The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum Poll regarding car insurance

This is not a usual topic on the Highway, but I actually have a reason for asking this question: a relative of mine is considering employment with one of these companies, and would like to know how they are perceived. So--if you care to answer, here is a poll. (I am not asking for any horror stories but would appreciate your participating in the vote.)

Thanks

Theo

Which of these companies do you rate the HIGHEST in customer service? single choice
	Allstate Insurance
	Nationwide Insurance
	Progressive Insurance
	State Farm Insurance
Votes accepted starting: Thu Jan 25, 2007 1:00 AM You must vote before you can view the results of this poll.

Which of these companies do you rate the LOWEST in customer service? single choice
	Allstate Insurance
	Nationwide Insurance
	Progressive Insurance
	State Farm Insurance
Votes accepted starting: Thu Jan 25, 2007 1:00 AM You must vote before you can view the results of this poll.

Boy having never used any of them I'm afraid I can give no input.

That's OK--I can certainly understand that. I realize there are a LOT of other car insurance companies out there, but these were the only ones I could think of that I knew were national, although I *just* realized GEICO is national. Oh well--the responses I have already gotten have been helpful and I have already told my relative about the results so far.

Theo

Theo,

Sorry I cannot be of help because I cannot say one is better or worse. I used State Farm for a long time before switching over to Allstate. I only switched due to a good friend of mine becoming an Allstate agent. I had a couple of claims but they have been so long ago, I really do not remember much of the details. Both companies seem the same.

BTW, are you more interesting in the sales, claims, or other parts of the company. I vaguely remember Progressive several months ago saying something through a news release that was so blatant PC that I said to myself that I would never used them; But now I forget what that was about. Probably you should just ignore that last comment.

USAA (www.usaa.com) is the most economical and BEST all around "if you qualify" for their program. They write the check at your house or dealership, or .... They are fast and will work with you if your estimate is higher -- a full year for our car is less than $400.

While everyone else is Florida is screaming about their housing insurance rates I keep wondering why mine are so low (300,000 house/less than $700 per year (includes interior as well and hurricane protection, etc.) and in addition, I get dividends back at the end of each year).

John,

I could have been more specific, for sure. My relative is definitely interested in the claims aspect of this--that is, what happens when you have an accident or some other event and need to file a claim; are people pleased after that point?

Thanks for helping me word this better.

Theo

Joe,

Wow, that sounds GREAT. I am pretty pleased with State Farm where I live but I think I am going to see if USAA offers policies in my area and see what they cost--you are paying less than I am!

Theo

I may have screwed up your poll a little: I voted for State Farm in both categories (I figure my votes cancel each other out). I'm currently working at State Farm in auto claims and I think we do a good job with customer service; of course, not everyone comes away happy, but you can't please everyone either. My experience with the other companies in the poll is limited, but most of them seem to have good customer service as well.

If you want to know how the insurance companies deal with claims you would be wise to ask some body shops that fix the cars. They will tell you which ones are the best to deal with.

Years ago I used to work for Cadillac Motor Car and we had a body shop in this dealership. I remember the Allstate claims agent never wanted to pay for new parts. They were difficult to deal with. He always wanted us to straighten out bent parts and even in some situations put on used parts. Since this was a long time ago they may have changed their policy by now. I hope so.

More recently I was hit by someone who had State Farm Ins. and I took my vehicle to a body shop my friend owned and I trusted to fix my car right. He told me SF was real good to deal with and I shouldn't worry about the repairs. He told me when I get my car back it will look like new because they pretty much comply with the estimates we repairmen make and when we need it we always use new parts.

OBTW I personally have State Farm Insurance.


Wes <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/BigThumbUp.gif" alt="" />

Kyle,

Thanks for the clarification re the poll results, and for the information about State Farm. I'll definitely pass that on to my relative!

Theo

Wes,

THAT is sound advice and I am going to pass that on to my relative as well. He probably knows some body shop owners where he lives and they should be able to give him "the scoop" on which company is the best where he lives. Thanks for that insight.

Theo