Cameron Reddy

I'm about to take delivery on my E-350 4Matic and I'd like some suggestions on insurance companies/agents.

Anyone?

Barry45RPM

I use GEICO... GEICO offers the option of "Mechanical Breakdown Coverage". Its less than $50. a year & if anything major goes, you pay the 1st $250. From their website:

"GEICO’s Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI) is designed to protect you from these bumps along the road. After a $250 deductible on a covered loss, MBI covers repairs to all mechanical parts of the car - except for maintenance and wear and tear*. This coverage helps protect our MBI policyholders from being saddled with unanticipated and expensive repair bills.

Includes all parts and systems-not just the specific list of items covered by most dealer warranties.
Saves you money. You pay only a small premium each policy period-not a large lump-sum payment up front.
Lets you get your car repaired wherever you like. .."

I've been with them over 30 years, but rates vary by State & Driving record.

Vik888

So MBI sounds like a really cheap warranty?

So say your Pano roof, or COMAND fails, they'll fix it after the first $250?

Barry45RPM

Apparently so. Again, from their website:
"Is MBI Coverage Similar to a Dealer's Extended Warranty?
Typically, GEICO MBI provides much broader coverage than a dealer’s extended warranty because all mechanical parts of the vehicle are covered*. By adding MBI to your policy, you only pay a small premium each policy period rather than hundreds of additional dollars at the time you purchase your vehicle."

But you should call them or visit the website: http://geico.com/auto/safety/mbifaq.htm

tpowel2

Geico's MBI coverages is great, I've always had it on my cars. You have to be the first titled owner, and the car can't have more than 15,000 miles, or be more than 15 month old at the time you add this coverage to your policy. The coverage is good for 7 years or 100,000 miles whichever comes first. It is actually more comprehensive than most warranties, as it will cover a clutch on a manual transmission (I don't think anyone else does that)! And before anyone ask, yes I do work for Geico!

ruffrob

You're not the Gekko,are you??? Just Kidding,couldn't resist !!! Happy Holidays to you and the family

Dema

So instead of warranty repair you use your MBI coverage? Cool. However I'd recommend to stay with warranty, it is free.

PS I use Liberty Mutual, it saves me over $400 per year.

baxterdown

Many insurance companies offer discounts based on longevity with the company. If your record is good, you might be better off staying with your current carrier.

I have been with State Farm for close to 20 years and no carrier can math SF's rates. Not because SF is cheaper but because of the discounts I get for having been a safe driver (famous last words! LOL!) and with them for so long.

P.S (And slightly off subject) My premium went up about $100 every six months from the X5 to the E350. The agent said it was based on the E's rating vs. the X's.

NCE500

You might want to try Progressive Insurance.

If you plug in what coverage you need, they will compare all the major companies and get you several quotes with agent contacts etc.; it should save you considerable time. I believe their website is either progressive.com or progressiveinsurance.com. I would also try Geico.com although several folks I know have told me that Geico is known for raising rates very quickly for any type of infraction at all.

Good luck.

Vik888

But $50/yr for what equiv costs $3k for 3yrs of ext warranty is great if you plan to keep the car. They'd have to charge you around $430 more per year for 7 years to match the cost of the extended warranty from MB .. which they could I suppose.

I wonder if there are any restrictions on which cars are eligible for that $50 MBI. Ferrari anyone?

tpowel2

Great question! There are some cars that don't qualify. Mostly exotics, like Ferrari, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Maserati, etc. I don't think there are any Mercedes on the list that wouldn't qualify (unless you count the Maybach).

jallison12

Mr. Geico
I've been with Geico about 7 yrs and never knew of this. Regretably, my MB does not qualify (2nd owner, 2004, 95k miles). However, is there any other secret little coverages that would help me? I'm pretty sure "No", but I thought I'd ask anyway.
jim

Back2Benz

bump for some good readin'

Cameron Reddy

This Geico thing is interesting. An extended warranty for $500 a year? But, you have to sign up for it before your car’s original warranty has expired (I think the Geico site said within 17 months).

So far the lowest price I’ve received has been Safeco @ low to mid $400 per 6 months for pretty robust coverage. Everyone else has been well into the $500s and on up to $1100+.

Oddly, some companies appear to rate the E-350 very well and others no so.

Thanks for all the suggestions!

Cameron

expat5

USAA, if you qualify for membership.

$310 every 6 mos, very strong coverage, and truly exceptional customer service. They also didn't even blink when I insured the Euro-spec car with them (probably because they insure cars in Europe too).

Cameron Reddy

WOW! I really wish I was in the military... not for the insurance, though that would be nice, but for the service to my country.

Cameron

expat5

a past life for me...although once you know the secret handshake and get in while on Active, you're in for life.

They are an amazing company, truly international. Not sure what I would have done if insured with anyone else while in Europe for 3 years a few years back (now back stateside). They even made shipping the car transatlantic easy - which was saying something.

As for serving your country...I bet you your local volunteer fire company is looking for help. Service is service, and each gives as they can. My "E" may be a little unique with its flashing lights and strobes, and draws plenty of comments at emergency scenes.