Q: My kid is on my insurance policy. The rates are through the roof. What can I do?
A: As for best rates, that is a tricky question.
A – Go to www.insurance.ca.gov and you can check on the rate surveys done by the Dept of Insurance. But, those are generic numbers and you need to call around yourself. Some of the factors like zip code, driving record, age, marital status, are not taken into consideration. But, it gives you a good idea to save you some time in comparison shopping.
B – I tell people not to shop rates. When you buy insurance, you are buying a promise and if the company that you paid the premiums to does not uphold their end of the bargain, it doesn’t matter if it cost you $5 or $5,000, it is worthless.
For example, CSAA is cheaper than State Farm for me. But, CSAA has this nasty new policy of forcing injured people to file lawsuits to recover money for medical bills, wage loss, etc…. I don’t want to be a defendant in a lawsuit so I am no longer with CSAA.
I think people should shop by service. Of course, service varies. If you are military or have a relative who is military, USAA provides some great service. The higher the rank, the better the service. If you are a teacher or firefighter, California Casualty has great service AND the rates are competitive.
So, I think you need a combination of service and price. For my money, Travelers and Hartford are good for the general population. The big four (CSAA, State Farm, Allstate, Farmers) are lacking in claims service these days, in my opinion. I would stay away from them and I have.