We have USAA for both auto and home insurance. They have been fantastic. We've had to make claims for both auto and home and their service was quick and easy. During the "derecho" storm, we had a lot of damage due to a tree hitting the house as well as loss of power. They immediately deposited money into our account to cover the loss of food in our freezer (we didn't even ask them to, but when dh was going over the claim for the tree damage, they asked if we lost power too and said they'd cover the loss of food also). Our car insurance is incredibly reasonable - it did go up very slightly once but only after the SECOND fender bender dh had in less than a year. The increase was barely noticeable. In addition, we get a dividend check back from them at the end of the year. This year it was over $200 though it's usually around $125. $200 is about what we'd pay for two months' of premiums (on house and car together) so that was a nice surprise.

I'm sure this insurance company practice has been common -- but generally unknown to the public. I was surprised to get a notice in our auto insurance bill INFORMING me that State Farm does consider your credit rating when setting your rates. They stated that my DH's report was closed to inquiry, so they had used mine! Years ago we applied for a store CC to save 10% on a large purchase. When the clerk ran my DH's soc. sec. number our report was incorrect, listing another name and another address! We contacted one of the reporting agencies to rectify it. (Partial success.) It was then that we decided it would be prudent to freeze. I think we have 'unfrozen' on only two occasions since then -- simple to 'open' the record at one reporting agency for X hours and to only X company. We seldom require credit -- not opening new accounts for CC's or establishing utility service, etc. However, I had not thought about hiding our *good* credit causing us trouble. Now it's State Farm...what else? The credit reports are so rife with errors -- that the report keepers refuse to correct -- that I wonder how *credible* they can be!

I'm with State Farm. We get some breaks for having multiple thnigs insured by them: 3 cars, home, personal property, and an umbrella policy. I believe that if I shopped around I could find a little lower rate for some of these items, but at the expense of not having a local office and having to deal with 3rd party people in case of claims. We've dealt with our local insurance office for a number of years and have built a relationship with them. The agency recently passed from mother to son. Yes. it may be a little more expensive, but when you need to file a claim, it is very good to have help and guidance. Over a year ago, a driver ran a stop sign and t-boned my SUV. He hit it hard enough to roll it over. After the accident, everything went smoothly for me as my agent went after the other driver and his insurance. The settlement was fair, but before arbitration was settled with the opposing insurance, my insurance covered the cost right away. The arbitration process with the other company dragged out for a year. Over a lifetime of driving, I have had a couple of fender bender claims against a parties that had low cost, out of state insurance by mail, and that was a pain. For example, they wanted me to take time off my job to look up their independent claim adjuster, chase around and schedule meeting places. I felt that I could not take the time away from a critical project i was working on. After a few phone calls, I finally told them I will tell you where the car is parked and your guy can see it any time by contacting me. I am no longer going to do your job!. The claim adjuster came to my company's parking lot and examined the car. This one sample of what one might face with a fly-by-night operation. I had to become resistant else I would have been running all over town getting 3 estimates on my time. The fender did get repaired by a guy working out of his private garage at his residence and the paint job was less than spectacular, but acceptable for an every day driver. While it was being repaired, I had to use my other car - A loaner was not offered. Maybe a loaner was available, but again, one had to agitate to get it. In this case, it was not worth the hassle, but it led me to think about what it would have been like if that had been a major event with personal injury. Yes, standard insurance through a company's insurance agent and office may cost more, but in my opinion, the service provided by a local professional agent is worth it.

We declined the tracker, so don’t have one. “How do they KNOW this?” My guess is that the insurance company (All State) sent the same email to everyone who they cover. We are not THAT special. It’s not a huge amount that will hurt their bottom line, but it’s a nice consideration on their part. Good business move IMHO. Arcy, many companies DO help those in need. Why do you think they don’t? In your posts you seem to have a lot of negativity in your life. I hope that you can find some happiness soon.