Expert: Ron Cercone - 9/24/2011

Question
Hi there,
Thank you in advance for helping out!

I don't have a specific claim question, but there was no general auto insurance category. All I want to know is your advice and recommendation on which company to receive my auto insurance from, and what sort of coverage is recommended.

I have been with AAA my whole life because my father advocates highly for them so I have trusted his judgment and experience. But I think they may be ripping me off. I am a 27 year old single female with a good driving record (last accident was back in spring 2005 I believe). Yet, every single year they seem to increase my monthly payment by ~$10 and now I'm paying $118.25/month!!! Are they that superior a company that it is worth paying this and should I try to negotiate with them, or is it worth looking into some other companies such as Geico, State Farm, Progressive, etc.  I’ve been receiving invites from them for years and Liberty Mutual supposedly has some college alumni offer for me and claim to be ~$340 cheaper than 21st Century, Allstate, and Mercury…but I never trust ads anymore. I only believe concrete statistical comparison data.

Also, my dad said road service is completely separate from auto insurance (although AAA handles both) and I pay $52/year to be part of his joint plan as a “AAA Plus Dues - Associate.” He said he believes this covers 6 visits/year, 100 miles, is the most basic plan, and he only got it because he’s been with AAA for 30 years. Could I get a better deal elsewhere or is this fair enough to stick with?

At the end of the day, I want decent coverage for the best price available.  I’m saving for a down payment on a home and have to scrape pennies from anywhere I can, but still do not want to be stranded at the time of an accident. I got some quotes online that were considerably cheaper, but if I’m going to be screwed, then are the savings worthwhile? Anyway, having an expert's opinion is the best start, and I truly appreciate your insight.
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ADDENDUM: As needed, here are details on my car and policy (please tell me which are unnecessary or should be edited):
-   Honda 2008 Civic LX 4-door sedan
-   Miles commute USED to be 50 miles one way ~3 days a week, but now I work from home every single day; Notes in Policy say: Prior and Future Annual Mi: 8,000 (22mi per day, so I wonder if they even counted my prior commute in this).
-   Policy has me down as a student, not sure why, been a full-time professional since Jan 2008 and now make 65K
-   Bodily Injury: Liability Limits Each person 50K; Liability Limits Each Occurrence 100K; Premium: $193
-   Medical Payments:  No coverage
-   Uninsured Motorists: Liability Limits Each person 50K; Liability Limits Each Occurrence 100K; Premium: $78
-   Property Damage: Liability Limits Each Occurrence 50K; Premium: $192
-   Comprehensive: Actual Cash Value Less Deductible; 100 Deductible; Premium: $242
-   Collision: Actual Cash Value Less Deductible; 100 Deductible; Premium: $650
-   Enhanced Transportation Expense: Premium: $28
-   All Risks: Actual Cash Value Less Deductible; No coverage
-   Total Premium Per Vehicle (1 vehicle): $1,383
-   Auto Death Benefits: 15K/driver listed with ADB coverage above
-   DSR (Driving Safety Record): 1 Pt
-   YDE (Years Driving Experience): 12 started at 18, I’m 27…so the actual is 9, but I’ll take it.
-   Discounts: None except “Good Driver(s): Items 01” and 01 is my Honda, so I guess this means I’m a good driver (don’t know why the price doesn’t reflect it!!)
-   Live in Berkeley, CA (zip code 94708) but am listed as Lafayette, CA (94549) – which is less money?

Thanks so much for your advice!! =) I appreciate your time.
Take care,
Aly

Answer
View the "Recommended Insurers" page at http://www.insuranceclaimhelp.org . You can keep the AAA roadside/travel service without having to buy their car insurance. If you want to see how you can get cheated by AAA when you have a claim, go to the "Considerations" page at UClaim.com. Let your dad be happy in his ignorance.

Ron Cercone
http://www.UCmaim.com