Considering changing home insurance (Amica); two alternatives

[welloiledinvestor]

Hi,

Location: Michigan

I have been with Amica for a long time and ran several quotes with several companies.

I am thinking of splitting my auto and home insurance.

Currently, paying $1200/year with Amica.
AAA and Allstate have basically given me similar pricing, $900/year ($300 annual savings).
I provided my coverage so that both companies matched my current policy.

I am hoping anyone who has had the first hand with the alternative companies can give their experience.
I know you don't really know an insurance company until something goes wrong but I would appreciate it if you can share your experiences.

I have asked other companies, but they were usually way more expensive. I also ran the auto but seems like Amica is giving me a nice rate that nobody can match (at least for now).

[fabdog]

Make sure you get pricing that is un bundled from Amica... your nice auto rate may go up if you drop your homeowners with them

Mike

[welloiledinvestor]

Make sure you get pricing that is un bundled from Amica... your nice auto rate may go up if you drop your homeowners with them

Mike

Good point, Mike.
I actually asked Amica that. Looks like I am getting a $40/year discount that won't be dropped until the auto insurance renews.

[like2read]

We were long time Allstate customers until we switched to Erie insurance a few years back.

Allstate is fine. Solid company. Took good care of us with a couple of claims.

Like any insurance company though, beware the slow boiling of frogs, if you will, when it comes to regular yearly rate increases. After many years, we finally woke up, and realized that our rates were out of line with the market. Switched to Erie and saved a bundle. The bottom line as you'll read on many other insurance threads here, is you are likely best off shopping your insurance every few years to be sure the rate is still competitive.

[welloiledinvestor]

We were long time Allstate customers until we switched to Erie insurance a few years back.

Allstate is fine. Solid company. Took good care of us with a couple of claims.

Like any insurance company though, beware the slow boiling of frogs, if you will, when it comes to regular yearly rate increases. After many years, we finally woke up, and realized that our rates were out of line with the market. Switched to Erie and saved a bundle. The bottom line as you'll read on many other insurance threads here, is you are likely best off shopping your insurance every few years to be sure the rate is still competitive.

Well said. I have come to the same conclusion. Every few years I will run a quote to see where I stand. Thanks.

[Nuestroro]

Consumer Reports has homeowners insurance satisfaction ratings based on 6000 reader responses. Amica scored 94/100 and Allstate 82/100. No rating for AAA.

https://www.consumerreports.org/product ... 702/view2/

[samsoes]

Consumer Reports has homeowners insurance satisfaction ratings based on 6000 reader responses. Amica scored 94/100 and Allstate 82/100. No rating for AAA.

https://www.consumerreports.org/product ... 702/view2/

Paywall.

[Parkinglotracer]

Hi,

Location: Michigan

I have been with Amica for a long time and ran several quotes with several companies.

I am thinking of splitting my auto and home insurance.

Currently, paying $1200/year with Amica.
AAA and Allstate have basically given me similar pricing, $900/year ($300 annual savings).
I provided my coverage so that both companies matched my current policy.

I am hoping anyone who has had the first hand with the alternative companies can give their experience.
I know you don't really know an insurance company until something goes wrong but I would appreciate it if you can share your experiences.

I have asked other companies, but they were usually way more expensive. I also ran the auto but seems like Amica is giving me a nice rate that nobody can match (at least for now).

Consider USAA if you qualify.

[Nuestroro]

Consumer Reports has homeowners insurance satisfaction ratings based on 6000 reader responses. Amica scored 94/100 and Allstate 82/100. No rating for AAA.

https://www.consumerreports.org/product ... 702/view2/

Paywall.

Yup. Subscribe if you want to see the full ratings. Or go through your local library.

[GuyInFL]

Consumer Reports has homeowners insurance satisfaction ratings based on 6000 reader responses. Amica scored 94/100 and Allstate 82/100. No rating for AAA.

https://www.consumerreports.org/product ... 702/view2/

Paywall.

Yup. Subscribe if you want to see the full ratings. Or go through your local library.

Our library provides free electronic access to Consumer Reports.

[max b]

We switched to Erie from Amica for all coverage (home, auto, and umbrella) a few years ago when Amica would not drop our auto rates even though kids were no longer driving our cars, except when visiting. Amica had excellent service but we are happy with Erie. During year one with Erie an inspector came by and we were asked to trim some dead tree limbs/branches over our garage, which was reasonable. And after a big storm, they paid a $14k claim for hail damage to our roof without any hassles— we just needed to submit all the documentation.

[ChicagoBear7]

As with all insurance comparisions, you need to be very careful and make sure you are comparing "apples to apples"!

It's easy enough to compare the limits of Coverage A, B etc. However, you need to ask the agents how deep did they compare? Are they just comparing declarations or policy documents? Between the various companies you need to know things such as: Is the coverage "Named Peril" or "All Risk" for structure? What about for contents? How much Ordinance & Law coverage is included? Do you have "Extended Replacement Cost"? If so, how "Extended" is your Extended Replacement Cost? 125%, 150%, unlimited? How much water/sewer backup coverage is provided? Is roof coverage Actual Cash Value or Replacement Cost? The answers to these questions may or may not be on the declaration.

While people may chime in on this thread about their experiences, the answers to these questions can vary by state and subsidiary company issuing the policy for a large insurer. If you ever have a claim, the answers to these and many other such detailed questions can make a huge difference in the amount of the settlement. Unfortunately, the answers to these types of questions are not contained in the glossy brochures and funky ads your typical insurance company has. You need to ask your agent(s) about these coverages. At least if you have an independent agent, they would know the answers for all the companies they quote. If you are dealing with captive agents or an 800 number company, that agent will only have the answer for their company.

[Jack FFR1846]

The cool thing with using an Independent Agent, they can shop around and get the best rate from many companies. On top of that, add in your umbrella coverage. What I've found with my agent is that so long as they're writing all of the insurance policies, they don't have to be with the same company. If you're with a captive umbrella company, they're going to want all with them so they know that the lower policies (car, boat, homeowner, etc) all are appropriate with the proper coverages. An independent agent can make sure that all coverages are appropriate, so you don't have to be with the same company for everything.

I'm with a different umbrella company because I used to instruct race car drivers on the racetrack. Most umbrella companies wanted nothing to do with me. The one who took me asked for the organizations insurance policies, which I provided. All 3 covered me for $1M to $3M and all organizations required everyone at the track to sign a hold harmless agreement. Without my agent, I never would have found this company. The cost increase was negligible (like $6 a year more). They specifically understood that my track car was uninsured, not registered and not able to be street registered.

[enad]

Hi,

Location: Michigan

I have been with Amica for a long time and ran several quotes with several companies.

I am thinking of splitting my auto and home insurance.

Currently, paying $1200/year with Amica.
AAA and Allstate have basically given me similar pricing, $900/year ($300 annual savings).
I provided my coverage so that both companies matched my current policy.

I am hoping anyone who has had the first hand with the alternative companies can give their experience.
I know you don't really know an insurance company until something goes wrong but I would appreciate it if you can share your experiences.

I have asked other companies, but they were usually way more expensive. I also ran the auto but seems like Amica is giving me a nice rate that nobody can match (at least for now).

I was with Amica for homeowners for a long time. One day they sent a letter informing me that my rates would nearly triple since they realized that the nearest fire-station (less than 2 miles from the house) was in another fire jurisdiction. We have 3 different fire departments in our area and they have internal agreements to cover areas outside of their jurisdiction but that wasn't enough for Amica.

I had been with State farm for auto for the longest time and got quotes from them for the homeowners insurance. Yes they were more expensive than Amica's original rate but much less expensive than Amica's proposed rate hike. The agent mentioned not only would I get the existing multi-car discount, but also multi line and if I added an Umbrella policy the rates for the home and auto's would be less. On balance, I couldn't be more happier.

Check with each insurer to give you a combined discount (home, car(s)), and see if an Umbrella policy makes senses. You'll pay extra for the umbrella but often less for the home and auto policies

[rooms222]

Erie does not write in Michigan. https://www.erieinsurance.com/auto-insu ... e-by-state

Most likely because of our no-fault system. Good companies that you will find at an independent insurance agent in Michigan include Auto-Owners, Citizens, and Frankenmuth Mutual. Also, you may want to check with Farm Bureau of Michigan.

[DIFAR31]

Hi,

Location: Michigan

I have been with Amica for a long time and ran several quotes with several companies.

I am thinking of splitting my auto and home insurance.

Currently, paying $1200/year with Amica.
AAA and Allstate have basically given me similar pricing, $900/year ($300 annual savings).
I provided my coverage so that both companies matched my current policy.

I am hoping anyone who has had the first hand with the alternative companies can give their experience.
I know you don't really know an insurance company until something goes wrong but I would appreciate it if you can share your experiences.

I have asked other companies, but they were usually way more expensive. I also ran the auto but seems like Amica is giving me a nice rate that nobody can match (at least for now).

Consider USAA if you qualify.

After 30+ years with USAA, I just switched to Amica. USAA was very competitive with price and had outstanding customer service when I started with them (insuring a 1987 F-150 straight out of officer candidate school), but their downhill slide over the past 5 or so years has been dramatic, especially in the customer service area. They are absolutely terrible now. I admit, being treated with respect as a responsible military officer was nice, but all of that is gone now. The customer service I have experienced from Amica over the past few months has been like a breath of fresh air, and the premiums for similar coverage are a bit lower than I was seeing with USAA. I switched two homes, three vehicles and scheduled valuable personal property.

[Parkinglotracer]

I have been with usaa on and off since 1981 … no one has been able to touch their homeowners quotes - I have used other companies car insurance when usaa was a lot higher. Haven’t had a claim in long time so haven’t used any customer service. I’ll check out amica thanks.

[DIFAR31]

I have been with usaa on and off since 1981 … no one has been able to touch their homeowners quotes - I have used other companies car insurance when usaa was a lot higher. Haven’t had a claim in long time so haven’t used any customer service. I’ll check out amica thanks.

My terrible USAA customer service experiences over the past five or so years have not had anything to do with claims (there haven't been any in that time frame); it's had to do with normal everyday things like making simple changes to a policy or asking a question that shouldn't be hard to answer. You know, stuff that a company with its act together should be able to easily handle. USAA was/is having trouble with the basics. I know I'm only one data point, but I've had 35 years to watch the trend.

[sc9182]

I have been with usaa on and off since 1981 … no one has been able to touch their homeowners quotes - I have used other companies car insurance when usaa was a lot higher. Haven’t had a claim in long time so haven’t used any customer service. I’ll check out amica thanks.

My terrible USAA customer service experiences over the past five or so years have not had anything to do with claims (there haven't been any in that time frame); it's had to do with normal everyday things like making simple changes to a policy or asking a question that shouldn't be hard to answer. You know, stuff that a company with its act together should be able to easily handle. USAA was/is having trouble with the basics. I know I'm only one data point, but I've had 35 years to watch the trend.

Similar experience here as well, so we also switched to Amica, been with Amica for 7-8 years. Wonder how Amica trains/keep good/knowledgeable reps for support/claims - nice !!

But over last 3-5 years even Amica gotten a bit expensive — so, shopped with an independent broker (good one, it appears) - who shopped different/local insurance companies - and got good set of policies for decent pricing (cheaper than Amica, and USAA).

Like one poster said earlier - frogs in boiling water, analogy — most insurance Cos gotten into playing this “premium high-increases@ game. Our choice is to shop-around.

Definitely carry good coverage/Co., try decent savings by shopping around when hit with unreasonable/high premium increases.

[Parkinglotracer]

I have been with usaa on and off since 1981 … no one has been able to touch their homeowners quotes - I have used other companies car insurance when usaa was a lot higher. Haven’t had a claim in long time so haven’t used any customer service. I’ll check out amica thanks.

My terrible USAA customer service experiences over the past five or so years have not had anything to do with claims (there haven't been any in that time frame); it's had to do with normal everyday things like making simple changes to a policy or asking a question that shouldn't be hard to answer. You know, stuff that a company with its act together should be able to easily handle. USAA was/is having trouble with the basics. I know I'm only one data point, but I've had 35 years to watch the trend.

Similar experience here as well, so we also switched to Amica, been with Amica for 7-8 years. Wonder how Amica trains/keep good/knowledgeable reps for support/claims - nice !!

But over last 3-5 years even Amica gotten a bit expensive — so, shopped with an independent broker (good one, it appears) - who shopped different/local insurance companies - and got good set of policies for decent pricing (cheaper than Amica, and USAA).

Like one poster said earlier - frogs in boiling water, analogy — most insurance Cos gotten into playing this “premium high-increases@ game. Our choice is to shop-around.

Definitely carry good coverage/Co., try decent savings by shopping around when hit with unreasonable/high premium increases.

Definitely pays to shop around - I need to find a good independent agent. We have a place in Florida too - now that is a homeowners insurance chocolate mess.

[welloiledinvestor]

As with all insurance comparisions, you need to be very careful and make sure you are comparing "apples to apples"!

It's easy enough to compare the limits of Coverage A, B etc. However, you need to ask the agents how deep did they compare? Are they just comparing declarations or policy documents? Between the various companies you need to know things such as: Is the coverage "Named Peril" or "All Risk" for structure? What about for contents? How much Ordinance & Law coverage is included? Do you have "Extended Replacement Cost"? If so, how "Extended" is your Extended Replacement Cost? 125%, 150%, unlimited? How much water/sewer backup coverage is provided? Is roof coverage Actual Cash Value or Replacement Cost? The answers to these questions may or may not be on the declaration.

While people may chime in on this thread about their experiences, the answers to these questions can vary by state and subsidiary company issuing the policy for a large insurer. If you ever have a claim, the answers to these and many other such detailed questions can make a huge difference in the amount of the settlement. Unfortunately, the answers to these types of questions are not contained in the glossy brochures and funky ads your typical insurance company has. You need to ask your agent(s) about these coverages. At least if you have an independent agent, they would know the answers for all the companies they quote. If you are dealing with captive agents or an 800 number company, that agent will only have the answer for their company.

You bring up a good point. All I had access to was the summary of coverage that I provided the new agent, but I need to make a list of questions to ask the agent before switching.

[welloiledinvestor]

The cool thing with using an Independent Agent, they can shop around and get the best rate from many companies. On top of that, add in your umbrella coverage. What I've found with my agent is that so long as they're writing all of the insurance policies, they don't have to be with the same company. If you're with a captive umbrella company, they're going to want all with them so they know that the lower policies (car, boat, homeowner, etc) all are appropriate with the proper coverages. An independent agent can make sure that all coverages are appropriate, so you don't have to be with the same company for everything.

I'm with a different umbrella company because I used to instruct race car drivers on the racetrack. Most umbrella companies wanted nothing to do with me. The one who took me asked for the organizations insurance policies, which I provided. All 3 covered me for $1M to $3M and all organizations required everyone at the track to sign a hold harmless agreement. Without my agent, I never would have found this company. The cost increase was negligible (like $6 a year more). They specifically understood that my track car was uninsured, not registered and not able to be street registered.

Was it a particular site that you used to find an independent agent?

[welloiledinvestor]

Erie does not write in Michigan. https://www.erieinsurance.com/auto-insu ... e-by-state

Most likely because of our no-fault system. Good companies that you will find at an independent insurance agent in Michigan include Auto-Owners, Citizens, and Frankenmuth Mutual. Also, you may want to check with Farm Bureau of Michigan.

Thanks. I will check them out as I am not in a hurry.

[welloiledinvestor]

After 30+ years with USAA, I just switched to Amica. USAA was very competitive with price and had outstanding customer service when I started with them (insuring a 1987 F-150 straight out of officer candidate school), but their downhill slide over the past 5 or so years has been dramatic, especially in the customer service area. They are absolutely terrible now. I admit, being treated with respect as a responsible military officer was nice, but all of that is gone now. The customer service I have experienced from Amica over the past few months has been like a breath of fresh air, and the premiums for similar coverage are a bit lower than I was seeing with USAA. I switched two homes, three vehicles and scheduled valuable personal property.

I have to agree with you on Amica's customer service. Been with them 10+ years and their customer service has not dropped a notch.

[FellsGuy]

I've been with Amica for 35+ years so a bit biased and I'm in the insurance business but on the reinsurance side. When insurance people talk they usually mention three names, Amica, Chubb and USAA and there is a reason for that. If you file frivolous claims, have a lot of moving violations, attract a lot of lawsuits, have troubled teen drivers etc etc you probably have no choice but all the ones you see typically on TV. You buy insurance for a claim payment for something you cannot afford to self insure and when that happens you want broad coverage and a full payment quickly not a cheap policy. Grinding over a few hundred bucks with millions at stake doesn't make sense to me but to some its $250 invested methodically into an S&P 500 fund equaling another $'s in the Vanguard Money Market fund and if you're never going to have a loss its a flawless strategy. I've been through losses with Amica and they have really performed above and beyond and really stretched to include extras that may have been debatable, and I can say the same for Chubb and second hand USAA.

[welloiledinvestor]

Thanks FellsGuy for the perspective. I appreciate it. I thought about it and decided to stay with Amica for now.

[beyou]

I just left Allstate after many years.
The service declined while they raised prices.

Recently wanted to make a simple change,
could not reach anybody. Agent busy not returning calls nor e-mails, so I tried corporate customer service many times and nobody answered. Tried chat on website and it was not useful at all. Absolutely terrible service, and after a month of trying still could not get my policy change done, so I stopped trying, and switched. Awful service.
Stay away from Allstate.

[valleyrock]

Amica user for decades. Homeowners policy with them goes up because they estimate true replacement value, and labor and materials keep going up. I'm considering raising the deductible to $10k. What the hey.

I like the fact Amica rarely advertises. That's expensive.

[dagsboro]

Quality is remembered long after price is forgotten. If you ever need your insurance to come through for you, you will likely be glad you didn't pick the cheapest stuff out there. I don't pay any attention to gimmicks in TV advertising but I do search diligently for what many other insurance customers have said have been their actual experiences Using their brand of insurance coverage.

[stormswami]

A big +1 for Amica. They're definitely on the expensive side but they have come through solidly when we had storm damage to multiple properties from the same storm. The repair process has really drug out (1.5+ years) due to supply chain issues and then contractor flakiness, but Amica has applied minimal pressure to me and has remained very open to contractor supplements and third-party appraisals/estimates.

[investit]

Just wanted to chime in and say that I've been dealing with a claim with USAA for the last 4 month and it's been a complete nightmare. The adjuster is a subcontractor called "All Cat." Happy to provide more details but it's due to some roof damage caused by the storms in Southern California. They have provided endless contradictory statements and information and there is little to know coordination between the two. Most maddening is that close to 4 mos after making a simple claim, they still have not responded to the claim. I wish there was some recourse short of suing them. If anyone knows anything I can do, let me know.

Long story short, I'd avoid USAA at all costs

[welloiledinvestor]

Just wanted to chime in and say that I've been dealing with a claim with USAA for the last 4 month and it's been a complete nightmare. The adjuster is a subcontractor called "All Cat." Happy to provide more details but it's due to some roof damage caused by the storms in Southern California. They have provided endless contradictory statements and information and there is little to know coordination between the two. Most maddening is that close to 4 mos after making a simple claim, they still have not responded to the claim. I wish there was some recourse short of suing them. If anyone knows anything I can do, let me know.

Long story short, I'd avoid USAA at all costs

Thanks for sharing your experience. Hope you find a resolution soon for your claim.

[chemocean]

Consumer Reports has homeowners insurance satisfaction ratings based on 6000 reader responses. Amica scored 94/100 and Allstate 82/100. No rating for AAA.

https://www.consumerreports.org/product ... 702/view2/

Paywall.

Try accessing through your local library

[samsoes]

Consumer Reports has homeowners insurance satisfaction ratings based on 6000 reader responses. Amica scored 94/100 and Allstate 82/100. No rating for AAA.

https://www.consumerreports.org/product ... 702/view2/

Paywall.

Try accessing through your local library

Are local libraries still a thing?

[tj]

Consumer Reports has homeowners insurance satisfaction ratings based on 6000 reader responses. Amica scored 94/100 and Allstate 82/100. No rating for AAA.

https://www.consumerreports.org/product ... 702/view2/

Paywall.

Try accessing through your local library

Are local libraries still a thing?

Is that a joke? Has any major city closed their libraries?

[pizzy]

Consumer Reports has homeowners insurance satisfaction ratings based on 6000 reader responses. Amica scored 94/100 and Allstate 82/100. No rating for AAA.

https://www.consumerreports.org/product ... 702/view2/

Paywall.

Try accessing through your local library

Are local libraries still a thing?

I bring my daughter for 1-2 hours every weekend.

[InMyDreams]

Consumer Reports has homeowners insurance satisfaction ratings based on 6000 reader responses. Amica scored 94/100 and Allstate 82/100. No rating for AAA.

https://www.consumerreports.org/product ... 702/view2/

Paywall.

Try accessing through your local library

Are local libraries still a thing?

I bring my daughter for 1-2 hours every weekend.

Not only that - I can access CR from my library's online database link.

[pizzy]

Paywall.

Try accessing through your local library

Are local libraries still a thing?

I bring my daughter for 1-2 hours every weekend.

Not only that - I can access CR from my library's online database link.

That’s one thing I need to explore, their web portal to see what is available.

[FinanceGeek]

Are local libraries still a thing?

Is that a joke? Has any major city closed their libraries?

They've turned into daytime homeless shelters, where I live. Some facilities have been closed to clean up meth contamination.

They are only useful to me via Kindle, and I like Canopy.

[samsoes]

Consumer Reports has homeowners insurance satisfaction ratings based on 6000 reader responses. Amica scored 94/100 and Allstate 82/100. No rating for AAA.

https://www.consumerreports.org/product ... 702/view2/

Paywall.

Try accessing through your local library

Are local libraries still a thing?

Is that a joke? Has any major city closed their libraries?

No idea about major cities, but I can't imagine a school-age kid these days actually doing research in a library with the internets available. I don't think they would know how, even high schoolers.

[like2read]

Paywall.

Try accessing through your local library

Are local libraries still a thing?

Is that a joke? Has any major city closed their libraries?

No idea about major cities, but I can't imagine a school-age kid these days actually doing research in a library with the internets available. I don't think they would know how, even high schoolers.

Libraries are popular where we live. I am usually at our local library at least twice a week. And I would estimate that about a quarter to a third of the people I see there are parents/grandparents with young kids. Though to your point there are not many school age kids. On occasion, I do visit the library of a large university in our area and that is always quite busy with students.

In addition, I regularly remotely access from our local library:

- Morningstar
- Consumer Reports
- The online reservation system to place holds/wait-lists on books I am interested in
- Browse and download books to my Libby App on my iPad
- Also did a bunch of geneolgy research, remotely, using geneolgy databases made available by our library

[ClevrChico]

My Amica homeowners insurance went up 90% for the next policy year. But, I think that's probably fair and expected. (My house value has risen along with construction inflation and weather events.)

I did shop around, careful to compare similar coverage, and only GEICO came close. I've done this exercise a few times, and I end up sticking with Amica. I'm in a low risk area, so I'm sure YMMV.

[Andymoler58]

Amica is good, Allstate not so much

I am an adjuster and see these CO’s on a daily basis

[ClevrChico]

Amica is good, Allstate not so much

I am an adjuster and see these CO’s on a daily basis

I'm glad I made a good choice, then. Thanks!

[beyou]

Amica is good, Allstate not so much

I am an adjuster and see these CO’s on a daily basis

Allstate really went downhill recently.
Avoid at all costs.
Left them after being a loyal customer for decades.
Now they are not responsive, useless.