Community Chat

[Laura14]

@happycat  I am so sorry!  I do my job every day to the best of my ability.  It's beyond frustrating when other people don't even attempt to do the same.

[Carmie]

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@Cakers3wrote:

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@Carmiewrote:

Also,remember.to keep up your credit ratings.  car insurance companies in all states except CA, HI and MA  determine your rates by using your credit rating. Even if you never had an accident in your lifetime, you could be paying higher premiums if your credit rating is less than stellar.

I can’t figure out why that is legal, but it is.

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@Carmie  Because insurers do not rely on standard FICO scores-they have their own formulas.  The FICO scores are used to determine where on their own scale the customer fits.

It's the risk factor; they look at poor FICO scores as an indication that you are not a responsible person. 

I am assuming it falls into the same legal corner as charging more for smokers, e.g., for life insurance. 

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Yeah, I know...how fair is that? Some people just lose their jobs after working for many years and are struggling to get on their feet.  Just what they need is higher car insurance that they can’t afford to pay.  

I checked my credit scores last year and found that State Farm inquired about my credit score several times.  They refuse to say how they arrive at their special secret formulas that determine your rate.  There is no way you can appeal it or strive for a better score.

My credit score is excellent. I have been driving for 47 years and only had one accident..not my fault.  I drive a 2003 model car and my insurance keeps going up.  I also drive less than 5000 miles a year.  I got one speeding ticket when I was 20 years old, other than that, my driving record is clean.

[happycat]

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@Laura14wrote:

@happycat  I am so sorry!  I do my job every day to the best of my ability.  It's beyond frustrating when other people don't even attempt to do the same.

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I know what you mean. It seems like people who should care just do not.

And if I remember correctly, you didn't cause your accident either. Very frustrating indeed.

[Lipstickdiva]

All insurances seem good until you make a claim.  Then you see what they are really like.

It's not uncommon for insurance companies to raise a rate because a claim is made or you even call to ask about a possible claim.

I learned a long time ago that insurance claims should be made when you cannot afford to pay for the damage yourself.  If someone throws a ball threw my window, I'm paying for the window myself, not making an insurance claim.

[63mkm]

I live in CO too for 16 years and I agree with you!  I'm so tired of my homeowners and auto insurance going up every 6 months and every year (for homeowners) and we have never filed a claim.  Can't wait to move; it will be soon! 

[puttypiesmom]

Another thing I don't like about auto insurance, if you're married they will put both names on the policy even though you never drive your spouse's car and vice versa. This one seemingly small detail becomes important because my husband had a small fender bender using his vehicle and the accident forgiveness policy kicked in; a year later I had a small smiliar accident using my vehicle and was told sorry the accident forgiveness has already been used.  It was my first accident in 20 years and I was penalized with a huge increase in our premium until I sold that vehicle and removed it from our policy, our insurance went down about $150 PER  MONTH and it was an older vehicle at that. If we had separate policies we'd each have had the accident forgiveness.   

[Jordan2]

I am with Allstate  I had to change because about three years ago I was informed State Farm was no longer going to be writing homeowners policies in my area, so I left. Allstate is more than happy talking my money every month, but when my car was hit in a parking lot (at the dentist, it was a hit and run) they were not at all pleased with me filing a claim. They actually made getting my repair done difficult. My father, when he was alive, would change insurance companies often. If the bill went up or he was ticked off with them, he would leave.

[Group 5 minus 1]

We live in a no-fault state. No matter who causes the accident each party pays their own expenses. There some exemptions.Please, if you do not understand this Google it,but do not tell me silly things. It is the law.

[SeaMaiden]

I have been with Farmers for 40 plus years....auto and home.  Just pay my bill...go speak with our agent once a year to make sure everything is good.  I like having a local agent I can go see.  Never had a claim in the 40 years. I guess we are good customers!

[LeoGrl]

Wow, I'm so glad I found this thread.  I thought it was just me and one of my relatives this was happening too.  Right now my auto rates just went up AGAIN for get this " because of my zip code."  One of my relatives had their home owners go up substantially from Allstate and they've been with them for years with no claims filed. They are now looking to change .  I have no tickets, clean driving record, no claims filed, no accidents and get a discount for a good driving record yet I get my rates increased so I can pay for the reckless and uninsured drivers.  I'm shopping around getting new quotes and plan on changing companies soon.  Remember there is no loyalty with insurance companies.  They DO NOT CARE.  See they think you will not switch and prey on your loyalty and laziness.  But if you feel you're unfairly paying, shop around.  There is no law that you can't switch insurance.  Thisi will be my third new auto insurer.  Also, beware of Geico  They will give you a discount when you join (just like the commercials say) but will raise your rates every six months to make up that money.