Currently my policy has a $500 deductible for both Collision and Comprehensive.

I'm going to change it to $250 for Collision and $100 with zero deductible glass for Comprehensive - also adding rental reimbursement (just b/c you never know) for $30/day. All these changes will increase my premium by about $10/month. Not that bad - and now my deductibles are at least affordable and I don't have to worry about glass.



Stupid thing is NY has some rule/law/whatever that any changes to glass coverage require a "photo inspection." So they gave me a name/number for one place around here that does it. Stupid place is only open until 4pm... so I'll have to take time off from work to go get it done. They have to take a picture and fax it to my insurance company to prove the glass isn't busted right now. Makes sense, but annoying.



I'd also like to note that I have Progressive for insurance and that was probably the easiest phone call I have ever made. I called the number the website gave me after I quoted the changes to my policy and actually got to a person RIGHT AWAY. I didn't have to press a SINGLE button!!! That was just amazing. And she actually knew what she was doing and was helpful and spoke English!

I was pretty impressed.

 

All preffered companies such as your Allstates, Progressive, AIG, 21st Century, etc. should be able to provide that same service.

These preffered companies will also pretty much never have a CSR who does not speak English well for the simple fact that there can not be any confusion in communications between the insured and insurer. If there were any disputes that were not throughly explained, lawsuits would surely arise and licenses would be revoked for not providing the necessary services required to transact/maintain insurance policies.

Secondly, there is no "law" requiring an inspection. There is, however, a genuine interest from the insurer to protect thier assets.

For example, suppose you have been paying your premium with a $1000 deductible and your windshield was smashed. Normally, you would pay your $1000 then the insurance company would cover the rest for the repairs.

Now say your windshield got smashed and you decide to change your deductible to $250. Thing is, you never told your insurance company that 5 minutes ago your windshield got smashed. You now pay $250 instead of $1000 to fix your windshield and the insurance company is screwed b/c you have just commited insurance fraud.

 

I remember when we went to Progressive, we had to get one vehicle inspected but I wasn't asked to have the xB inspected. I'm assuming it had something to do with the fact that I bought it new.

 

Yeah, insurance companies tend to be like that, Allan, based on their long experience with human nature...

Even something as simple and cheap as 'loss insurance' on a cellphone, they will want to call you ON THAT PHONE before the policy takes effect, just to make sure you haven't already lost it.

 

Exactly. Because you usually don't have a direct agent with companies like Progressive & Geico, they tend to waive inspection/photos because it's a hassle. However, if a claim is made within the first 30 days of coverage with the particular vehicle that inspection was waived on, a through investigation for possible fraud is conducted.

 

No, I understand why they do the inspection... it's just a PITA b/c I'll have to take time off of work to go do it and my other changes won't take effect until that does.