Honestly, this is exactly what freaks me out about switching to one of those “save 15% in 15 minutes” companies. I get that the price is tempting—especially when you’re a student and your bank account looks like it’s been on a diet—but I’ve heard way too many horror stories about claims turning into a full-time job. I’d rather pay a few extra bucks if it means I can walk into an office and talk to someone who actually knows my name (and maybe even remembers my car is blue, not “midnight sapphire metallic”).
But then again, I’ve had local agents try to sell me roadside assistance, rental coverage, and windshield insurance like I’m driving a Ferrari instead of a 2008 Civic with a dented door. Is there even a happy medium? Has anyone actually found an agent or company that doesn’t treat you like a walking commission check but also doesn’t disappear when you need them? Or is that just a unicorn in the insurance world?
Is there even a happy medium? Has anyone actually found an agent or company that doesn’t treat you like a walking commission check but also doesn’t disappear when you need them? Or is that just a unicorn in the insurance world?
Honestly, I think the unicorn exists, but it’s more like a stubborn mule with a party hat. I’ve had decent luck with Kentucky Farm Bureau—yeah, they try to upsell sometimes, but at least when my car got rear-ended, I didn’t have to spend three weeks on hold. The big-name “15% in 15 minutes” folks are fine until you actually need something complicated. I’d rather pay for a little peace of mind than gamble on saving a few bucks and getting ghosted when it matters.
I’d rather pay for a little peace of mind than gamble on saving a few bucks and getting ghosted when it matters.
- Been there with the “save big” companies—great until you actually file a claim, then it’s like sending smoke signals.
- Kentucky Farm Bureau’s local offices are a plus. I’ve had agents call me back after hours, which is rare.
- Downsides: they do push extra coverage sometimes, but at least you get a real person.
- Tried State Farm too. Decent, but their rates crept up every renewal for no clear reason.
- Honestly, I’d rather deal with upselling than radio silence when my car’s in a ditch.
I hear you on the “save big” companies—had a nightmare with one of those online-only outfits a few years back. When my truck got rear-ended, it took forever to get anyone on the phone, let alone an actual answer. Farm Bureau’s local touch is worth something, even if they try to tack on extras. I’d rather have someone pick up when things go sideways. State Farm’s rate hikes drove me nuts too... felt like a slow leak in my wallet every year. At this point, I’ll pay a little more for less hassle.
