MBNewbii

Got home last night, relaxing over a beer and the mail, when I noticed my auto insurance renewal letter (AAA of California). Opened it up : almost $4000 for one car BMW!!! My new Benz will, I'm sure, be more.

One problem, of course, is the rash of accidents I've been in over the past few years. After having none for my first 34 years, I've been in 5 the last three (all property, minor, 3 not my fault, two my fault).

However, even if I don't include these accidents, my insurance is in the $2000 range.

This sucks!!!!

Any advice, fellow drivers. (and please, no smartass answers like move to montana, etc...)

Newbii

rskinner

If you live in California, get a quote from Mercury Insurance, or try a insurance broker. They will shop various companied for you. Based on my experience, AAA's rates are usually only good for seniors (I used to sell car insurance). I got a quote from AAA recently and it was 50% more than my current policy.

Also, get a current copy of your driving record from DMV and show it to the agent. Sometimes they lowball you to get you to apply then blame your driving record if the price goes up. IIRC, accidents only stay on your record for 3 years.

revstriker

Ouch! Would almost be cheaper to rent a car! My only advise would be to shop around. Sometimes it's amazing the difference in prices from one insurance company to another.

I had AAA insurance awhile ago, and one day (after seeing a TV ad), I decided to call another company, and it saved me about $300 a year. Exactly the same coverage.

Good luck.

session

i just went with state farm and saved about $300 a year from my previous policy with peerless. this is moving from a honda civic to a benz, too! i also got a quote from progressive and they wanted TWICE as much as state farm. i don't care if their website is good, their prices are crap. :o

TimmyC230boy

Honda to a Benz, 5 wrecks in 3 years, just be glad you can still get insurance

galaxygrrl

When I called around AAA of CA was the most expensive insurance for my Benz. I would assume if you raise your deductible that might save you some money.

Beth

session

i've only had 1 accident in 5 years and it wasn't my fault.

shtatc

I switched from AAA to Farmer's Insurance here in AZ. Price quotes were $250-300 more per year from AAA of AZ. Had no tickets/accidents at the time. Been in 1 accident since - rates have not been raised yet. It has been over a year since the accident. Also, the insurance agent worked it where he took as many discounts he could - also have the most coverage/least deductible($240) plan.

SFVideoGuy

Check out Esurance.com. I got a great deal.

pixmation

I switched from esurance to 21th century last month. Their quotes are almost the same. However, I don't like Esurance charged my card for the renewal 30 days before my current policy expires. That's a lot of money to sit in their bank. On top of that, the renewal is more expensive but I don't have any new ticket or accident. I called and asked them, they said they are adjusting the rate for California (his wording was very careful to make it sounds like it's something across the board of all insurance companies in CA). So I asked directly if the adjustment only apply to esurance. He paused and answer yes. Then I cancel the policy and went with 21th century.

dasMafia

man.... $4000 is steep, I pay about a grand every year for my '00 Z3. I'm 23, couple (big) speeding tickets, $50-deductible.

pixmation

back in 97 when I bought the Z3 1.9, I had a few tickets and couple of accidents. I paid around $6000 per year for the Z3. That's why I couldn't get the 2.8 engine instead.

dasMafia

I'm soooo glad I didn't take that job with Honda in Torrance... I loooooooove midwest insurance rates!

SFVideoGuy

WOW! Did you consider a chauffeur Pixmation? That's about as much as you'd spend on your car payment, no?

pixmation

yeah, it's a little less than the car payment.

DrMike

Many years back I had 3 claims in one year and State farm gave me a hard time. When I showed them that that had been the only claims activity over 12 years, they relented. Another strategy is to have your all your insurance with one company. In addition to multi-line discounts, it does give you some bargaining power.

They view it a bit differently if I walk with 4 auto policies, a house, umbrella, office and condo.

C230K

In Florida have Electric Insurance. Cost $3,200 per year. 2 boys over 21 year old, cars 1996 Acura Integra; 1998 Honda Civic EX, 2001 Volvo S60 2,4t and off course 2002 C230 Coupe. Have had this company for the past 10 years and I can not fine another company to match it, Might be worth a try.