US Car insurance - advice
Discussion
HI all - hope you may be able to help -
We are in the process of moving from London to Charlotte at the moment (be on the ground 2nd week in august).
Just been looking at car insurance - and blimey! - much more expensive than I imagined.
We will be two cars, something new and leased - and something fun an 100% owned for me.
Anyone know of any good insurers out there?
ta
SB
We are in the process of moving from London to Charlotte at the moment (be on the ground 2nd week in august).
Just been looking at car insurance - and blimey! - much more expensive than I imagined.
We will be two cars, something new and leased - and something fun an 100% owned for me.
Anyone know of any good insurers out there?
ta
SB
My experience is that you better grab the lube!
When we arrived, I spent the best part of 2 days on the phone to a variety of different insurance brokers and actual companies and I couldn't find a single one that would take notice of my experience of being licensed outside of the US. My driving record/history wasn't of interest to anyone. No one even wanted to see my no claims bonus letter from my UK insurer etc. I really regretted not getting my US license about 10 years earlier when I had the chance.
Of all the insurers, I spoke with, I found Progressive and Geico to be the best priced *. You will also find that you are given many more options on what coverages you can pick (both in terms of what is covered and the $ amount). Of the above 2 companies, I have found the Progressive agents to generally be more accommodating when asking what must seem to them like silly questions (like asking what stacked vs unstacked is).
If you are going to buy an umbrella insurance policy as well, take note of what the coverage requirements of that policy are too.
Lots of agents do try to sell Progressive policies through their brokerage - but I tend go straight to the source.
Finally, what's good is that any insurance policies I've had really are prorated when making changes/cancelling.
* Disclaimer - I have not had to make a claim with Progressive or Geico, although I know people who have done with both and had a positive experience (or as positive of an experience one can have when making a claim!!).
When we arrived, I spent the best part of 2 days on the phone to a variety of different insurance brokers and actual companies and I couldn't find a single one that would take notice of my experience of being licensed outside of the US. My driving record/history wasn't of interest to anyone. No one even wanted to see my no claims bonus letter from my UK insurer etc. I really regretted not getting my US license about 10 years earlier when I had the chance.
Of all the insurers, I spoke with, I found Progressive and Geico to be the best priced *. You will also find that you are given many more options on what coverages you can pick (both in terms of what is covered and the $ amount). Of the above 2 companies, I have found the Progressive agents to generally be more accommodating when asking what must seem to them like silly questions (like asking what stacked vs unstacked is).
If you are going to buy an umbrella insurance policy as well, take note of what the coverage requirements of that policy are too.
Lots of agents do try to sell Progressive policies through their brokerage - but I tend go straight to the source.
Finally, what's good is that any insurance policies I've had really are prorated when making changes/cancelling.
* Disclaimer - I have not had to make a claim with Progressive or Geico, although I know people who have done with both and had a positive experience (or as positive of an experience one can have when making a claim!!).
Right now for me with Gieco its $600 a year full comp on an A4 2.0 quattro as a 49 year old for an example. Apparently rates are getting lower due to less driving WFH etc.
I would shop around, if you have home or another policy with the same company its normally a good bit cheaper too.
Big difference between states and I would expect NC to be at the cheaper end.
Insurance companies also run a social security check I think to check your credit record so if you have none this may impact your first year coverage. Also in some states a drivers licence check.
I would shop around, if you have home or another policy with the same company its normally a good bit cheaper too.
Big difference between states and I would expect NC to be at the cheaper end.
Insurance companies also run a social security check I think to check your credit record so if you have none this may impact your first year coverage. Also in some states a drivers licence check.
Edited by blackrabbit on Monday 19th July 15:31
blackrabbit said:
Right now for me with Gieco its $600 a year full comp on an A4 2.0 quattro as a 49 year old for an example. Apparently rates are getting lower due to less driving WFH etc.
I would shop around, if you have home or another policy with the same company its normally a good bit cheaper too.
Big difference between states and I would expect NC to be at the cheaper end.
Insurance companies also run a social security check I think to check your credit record so if you have none this may impact your first year coverage. Also in some states a drivers licence check.
$600 a year or for 6 months? In my area they all do 6 month policies, not 12.I would shop around, if you have home or another policy with the same company its normally a good bit cheaper too.
Big difference between states and I would expect NC to be at the cheaper end.
Insurance companies also run a social security check I think to check your credit record so if you have none this may impact your first year coverage. Also in some states a drivers licence check.
Edited by blackrabbit on Monday 19th July 15:31
Also, what liability coverages do you have - as far as I'm aware, "fully comp" doesn't exist here in the US like it does in the UK?
The Moose said:
blackrabbit said:
Right now for me with Gieco its $600 a year full comp on an A4 2.0 quattro as a 49 year old for an example. Apparently rates are getting lower due to less driving WFH etc.
I would shop around, if you have home or another policy with the same company its normally a good bit cheaper too.
Big difference between states and I would expect NC to be at the cheaper end.
Insurance companies also run a social security check I think to check your credit record so if you have none this may impact your first year coverage. Also in some states a drivers licence check.
$600 a year or for 6 months? In my area they all do 6 month policies, not 12.I would shop around, if you have home or another policy with the same company its normally a good bit cheaper too.
Big difference between states and I would expect NC to be at the cheaper end.
Insurance companies also run a social security check I think to check your credit record so if you have none this may impact your first year coverage. Also in some states a drivers licence check.
Edited by blackrabbit on Monday 19th July 15:31
Also, what liability coverages do you have - as far as I'm aware, "fully comp" doesn't exist here in the US like it does in the UK?
Its what they call full coverage with $500 deductible. It looks to be the same as UK fully comp in terms of coverage.
I am at $1300/yr for both our Tiguan and a Porsche Cayenne GTS. The Porsche was about the same as the Tiguan but when it hit about 5 years old it increased about $100/yr due to cost of replacement parts.
Our home insurance is with Met life and every other year Met life are cheapest. It does require switching to Geico every other year to reset met life. Geico are 6 month policies and Met life are 12 month.
US insurance is odd because it limits the insurance company's liability. Have an accident with damage over $250k and I am not sure who pays. I assume it is me. Also, my insurance assumes anyone in my car has health insurance that will pay out in the event of a crash. It makes sense to not be doubly insured but should I ask for a copy of their insurance card before people ride in the car?
Our home insurance is with Met life and every other year Met life are cheapest. It does require switching to Geico every other year to reset met life. Geico are 6 month policies and Met life are 12 month.
US insurance is odd because it limits the insurance company's liability. Have an accident with damage over $250k and I am not sure who pays. I assume it is me. Also, my insurance assumes anyone in my car has health insurance that will pay out in the event of a crash. It makes sense to not be doubly insured but should I ask for a copy of their insurance card before people ride in the car?
Thanks for the pointers all - Geico seemed to be the stand out to me on my search so far, although I will now look at Met life too.
Just for a bit of clarity, my wife is American and has had a US licence for a long time (I am too scared to out her age - even on a motoring website!) but its a California licence - would that make a difference?
On the subject of credit - I have been told by Amex (and only Amex) that they are willing to port over some of my credit history - so I hope that will play well.
One other point I just thought of - within the current pandemic climate, it may be a while before I can get my US license (guessing DMVs are shut and that I need to go there in person??) - could this hobble us?
Just for a bit of clarity, my wife is American and has had a US licence for a long time (I am too scared to out her age - even on a motoring website!) but its a California licence - would that make a difference?
On the subject of credit - I have been told by Amex (and only Amex) that they are willing to port over some of my credit history - so I hope that will play well.
One other point I just thought of - within the current pandemic climate, it may be a while before I can get my US license (guessing DMVs are shut and that I need to go there in person??) - could this hobble us?
sillybobthornton said:
Thanks for the pointers all - Geico seemed to be the stand out to me on my search so far, although I will now look at Met life too.
Just for a bit of clarity, my wife is American and has had a US licence for a long time (I am too scared to out her age - even on a motoring website!) but its a California licence - would that make a difference?
On the subject of credit - I have been told by Amex (and only Amex) that they are willing to port over some of my credit history - so I hope that will play well.
One other point I just thought of - within the current pandemic climate, it may be a while before I can get my US license (guessing DMVs are shut and that I need to go there in person??) - could this hobble us?
I would put her as primary driver and see. She can easily change her DL to NC.Just for a bit of clarity, my wife is American and has had a US licence for a long time (I am too scared to out her age - even on a motoring website!) but its a California licence - would that make a difference?
On the subject of credit - I have been told by Amex (and only Amex) that they are willing to port over some of my credit history - so I hope that will play well.
One other point I just thought of - within the current pandemic climate, it may be a while before I can get my US license (guessing DMVs are shut and that I need to go there in person??) - could this hobble us?
Yes Amex easiest.
In most states DMV's open. Pretty sure NC will be, we haven't had much shutdown in the south and that was over a long time ago. Exception maybe some cities but DMV usually county based.
Sheepshanks said:
h0b0 said:
Have an accident with damage over $250k and I am not sure who pays. I assume it is me.
Gulp! Are you just crossing your fingers and hoping for the best?
The reality is that an accident over the policy limit is rare and almost always going to be medical which would already be covered on another policy. That is why they have the limits. But, for an Englishman looking for fully comprehensive, and seeing that term being used, it does not exist.
The option is to get an umbrella policy that sits on top of your home and auto which will cover any costs that exceed the original policy limits.
I recently switched my homeowners insurance to Farmers and then 'bundled' my auto, which was with Travelers Insurance previously.
I have full coverage on a 2019 Dodge Challenger and a 1992 Ford F-150 for $550.00 per 6 months.
This in FL, which is a more expensive state for insurance in general. Switching saved me about $300 per annum.
Bear in mind that your credit score does have a material effect on your rate - as does your zip code, residency status and if the vehicles are garaged, of course.
I have full coverage on a 2019 Dodge Challenger and a 1992 Ford F-150 for $550.00 per 6 months.
This in FL, which is a more expensive state for insurance in general. Switching saved me about $300 per annum.
Bear in mind that your credit score does have a material effect on your rate - as does your zip code, residency status and if the vehicles are garaged, of course.
$600 for 6 months... phah, in my dreams....
But then again, I have had a teenager on my policy for the last 4 years (two separate ones, learning then passing and then the next one learning and passing). So not much I can do, unless I just get a cheap car and a separate policy. You pay for it, but to be honest, its not far off the prices that I was paying in the UK! The difference is that its a group policy and that does bring the pricing down a little. I do understand that living in California isnt great from an insurance point of view.
Went with Geico on arrival though. Some recommendations and they did give a discount based on a letter of NCD from my previous UK insurer. Wasnt the full discount, but it was something and thats good. Insurance costs did drop on year 1 and 2 though, so thats good.
What I have found is that the whole claim process has been good though. Unfortunately had a couple of claims, one not our fault, the other absolutely the fault of my teenager daughter! Both times it was easy, fast and effective. If the assessment can be done via an App, great, if not they send someone out and they work out things from there. In the case of Geico, they even printed the check on the spot! Impressed!
One thing that is different though - claims from other insurance policies. In the UK, you would just pass the details on to your insurer who would then fight it out with the other party and sort it (in my experience, ending up at a 50/50 split!). I had my Ducati knocked over and the people who did it took responsibility. After a bit of a fight, I had an assessor come to work out costs. They sent someone who specializes in Harleys and boats.... yeah, thats going to be accurate. Turns out he was fairly accurate, but by a fluke rather than anything else. My bike still isnt repaired 6 months AFTER the damage! Not good. So be prepared for crap like this, but in general I am impressed by the service levels that I get with the bigger insurers here in the US.
However, it is absolutely worth shopping around. Insurance differs from state to state and I would really recommend getting personal recommendations from people in the state you are looking for (NC I think?). Geico isnt that competitive in other states while others are - and there is no real 'price comparison' sites as per the UK, but there are a few similar ones popping up - Policy Genius 'seems' to do something similar and might be worth checking out. But be very careful when looking at others though, some are just complete scams and artificially increase stuff to give an impression you are getting the best deal when you arent.
But then again, I have had a teenager on my policy for the last 4 years (two separate ones, learning then passing and then the next one learning and passing). So not much I can do, unless I just get a cheap car and a separate policy. You pay for it, but to be honest, its not far off the prices that I was paying in the UK! The difference is that its a group policy and that does bring the pricing down a little. I do understand that living in California isnt great from an insurance point of view.
Went with Geico on arrival though. Some recommendations and they did give a discount based on a letter of NCD from my previous UK insurer. Wasnt the full discount, but it was something and thats good. Insurance costs did drop on year 1 and 2 though, so thats good.
What I have found is that the whole claim process has been good though. Unfortunately had a couple of claims, one not our fault, the other absolutely the fault of my teenager daughter! Both times it was easy, fast and effective. If the assessment can be done via an App, great, if not they send someone out and they work out things from there. In the case of Geico, they even printed the check on the spot! Impressed!
One thing that is different though - claims from other insurance policies. In the UK, you would just pass the details on to your insurer who would then fight it out with the other party and sort it (in my experience, ending up at a 50/50 split!). I had my Ducati knocked over and the people who did it took responsibility. After a bit of a fight, I had an assessor come to work out costs. They sent someone who specializes in Harleys and boats.... yeah, thats going to be accurate. Turns out he was fairly accurate, but by a fluke rather than anything else. My bike still isnt repaired 6 months AFTER the damage! Not good. So be prepared for crap like this, but in general I am impressed by the service levels that I get with the bigger insurers here in the US.
However, it is absolutely worth shopping around. Insurance differs from state to state and I would really recommend getting personal recommendations from people in the state you are looking for (NC I think?). Geico isnt that competitive in other states while others are - and there is no real 'price comparison' sites as per the UK, but there are a few similar ones popping up - Policy Genius 'seems' to do something similar and might be worth checking out. But be very careful when looking at others though, some are just complete scams and artificially increase stuff to give an impression you are getting the best deal when you arent.
Welcome to NC! I recently relocated from Cambridgeshire to Mebane, near Greensboro. NC DMV is open and pretty helpful. I passed my US driving test a couple of weeks ago, you really do need a US driving license to access some services. My wife is a USC so she’s got all the insurance through AAA I think.
Happy to help with any small local knowledge, feel free to PM me.
Happy to help with any small local knowledge, feel free to PM me.
small update from me -
we bought (leased) a brand new Nissan Rouge - which as an aside is really quite nice - and haven't got my play car as yet.
Insurance with Progressive - wife as primary driver, with me as secondary on a UK license was $640 for 6 months.
Weirdly in NC I couldn't get my driving license without proof of insurance first! seems v backwards - but hey ho.
Now on the hunt for my play car - dread to think how much insurance will spike!!
SB
we bought (leased) a brand new Nissan Rouge - which as an aside is really quite nice - and haven't got my play car as yet.
Insurance with Progressive - wife as primary driver, with me as secondary on a UK license was $640 for 6 months.
Weirdly in NC I couldn't get my driving license without proof of insurance first! seems v backwards - but hey ho.
Now on the hunt for my play car - dread to think how much insurance will spike!!
SB
sillybobthornton said:
small update from me -
we bought (leased) a brand new Nissan Rouge - which as an aside is really quite nice - and haven't got my play car as yet.
Insurance with Progressive - wife as primary driver, with me as secondary on a UK license was $640 for 6 months.
Weirdly in NC I couldn't get my driving license without proof of insurance first! seems v backwards - but hey ho.
Now on the hunt for my play car - dread to think how much insurance will spike!!
SB
Great news, if your play car is going to be over 10 years old look at Hagarty and Grundy for separate insurance. Some of their policies with limited mileage are incredibly cheap if the play car is not your main driver. we bought (leased) a brand new Nissan Rouge - which as an aside is really quite nice - and haven't got my play car as yet.
Insurance with Progressive - wife as primary driver, with me as secondary on a UK license was $640 for 6 months.
Weirdly in NC I couldn't get my driving license without proof of insurance first! seems v backwards - but hey ho.
Now on the hunt for my play car - dread to think how much insurance will spike!!
SB
blackrabbit said:
sillybobthornton said:
small update from me -
we bought (leased) a brand new Nissan Rouge - which as an aside is really quite nice - and haven't got my play car as yet.
Insurance with Progressive - wife as primary driver, with me as secondary on a UK license was $640 for 6 months.
Weirdly in NC I couldn't get my driving license without proof of insurance first! seems v backwards - but hey ho.
Now on the hunt for my play car - dread to think how much insurance will spike!!
SB
Great news, if your play car is going to be over 10 years old look at Hagarty and Grundy for separate insurance. Some of their policies with limited mileage are incredibly cheap if the play car is not your main driver. we bought (leased) a brand new Nissan Rouge - which as an aside is really quite nice - and haven't got my play car as yet.
Insurance with Progressive - wife as primary driver, with me as secondary on a UK license was $640 for 6 months.
Weirdly in NC I couldn't get my driving license without proof of insurance first! seems v backwards - but hey ho.
Now on the hunt for my play car - dread to think how much insurance will spike!!
SB
The jump in insurance shouldnt be that much, though depends on what you are looking for. Insurers are really looking at the person(s) as the primary aspect, though the vehicle does impact too. Adding vehicles shouldnt impact it too much, so it looks like you are on a winner there!
As for looking for something fun - try craigslist, auto tempest and I hate to say it Facebook market. LOTS of scammers out there, so do your research on buying privately for your state. Critical things are a current registration, inspection (if relevant) and the title. If there is any doubt on any of these, tread REALLY carefully. Not sure about NC, but never buy a car that has back registration fees or issues with registration - its a minefield and gets really expensive really quicky. But, I am sure there are plenty of interesting and fun cars in NC (NASCAR legacy etc). Not sure about condition, but I think that you should be good on rust etc (I dont think that NC uses salt on the roads), so you should have a wide variety to choose from. There are some gems in older US cars, but be warned, a lot of them are just crap.
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