Yeah, it’s wild how “full coverage” doesn’t always mean what you think. I’ve had similar issues with slow claims—makes you wonder what you’re paying for sometimes. Local agents do seem more responsive, but man, those rates can sting. Hang in there... it’s a tough balance.
I hear you on the “full coverage” confusion—it’s not always as comprehensive as it sounds. I’ve noticed that some of the big-name insurers have more hoops to jump through when it comes to claims, but their rates can be a bit more predictable over time. Local agents, on the other hand, seem to know the ins and outs of NC’s risk pool, but like you said, sometimes the premiums are just brutal. Has anyone actually had a local agent go to bat for them during a tough claim, or is that just marketing talk?
I’ve actually had a local agent step up for me when my claim got messy after a fender bender last year. It wasn’t some miracle, but she did call the adjuster a few times and explained the process way better than the 800-number folks ever did. Still, I can’t say it made the payout any bigger—just less of a headache. The higher premiums sting, though. Sometimes I wonder if the “personal touch” is worth the extra cash or just a nice story for their website...
“Sometimes I wonder if the ‘personal touch’ is worth the extra cash or just a nice story for their website...”
Honestly, I get where you’re coming from. The “personal touch” thing can sound like marketing fluff, especially when your wallet’s feeling lighter every month. But I’ve seen some local agents go to bat for folks in ways the big brands just don’t bother with—think of it as paying for a smoother ride, not a bigger payout. Still, if your rates keep climbing and you hardly ever need help, it’s fair to wonder if you’re just subsidizing someone else’s warm and fuzzy experience. Insurance is one of those things where you only know if it was worth it after the fact… which is kind of maddening.
I totally get the skepticism, but in my experience, that “personal touch” can be a lifesaver—especially if you’re driving something that makes adjusters sweat. I had a claim last year (hailstorm, of course), and my local agent handled it like I was family. The big brands just shuffled me around before. Sure, I pay a bit more, but when you’re protecting a car you actually care about, the peace of mind is worth more than a few bucks saved. That said, if you never use it, yeah, it stings... but I’d rather have someone in my corner when things go sideways.
