Insurance rate increase a big one!

[Redetotry]

Does anyone else have insurance with the Hartford through AARP? I just received the bill for our cars and it has increased $330.00 from last year We haven't turned in any claims, cars are a year older...so I called and was told their were several states who had a high number of accidents and for them to pay out all the claims,they had to raise every ones rates. I of course told them I would be shopping for other insurance she said to watch for companies who would only insure you for six months at a time. I can understand a small increase maybe but good grief, $330.00!

[mitch5252]

Does anyone else have insurance with the Hartford through AARP? I just received the bill for our cars and it has increased $330.00 from last year We haven't turned in any claims, cars are a year older...so I called and was told their were several states who had a high number of accidents and for them to pay out all the claims,they had to raise every ones rates. I of course told them I would be shopping for other insurance she said to watch for companies who would only insure you for six months at a time. I can understand a small increase maybe but good grief, $330.00!

We had Hartford through AARP back in Illinois several years ago. Kept raising and raising our rates...so, we dropped them. No claims for us, either.
Time to start shopping!!

[sharon]

Mine thru the same company actually went down 20$ for the truck and jeep. Progressive for the rv went up 100.

[Bethers]

When I had Hartford, my rates went down 2 years in a row - up the last, but was still less than the first. Changed companies because Hartford was more expensive for me when I changed to SD residency - and I like who I went with for the rv better.

Sometimes you just have to shop - but sometimes, you won't do better - you'll need to find out as you shop. One thing I learned shopping - is some of them would give me what looked like better rates- but they were NOT quoting the deductibles I told them. By quoting higher deductibles. they could look cheaper. They are getting sneakier - so make sure you compare apples to apples, so to speak.

Good luck.

[AlmostThere]

Mine went down about $60 for the car (AARP AKA The Hartford).
With Progressive with my RV it went up and the funny part was the bill included a letter stating that each year I don't have a claim it would go down and I had no claims!

[retiredhappy]

My suggestion is to find an independent agent who deals with a number of agencies. Mine shops around about every two years to make sure I'm getting a good rate and NEVER, NEVER get a 6 month policy cause they can raise you every six months.

[mitch5252]

My suggestion is to find an independent agent who deals with a number of agencies. Mine shops around about every two years to make sure I'm getting a good rate and NEVER, NEVER get a 6 month policy cause they can raise you every six months.

That's just what we do - independent agent who deals with lots of insurance companies...

..

[Bethers]

I used to do that, Karen. It can work - and not work. They only work with certain companies - not all of them. I learned that when I asked why they hadn't checked certain other companies. We used to have an agent who got us great coverage. With a great company. When he quit carrying that company - wanted us to change. Didn't explain why - and our rates would go up. We stayed wtih the company and dropped our agent. So I like the idea, but you have to shop your agent, and keep him/her honest as well. I do my own shopping now. So easy with the internet.

[Redetotry]

Thanks for all the input, I did call and independent agent today. Haven't got a quote yet though.
Beth what site do you use to search online for the best rate?
I guess for those whose rates went down with Hartford live in states with fewer or lower claims. They said it was only some states that the rates went up, guess I just got lucky,

[cat]

I have my insurance with Hartford/AARP, but my insurance isn't due until Feb. Thanks for the warning about the increase, I suspect mine will go up living in NV. Unfortunately, NV has higher rates, but so far no other company can come close to Hartford. Other companies always give me a 6-mo quote. I had Progressive until the rate went up then went to Hartford.

One salesman told me that because of Hartford/AARP's pool of insurers (older folks) rates are cheaper than other companies who have teenagers in their pool.

[Bethers]

There's lots of sites - I got to esurance.com.

Just for fun today I checked several rates for a car. Progressive gave me the best - but only a 6 month policy - to me that's a lure in to catch you - then raise the rates rediculously. The best I got? Was Hartford through AARP.

When you call an independent agent- make sure it's one that deals with MANY companies, not an independent agent for ONE company. Unless you want that specific company.

[JanetA]

I just gotta say,, I'm w/ State Farm and my mom was with Farm Bureau,, but changed to Hoheim and got a much better rate w/ house/ and car. I have been w/ SF for years,, probably about 12 or more and it's always been a 6 mo. policy, and it's never gone up,, only down. I asked about that and was told that they always do 6 mos at a time. I didn't quibble. I have found that it pays to shop around, tho'.

Good luck!

[Pooker]

I've never been able to get a quote for anything other than 6 months! Perhaps it's a California requirement? We lost some insurance companies that pulled out of CA a few years back and the ones that remain can be pretty hard nosed. My premiums doubled for five years after I had a claim. I got mad and got a bunch of quotes from other companies but they were even higher! I have Good Sam (GMAC).

Pooker