The advertisement sounded so tempting. All you had to do is be a member of Allstate Auto Insurance, and you will have accident forgiveness and if you don’t have an accident, you will regain 5% off your next six month premium. Wow, I had unbiased switched to Allstate and now they were advertising something that I could actually use – a discount for being a safe driver. I’m actually looking forward to my six month’s anniversary so I can see a reduction in rates.
Hmm…well, I finally received the paperwork on the new idea, the advertising campaign that is supposed to make Allstate better than all the other Auto Insurance companies! Turns out in order to get the accident forgiveness part “Gold Protection Program” they charge you an additional $50 per 6 months, and if you do cause an accident, after joining they will deduct $100 off your deductable – After 4 years, you won’t have a deductable! You probably won’t have the same car either. Oh, and you’ll be out about $500 extra…so you do actually pay for the deductable, just before you have the accident.
The other program is called the Platinum Protection Program. With this one, you get the same above benefits, plus receive a Safe Driving Bonus of 5% off your next renewal premium….sounds good? The catch is that your premium increases by $100 or more (depending on your contract). Sound to me that the only one who benefits is Allstate – at least for the first few years. They charge me $100 extra for the new program, and then at the next premium, charge me $50 extra. (reducing it by 5% or so…actually the stunning print says “Up to 5%), so you may not actually receive the whole discount.
Assuming that my driving remains the same, no accidents, I acquire to be charged an additional $50 a month to possibly reduce a deductable that I may not ever need.
So the next time you see a commercial with the man with the assuring voice telling you how great Allstate is and how mighty money you’ll place with their unique “Your Choice Auto Insurance’ – read between the lines. The insurance companies are really only out for themselves, it is an illusion that they are there for you.
Filed under Cheap Automobile Insurance by on Feb 24th, 2011. Comment. 
Tornado season is once again upon us. If you have been hit by the recent storms, do you know what to expect from your insurance company? Many people don’t know what is covered and what is not. You as the insured have responsibilities as well. Here are some helpful tips to know before talking to your insurance company.
Tornado claim tip #1
Save all receipts. Most people know that motel rooms are covered claims if you can’t stay at home. Did you know that food and any necessities you need to seize might be covered as well? Insurance companies will require a receipt for any claims. It is always important to save any receipts, no matter how small. The item must be within reason, so don’t run out and buy a mink coat and quiz to be reimbursed.
Tornado claim tip #2
You have a responsibility to try to protect what is insured from further harm. An example of this would be if you have a broken window you need to cover it to maintain rain or animals from getting in and causing further distress. You must try to do what you can to protect the property. Never put yourself in harms way! If going back into the area could be risky, don’t do it.
Tornado claim tip #3
If your car was damaged and you have comprehensive coverage with car rental, call your insurance company legal away. Most claims departments have someone available 24 hours a day. They can usually schedule a rental car for you immediately. You don’t want to wait until the next day to find that there are no rental cars left.
Tornado claim tip #4
If you have not made a video of your household belongings close your eyes and picture each room. Start a list for each room of the house and ask all of your family members to write down any items they can remember. Withhold adding to the list as items come to mind. Ask friends and family members to go through pictures that you have sent them that might show section of the house. The background of these pictures might demonstrate items you forgot. Don’t forget things like linens, pictures, lamps etc. They might be small dollar amounts but they all add up.
Tornado claim tip #5
When you are making your claim, don’t forget any food spoiled in your refrigerator or freezer. Most insurance companies will cover food spoilage up to a site amount, usually $300 to $500. Some will let you claim that amount per appliance, so if you have another freezer you can get double the limit.
Tornado claim tip #6
Insurance companies will triage the disaster and go to the houses with the most damage first. When you call in the initial claim, don’t gloss over damage. Give as much detail as possible. If there is a large hole in your roof, tell them. Insurance companies need to know so they can work on getting that fixed first before any further wound happens to your property. If your house has does not have as distinguished damage as others, be patient. It might take a while for the insurance company to go to your house. It doesn’t mean they are taking your claim any less seriously than your neighbors.
During disasters many insurance companies will send a team of claims agents to stay until all their properties have been seen. It may mean weeks or even months away from their families. They are doing the best the can and will appreciate your patience.
Tornadoes leave a trail of devastation in their wake. Rebuilding after a tornado is expensive. These tips should aid you get money owed to you from your insurance company so you can launch rebuilding your life.
Rissa is a licensed insurance agent. This article gives advice but is not absolute. Insurance policies can vary so be sure to talk to your insurance agent.
Filed under Cheap Automobile Insurance by on Dec 15th, 2010. Comment.
