Insurance questions

[JBones81]

I know everything is getting out of control right now, price wise, in this country. Today we got our auto insurance renewal and they want $6200/year for our 3 cars - 2018 RS3, 2022 Tesla Model 3 Performance, and the 2022 ZL1. The rs3 is at 6k annually, the Tesla at 12k and the Camaro is just pleasure use, 2500 miles per year. We have 0 points - no tickets, no accidents - all the good driver discounts. 6k/yr for auto insurance is insanity right? I have a 2024 RS3 on order and now I'm thinking they might raise us up to the 7 or even 8k range when that arrives. Meanwhile our home insurance is 3400/yr, Electricity/Gas is 600/mo, cell phones, cable, internet, gas, yadda yadda yadda we are BROKE We earn a lot of money but by the time we pay for all this sh1t we are left with nothing.

This is NOT a political thread. Both sides aren't doing anything to control this. This also isn't a "bash California" thread, as I've reached out to a few people who live in other states and they're also complaining about this.

Is there anything we can do to rein in our insurance costs? Any recommended companies to check out? Something's gotta change.

[B4YM4X]

I know everything is getting out of control right now, price wise, in this country. Today we got our auto insurance renewal and they want $6200/year for our 3 cars - 2018 RS3, 2022 Tesla Model 3 Performance, and the 2022 ZL1. The rs3 is at 6k annually, the Tesla at 12k and the Camaro is just pleasure use, 2500 miles per year. We have 0 points - no tickets, no accidents - all the good driver discounts. 6k/yr for auto insurance is insanity right? I have a 2024 RS3 on order and now I'm thinking they might raise us up to the 7 or even 8k range when that arrives. Meanwhile our home insurance is 3400/yr, Electricity/Gas is 600/mo, cell phones, cable, internet, gas, yadda yadda yadda we are BROKE We earn a lot of money but by the time we pay for all this sh1t we are left with nothing.

This is NOT a political thread. Both sides aren't doing anything to control this. This also isn't a "bash California" thread, as I've reached out to a few people who live in other states and they're also complaining about this.

Is there anything we can do to rein in our insurance costs? Any recommended companies to check out? Something's gotta change.

I don't know what is causing your rates to be that high but definitely shop around. I've been with Allstate for many years now and I have an 8y RS3 and Model Y Long Range and I'm paying a little over 1k per 6 months. Of course with full coverage and never had an issue with any claims with Allstate. They also insure my home so there some bundle discount there as well.

[JBones81]

I don't know what is causing your rates to be that high but definitely shop around. I've been with Allstate for many years now and I have an 8y RS3 and Model Y Long Range and I'm paying a little over 1k per 6 months. Of course with full coverage and never had an issue with any claims with Allstate. They also insure my home so there some bundle discount there as well.

We had a bundle that helped a bit, but had a toilet burst upstairs and cause a bunch of damage (insurance claim was made). So they then tried to jack up our rates the next year. We dropped them and switched to AAA. At first they got us in for 1100/yr, which was very competitive. Then the next year was 1400, and then for 2024 they wanted 1900 (this was at the old house - we just moved). At this new house, AAA said they wouldnt even cover us because of our proximity to hills and the associated fire risk. We live literally across the street from a shopping center. Hills are not really close by at all. Like, if this house burned down due to wildfires, it would have to mean that the entire city was leveled in some catastrophic event. We do not live anywhere near foresty areas. Nevertheless, we had to shop for a new carrier, and the best we could do was the 3400 through some random company I'd never heard of. So combined we are at nearly 10,000/yr for home and auto coverage, plus our property taxes are 15000/yr, so 25000/yr for taxes and insurance. In 2008 I was netting about 6k/mo in take home pay and I was driving a brand new c6 Corvette, LOL. Things have escalated quickly.

[Audibot]

I have Progressive. I had a rate jack for my Feb renewal back in Jan. I called, very displeased, and they put me in contact with the underwriting dept. Speaking with them, I got the exact same coverages for each of my cars for over $800 less. Add in the bundle and it's even more.

I also suggest shopping around too. State Farm gave me a fantastic rate as well, which was a good leverage.

[XMetal]

You can blame government regulations for having all these "safety" requirements, which add cost to the repair. Think about all the various sensors/cameras that has to be repair and properly re-calibrated after a repair, even after a minor accident. EVs are getting ridden off when a minor dents/scratches are done to their battery packs! Your average car transaction now costs over $47k, so the totalled payout goes through the roof! All that adds up! My renewal is coming up soon, so if I'm anywhere close to paying $6k a year for my cars, I will have a serious consideration on self-insuring them!

[brobst]

Statefarm did increase about 20% this year in California. Rs3 has been expensive ish to insure. Right around the 3k per year mark. But I've gotten 2 windshields out of it and the claim process is convenient so I have been hesitant to swap providers.

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

[Audibot]

Statefarm did increase about 20% this year in California. Rs3 has been expensive ish to insure. Right around the 3k per year mark. But I've gotten 2 windshields out of it and the claim process is convenient so I have been hesitant to swap providers.

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

I was just using them as an example; I know Cali's insurances have been a shitshow since the last round of wildfires and flooding.

[S3DUDE]

I am sure you are premium prices because you are in California. Everything is expensive there but salaries are also greater thus everything is adjusted. I recently swapped insurance companies, I have been with USAA for over 20 years but I had a terrible experience when adding my 5th car.
Long history short I switched to Geico and raised my deductibles to $1000 (up from $500). I cut on monthly payments 45% on each of the Audi RS3s but I am nowhere close to what you are paying for your cars.

I was paying about $217/ month for the 2023 and $201/month for my 2024. Lots of people driving around with no insurance making our premiums go higher. You have to pay for uninsured and under insured. My best advice is to call around and dedicate your time to annotate all the details from different insurance companies and compare.

To me the last drop of the glass was when I tried to add a 2009 Honda Civic SI with 231k miles as my 5th car and they wanted $131/month when I already have another 2009 Honda Civic SI that I was paying only $79/month. It made no logical sense considering that there were the same cars and if anything it should be a cheaper rate adding a car. I tried to argue and they did not want to work with me so I thought it was abusive and consequently I dropped my insurance. I am saving over $350/month now since making the switch.

[Jetdriver]

This all seems like 1st world problems.... lol. I always tell my wife and kids that budgeting your money is simple. Money in must be greater than or equal to money out - preferably greater. The end.

I switched from USAA to Gieco about two years ago as well. Rates went down about $700 per year. I just added a 24 RS3 to our lineup, which is now our 4th car, and my rates went up about $1,500 per year. We are both in our 40s, and I don't yet have a child that drives, but I am getting close. If I add my daughter when she gets her license, it's going to go up another $3k per year.

You could always sell all your fun cars and drive Subaru Forresters. :)

Sent from my SM-F721U using Audizine Forum mobile app

[bsinc42]

Location is definitely a huge chunk of that. I have state farm with all the multi-whatever discounts and my 22' RS3 was $756/yr for full coverage, 10k miles/yr. After it got totaled when I hit a deer, the premium went up 40% to $1200/yr but I still feel like it's a fair deal. I don't blame them after having to pay out almost 75k haha

[Zombie5150]

I recently (January 2024) moved from Kali to Texas. We’ve had State Farm for 40 years. I’m not really a big fan of SF but since we get extended coverages that are no longer offered, it doesn’t make much sense to switch. I’ve looked at several other insurance companies (AAA, USAA, Progressive, Wawanesa) but none compare to what we have. My car insurance is about the same as California but right now I’m not getting the bundle discount since I’m building a house and don’t have a homeowners policy. I do have renters insurance and a ring policy that are both really reasonable. One problem in California I experienced with homeowners insurance is my rates really started skyrocketing the last two years. No claims but we lived in a high fire danger area. Even though we’ve been with them a loooong time they told us if we as much as missed one payment we’d get dropped. We had autopay but it was clear to us they’re just looking for ways to drop folks. It was time to leave. Even if my homeowners policy here isn’t much cheaper than California I’m not concerned as both gas and registration prices are way cheaper. $2.00 less a gallon and my registration went from $959 to $79. Additionally grocery prices are a bit cheaper too. I’m guessing because transportation costs are lower. There’s certainly no utopia but California is certainly one of the most expensive states to be insured in.

[brobst]

Insurance also goes up as cars get older. They are considered less safe as safety features evolve over the years. My rs3 is a 2020 so it makes sense that the 8y would have a better safety rating in the eye of providers.

Edit: rs3 premium is closer to $2300/yr. I misspoke earlier

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

[tegxsi]

I wasn't happy when my auto insurance went up especially since I hardly commute to the office these days. Ironically my home insurance went down so it kind of balanced out lol. Fortunately was able to buy a home when the market was at the bottom so my property taxes is reasonable.

Anyways... It can be tough with the current market and with the cost of living especially around the bay area. Definitely do some insurance shopping. You may have to evaluate things and find ways to cut back for the time being.

[S3DUDE]

I recently (January 2024) moved from Kali to Texas. We’ve had State Farm for 40 years. I’m not really a big fan of SF but since we get extended coverages that are no longer offered, it doesn’t make much sense to switch. I’ve looked at several other insurance companies (AAA, USAA, Progressive, Wawanesa) but none compare to what we have. My car insurance is about the same as California but right now I’m not getting the bundle discount since I’m building a house and don’t have a homeowners policy. I do have renters insurance and a ring policy that are both really reasonable. One problem in California I experienced with homeowners insurance is my rates really started skyrocketing the last two years. No claims but we lived in a high fire danger area. Even though we’ve been with them a loooong time they told us if we as much as missed one payment we’d get dropped. We had autopay but it was clear to us they’re just looking for ways to drop folks. It was time to leave. Even if my homeowners policy here isn’t much cheaper than California I’m not concerned as both gas and registration prices are way cheaper. $2.00 less a gallon and my registration went from $959 to $79. Additionally grocery prices are a bit cheaper too. I’m guessing because transportation costs are lower. There’s certainly no utopia but California is certainly one of the most expensive states to be insured in.

That is insanity!!! going from $959 down to $79. by the way, Boerne,TX is beautiful, I had the pleasure to be there while on vacation many many times. I always visited my sister in the country side. Swam by the clear water river a few miles down the road in a park and that suppose to be my retirement location. Been on Kerrville also, that whole area is just incredible specially the countryside roads. I am happy for you plus there are E-85 gas stations there, HEB has one.

[brobst]

Cali registration being based on car msrp really threw me for a loop the first year.
My more expensive vehicle prolly does less damage to the road than the cheaper ones.

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

[JBones81]

Appreciate the responses. I've looked into what other states are paying, and CA's auto insurance rates are really not out of line with the majority of this country is paying now. It's ridiculous. As mentioned here, the very quickly rising replacement costs have a lot to do with it. All these features are expensive to replace. It's not the old days where a fender bender resulted in a few hundred bucks worth of bumper repairs and repainting. New cars are really expensive to fix.

[RS3sistable]

I know everything is getting out of control right now, price wise, in this country. Today we got our auto insurance renewal and they want $6200/year for our 3 cars - 2018 RS3, 2022 Tesla Model 3 Performance, and the 2022 ZL1. The rs3 is at 6k annually, the Tesla at 12k and the Camaro is just pleasure use, 2500 miles per year. We have 0 points - no tickets, no accidents - all the good driver discounts. 6k/yr for auto insurance is insanity right? I have a 2024 RS3 on order and now I'm thinking they might raise us up to the 7 or even 8k range when that arrives. Meanwhile our home insurance is 3400/yr, Electricity/Gas is 600/mo, cell phones, cable, internet, gas, yadda yadda yadda we are BROKE We earn a lot of money but by the time we pay for all this sh1t we are left with nothing.

This is NOT a political thread. Both sides aren't doing anything to control this. This also isn't a "bash California" thread, as I've reached out to a few people who live in other states and they're also complaining about this.

Is there anything we can do to rein in our insurance costs? Any recommended companies to check out? Something's gotta change.

Im in cali, clean record, multi line discount. 2024 RS3 added to my subie forrester policy with pretty high limits and rental: 360 per month for both.

[mtwallace85]

Sheesh, I’m guessing State Farm? I dumped them about 2 years ago now and I’m paying $160/month maxed out coverage with $100 deductibles and that includes my TTRS and SQ5. I’m in my 30s living in SoCal as well and if you think property taxes are bad here, go move to Illinois. I was able to spend an extra $300k here compared to Chicago because property taxes are so low here lol.

[S3DUDE]

So here is an update. Last year I switched from USAA to Geico and I saved literally $350/month on all 5 cars but I just added my son yesterday to my policy(he just got his license yesterday) and I bent down and pulled my pants to the ankles. Just adding him will be an additional $209/month I pay $211/moth for the two Audi RS3s so just adding my son to the policy cost me as much as as insuring 2 Audis RS3 full coverage. I can save a little if I merged the house coverage but still... I am still in shock. All my cars have full coverage, towing and $1000 deductible.

[Crowlski]

Appreciate the responses. I've looked into what other states are paying, and CA's auto insurance rates are really not out of line with the majority of this country is paying now. It's ridiculous. As mentioned here, the very quickly rising replacement costs have a lot to do with it. All these features are expensive to replace. It's not the old days where a fender bender resulted in a few hundred bucks worth of bumper repairs and repainting. New cars are really expensive to fix.

I'm sure you did, but did you shop the insurance? If you bundle insurance policies for say home and auto you'll get a better rate too. Sorry if someone also brought this up I didn't read every post.

Sent from my SM-N981U using Audizine Forum mobile app

[IanCH]

Time to buy junior one of them fancy electric scooters!

Insurance rates overall have gotten insane. I'm fairly insulated but I need to have my agent shop policies again and up my home coverage.

[JBones81]

I'm sure you did, but did you shop the insurance? If you bundle insurance policies for say home and auto you'll get a better rate too. Sorry if someone also brought this up I didn't read every post.

Sent from my SM-N981U using Audizine Forum mobile app

I can't bundle because my home insurance is through some random company now. I had Mercury then AAA but they dropped me because I live in a high fire danger neighborhood. I 100% DO NOT, but they have deemed most of CA to be high fire danger, so my zip code got bundled in. Since I had to find someone to cover me, I had to give up the home and auto bundle option.

[Fixeroh]

Some real horror stories regarding insurance here. Damn. Very sorry for my friends who just want to enjoy their cars and protect them. I'm 64 and wife is 59 and live in central Ohio. State Farm insures our home and my 24 RS3 and my wife's 22 Q7. Also have a 2010 Tacoma for projects and ferrying our big dogs around. Just liability on the truck. Kids are all out of the house. Quite clear I should be grateful to pay $2200 a year for the car insurance. Home owner in insurance is creeping up but the auto insurance has stayed steady for some time. Know there are a lot of factors that go into setting insurance prices but owners of desirable, performance cars always get crucified.

[JBones81]

Some real horror stories regarding insurance here. Damn. Very sorry for my friends who just want to enjoy their cars and protect them. I'm 64 and wife is 59 and live in central Ohio. State Farm insures our home and my 24 RS3 and my wife's 22 Q7. Also have a 2010 Tacoma for projects and ferrying our big dogs around. Just liability on the truck. Kids are all out of the house. Quite clear I should be grateful to pay $2200 a year for the car insurance. Home owner in insurance is creeping up but the auto insurance has stayed steady for some time. Know there are a lot of factors that go into setting insurance prices but owners of desirable, performance cars always get crucified.

Maybe I'll check with them. Paying $8000/yr for the Tesla, RS3 and Mazda is insane. We have no accidents or tickets.

[IanCH]

Need to talk to an insurance broker/agent, there is no cheaper way to get good insurance. 800/yr for 3 cars is criminal. I'm paying half that for 3 cars of similar value and driving profile.

[NapalmEnema]

Maybe I'll check with them. Paying $8000/yr for the Tesla, RS3 and Mazda is insane. We have no accidents or tickets.

hahaha what? You're not serious. That's madness man. PM me if you want an insurance contact that may be able to help you find something better.

[Crowlski]

Oh wow. I feel everyone's pain. I live on the East Coast on the jersey shore and after Sandy the insurance companies gave us all a whuppin. There might be things you can do to lower your risk which could lower insurance rates like fire retardant roof materials, relocating vegetation away from the house... etc. I don't live in CA so I'm only guessing. I had an elevation cert done where I am and it lowered my flood ins premium by half. Seriously.

Sent from my SM-N981U using Audizine Forum mobile app

[grandpab]

I'm paying a little over $200 a month in a flood zone area that's seen a few major hurricanes in the last few years.

[JBones81]

hahaha what? You're not serious. That's madness man. PM me if you want an insurance contact that may be able to help you find something better.

I've shopped around quite a bit and can't find any lower rates, but it's worth a shot!

[IanCH]

You need to talk to an insurance agent. If you buy insurance direct from a company they rip you off.

[rex_racer]

I've shopped around quite a bit and can't find any lower rates, but it's worth a shot!

Are you still with AAA? They're by far the highest cost of all of them. Have you tried insuring the Tesla with Tesla, its supposed to be far cheaper.

[JBones81]

Are you still with AAA? They're by far the highest cost of all of them. Have you tried insuring the Tesla with Tesla, its supposed to be far cheaper.

AAA dropped me from the home side a couple years ago due to fire danger in the state. I have Mercury for auto and Homesite for home insurance. $8k auto, $4k home. $15k property taxes.

[Audibot]

Does Erie insure in CA? I know they can have great rates but are also super particular on who they will insure (like no violations/points)

[S3DUDE]

You need to talk to an insurance agent. If you buy insurance direct from a company they rip you off.

So... let's say that I already have Geico and I am paying X amount of money. Is it too late to search for an insurance agent? most people have the tendency to just pick up the phone and call the big insurance companies: USAA, Geico, Liberty mutual, Allstate, etc, . What kind of savings do you think you get by using an insurance agent? what percentage(give or take)?

[Audibot]

Can't say, but last year I got a renewal quote from Progressive that was absurdly high. >$1900 for the three cars. Had a vocal but patient complaint that resulted in me being transferred to the direct underwriting team. Same cars, same exact coverage amounts. $1000.

Sometimes if you can get to the right people it helps.

[rex_racer]

AAA dropped me from the home side a couple years ago due to fire danger in the state. I have Mercury for auto and Homesite for home insurance. $8k auto, $4k home. $15k property taxes.

Mercury is about average cost wise from our research. I think the Tesla is really kicking up the price and would suggest checking out Tesla's insurance if you want a more affordable price. My friend with a Tesla said that Tesla insurance was nearly a 1/3 the price vs regular insurers. Mercury won't even cover our home. Too many trees in the area.

[NapalmEnema]

Mercury is about average cost wise from our research. I think the Tesla is really kicking up the price and would suggest checking out Tesla's insurance if you want a more affordable price. My friend with a Tesla said that Tesla insurance was nearly a 1/3 the price vs regular insurers. Mercury won't even cover our home. Too many trees in the area.

Tesla insurance is the reich choice for sure.

[JBones81]

Mercury is about average cost wise from our research. I think the Tesla is really kicking up the price and would suggest checking out Tesla's insurance if you want a more affordable price. My friend with a Tesla said that Tesla insurance was nearly a 1/3 the price vs regular insurers. Mercury won't even cover our home. Too many trees in the area.

I have heard some horror stories in the Tesla groups. Makes me wary.

Also, I really don't want to give Musk anymore of our money if I can avoid it. I wish he would cut ties with Tesla. They're great cars, but his stigma is dragging them down a ton now.

[S3DUDE]

Can't say, but last year I got a renewal quote from Progressive that was absurdly high. >$1900 for the three cars. Had a vocal but patient complaint that resulted in me being transferred to the direct underwriting team. Same cars, same exact coverage amounts. $1000.

Sometimes if you can get to the right people it helps.

True.. and I agree. you have to call around and complain, at the end of the day they are making a ton of money on your insurance policies. What I found also is that by the time you start trying to get a quote on line with a different insurance it seems like your information is already available to the other insurance competitors through share data and cookies, same thing applies when you want to buy a plane ticket or book a hotel or rent a car. I had USAA for many years and at first it was a decent price but over the years it just creeped up more and more. I literally switched to Geico and save $350/month.

On a different note, now I understand why USAA and Geico wants military members on their policies. Well, think about this, if you are either active duty or retired you get medical coverage no matter what and these insurance companies they prey on this fact because they know uncle bill pitch into the medical bill through Tricare. The insurance companies take a step back and they let Uncle bill pay.

In my opinion, just be as agressive and as ruthless as you can be with the insurance, they are here for the money, all these Insurance CEOs get millions on bonus just out of your pocket and from the insurance stocks. Thera re companies out there that also offer the coverage on the car that you are driving so that you are not overpaying full coverage on the cars that are parked and can't drive. If you have 3-4 cars under your name obviously you can't drive them all at once.

[rex_racer]

I have heard some horror stories in the Tesla groups. Makes me wary.

Also, I really don't want to give Musk anymore of our money if I can avoid it. I wish he would cut ties with Tesla. They're great cars, but his stigma is dragging them down a ton now.

Yea, totally get that, its a tough spot to be in. Unfortunately everyone is pretty expensive now with the recent fires. I haven't seen marked difference in pricing, unless you want to go with a "lower tier" brand.