Got my bill for next year from Drive (Progressive). It was way up. "What gives," says I, "no accidents, claims, etc.?" Several phone calls, and studying accompanying paperwork, reveal the following:
1) Rates (approved by the State-o-Arkansas) have been increased. Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (100/300K limits) have been increased from $116/yr to $236/yr. Yikes! And just what can I (a fully, if not overly, insured motorist) do to keep those rates lower? Nada.
2) Deep in my paperwork comes another clue. Seems I'm no longer being offered the lowest rate package available because of something in my credit history report. My CREDIT HISTORY REPORT, you say? Does that have anything to do with accident risk? Well, turns out it does. Now, before you go off thinking I'm a deadbeat, and irresponsibility begets irresponsibility... No, that's not the deal at all. Having paid all my bills on time for the last 30+ years has nothing to do with my likelihood of having a future accident. My sin (due to errors in my credit report) was not to have established a credit history until I was 33 years old. Being such a late bloomer in the borrowing world clearly designates me as a high risk motorcyclist.
Well, we get that second deal straightened out with a few more phone calls and they knock $78 off the total bill and explain about the discount for advance payement etc., but by now I'm wondering what the rest of the world has to offer.
I've checked out Markel (the one that seems to be endorsed by BMWMOA) and GEICO and they are about $40 and $70/yr below Drive, respectively. I wouldn't quibble about 70 bucks if I could see some added value somewhere, but dang if these folks haven't ticked me off by now. Loyality is not a big issue as I was only with 'em for 2 years (I'm a recently reborn motorcycler. My auto/home insurance co of 35+ years doesn't insure 'em; they recommended Drive).
So, what do ya think? Should I give them the boot? Anyone love or hate either of my alternatives? Am I being peevish?
Should I give my insurance company the boot?
Moderator: Moderators
Should I give my insurance company the boot?
-duckdave
'04 R1150R Silver
Little Rock 'n Roll
Double Lifer #580
'04 R1150R Silver
Little Rock 'n Roll
Double Lifer #580
I have progressive here in Seattle. I pay ~$400/yr. This has gone up every year since I have had them (3 years now). When I checked geico, they wanted $1200/yr. I got some quotes from an agency through a local BMW dealer and the closest was ~$600/yr. Needless to say, I have stuck with Progressive simply because they are the cheapest for me in this location. I had to use their roadside assistance last summer when I got a flat tire on the Hwy (no tire plugs). I sat on hold forever waiting to talk with someone and then it took ~4 hours to get help to me. I carry tire plugs with me now. I guess you get what you pay for.
Here are the $ details:
Liability BI ($100/300K); PD ($50K), combined $95 (was $80 last year)
PIP (I rejected this one. Have outstanding coverage at work) (was $258!)
Uninsured Motorist BI ($100/300K), $236 (was $116)
Underinsured motorist (100/300), $51 (was $25)
Uninsured motorist prop dam (rejected) (was $30)
Comprehensive ($100 deduct) $49 (was $79)
Collision ($250 deduct) $268 (was $271)
Roadside Assistance $10 (was $8 )
Original total was $709
After getting that little deal about credit history straightened out it dropped to $631 (prices dropped in most categories). A further discount for payment in full in advance would have brought it down to $592 or so.
Same coverage from Markel (with a discount for ABS) $565 quoted. They offer further discount for safety course (I can see one in my future...)
Same coverage from GEICO, $532. Discount avail for safety course. A guy named Bob across town answers the phone every time I call. Nice.
Note, I upgraded my bike a couple of months ago from a '90 K75RT to an '04 R1150R. My former insurance with progressive was under $250, so you can see why I'm squirming.
Liability BI ($100/300K); PD ($50K), combined $95 (was $80 last year)
PIP (I rejected this one. Have outstanding coverage at work) (was $258!)
Uninsured Motorist BI ($100/300K), $236 (was $116)
Underinsured motorist (100/300), $51 (was $25)
Uninsured motorist prop dam (rejected) (was $30)
Comprehensive ($100 deduct) $49 (was $79)
Collision ($250 deduct) $268 (was $271)
Roadside Assistance $10 (was $8 )
Original total was $709
After getting that little deal about credit history straightened out it dropped to $631 (prices dropped in most categories). A further discount for payment in full in advance would have brought it down to $592 or so.
Same coverage from Markel (with a discount for ABS) $565 quoted. They offer further discount for safety course (I can see one in my future...)
Same coverage from GEICO, $532. Discount avail for safety course. A guy named Bob across town answers the phone every time I call. Nice.
Note, I upgraded my bike a couple of months ago from a '90 K75RT to an '04 R1150R. My former insurance with progressive was under $250, so you can see why I'm squirming.
-duckdave
'04 R1150R Silver
Little Rock 'n Roll
Double Lifer #580
'04 R1150R Silver
Little Rock 'n Roll
Double Lifer #580
Wow that seems high for an 04 R1150R. I have the same year bike and pay $213 per year for a couple notches above minimum coverage hear in NE Ohio. I have discounts for multi cars, home etc. I use Farmers
Boot em
The model bike makes a big difference, a K bike was $1400 per year. Might confirm they are using the right BMW model
Boot em
The model bike makes a big difference, a K bike was $1400 per year. Might confirm they are using the right BMW model
2004 Silver R1150R
In the last 25 years, I have changed insurance companies 4 times. All 4 switches came about over motorcycle issues but resulted in the company losing all of my autos and homeowners insurance also. You would think they would care but they don't!
Take the better deal, unless there is some reason (like service) to stay and take it.
BTW, my last switch was to Nationwide but they did not write motorcycle insurance in NC at the time, so my agent put me with Progressive. Now NW is approved in NC but when I got the bill, it was still with Progressive. A call to my agent revealed that they did not switch me because Progressive was still cheaper than their own company.
That attitude, and some other good service instances, build loyalty in my mind! My insurance switches have been the result of the companies trying to give me the old 'sodomy' treatment, as Herb said!
Take the better deal, unless there is some reason (like service) to stay and take it.
BTW, my last switch was to Nationwide but they did not write motorcycle insurance in NC at the time, so my agent put me with Progressive. Now NW is approved in NC but when I got the bill, it was still with Progressive. A call to my agent revealed that they did not switch me because Progressive was still cheaper than their own company.
That attitude, and some other good service instances, build loyalty in my mind! My insurance switches have been the result of the companies trying to give me the old 'sodomy' treatment, as Herb said!
'02 in black - the real BMW color! (Now gone to a new home)
Vann - Lifer No. 295
Vann - Lifer No. 295
Boot 'em. Don't let them get away with that #$%#!
State Farm $295 /yr comprehensive w/ $500 deductable for an 02R1150R. I do get a multi-line duscount for cars, house, etc...
A buddy of mine went with a motorcycle only insurance co. Forget the name, but he pays about $120 / yr for liability only on his '80 Suzuki.
State Farm $295 /yr comprehensive w/ $500 deductable for an 02R1150R. I do get a multi-line duscount for cars, house, etc...
A buddy of mine went with a motorcycle only insurance co. Forget the name, but he pays about $120 / yr for liability only on his '80 Suzuki.
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geothepencil
- Basic User
- Posts: 188
- Joined: Thu Jun 30, 2005 10:59 am
- Location: Central Illinois
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dragonmojo
- Basic User
- Posts: 255
- Joined: Fri Mar 31, 2006 3:23 pm
- Location: Sacramento, CA
- Contact:
I had a bad experience with Nationwide several years ago. The funny thing is that they insure my pickup truck, whereas my bikes are under another company.
I picked up a ticket on my bike while coming home from vacation in Colorado. This occurred in the southern Utah desert outside of Cedar City. Posted as 55mph and I was trying to maintain this speed (occasionally climbing to 65mph while checking out the scenery). Traffic was sparse (seeing possibly 6 cars over a 15 minute span). I was pulled over by their HP/Trooper for doing 65 in a 55mph zone, and the officer was not a motorcyclist. I know, since he asked about the bike's displacement and I asked if he rides. Nope.
Anyway, it has been over 7 years since I had a ticket. I've been with Nationwide for 20 years and made only one claim (someone hit my car in a parking lot and left). I received a letter saying that they are increasing my premium due to this ticket. I spoke with a rep on the phone, and he asked what I wanted him to do. Well, I told him that I've been a long time customer and my record has been clean for awhile, etc. "Well, we do have the best rates in the nation" was his reply.
That did it. I switched insurers (now with Mercury, but of course, at the higher premium but still about $10 cheaper than what Nationwide jacked mine up to, which was about $300/yr more for a truck I rode less than 3000 mi/yr).
And my bikes? They are insured under GMAC Insurance, but they never contacted me about any increases. I've been with them quite a long time also, and will remain so as long as things remain smooth.
I picked up a ticket on my bike while coming home from vacation in Colorado. This occurred in the southern Utah desert outside of Cedar City. Posted as 55mph and I was trying to maintain this speed (occasionally climbing to 65mph while checking out the scenery). Traffic was sparse (seeing possibly 6 cars over a 15 minute span). I was pulled over by their HP/Trooper for doing 65 in a 55mph zone, and the officer was not a motorcyclist. I know, since he asked about the bike's displacement and I asked if he rides. Nope.
Anyway, it has been over 7 years since I had a ticket. I've been with Nationwide for 20 years and made only one claim (someone hit my car in a parking lot and left). I received a letter saying that they are increasing my premium due to this ticket. I spoke with a rep on the phone, and he asked what I wanted him to do. Well, I told him that I've been a long time customer and my record has been clean for awhile, etc. "Well, we do have the best rates in the nation" was his reply.
That did it. I switched insurers (now with Mercury, but of course, at the higher premium but still about $10 cheaper than what Nationwide jacked mine up to, which was about $300/yr more for a truck I rode less than 3000 mi/yr).
And my bikes? They are insured under GMAC Insurance, but they never contacted me about any increases. I've been with them quite a long time also, and will remain so as long as things remain smooth.
Traffic signals timed for 35mph, are also timed for 70mph.
'04 R1150Rx (GRN)
'88 Hawk GT
'04 R1150Rx (GRN)
'88 Hawk GT
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towerworker
- Lifer
- Posts: 2369
- Joined: Sun Jan 08, 2006 8:11 pm
- Location: Staunton Virginia
+1+1sjbmw wrote:Are those prices for collision, theft, etc?
I live in NJ. The ISC.
The Insurance Sodomist Capital of the USA.
These numbers are pale.
Try $800 for a 46 year old, and if I was under 25 years old, then it's $2500-3000.
(i.e., same gripe here about NJ insurance, and I am one year older than Herb)
We recently got some competition here. Who was it? Progressive? GEICO? Anyway, I filled out an on-line application and the quote was exactly the same as what I pay now, so I did not switch, but I have been doomed to a life time of junk mail from those clowns.
Bob
2002 Atlanta Blue
Lifetime Member #74
2002 Atlanta Blue
Lifetime Member #74
In Florida we are not obligated to have insurance for the motorcycle. I still buy one, since my wife will not ride with me without the insurance. My bike is 2002 but in 2003 I was notified by GEICO that my rate will go up since my bike R1150R was reclassified as a sport bike. With all the discounts and being a good boy, I pay about $400.00 a year. I live on south beach, which is considered by GEICO a bad zip code and I don't even get a discount for being straight. I think it is probably: $100.00 for insurance + $100.00 for the cave man + $100.00 for the lizard + 100.00 for the CEO and his golden parachute and another (after my rate increase) $100.00 will be bonus for the police officer that gave me a speeding ticket in Georgia. Insurance companies do have captive audience. When you shop around for the insurance, most of the time they know what rate you pay or will be paying. So, they will knock off 20 bucks to make you feel better. I just had a visitor, a motorcyclist from Netherlands and he stated that in America we have socialized insurance. Good drivers pay for the bad drivers. In Netherlands your driving record or your credit has nothing to do with the insurance rates, go figure??? I am getting closer to 60 than to 50. I wonder if VIAGRA will effect my insurance rates. and if so... will my wife pay the difference?:D 
Lifetime Member #586
2002 R1150R
2004 R1150 ABS
2003 F650 CSA
PRESSING "1" FOR ENGLISH!
2002 R1150R
2004 R1150 ABS
2003 F650 CSA
PRESSING "1" FOR ENGLISH!
So much of the deal you can get varies from state to state. Shop around.
Everyone's experience differs. For instance, dragonmojo changes companies for $10, because they won't give him a break on insurance but as the recepient of a few 'awards' by troopers, I know of no company that will let a speeding ticket pass unnoticed.
As for State Farm, they sent me a notice that my 6 year old BMW was worth less than $500! On a bike I paid $500/yr to insure with a $500 deductible! The agents response? Find another company! He meant for the bike but I didn't change the bike until I had moved two cars and the house from him. With great pleasure, I might add!
Nationwide has done me me right. I had two teenage drivers and a motorcycle and they always explored the best way to get me the coverage I needed at the best rate. Part of that may be the individual agents also.
Everyone's experience differs. For instance, dragonmojo changes companies for $10, because they won't give him a break on insurance but as the recepient of a few 'awards' by troopers, I know of no company that will let a speeding ticket pass unnoticed.
As for State Farm, they sent me a notice that my 6 year old BMW was worth less than $500!
On a bike I paid $500/yr to insure with a $500 deductible! The agents response? Find another company! He meant for the bike but I didn't change the bike until I had moved two cars and the house from him. With great pleasure, I might add!Nationwide has done me me right. I had two teenage drivers and a motorcycle and they always explored the best way to get me the coverage I needed at the best rate. Part of that may be the individual agents also.
'02 in black - the real BMW color! (Now gone to a new home)
Vann - Lifer No. 295
Vann - Lifer No. 295
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iowabeakster
- Quadruple Lifer
- Posts: 1962
- Joined: Mon Mar 21, 2005 5:43 am
- Location: iowa city, ia
If you have served in the military, Look into USAA. Top Notch.
I remember a thread a couple years ago, that they stopped carrying motorcycles in Cali.
I remember a thread a couple years ago, that they stopped carrying motorcycles in Cali.
Last edited by iowabeakster on Thu Aug 23, 2007 8:14 pm, edited 1 time in total.
I was dreaming when I wrote this, forgive me if it goes astray...
Just to keep the whine going... adding fuel to the fire, and to update you all on my progress.
My age? A ripe ol' 55.
No tickets (KNOCK WOOD and CROSS FINGERS). I backed into my neighbors car about 6 years ago (it was just a tap!). GEICO said that mishap rotated off my record awhile ago.
ALL my other property insurance is with USAA. I've been with them since I was 16, except for 1 year in Mass.(1973) when they didn't offer insurance in that no-fault state. Great company. I might pay a little more there, but they are worth it. HOWEVER, they don't do motorcycles (at least in Arkansas). They sent me to Progressive. And it was good... the first year.
So, I dropped 'em and went with the Gecko.
One of the most interesting things I've learned is just how varied the rates are. Insurance on the same bike as mine seems to be going from under $200, on up to the mid-$500 I'm experiencing. Haven't heard from too many of you paying a lot more (without "trooper awards"). Wonder if it has anything to do with Arkansas being a "no helmet law" state?
Many thanks for the encouragement from everyone here. Nevertheless, any mistakes I've made are my own.
My age? A ripe ol' 55.
No tickets (KNOCK WOOD and CROSS FINGERS). I backed into my neighbors car about 6 years ago (it was just a tap!). GEICO said that mishap rotated off my record awhile ago.
ALL my other property insurance is with USAA. I've been with them since I was 16, except for 1 year in Mass.(1973) when they didn't offer insurance in that no-fault state. Great company. I might pay a little more there, but they are worth it. HOWEVER, they don't do motorcycles (at least in Arkansas). They sent me to Progressive. And it was good... the first year.
So, I dropped 'em and went with the Gecko.
One of the most interesting things I've learned is just how varied the rates are. Insurance on the same bike as mine seems to be going from under $200, on up to the mid-$500 I'm experiencing. Haven't heard from too many of you paying a lot more (without "trooper awards"). Wonder if it has anything to do with Arkansas being a "no helmet law" state?
Many thanks for the encouragement from everyone here. Nevertheless, any mistakes I've made are my own.
-duckdave
'04 R1150R Silver
Little Rock 'n Roll
Double Lifer #580
'04 R1150R Silver
Little Rock 'n Roll
Double Lifer #580
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Ivan Koloff
- Basic User
- Posts: 18
- Joined: Wed Oct 25, 2006 7:07 pm
- Location: Wisconsin
Had progressive 1st year on the R and cost me $396 a year for bike only. Changed over to FOREMOST 2nd year. $293 a year for bike and 2 scooters. Droped the 3rd year to $196 for bike and 2 scoots. Foremost ins co. 1-800-237-2060 http://www.foremost.com
alias Doctor X