I hear you on the peace of mind thing, but I’ve seen even “proven” companies drop the ball when a big storm hits and claims pile up. Curious—has anyone actually had a local company step up during a major event, or do they get overwhelmed just as fast?
I’ve wondered the same thing, honestly. After that ice storm a few years back, our neighbor had a local insurer and still waited weeks for an adjuster. We went with a big name and it wasn’t much faster. Seems like when disaster hits, everyone’s swamped no matter who you’re with.
Man, I hear you. After that storm, I was more worried about my ‘68 Mustang than the roof. My insurer (one of those “trusted local folks” types) took forever to even call me back. Meanwhile, my buddy with State Farm? Same deal. It’s like, when the whole town’s iced over, doesn’t matter if your agent knows your dog’s name or if you pay for the fancy commercials—everyone’s in the same slow boat. Makes you wonder if any of ‘em are actually quicker, or if it’s just luck.
Had the same issue after the ice storm a couple years back—my old F-150 took a beating and it was weeks before I got any real help. I’ve bounced between a few companies over the years, and honestly, they all seem slow when disaster hits. Some folks swear by Erie or Kentucky Farm Bureau, but personally, I think it’s more about how overloaded everyone gets than which logo’s on your card. If you find one that actually answers fast during a mess, let us know...
“I think it’s more about how overloaded everyone gets than which logo’s on your card.”
That’s pretty much it. Doesn’t matter if you’re with a big name or some local outfit—when the weather goes sideways, they all get slammed. I’ve got a couple high-end cars and after the last hailstorm, even my “premium” coverage didn’t mean squat for response time. Here’s what I do now:
1. Skip the call centers. Go straight to your agent’s cell if you can get it. If they’re any good, they’ll answer or at least text back.
2. Document everything. Photos, timestamps, even screenshots of your calls/emails. It speeds things up when adjusters finally show.
3. Don’t be afraid to push. If you’re not getting answers, escalate. I’ve had to threaten to switch before anyone moved.
I’ve tried Erie and Farm Bureau too—same story as everywhere else. The only real difference is how much hassle you’re willing to put up with. Fast help during a disaster? Still waiting to see that unicorn...
