Author Topic: It pays to shop  (Read 4442 times)

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Blue Ridge Wheeltor

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on: September 13, 2009, 06:18:35 pm
I just got a renewal notice in the mail for auto insurance. in NC they seem to write them 6 months at a time.
The bill was from 21st Century (formerly AIG). I was quoted $464 for 2 vehicles. Attached was the following:
"The rates charged for physical damage coverage are greater than those rates applicable in the State of North Carolina". WTF is that all about? Turning it over I discovered I was charged more, and it could go up again, "but not to exceed 550% of the rate I would be charged if I had no driving points".
I haven't had a ticket since 1966. It seems I was being charged more because of the "number and frequency of inquiries into your credit history". ??????????
I haven't applied for any loans. It turns out the credit card companies are monitoring credit history so they can pounce on you and change your rates prior to the Obama credit card law taking effect.
I got an online quote from Progressive. $565. I tried Travelers. $600+. I tried Amica, over $800. I then tried Geico. I verified exact same coverage. $346. I went with geico.

I was lookinf for a laminator for the office and read reviews and settled on a specific model and brand. Wal mart had it in their store for $139. Walked over to Staples-$169. I found it, new, in box, on Amazon for $79.

Those of you who don't have an Enfield dealer nearby, don't sweat it. Anything you need can be bought online. The power of the internet is awesome.

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2006 Ural Patrol
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1971 Triumph Bonneville


Chasfield

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Reply #1 on: September 13, 2009, 06:38:12 pm

I haven't had a ticket since 1966. It seems I was being charged more because of the "number and frequency of inquiries into your credit history". ??????????
I haven't applied for any loans. It turns out the credit card companies are monitoring credit history so they can pounce on you and change your rates prior to the Obama credit card law taking effect.



Seems like they are turning us into laboratory rats sometimes.

 :(
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The Garbone

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Reply #2 on: September 13, 2009, 09:30:45 pm
I had Geico back in the day,  they were good the first year, then they jacked me up....   Just saying...
Gary
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jdrouin

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Reply #3 on: September 13, 2009, 09:49:05 pm
I too priced Geico way lower for the same coverage than any other company I tried (USAA, Progressive, State Farm, and some others). Been insuring cars with them for several years, as well as the Bullet. Never raised the rates (actually, they should drop now that I've been motorcycling for over a year), and never had any problems with them. Though I've never had to file a claim.

Jeff


The Garbone

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Reply #4 on: September 13, 2009, 10:11:49 pm
To be fair,  I was 20 at the time and moved from Florida to Chicago, so that might have had an effect...   ;)
Gary
57' RE Crusader 250
67' Ford Mustang
74' Catalina 27 "Knot a Clew"
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01 HD 1200 Custom
07 RE 5spd HaCK

* all actions described in this post are fictional *


UncleErnie

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Reply #5 on: September 14, 2009, 02:09:16 am
I had Geico until I sold a motorcycle.  They said I needed my wife to co-sign the cancellation  I said , "But it's not her policy". they said, "But you're married".
I said, "Right- but not to you.  Buh-bye...!"
Run what ya brung


dogbone

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Reply #6 on: September 14, 2009, 02:40:45 pm
Progressive raised my rates this spring from $121 to 168, Why, I didn't bother to ask !!
called Geico, although I hate their ad's,but they were $99, I bit. If the commie bastards raise the rate for next year, I'll switch again. 40 years on a motorcycle, no tickets or accidents, this sucks. >:(
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Blue Ridge Wheeltor

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Reply #7 on: September 14, 2009, 03:35:42 pm
I am not endorsing Geico in any way. I had them before and dropped them for AIG when they were cheaper. The point I was trying to make was to shop around. $300+ to $800+ is a big difference. Same with the laminater. The Staples is 2 doors down from the wal mart and there was a $30 difference. And Amazon blew them away.
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1978 BMW R 100s--SOLD--
1977 HD XLCR
1971 Triumph Bonneville


UncleErnie

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Reply #8 on: September 14, 2009, 04:42:46 pm
How much is shipping?
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Cabo Cruz

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Reply #9 on: September 14, 2009, 05:06:58 pm
Brs. and Srs., I'm in full agreement: "It pays to shop."  I also find it very beneficial and cost effective to let one (1) insurance company handle our needs.  We're very satisfied with our insurance company's products and service.  Nonetheless, I don't represent or promote that company.  For this reason and for this post, I'm calling it Our Insurance Company.  In any case and to remain competitive and to retain all of our business, Our Insurance Company remains ready to give us the best available rates on all of the insurance lines!
Long live the Bullets and those who ride them!

Keep the shiny side up, the boots on the pegs and best REgards,

Papa Juan

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BIKE:   2004 Royal Enfield Sixty-5
NAME: Perla


Blue Ridge Wheeltor

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Reply #10 on: September 14, 2009, 05:13:28 pm
Free shipping, no sales tax.

How much is shipping?
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UncleErnie

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Reply #11 on: September 14, 2009, 06:38:24 pm
So tell me again- why do you need shipping for insurance?
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StephenCB

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Reply #12 on: September 14, 2009, 07:51:27 pm
So tell me again- why do you need shipping for insurance?

Because sometimes all the needed policies won't fit in the nifty basket in those Progressive insurance commercials, so they have to ship them to you.

 :o


LJRead

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Reply #13 on: September 14, 2009, 09:37:10 pm
Amazon is getting to be a strong stock buy on Wall Street, the reason being that people are going for internet shopping, and that, apparently, is the reason for mall closures.

We don't have credit cards here, only a debit card, and that is fine with me.

Internet makes it fairly easy to shop around.
Lawrence J. Read
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Blue Ridge Wheeltor

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Reply #14 on: September 15, 2009, 01:27:33 am
If you check rents and malls and brick and mortar stores, you understand why more people are buying and selling on line. You drive to the mall, waste time looking for a parking space, hope no one scratches or breaks into your car, try to buy something that is not in stock, but they'll order it for you, pay the price that reflects their sales labor, management, rent, utilities, profit, and sales tax.
Or you can order it on line. Lots of places have free shipping.
The guy on line might be like Uncle Ernie, in his basement, in his underwear, in front of the computer. But his overhead is the internet connection and the bags of Cheetos he consumes.
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2008 Royal Enfield Deluxe (Blue)
2006 Ural Patrol
1978 BMW R 100s--SOLD--
1977 HD XLCR
1971 Triumph Bonneville