I can see that

Technically “acts are of God” are not surcharged but most lose one of the many discounts they are receiving. Such as a “ no claims” discount which could be 15% or more. I cant be convinced that is not used in their rate adjustment calculations outside of an individual policy:

Insurance Rule Number One -
Call your agent every year when it's up for renewal and ask for his quote for the coming year.


If you haven't priced insurance in over three years I can almost guarantee that you are paying too much.

No I don’t. But if you think all these independents really understand the policies they are selling folks your kidding yourself!! I’ve spent too much time on the industry and around agents to realize they sell by price. Cheap insurance can be just that. I’ve heard and seen agents tell people things are covered to get a commission when it’s not. I see improperly insured properties all the time and over 1/2 the time it’s bc the agent doesn’t really know the policy that well. Do you really think an independent that maybe has 20 companies to shop around understands the ins and outs of each policy and explains that to people?? I promise the majority don’t and they are just shopping for what looks like same coverage at cheapest price. Then just wait till you have a claim. Some can be horrible to deal with and some not so bad but your independent has no pull to assist you much if you are having a problem.

I don’t assume a store front insurance man knows anymore than a broker is all I am saying. My broker knows what he’s doing - and I do my due diligence.

I have seen way too many people shop for the cheapest insurance they can get, and when they have a claim there insurance tells them to "Get Bent"

I am not gonna compromise my assets for a few bucks.

try calling your allstate,state farm,'progressive or geico agent and see how much pull he has when their insurance is trying to deny or cheaply fix a claim...
one thing an independent agent does have is the option to quit selling an insurance companies policies if they don't treat his customers fairly on claims....

I will just say this:

Allstate has a House & Home policy that has replacement coverage for the first 15 years (if you have 30 year shingles) then switches to Actual Cash Value and pays the remaining years this way.

For example, you buy 30 year shingles and they last 30 years. Have a hail storm and file a claim.

They pay zero based on the prorated warranty.

On a 20 yr roof claim they pay 1/3 less your deductible.

Buyer Beware!!!

Allstate has really gotten bad recently, They prettymuch sux for water leak issues, Farmers used to be horrible and now they are ok, AllState is bad.

Allstate is about to get dropped in my house. 4 vehicles, boat, PLUP, and Home Insurance. Looking at quotes now.

I’m a thinker. If my insurance was going to be handled like that I’d just replace my roof every year so they had to pay the full amount.

you have to have damage

The gist of the bit was that I would replace it every year by paying cash, no insurance involved, so that if/when it gets damaged, insurance would have to pay the full amount. Some shenanigans land…some don’t.

Some of these replies are amusing. Especially so for someone that has worked in the industry. Have a Nice Day.

There are plenty of reputable insurance companies. Competition keeps prices low. Go ahead and pay too much, I'm good.