Posted: 2/7/2005 4:16:40 PM EDT
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Hey everybody. I just bought my first house and I'm looking around for home insurance. Does anybody here use any of the online insurance companies like Geico? I'm in Iowa for reference. I have talked to some of the local guys and now I'm wondering about the online places. Thanks |
| I think there are "claims" that the home owner's insurance policies are causing the insurance companies grief because they have to pay something like $1.25 for every $1.00 that take in because of water damage and mold. So the days of cheap home owner's insurance are over. |
I don't know how that's a problem any more, there are strict stop-loss provisions in every homeowner's policy I've looked into over the past couple of years for mold/water damage. And since they now cancel your policy if you even make a phone call to the help line, everyone should have a fresh new (expensive) policy. Basically, it's like getting earthquake coverage on the San Andreas. Just doesn't happen anymore! Jim |
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Greywolf2112 is a member here and works for an agency that can help in 48 states I think. I just bought a house and the way it worked out, he really saved my butt. I called him for insurance but my mortgage broker said the lender endorsement wasn't right and hooked me up with his Farmers agent to get the loan through. Ends up, Farmers sends out this homeless looking inspector and cancels me for a shake roof that is near the end of its life. This would have totally screwed me except that we hadn't canceled (or paid) the Travelers policy that greywolf2112 wrote us. Paid up the Travelers, learned a lesson I won't forget about Farmers and guess who turned out to be the insurer of record anyway? +1 for Travelers and Greywolf2112. He represents many companies though. |
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I have Amica. A little known company that generally keeps to itself and doesn't advertise. I have never once had a problem with them - not to mention they offered mold coverage for a few bucks more a year. They are really reasonably priced. They aren't open 24 hours a day like some insurance companies, but are more than willing to help you. Amica |
What's wrong with Erie? That's who I have and my insurance is dirt cheap. I have two cars insured through them for $1000/year total and my home owner's through them for $250/year. Are they bad on claims or something? |
Why thank you, Arlis - glad we got that all worked out  P.S. - Star2323 - I do have a license to write in IA - IM me if you would like me to do a quote for ya. |
I just switched to Pekin. Its cheaper than Farmers. If your near Cedar Rapids Tapkin Insurance on Center Point Road can give you a quote. Shok |
You can't blame Farmers on this one. If your roof blows off, you're going to want a new one. They are not going to give you a new one for an old shake roof. Also the old shake roof is a fire hazzard. You are far better off to get canceled to start with than find out after all or part of the roof is gone that you are not going to get paid anywhere near what a new roof would cost. I would check the details on the coverage on the current policy. If you don't have a roof exclusion or of a clause saying they are only going to pay you the value of the old roof I would be surprised. I would really ask what the company is going to pay if all or part of your roof is damaged or destroyed. After you need a new roof is NOT the time to find this out. |
| I have Beacon One, and have had that company since I bought my house 13 years ago. This month, out of the blue, they send me a questionaire which in part asks how many guns I own, how they are stored, etc. Given that they have never had any claim filed by me, let alone a gun-involved claim, I find the choice of questions a bit odd.The questionaire also states that renewal of the policy is dependant on the return of the survey, and if any responses are later found to be false, the policy is void and no claims will be honored. So perhaps I should look into some of these other companies that seem to be more pro-gun that some of you have suggested. |
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The roof is shake applied over composition and we are contemplating its replacement, possibly in conjunction with a remodel-at a time of my choosing. I agree that it shouldn't be more of the insurance companies problem than its condition warrants. The part I won't abide is where they cause a problem with my mortgage or leave me hanging. Also, if they want to act as gatekeeper for getting a mortgage funded I will remember who helps. Another Travelers anecdote; reading a boating magazine tonight they were mentioned favorably in light of a much less regulated market where many insurance companies are able to limit their liability in sometimes slimy ways. |