Sometimes you pay a bit more for the big names, but you’re also paying for smoother service when things go sideways.
- 100% agree. I’ve had Allstate for years and yeah, it’s pricier, but when my wife got rear-ended last winter, the claim process was fast and painless.
- Tried a local insurer once (can’t remember the name), and it felt like pulling teeth to get updates on my claim. Not terrible, just... slow.
- One thing I’d add—bigger companies usually have better online tools and apps. Makes tracking stuff way easier.
- The risk of being dropped after a claim seems higher with smaller outfits, at least from what I’ve seen with friends.
- If you’re a “risky driver,” the big names might be less likely to drop you out of the blue, but they’ll definitely raise your rates. Just something to think about.
Honestly, I've wondered if the extra cost is really worth it, but every time I talk to someone who went with a bargain insurer, their stories make me think twice. My last claim with State Farm was smooth, but I do worry about them jacking up rates next time. Anyone actually get dropped by a big name after a claim? Or is that just one of those insurance urban legends...
I’ve always wondered about that too—heard a lot of “my cousin’s friend got dropped after one fender bender” stories, but never met anyone it actually happened to. I’ve stuck with the big names (currently Allstate), mostly because I’m terrified of those horror stories you hear about cheap companies ghosting you when you really need them. My last claim was pretty painless, but yeah, my rates crept up after, which stings.
Honestly, the idea of getting dropped seems wild unless you’re racking up tickets or claims left and right. Maybe it’s more of a scare tactic? Or maybe I’m just lucky so far. I do keep looking at those local places every renewal, though… sometimes the price difference is tempting until I remember how much I hate paperwork and arguing on the phone. Guess it’s just picking your poison at this point.
Here’s the thing—getting dropped after a single minor claim is pretty rare, especially with the bigger carriers. Usually, it takes a pattern: multiple claims in a short time, serious violations, or non-payment. Rate hikes after a claim are almost guaranteed, though. Local companies can be hit or miss. Some are great, others... not so much when it comes to claims service. If you hate paperwork and phone tag, sticking with a big name isn’t the worst call, even if it costs a bit more. Just keep an eye on your renewal offers—sometimes loyalty doesn’t pay off as much as you’d hope.
If you hate paperwork and phone tag, sticking with a big name isn’t the worst call, even if it costs a bit more.
That’s fair, but I’ve had a big-name company drag out a simple fender-bender claim for weeks. Made me wonder if the extra cost was worth it. Has anyone actually had a local insurer handle a claim faster or with less hassle? Or is that just wishful thinking?
