Insurance - I want to change providers, can I?
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wakebdr
05-16-08, 08:40 AM
I am in the middle of a claim "dispute" with my current insurance provider. To make a long story short, because of the way they've treated us and handled this claim, we want to change insurance providers. Can we change before this is resolved? If we do, will it have any effect on the unresolved issue?
Whitenack
05-16-08, 08:46 AM
From a legal standpoint, it will not matter. If your policy was in force at the time of the claim, you will always be covered for that claim. No matter what happens to the policy after that time.
However, from a service standpoint, you may not get the same service from the agent if he knows he is no longer working to keep your business.
Also, since you have a claim on your record now, it may be difficult to move to another company.
However, from a service standpoint, you may not get the same service from the agent if he knows he is no longer working to keep your business.
Also, since you have a claim on your record now, it may be difficult to move to another company.
wakebdr
05-16-08, 08:52 AM
Also, since you have a claim on your record now, it may be difficult to move to another company.
It was a hail storm claim, and from what my agent told me, it doesn't affect rates because it is an act of God. I did shop around a few months back after the claim was already on my record and it didn't seem to make a difference. I was still able to get competitive rates.
And don't get me started on the whole "making claims makes your rates go up" issue. That infuriates me to no end.
It was a hail storm claim, and from what my agent told me, it doesn't affect rates because it is an act of God. I did shop around a few months back after the claim was already on my record and it didn't seem to make a difference. I was still able to get competitive rates.
And don't get me started on the whole "making claims makes your rates go up" issue. That infuriates me to no end.
marksr
05-16-08, 08:55 AM
My son was involved in an accident that was atleast partly his fault almost 10 yrs ago. At that time he had allstate insurance but has since changed to another company [7-8 yrs ago] but allstate's lawyers still represent him everytime it pops back up in court - about every 1.5 yrs.
As noted above, you don't have to remain with your present insurer......... but it might alter how they view your position.
As noted above, you don't have to remain with your present insurer......... but it might alter how they view your position.
Whitenack
05-16-08, 09:05 AM
It was a hail storm claim, and from what my agent told me, it doesn't affect rates because it is an act of God. I did shop around a few months back after the claim was already on my record and it didn't seem to make a difference. I was still able to get competitive rates.
And don't get me started on the whole "making claims makes your rates go up" issue. That infuriates me to no end.
Correct, since it was a hail claim, you probably won't be penalized. If you are able to move, and want to move, then there is no reason not to.
Unfortunately, the "making claims make your rates go up" is a basic tenant of insurance. Don't be infuriated, just understand that that is the way insurance works.
And don't get me started on the whole "making claims makes your rates go up" issue. That infuriates me to no end.
Correct, since it was a hail claim, you probably won't be penalized. If you are able to move, and want to move, then there is no reason not to.
Unfortunately, the "making claims make your rates go up" is a basic tenant of insurance. Don't be infuriated, just understand that that is the way insurance works.
wakebdr
05-16-08, 11:16 AM
However, from a service standpoint, you may not get the same service from the agent if he knows he is no longer working to keep your business.
That's what I'm afraid of.
Unfortunately, the "making claims make your rates go up" is a basic tenant of insurance. Don't be infuriated, just understand that that is the way insurance works.
I know it's the way it works and it will never change. It just bugs me that I pay for something that I never use. Then when I use it, they make me pay more because I actually used what I was paying for and not using in the first place.
That's what I'm afraid of.
Unfortunately, the "making claims make your rates go up" is a basic tenant of insurance. Don't be infuriated, just understand that that is the way insurance works.
I know it's the way it works and it will never change. It just bugs me that I pay for something that I never use. Then when I use it, they make me pay more because I actually used what I was paying for and not using in the first place.