GEICO versus Allstate

I had the staff all shop GEICO to get the GEICO EXPERIENCE. Some of the observations are:

1) While all times they asked if we knew liability limits, they did not ask about any other coverage.
2) They attempted to close three times on the average and one Rep became annoyed when he couldn't close my wife.
3) The quote was given as a 6 MONTH PAID-IN-FULL PRICE without ANY discussion of what coverage was being quoted.
4) No Motor Vehicle Reports or SS numbers were given so we were told this was the ABSOLUTE best rate.
5) When we received the email follow up it included a link to the quote which was for MANDATORY PIP, $500 deductible for Comprehensive and Collision. The Uninsured did match the liability limits.

While it is easy to find fault with a company we have all been with for years the bottom line is that GEICO versus Allstate was $379.30 versus $386.10, respectively, WITHOUT A MULTI-POLICY DISCOUNT ON THE ALLSTATE. Other staff quotes actually had BETTER rates than GEICO.

Flood Insurance

Damage to your home from flooding is not covered under homeowners policies.Flood Insurance is through the NFIP and sold through companies like Allstate as a separate policy. Depending on where your property is located as to the zone (zone A is expensive whereas zone c or x would not be)will determine the premium. We handle Flood Insurance at my agency.

When do I need Boat Insurance?

When the craft exceeds $1000 value under a homeowners policy you should obtain boat insurance. Liability coverage under a homeowners covers the boat UNLESS: 1) it has inboard or inboard-outboard exceeding 50 hp; 2) it is a sailing craft 26 feet or longer; 3) powered by one or more outboard motors with more than 25hp; it is an airboat or derivative; or 4)jet-propulsion type (jet ski).

Are temporary Canadian ID cards for auto necessary?

After investigation and consultation with the Allstate Canada legal department, it has been determined that the temporary insurance ID card is not necessary. As all Provinces within Canada accept the U.S. Allstate Insurance ID card as sufficient evidence of liability, a temporary insurance ID card is not required.

What is Identity Theft Coverage?

This optional endorsement provides reimbursement for covered expenses
incurred in reporting and addressing identity theft for insured and spouse.
Occupant information must be completed for insured and if applicable, the
spouse. In addition to expense reimbursement, at the sole discretion of
Allstate and for no additional charge, Allstate may decide to refer you to
the services of a firm that can assist you in reporting and addressing
identity theft.

The aggregate coverage limit is $25,000.

What is the optional Building Code coverage under Landlord Package

This optional coverage will pay for increased costs due to the enforcement
of any building codes, ordinances or laws regulating the construction,
reconstruction, maintenance, repair or demolition of the dwelling. The policy
will pay up to a maximum of 10% of the Dwelling Protection Limit.

What is an EGR Factor?

When a new automobile model comes out it has no "history" as to crash-worthiness, likelihood of being stolen, or the likelihood of occupants' injuries exceeding the norm. As the vehicle develops a history within the insurance industry that results in a factor. Let's say that 1.00 is the norm and the 2008 Anycar is experiencing a 5% larger occurrence in occupant injuries and a 5% higher level of damage when compared to similar vehicles. You may the see an EGR Factor adjustment to Bodily Injury, Personal Injury and other coverage and an adjustment to the physical damage coverage (collision). You could experience a 5% rate increase while keeping the exact same vehicle. Good to know.