Did you find the smaller Delaware insurer had decent online tools or an app? I've considered switching to a local company before, but I'm always worried about convenience—like being able to quickly pull up my insurance card or file a claim on the go. Also, curious if anyone's noticed whether bundling home and auto with these smaller insurers actually saves money, or is it mostly hype?
I've actually had better luck with smaller insurers when it comes to bundling home and auto. A few years back, I switched from one of the big national companies to a local Delaware insurer, and the savings were noticeable—not huge, but definitely worth it. Couple quick thoughts from my experience:
- Online tools/apps: Honestly, smaller companies might not have the slickest apps compared to the big guys. Mine has an app that's decent enough for pulling up insurance cards quickly, but filing claims is still easier by phone or through their website directly. Not a deal-breaker for me, but something to keep in mind if you're really into convenience.
- Bundling: This is where smaller insurers seem to shine. I've consistently saved money bundling home and auto locally compared to what I was quoted by bigger companies. It's not just hype, at least in my experience.
Overall, don't get too hung up on the app thing—if you rarely file claims (hopefully!), it's probably less important than you think. The personal service and savings might outweigh that minor inconvenience.
"Overall, don't get too hung up on the app thing—if you rarely file claims (hopefully!), it's probably less important than you think."
Totally agree with this. In my experience, smaller insurers in Delaware often make up for their tech limitations with personalized customer service. One quick tip I'd add: ask about discounts for things like defensive driving courses or low mileage. Those can stack nicely with bundling savings and are often overlooked... could be an easy win on your premium.
Good point about the smaller insurers. I've had mixed luck with them—great service when you actually get someone on the phone, but sometimes they're a little slow to respond. Still, you're right about the discounts. I did the defensive driving course last year (mostly to get rid of points, lol), and was surprised how much it knocked off my premium. Definitely worth asking about, especially if your mileage has dropped lately...
I've noticed the same thing about smaller insurers—sometimes they're great, other times it's like pulling teeth to get a response. One thing I've found helpful is asking specifically about low-mileage discounts. Last year, when I switched to mostly remote work, I called my insurer and walked them through exactly how much less I was driving. They recalculated my premium right there on the phone, and it made a noticeable difference. Might be worth trying if your driving habits have changed recently...
