Who's using ( or have uesd) AAA for auto insurance?

[MotoSook]

Was at the local AAA office to get an International Driving Permit. One thing led to another and an agent is after me.

I'm currently with State Farm. They have been good to me, but then I have close to 20 policies with the local agent. AAA is quoting premiums that are 1/2 the State Farm premiums and with more coverage.

It's all preliminary, but I have to wonder if the low premiums are an indication of crappy customer service and shady claims practices.

Anyone?

[Crowbob]

Auto Insurance companies are in cahoots with each other. They offer low rates to lure consumers into buying their policies out from under each other and they slowly raise their rates until the consumer starts shopping around again and discovers they can get pretty much the same coverage and customer service at 50% (or less) than their current policies.

I used to be a loyal auto insurance consumer. Found out I could go cheaper but my company said, essentially, go ahead.

'See ya!'

This keeps the consumer moving around, otherwise, one single company will eventually carry everybody which is good for that company but bad for the industry.

[Noah930]

I have been insured by AAA for years. The three times that I have had to file a claim, they have been helpful and non-low-balling. I know there are even cheaper alternatives out there, but I have been very happy with the insurance coverage and customer service I have received from them. I may not have an individual agent (I just get whoever is at the desk when I walk into the office), but that's the only negative I can think of. They even cover my 930 under a collector policy.

[MotoSook]

Originally Posted by Noah930

They even cover my 930 under a collector policy.

Interesting, the agent referenced Hagerty for old cars via e-mail. I'll have to explore this when I see her .


Keep the feedback coming guys.

For the record, I don't have any loyalties to any insurer. It's one big legal racket, and I just want less hassles should I need it. Otherwise I don't want to see or hear from the agent.

[Crowbob]

Also, AAA offers lower rates but membership to the club is mandatory and is an annual fee. You do get perks with AAA membership, though.

It's good if you travel allot.

[MotoSook]

Originally Posted by Crowbob

Also, AAA offers lower rates but membership to the club is mandatory and is an annual fee. You do get perks with AAA membership, though.

It's good if you travel allot.

I can handle the membership fee if I'm saving a couple hundred on a few of the policies.

[Evans, Marv]

I've belonged to AAA for decades and periodically check with them for insurance. I also periodically check with other companies, but have remained with my carrier for a long time because of the lower premiums. I went with Ameriprise/Costco some time in the 90's. I had one claim when my wife got sideswiped on the freeway and the car was totaled. They were fast, efficient and fair - at least in that instance, which is the only time I had to deal with that situation. Currently, I drive my F350 usually less than 6K miles/year. They sent me a notice they were reducing the premium on it because of the unusually low mileage, although would be sending a mileage form yearly to be filled out. So we pay a combined premium of right at $1,100/year currently.

[red-beard]

We switched about 5 years ago. They saved us about 20-30% on Auto Insurance with similar coverage. My home insurance dropped by 50%. I haven't had a claim, so I can't tell you anything about how they do in a claim.

[MotoSook]

AAA quoted coverage for a 2003 996 Turbo with 2x+ my current coverage for $500/yr. I'm currently paying close to $1000/yr. The big difference leaves me a bit skeptical, but it sounds like AAA isn't some flakey outfit.

[Evans, Marv]

If they had decent rates on home insurance I'd combine it with auto insurance. But like lots of companies, they don't insure houses in my area, because insurance companies can pick & choose areas they want to insure and exclude areas they don't want on the basis of the fire hazard rating. I had cars, rental properties, home, & everything else insured by State Farm for decades. When I moved to where I live now, they said they'd insure everything but the house.

[wildthing]

It really depends on the rate tables each company uses. If I was just insuring a Toyota Sienna, AAA comes out cheaper than GEICO by maybe $100. But if I add the Cayenne, AAA is more expensive by $200. So I stuck with GEICO this year. Will try again next year...

[MotoSook]

I may encounter issues with the home insurance. AAA has already said they won't insure our rental house.

Damn I hate this racket. (Disclosure, my wife works for a major carrier, not auto though).

[craigster59]

I've had my insurance with AAA. Low rates and they were quick to repair when I had an accident a few years ago. The only downside I've heard is they'll drop you like a hot potato if you accumulate tickets or have a few accidents.

[MotoSook]

Originally Posted by craigster59

The only downside I've heard is they'll drop you like a hot potato if you accumate tickets or have a few accidents.

I think that's pretty much everyone these days.

[Noah930]

Originally Posted by craigster59

I've had my insurance with AAA. Low rates and they were quick to repair when I had an accident a few years ago. The only downside I've heard is they'll drop you like a hot potato if you accumulate tickets or have a few accidents.

My wife and I have had 3 claims over the past decade, though no constabulary-issued driving awards. 1) Rear-ended by hit-and-run driver. 2) Had a big dog run into the side of a car. 3) And had a parked car open its door into the side of our minivan as we were passing it. All 3 instances were hassle-free. AAA always took our side. No bumps in premiums. Fair reimbursement/payment. Quick service.

[MotoSook]

Originally Posted by Noah930

AAA always took our side. No bumps in premiums. Fair reimbursement/payment. Quick service.

Good to know!

[Todge]

I have had two P-car claims filed with AAA under the collector policy. One for a minor ish, and the second for a major. Both times, there was no monkeying around. They handled the minor by having me take it to whatever shop I wanted, and they made sure I was taken care of. The major was paid and I had a check in my hand, the day it was declared a total.

Todge

[widebody911]

I've had AAA for about 20 years. I haven't had many claims, but for the most part they were great. However, when I got rear-ended in my M3 a couple of years ago, which totalled it, they low-balled me hard. After going 'round and 'round for a month or so, the guy told me "Look, I'm just trying to get this settled so we can get you some money to buy another car." I told him "I've already bought another car, so this will take as long as it takes; I'm in no hurry." I had a check by that weekend for the amount I wanted. What really bugged me about the whole thing is they were not the responsible party!

[Craig T]

AAA for 32 years. Four autos, two AAA classic car policies, home owners, and a $3MM umbrella policy. They are great! Several claims over that time with excellent service.

AAA is cheap if you have a good driving record. The problem comes if you get in a wreck to get a couple tickets. They'll drop you like a hot rock...or the prices sky rocket.

[Brian 162]

I use the Canadian equivalent of AAA (CAA) for my home/auto insurance. My rates have been the same for years. When my suv was stolen this year they took care of me. No issues whatsoever.
You never deal with the same person but I always have good service.