You might think you are getting a better price, but I assure you that your rates won't even come close to mine. I get so many discounts with State Farm that my 6-month auto rates are pretty close to what many pay for 1 month of auto coverage and I'm pretty sure they aren't carrying around a $300k liability policy (required by SF due to my umbrella with them).
I have shopped around for insurance and most independent/competing agencies can't believe the low rates we pay.
My point - you don't stay with a company long enough to get guaranteed renewal, 10 year accident free, etc.
I know I am getting a better price, I simply do a search at least once a year. I assume you do as well to make this statement, you do not pay less then I do.
Its kind of funny, I started on this quest 15 years ago because of the company you mentioned. State Farm.
I dont need anything from my insurance company, I dont need guaranteed renewal, I dont need phony discounts off a company generated "list price". I DO need the lowest possible price. All that other stuff is nothing but marketing for higher profit.
I pay the lowest possible cost for insurance and that is it. No fluff. I employ THEM, I pay them for service, they will give me what I want which is only lowest price and nothing more if they want my money. If not, someone always does.
We were a long time State Farm customer in NY but this was also before computers and the internet pricing. We insured everything through our local State Farm agent in NY, (great guy) both my brothers family and ours, in addition to that, we had a rather robust business policy as well, We got good rates.
I moved South, rates didnt change and I expected them to, so I started digging around on line and WOW, all that phony discounted stuff was actually that phony.
Look at it this way, for anyone familiar with Macys or any higher end store. Everything is always on sale from their regular price, which happens to be list price that no one ever pays. Insurance, same deal, unless you are checking prices on a yearly basis, you are paying to much.
As far as 300k liability, well, I dont really think that is very high but it is good. Yes, I understand you carry an umbrella and that is good.
I always carry 500k on my vehicles including boat, motorcycle and home if not offered 300k possibly on some and also the full allowed amount on Underinsured and uninsured.
I cant stress enough, unless someone is searching the internet high and low for best price you do not know how much you are paying.
www.esurance.com is a good place to add to the list for vehicles, as well as greco and progressive. esurance you may not experience price creep as much. For homes, Travelers is one to check out.
Of the companies mentioned is what worked for me for the most part, ALL areas of the country are different right down to what town as well as your credit rating and whom lives at your street address. Either way, if you just want price, search 4 to 5 companies a year. Over time you will get used to it.
