Had a similar experience with Shelter—cheaper quote, but the fine print on their classic car coverage was pretty weak. I’m with you, I’d rather pay a bit more for clear answers and solid coverage. As for weird claims, I had hail take out both my roof and my daily driver a couple years back. State Farm handled the house claim fast, but the auto side dragged a bit... different adjusters, lots of back and forth. Not a nightmare, but definitely not seamless. Just something to keep in mind if you want everything under one roof.
State Farm handled the house claim fast, but the auto side dragged a bit... different adjusters, lots of back and forth. Not a nightmare, but definitely not seamless.
That’s been my experience too—State Farm is usually solid on home claims, but the split between home and auto adjusters can get clunky. When I had a tree fall during a storm, it took them less than a week to get someone out for the roof, but my neighbor’s car claim with them stretched for almost two months. I don’t know if it’s just Missouri or if their auto side is always slower, but it’s something to factor in if you value having everything under one company.
I’ve looked at Shelter more than once since their quotes tend to come in lower, especially if you bundle. But I always end up digging into the fine print and finding some odd exclusions or weird depreciation schedules. For instance, their replacement cost coverage on personal property wasn’t as comprehensive as State Farm’s last time I checked—it was more like actual cash value unless you paid extra. That might not seem huge until you actually have to file a claim and realize how much less you’re getting back.
I get being budget-conscious (who isn’t right now), but sometimes those “extras” that cost a few bucks more per month save you a ton of hassle later. That said, I do wish State Farm would streamline their claims process between home and auto. If you’re hoping for that seamless “one-stop shop” feel, it still feels pretty siloed.
One thing I’ll give Shelter: their local agents are usually more responsive and willing to walk you through the policy details. State Farm feels bigger and a bit less personal, at least in my area.
All that said, I’d rather pay $100 more per year and know what’s covered than get caught off guard by some obscure clause when it matters most. Just my two cents...
I’ve noticed that too—Shelter’s agents are way more hands-on, but their policies can sneak up on you with those depreciation clauses. Had a buddy who thought he was covered for new appliances after a kitchen fire, but Shelter only paid out a fraction because he didn’t have the upgraded coverage. State Farm might be pricier, but at least you know what you’re getting. Still wish they’d get their auto and home folks on the same page, though... it’s like dealing with two different companies half the time.
Still wish they’d get their auto and home folks on the same page, though... it’s like dealing with two different companies half the time.
Man, nailed it with that one. I’ve got State Farm for both, and every time I call about my car, it’s a breeze. Home? Whole different vibe—like they’re not even in the same state. Shelter’s depreciation stuff is sneaky too. My cousin got burned on a roof claim because he didn’t read the fine print. Kinda feels like you’re picking your poison either way.
Yeah, I’ve run into the same mess with State Farm. Car side is smooth—quick answers, no runaround. But when I had a busted pipe at home, suddenly it’s like I’m talking to a whole new company. Different reps, different rules, and way more hoops to jump through. It’s frustrating.
Shelter’s depreciation thing is real, too. My neighbor thought he was covered for hail damage, but after they factored in “actual cash value,” he got way less than he expected. Gotta dig into that policy language—especially the part about roofs and siding. If you’re not careful, you end up paying out of pocket for stuff you thought was covered.
Here’s what I do now: every couple years, I sit down and actually read the policy updates. Not fun, but it beats getting blindsided later. And if something doesn’t make sense, I call and ask for it in writing. Cuts down on surprises when something goes wrong... at least most of the time.