to the insurance company who did not balk when the installer needed to bill them for an additional moulding; from dropping off the car to driving her home; all was perfect. And all told, it cost me only my glass deductible. Zero headache, and even a follow-up call from the insurance company. This was no isolated incident as I have had to replace maybe 4 windshields over the decades with a variety of cars (and different insurance carriers). Yet I've heard stories like yours that did not go well. There are those time where the "cheapest" deal really is the cheapest deal.
Oh, and for any who are curious, the companies I have had superb dealings with regard to claims have been 21st (and when they were 20th) Century, Allstate, and most recently The Hartford. Good companies ought to be rewarded with patronage and recommendations. The crap companies get what they deserve.
Edward
Oh, and for any who are curious, the companies I have had superb dealings with regard to claims have been 21st (and when they were 20th) Century, Allstate, and most recently The Hartford. Good companies ought to be rewarded with patronage and recommendations. The crap companies get what they deserve.
Edward