Interesting Auto Insurance Article

[Calvin]

Read this article on msn today.  It may save you $$$ on auto coverage  : money.msn.com/articles/insure/basics/8957.asp?special=msn

[Stod]

Bottom-line...you'll almost always get f**ked over by the insurance companies.  Went through "the replacement value" crap with Allstate when I lost my BMW 533i in a flood (long time ago...1995).  I refused their low-ball "replacement" value, they then held up settlement by offering only "scrap" value until we could come to agreement.  I had to do ALL the leg-work finding actual replacement value for my area (Central CA Coast).  I still got screwed because they would only agree to Los Angeles replacement value...which meant I had to drive 4+ hours...and search on my own time...for an actual replacement, then got hosed on a 1% increase above my area state sales tax that I had to pay.

Plus, get in an accident, Allstate pretty much requires used parts (went to battle with them on that issue too, with my Volvo 740 turbo).  BTW, I hear that in CA one of the best insurers is the Auto Club (AAA).  Gonna' check them out.

Ohhh man...as a consumer and a small business owner (screwed by insurance companies), getting me started on insurance companies is dangerous!!!!

Cheers,
Stod

[Calvin]

Hi Stod,
I am in LA area and have two cars insured with prudential.  So far, I still couldn't find another provider that can beat the price I am paying.  Have your ever heard about the AIS, which advertise on radio through KIISFM?  I saved about $100/month   shifted away from it to prudential.

[Stod]

Hi Calvin,

I remember AIS from the days I lived in Manhattan Beach. They target the harder-to-insure drivers (i.e. higher risk/rates) from tickets, DUI, younger, sportier cars, etc.  If I remember right, Auto Insurance Specialists (AIS) is about their second or third name for the company.  I think, years ago, they declared bankruptcy, then rolled into new insurance companies and are now AIS (can't remember the previous names).  

Thanks for the tip...I'll check out Prudential, along with getting a quote from AAA.

Cheers,
Stod