Switched to Geico
I recently switched my car insurance to Geico. Sure, this sounds like a commercial, but it's true.
The company that used to insure me, State Farm®, was adequate, but they had a problem with me and my out-of-state driver's license. I tried to get my license transferred to my new state when I moved but, in my current state of residence, the ID requirements are way too rigid, so the whole process ground to a halt. If I had moved before September 11, 2001, I wouldn't have had any problems transferring my license.
So, because of the license issue, State Farm eventually decided that they no longer want my business . I didn't shed any tears when I got the news that I was being dumped. The customer service at the State Farm office where I was insured wasn't very cordial. I often got an "attitude" whenever I would ask simple questions about how my insurance policy works, and I don't like that. The way I see it, when you are paying a company good money for a service, and they give you an attitude like you are their employee, then it's time to go. Yup.
To be fair to State Farm, I can report that there is a different State Farm office near my current residence, and from what I can tell the service there is quite good. I went into this office some months ago to get a document notarized. I had to wait for the next available agent, since at that moment there were other motorists being helped. I sat down and listened to the conversations (I'm not nosy; the office was small and I could not help but hear the chatter.) The agents were polite and they took the time to explain things in detail, which is the way it should be. An agent eventually notarized my document, and didn't charge me anything for the service. The agent seemed a bit stressed with paperwork, a constant stream of walk-in clients and a phone that just kept ringing, but she still managed to smile and provide gracious service regardless.
Since each State Farm office is independently owned, I guess you just have to find the right office if you are going to insure with them.
Another reason why I wasn't too upset about State Farm's decision: there's so much competition out there that I knew I wouldn't have any trouble finding a new carrier, even with the time pressure (I needed a policy fast because a lapse of insurance coverage is serious matter. Most car insurance companies won't even consider insuring you if you have an insurance lapse.)
So I shopped around online, and eventually ended up with Geico. I signed up online, but made a phone call to Geico before executing that final mouse click to seal the deal. I needed to be sure that they wouldn't have a problem with my out-of-state license before I finalized my order. A very helpful agent told me that he understood my situation and that Geico didn't have a problem insuring me. So the deal was done.
So I'm now a Geico customer. My premium is reasonable (I'm paying about $200 less per cycle than I was paying with State Farm) because I'm over 35, I have a good credit score and a I have a clean driving record. I've never had to file an insurance claim, and I hope this trend continues. If I have to file a claim with Geico at some point, I'll be sure to blog in depth about it here.
The company that used to insure me, State Farm®, was adequate, but they had a problem with me and my out-of-state driver's license. I tried to get my license transferred to my new state when I moved but, in my current state of residence, the ID requirements are way too rigid, so the whole process ground to a halt. If I had moved before September 11, 2001, I wouldn't have had any problems transferring my license.
So, because of the license issue, State Farm eventually decided that they no longer want my business . I didn't shed any tears when I got the news that I was being dumped. The customer service at the State Farm office where I was insured wasn't very cordial. I often got an "attitude" whenever I would ask simple questions about how my insurance policy works, and I don't like that. The way I see it, when you are paying a company good money for a service, and they give you an attitude like you are their employee, then it's time to go. Yup.
To be fair to State Farm, I can report that there is a different State Farm office near my current residence, and from what I can tell the service there is quite good. I went into this office some months ago to get a document notarized. I had to wait for the next available agent, since at that moment there were other motorists being helped. I sat down and listened to the conversations (I'm not nosy; the office was small and I could not help but hear the chatter.) The agents were polite and they took the time to explain things in detail, which is the way it should be. An agent eventually notarized my document, and didn't charge me anything for the service. The agent seemed a bit stressed with paperwork, a constant stream of walk-in clients and a phone that just kept ringing, but she still managed to smile and provide gracious service regardless.
Since each State Farm office is independently owned, I guess you just have to find the right office if you are going to insure with them.
Another reason why I wasn't too upset about State Farm's decision: there's so much competition out there that I knew I wouldn't have any trouble finding a new carrier, even with the time pressure (I needed a policy fast because a lapse of insurance coverage is serious matter. Most car insurance companies won't even consider insuring you if you have an insurance lapse.)
So I shopped around online, and eventually ended up with Geico. I signed up online, but made a phone call to Geico before executing that final mouse click to seal the deal. I needed to be sure that they wouldn't have a problem with my out-of-state license before I finalized my order. A very helpful agent told me that he understood my situation and that Geico didn't have a problem insuring me. So the deal was done.
So I'm now a Geico customer. My premium is reasonable (I'm paying about $200 less per cycle than I was paying with State Farm) because I'm over 35, I have a good credit score and a I have a clean driving record. I've never had to file an insurance claim, and I hope this trend continues. If I have to file a claim with Geico at some point, I'll be sure to blog in depth about it here.
Labels: geico
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posted by Steve Brown | 12/30/2007 08:33:00 AM
6 Comments:
Thats very harsh, it's hit and miss these days with car insurance companies. I have never heard of Geico, maybe its because I am from the Uk, I always use www.comparecom.co.uk. Never had any problems but I dont think they cover the USA.
Never had Geico, but it's good they were able to do that. I know what you mean about an ID in a new state. I am still trying to get one at my new house, still using the old one from the old state which is causing me some degree of problems. Good thing they had no problem with it. Thanks for the article.
My friend, I'm not sure I should post this comment, but what the heck, here goes...
My brother was insured with Geico for 6 years now, and he kept renewing his policy year after year. He knew there were other deals out there that everyone told him, but out of loyalty or laziness he just kept renewing.
However, he noticed that despite his great driving record, his premiums were not budging. When he told them (Geico) he was going to cancel, the customer representative told him that he had to renew, because if there was a lapse in coverage, he would be fined by his new insurer!
Is it true?
Well, the information is actually half true, but Virginia, the so-called "good" customer representative, was trying very hard to keep his account through threats!
My brother then told everyone to stay away from Geico.
Hmm. Hmm. Hmm.
This is another great article with very useful tips.I see it, when you are paying a company good money for a service, and they give you an attitude like you are their employee. I am hoping to pick up more blogging work, too!
Even though Geico is a heavily advertised company, it is actually one of the best. My rates definitely went down when I switched to Geico (from Allstate). Haven't had any problems yet.
The transition seemed to be smooth. I hope you never have to write about your first claim. Thanks for sharing you experience with these two companies. I think you honest in your description of your experience.
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