Insurance Guys...Looking for multiple policies (1 Viewer)

[skycriesmary]

I'm looking to shop for policies, including home, two rental properties, and umbrella. Are insurance brokers typically the way to go? Also looking at Costco, USAA, etc. I haven't found a site to provide information to get automatic quotes, and don't want to get hammered on the phone by endless solicitations. Any recommendations? 

While what I'm paying now seems decent, I'm a believer in looking around every couple of years to make sure you're coverage, and payments are the best possible.

 

[matttyl]

When dealing with all that, maybe it's just me, but I'd want to be dealing with one, local person. 

 

[skycriesmary]

When dealing with all that, maybe it's just me, but I'd want to be dealing with one, local person. 

Yeah, I get that, and am currently. That being said, when spending a couple thousand a year, think it's due diligence to at least compare price and coverage.  

 

[matttyl]

Yeah, I get that, and am currently. That being said, when spending a couple thousand a year, think it's due diligence to at least compare price and coverage.  

Can't that one, local guy do that for you?  Or is he a "captive agent" that can only deal with one carrier? 

 

[skycriesmary]

Can't that one, local guy do that for you?  Or is he a "captive agent" that can only deal with one carrier? 

Yeah, he works for Farmers. I'll probably look up a local broker. I was just curious if anyones dealt with any online sites that were actually worthwhile, i.e. not solicitation farms. 

 

[tjnc09]

Yeah, I get that, and am currently. That being said, when spending a couple thousand a year, think it's due diligence to at least compare price and coverage.  

Most companies have a multi-policy discount.  There is always that incentive to have all your insurance with one company.

 

[skycriesmary]

Most companies have a multi-policy discount.  There is always that incentive to have all your insurance with one company.

Yeah, and that's the option I initially took. Just curious, as I know charges can vary wildly between companies, for the exact same coverage.

 

[EYLive]

Search for a broker with a personal lines department, see if they are appointed with SafeCo. Their rates and coverage are extremely competitive but I'm not sure if it varies by state.

 

[culdeus]

Yeah, and that's the option I initially took. Just curious, as I know charges can vary wildly between companies, for the exact same coverage.

I use an independent agent.  http://myliere.com/

They manage the whole thing if you need to split policies, have multiple properties you want to umbrella, and shop for best rates.  

I am sure you could do the same with some legwork, but a 30 minute discussion with this team and you are set.  

If you go this route shoot me a PM as a referral will help us both I think.

Ooops, would appear on the surface you need to be in Texas. I would ask them if they have someone to refer you to in your state.

 

[East Coast Bias]

I'm looking to shop for policies, including home, two rental properties, and umbrella. Are insurance brokers typically the way to go? Also looking at Costco, USAA, etc. I haven't found a site to provide information to get automatic quotes, and don't want to get hammered on the phone by endless solicitations. Any recommendations? 

While what I'm paying now seems decent, I'm a believer in looking around every couple of years to make sure you're coverage, and payments are the best possible.

I shopped insurance policies a few months back. Only home and auto though. No one came close to USAA. I'd start there.

 

[flranger]

The answer to this question really depends on how much work you are willing to put in.  Generally, the larger companies may be able to ultimately beat mix and match due to multi-line discounts.  There is no doubt you can get the best prices with lots of shopping all the individual policies, but without multi-line discount it may not be worth it in the end.  Then having to coordinate multiple payments per month (or whatever recurring period you prefer) may also not be worth the hassle. 

PLUPs in particular are a hassle to coordinate every year if the underlying is with a lot of different companies.  With all those different types of policies, either you are going to need to commit the time to do the work, or get an independent agent who will shop it out for you.  The answer is ultimately what's your time worth.

If you are only wanting to invest an hour or so giving someone else your DL, property info, then say bring it back to me with the best you can do an independent or captive agent is probably your best bet.  Outside of that, plan on investing a good amount of time (every year).

 

[flranger]

I shopped insurance policies a few months back. Only home and auto though. No one came close to USAA. I'd start there.

Curious if you already had USAA.  They are great, but if you were a tenured customer that would probably explain the rates.  Most companies offer substantial discounts to existing policyholders with no or light claims histories.

 

[East Coast Bias]

Curious if you already had USAA.  They are great, but if you were a tenured customer that would probably explain the rates.  Most companies offer substantial discounts to existing policyholders with no or light claims histories.

I've been a USAA customer for as long as I can remember. I had once significant claim about 3 years ago.

 

[skycriesmary]

Curious if you already had USAA.  They are great, but if you were a tenured customer that would probably explain the rates.  Most companies offer substantial discounts to existing policyholders with no or light claims histories.

I checked six or seven years ago, and was surprised they quoted me quite a bit more for both auto and home insurance. Their minimum coverage on my house was a bit more than I had at the time. I should give them another shot though.