Been there, done that... Here's my foolproof method now: Step 1—skim the premium, Step 2—squint suspiciously at the deductible, Step 3—picture worst-case scenario (hail, deer, random shopping carts), and finally Step 4—decide if sleeping peacefully at night is worth the extra bucks. Works every time.
Your method sounds pretty solid, but do you ever factor in claims handling? Premiums and deductibles are one thing, but how smoothly does the company handle things when that deer actually jumps out or hail decides to ruin your day? I've seen some smaller local insurers really step up their game with personalized service, while some big names can drag their feet. Maybe worth adding a Step 5—asking around about claims experiences before pulling the trigger...
Good point about claims handling—honestly hadn't thought much about that yet. How would you suggest checking into it? Online reviews reliable enough, or better to ask around locally...? Seems tricky to gauge accurately.
Online reviews can be hit or miss, honestly. I had a client once who swore by this tiny local insurer nobody'd heard of—turns out they were amazing when he had a fender-bender. Maybe ask around town first, then cross-check online? Can't hurt to cover both bases...
Had a similar experience myself. A few years back, I switched from one of the big-name insurers to a smaller local outfit after a coworker recommended them. Honestly, I was skeptical at first—figured bigger meant safer—but when I had to file a claim after someone rear-ended me at a stoplight, the local guys were surprisingly efficient. No endless hold music or bouncing between departments; just one rep who handled everything from start to finish. Made me rethink the whole "bigger is better" assumption.
But here's something I've wondered about: do these smaller insurers handle more complicated claims (like serious accidents or disputes) just as smoothly? My fender-bender was straightforward enough, but I'd be curious if anyone's had experience with local insurers when things get messy...
