Best Auto Insurance in CA?

speeder · speeder's Garage

I know, another auto insurance thread. Here is the deal; I have several vehicles and a clean driving record. I've been w AAA for years and have never had a claim so I can't speak to their service quality but I'm sure that it's excellent if you ever need them. The problem is that I have no idea if I'm getting reamed, I've never shopped them.

Is there a really easy way to shop insurance rates online? I think I was w GEICO at one time and never had a claim either but I've read here that they suck. I'd consider a company that is not the best service if the price delta was great enough, as long as they aren't a total garbage company.

Anyone? Thanks.

speeder · speeder's Garage

Everyone raves about USAA but I'm not a military veteran.

red-beard · red-beard's Garage

I was getting reamed by my insurance company, with no accidents. We moved the house and the auto to AAA and the total price was about 1/2. 30% less on Auto and about 70% less on the house.

red-beard · red-beard's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by speeder

Is there a really easy way to shop insurance rates online? I think I was w GEICO at one time and never had a claim either but I've read here that they suck. I'd consider a company that is not the best service if the price delta was great enough, as long as they aren't a total garbage company.

Talk to an independent agent that quote LOTS of companies. See if they can do better.

speeder · speeder's Garage

Thanks, James. I’ll do that. I’m so frickin’ lazy that I’ll go for years thinking that I really should look into this.

Interesting that AAA saved you $$. Maybe I’m not getting reamed after all, just own too many cars.

Steve Carlton · 09-13-2018, 12:29 PM

There should be some online search sites for insurance- I've used them years ago. Now a friend of mine is an agent, so I'm "stuck." But I think Allstate is on the cheaper side. The real results will depend on a package deal including homeowner's insurance and whatever else you might have. I think it's hard to predict who will shine in a particular situation.

JavaBrewer · JavaBrewer's Garage

We have been with State Farm for 30 years. Likely we are paying more than other options but they have been there 100% for the few claims (car total loss x 2, home robbery) we have had. I know people who got hosed by other insurance companies and prefer to not go through that hassle.

scottmandue · 09-13-2018, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speeder

Everyone raves about USAA but I'm not a military veteran.

I have been very happy with USAA (no military for me but dad was air force) not sure they still require any military experience.

Accident= take car to one of there approved body shops (lots of them all over) body shop takes some pictures and sends a quote to USAA, USAA mails you a check.

vash · vash's Garage

I was in the exact same boat. AAA. EXCELLENT service but the Price annually continued the creep up. I think I was $1600ish.

I called Geico and save 50% for even more coverage. I was blown away and felt pretty dumb not shopping around earlier.

AAA was excellent when a teenage girl rear ended me. They covered cost and got reimbursed thru the girls policy. (State Farm)

No idea on Geico service, but they have a dedicated service counter at all the big body shops. Just next to the AAA counter. I expect great service.

Zeke · 09-13-2018, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scottmandue

I have been very happy with USAA (no military for me but dad was air force) not sure they still require any military experience.

Accident= take car to one of there approved body shops (lots of them all over) body shop takes some pictures and sends a quote to USAA, USAA mails you a check.

One of your parents has to be a military vet and you have to join before they die. Your spouse then becomes eligible even after divorce (my case) and so do any children even if born to a different father (my case again). No transfers from eligible upwards to parents or siblings. Strictly handmedown to offspring any of whom can perpetuate.

USAA was originally for commissioned officers only but it opened up to all military in 2009. In 1997, noncommissioned officers became eligible for membership. The passing on of eligibility has been consistent since 1935. Nowadays members of the FBI and other agencies are eligible.

look 171 · 09-13-2018, 01:19 PM

I was like you for 20 years. Just write the check yearly and never ask questions. After we got married, she started to tie up loose ends and shake thing up a little. We discovered that AAA was the cheapest and we saved 2000 bucks a year over State Farm. other then that, I have nothing else for you. I hear Geico is horrible when it comes to payout, according to a friend who had his car totaled.

stevej37 · 09-13-2018, 01:27 PM

State Farm
Rates are about the lowest..and they don't balk at claims.
When I broke my femur in an auto/bike accident...they covered everything, including a new bike of my choice.

edgemar · 09-13-2018, 01:51 PM

Ameriprise through Costco

Cajundaddy · Cajundaddy's Garage

I think it depends on who you are, what you drive, and where you live. Some INS will work out better for me and some may be better for you. I live in the IE and Mercury and it's spinoffs are significantly less for me and my business fleet. In San Diego AAA was way better for my 30 yr old daughter. Find an agent and go shopping.

Steve Carlton · 09-13-2018, 02:00 PM

For pimp-slappin' Pelicans, most companies put you in the assigned risk pool.

Scott Douglas · Scott Douglas's Garage

We've been with State Farm for 35+ years.
I'm always amazed at how people can afford insurance period based on all the discounts we get for good driver, home owner's policy, multi car etc. The discounts almost halve the bill it seems.

sammyg2 · 09-13-2018, 03:14 PM

About 30 years ago I had mercury insurance which was cheap, but when I had a claim they treated me as if I was to ripping them off. They tried to weasel out of it, etc.

I switched to Farmers and I've been with them ever since.
It's by no means cheapest, in fact it's a little pricely. but if I have a claim they bend over backwards to take care it and me as painlessly as possible. No hassle ever.
To me that's worth it.

If you go the cheapest route you will likely get the cheapest service.

Steve Carlton · 09-13-2018, 05:40 PM

I had Mercury in the mid-late '70s when I was 19-21 years old or so. I had a bad driving record, so I figured they specialized in flaky clients. These days it seems not so much.

speeder · speeder's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by sammyg2

About 30 years ago I had mercury insurance which was cheap, but when I had a claim they treated me as if I was to ripping them off. They tried to weasel out of it, etc.

I switched to Farmers and I've been with them ever since.
It's by no means cheapest, in fact it's a little pricely. but if I have a claim they bend over backwards to take care it and me as painlessly as possible. No hassle ever.
To me that's worth it.

If you go the cheapest route you will likely get the cheapest service.

That's what I'm afraid of. If I ever have a claim, I don't want to be wishing I'd picked a good company.

I was just thinking of shopping the good ones but it sounds like AAA might be the best anyways. I picked the right one by accident.

A930Rocket · 09-13-2018, 08:37 PM

We have Geico after being dropped by State Farm several years ago. Two accidents by Ms Rocket and a totaled car by one of our little Rockets. We dropped the house, umbrella, jewelry, etc with State Farm and went with Geico, which was half the price of State Farm. We’ll see how service is when we need them.