Which Insurance Co. is the Best? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

1983 300TD · #1 12-31-2004, 02:41 PM

Greetings gentlemen.

I have to renew my insurance in January, and currently I have full coverage with Progressive. My car is in good condition, 300,000+ miles, running strong, and I would like to think that if it got wrecked, I would get approx. $3,000 out of it. How unrealistic is that? What insurance companies do you use, and what kind of coverage do you get? Is there anyway to guarantee what you could get out of your car if something horrible happened?

Thanks.
Damon Fite

dtf · #2 12-31-2004, 02:45 PM

Lots of Insurance companies, most with funny names like mine: Plymouth Rock. Used to have Great American, Patriot General, etc. But from what I hear Chubb has a plan that insures you on a replacement cost of replacing your vehicle. I sure this would cost $$ but it is comforting to know you're covered.

Jimmy Joe · #3 12-31-2004, 02:46 PM

I have thought about getting my car appraised, then getting classic/antique insurance. Any success stories?

Carleton Hughes · #4 12-31-2004, 02:56 PM

If your vehicle is 25 years or older it is eligible for historic insurance. You must,however,have a regularly insured car as well.

You send them pics,mileage statement,if the odometer is working{tee-hee} and my yearly premiums can vary but are usually in the 10 cents per hundred dollar valuation.

I drove a '27 Buick as a daily driver for 12 years,after that a nice '32 Nash 8 for 4 more as a second car.

It was fun,I still dearly love driving early cars but having a 5 year old girl has brought out some latent practical streak so I'm back to the diesels again!

boxscar · #5 12-31-2004, 03:19 PM

one problem with "antigue" insurance is they usually limit miles per year. so, if it's your daily driver, it wouldn't be pracitcal. my friend with a restored 72 Chevelle has cheap insurance even though it's a 600hp 502cu in . he is limited to about 2500 miles a year.
i use Farmers which the agent is my friend and i get it a lot cheaper than Progressive was.
just my experience.
r

Eric Eliel · #6 12-31-2004, 04:53 PM

I have had auto insurance with State Farm and AAA. I have had to deal with State Farm, Farmers, USAA, and 21st Century for claims. Got a buddy who is an Allstate agent and my neighbor across the street just finished with a rather lengthy homeowners flood claim.

Within the last 2 years, I have had to deal with State Farm on TWO totaled vehicles (one my fault). I've been a long time State Farm customer. Due to the rather complex state insurance regulations, I have a hard time believing that just because you've been with a company for "x" number of years, you'll get a better deal on a claim. The state insurance commissioner requires "like claims" to be processed and paid equally for similar vehicles.

When my wifes Volvo was totaled while parked, I thought it best to try to deal directly with the other guys insurance company (21st Century). They tried to low ball me, I provided additional information and the offer was still too low. They were not cooperative. I didn't want to bother my insurance company, it wasn't their problem. Well let me tell you.......I finally had a conversation with my SFarm agent, she suggested I get an offer from SF's adjuster. SF came in with the highest value on the first offer. I didn't feel I was taken advantage of and got a reasonable offer first time out of the gate. Same situation when I totaled my prev 300D. First offer was good! SF really took care of me. But I think SF is too big of a company to take into account how long I've been a customer.

If you opt for collision insurance, go with one of the better auto companies that will support the claim. Ask the good body shops about who takes care of their customers. SF, Farmers, AAA, Allstate generally fall into this category. Progressive, Geico, Freeway etc generally play hardball on claims (no flames, just what I have heard).

I believe you generally get what you pay for in auto insurance. Stay away from the low ball, small companies. They won't be able to properly support you during a claim.

Would be interested in others experiences.

boxscar · #7 12-31-2004, 04:58 PM

well, since you asked... i had state farm for 20 years and the were absolutly the best at claims. had claims on both my house and cars and they PAID without hassles, too many questions, and were curteous.
but, i save a LOT of money now with Farmers...

Pequod · #8 01-10-2005, 10:38 PM

I have done all of my insurance business with Amica and have never had a problem with claims etc.

TX76513 · #9 01-13-2005, 12:35 PM

As many members in this forum we should start our own Overseas Captive.

conroe4 · #10 01-13-2005, 03:33 PM

I have the Benz, homeowners, the boats, and an umbrella policy all under State Farm. I let USAA bid the package and they came in 300.00 higher per year. But SF doesn't "do" motorcycles, so the Harley is under Progressive.