Top 5 Florida Auto Insurance Companies

December 26th, 2008 FL Insurance Posted in Car Insurance No Comments »

When searching for a FL auto insurance policy, check the rating of local companies using rating organizations such as Standard & Poor’s or Fitch Ratings. Research the reputation and financial standings of your future Florida car insurance provider.

The top Florida auto insurance companies are 21st Century/AIG, Allstate, Farmers, Liberty Mutual, and Nationwide. These major insurance companies provide private policies for you and your family, as well as policies for motorcycles and antique cars. Be sure to check out which discounts you may be able to receive on your Florida auto insurance policy. Below are brief summaries of each company. A complete list of detailed Florida insurance company reviews can be found at QuoteFL.com.

21st Century Insurance/AIG Auto Insurance

In 2007, 21st Century Insurance Company and AIG merged to form one company that can provide Floridians with more auto policies and insurance benefits. They provide coverage to 3.5 million vehicles nationwide. In 2006 the company started providing Floridians with auto insurance policies and has become a major provider within the state. They do not deny insurance to any Floridian based on their location or credit score.

Allstate

Allstate receives “superior” ratings from A.M. Best and is a “Fortune 100” company. Concerned with the specific needs of Florida residents, Allstate provides an online summary of what policies are required and what policies are more popular in Florida, making it easy for Florida residents to understand their auto insurance needs.

Farmers Insurance

Farmers Insurance Group of Companies started in 1928 as an automobile insurance provider. It is the nation’s third largest insurer of private policy automobile insurance. Farmers Auto Insurance division provides Florida policyholders with a personal local agent to assist them in specializing their auto insurance policy to suit their lifestyle.

Liberty Mutual

Liberty Mutual is the nation’s 8th largest provider of automobile insurance. J.D. Power and Associates has recognized Liberty Mutual for “Call Center Service Excellence”, an acknowledgment that policyholders truly appreciate when dealing with placing claims or addressing billing concerns.

Nationwide

9 out of 10 Nationwide customers would recommend the company to a friend or family member. They offer abundant discounts that will provide almost anyone with savings on their auto insurance policy. Nationwide policies contain all the basic forms of coverage that you will need in the state of Florida, as well as additional optional enhancements that can keep you safer and financially secure.

*Remember: Many web sites now allow you to compare rates from multiple companies in a matter of minutes from your home computer. Only Licensed Florida auto insurance companies can give you a policy that will abide by Florida car insurance laws, providing you with the appropriate Florida no fault auto insurance regulations.


Nationwide Auto Insurance Review

November 11th, 2008 FL Insurance Posted in Car Insurance No Comments »

The first notable bit of information is that 9 out of 10 Nationwide customers would recommend the company to a friend or family member. They offer abundant discounts that will provide almost anyone with savings on their auto insurance policy. Nationwide policies contain all the basic forms of coverage that you will need in the state of Florida, as well as additional optional enhancements that can keep you safer and financially secure.

Nationwide policies protect your car through comprehensive coverage, collision coverage, towing and labor, gap coverage and rental reimbursement. Nationwide also protects you and others through policies that cover injury and property damage, medical expenses and family compensation. They also provide personal injury and no-fault protection, which are required in the state of Florida.

Nationwide uses Blue Ribbon Claims Service which is accessible 24-hours a day. If your car is damaged and you choose a Blue Ribbon Claims repair shop, then all repairs will come in a written guarantee. All Blue Ribbon Claims repair shops are pre-screened and pre-qualified so that you can trust the level of service. When you bring your car to a Blue Ribbon Claims repair shop, you can view your car repair details online and even receive updates about the progress.

Nationwide provides customers with numerous discounts to save them money on their monthly premiums. When you combine your Nationwide auto insurance and home insurance policy, whether it is a condo or apartment, you are instantly rewarded with a discounted rate. If you insure more than one car with Nationwide, you receive a massive 20% discount on your rates. You can save an additional 10% if you are accident free for five years and have at least five years of driving experience. You receive 15% off when you have a student in the home with a “B” average or better. Save 15% when you insure with Nationwide for five years or more and receive 5% off if you have been insured with Nationwide for at least three years. Save 3% if you are part of an affiliated organization and save even more money when you have additional safety features in your car such as anti-theft or frontal airbag systems.

Nationwide uses what they call a “Nationwide Review” to help you assess the type of coverage you want and need for your Florida automobile insurance policy. This review assesses what type of discounts you can qualify for, which deductibles you should choose and also which auto insurance policies are best for your budget and needs. Nationwide feels that it is good to get a new assessment annually with “Nationwide Review”, especially if you have had a major life change, such as marriage or retirement.


21st Century Insurance/AIG Auto Insurance Review

November 11th, 2008 FL Insurance Posted in Car Insurance No Comments »

In 2007, 21st Century Insurance Company and AIG merged to form one company that can provide Floridians with more auto policies and insurance benefits. They provide coverage to 3.5 million vehicles nationwide. In 2006 the company started providing Floridians with auto insurance policies and has become a major provider within the state. They do not deny insurance to any Floridian based on their location or credit score. Florida residents can also make their own choices about where they seek repairs that are reimbursed.

21st Century is an active participant in communities where they provide policies. For six years they have been educating communities about the importance of child safety seats, as motor vehicle crashes are the number one cause of death for children ages 2-14. The Florida Highway Patrol, as well as the State of Florida itself, supports this program.

21st Century boasts many benefits to their customers that leading competitors do not provide. If your new or leased car is totaled within the first year of purchase, 21st Century will compensate you with the full price of the car, for no additional cost. They extend your policy coverage to any other driver that you designate on your policy that will be driving your car—at no additional cost. Towing and emergency roadside assistance are included in every policy at no additional cost. They provide temporary coverage for student children that return home for part of the year or during holidays, at no additional cost. 21st Century has a network of reliable repair centers and auto body facilities that guarantee repairs for your car. They have an accident and traffic forgiveness program at no additional cost for long-term customers. They also do not require a membership or brokerage fee.

21st Century offers 24-hour customer service and sales via the web or telephone. 21st also provides online quotes in minutes, next-day coverage when a policy is bought online and licensed representative available 24-hours a day. Policyholders can pay their bills online, amend policies online and file claims online. 21st is also recognized for its support of Spanish speaking customers and has a bilingual website as well. Any one competitor does not offer all of these advantages.

21st Century uses Foremost as their affiliate to provide motorcycle insurance to Florida residents. Their policies are affordable and loaded with coverage options, hopefully encouraging Florida motorcyclists to purchase the optional insurance.


Liberty Mutual Auto Insurance Review

November 11th, 2008 FL Insurance Posted in Car Insurance No Comments »

Liberty Mutual is the nation’s 8th largest provider of automobile insurance. J.D. Power and Associates has recognized Liberty Mutual for “Call Center Service Excellence”, an acknowledgment that policyholders truly appreciate when dealing with placing claims or addressing billing concerns.

Liberty Mutual has many helpful online tools and resources for policyholders. Your claims can now be reported online from your home computer. This Eservice site saves loads of time even though Liberty Mutual has an excellent customer service call center. This allows claims to be placed 24 hours a day, which is extremely convenient. Liberty Mutual has also created a site specifically for teen drivers. This site provides resources and online tools for teens and their families so that teens may become safer and more knowledgeable drivers.

Liberty Mutual’s premier auto insurance product is Liberty Guard Auto Insurance. This policy provides basic coverage as well as added enhancements that can ensure your safety and financial wellness at the event of an accident. Liberty Guard provides:

Personal Liability Protection
This package covers all necessary insurance requirements for Floridians. It includes personal injury protection that exceeds bodily injury protection policies. This policy covers any type of recreational vehicle that you may use such as a boat, camp, home or trailer. You would be provided with defense against lawsuits and coverage that extends throughout the globe.

Liability Coverage
This coverage will cover the cost of your damages, according to your policy limits. It also covers legal expenses if a suit is filed against you.

Medical Payments Coverage
This covers the cost of medical expenses when someone else is injured in your car or for the funeral expenses in the event of death. This coverage offers compensation for up to three years following the accident.

Collision Coverage
This provides protection when your car is hit by another car, if you hit another car or object or if your car rolls over.

Towing and Labor
This coverage is really helpful when you need it, paying the cost of towing every time you need it.

For added convenience, Liberty Mutual offers many additional perks for policyholders. Representatives can be reached after business hours using the customer service call center. This 24-hour service can assist with claims or policy information. All policies are yearlong policies; there will never be a rate increase in less than a year’s time. Payments can be deducted automatically out of your checking account each month, saving you from having to remember to make payments. Also, every policy is equipped with 24-hour emergency roadside assistance.


Allstate Auto Insurance Review

November 11th, 2008 FL Insurance Posted in Car Insurance 1 Comment »

Allstate receives “superior” ratings from A.M. Best and is a “Fortune 100” company. Concerned with the specific needs of Florida residents, Allstate provides an online summary of what policies are required and what policies are more popular in Florida, making it easy for Florida residents to understand their auto insurance needs.

Allstate offers coverage to Floridians that is not required by state law but that are popular amongst auto insurance policy holders for their safety and financial wellbeing. According to Allstate, Floridians most often choose to insure for $100,000 to $300,000 when it comes to bodily injury liability, but the law does not require this. Allstate offers Bodily Injury Liability coverage, Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury coverage, Medical Payments coverage, Collision coverage and comprehensive coverage.

Allstate’s “Your Choice Auto” policy provides basic auto insurance coverage, extra enhancements for your safety and finances as well as rewards for driving practices. They give you many incentives to be a safe driver. “Your Choice Auto” offers accident forgiveness, which keeps your rates stationary in the event of an accident. “Safe Driving Bonus” gives you a check of 5% of your premium every six months that are accident-free. Enjoy $100 off of your deductible each year that you are accident-free as well. With the “Your Choice Auto” policy, if your car is totaled within the first year of ownership or leasing, Allstate will compensate you with a new car–not the depreciated value.

Allstate rewards policyholders with numerous possible discounts off of their premium rate. The “Premier” is awarded when you are accident-free and violation-free for three years while the “Premier Plus” discount comes after five safe years. Safety features on your car can also give you a discounted rate, such as passive restraint systems, anti-lock brakes and anti-theft devices. Also look for discounts if you have a good student in the home, if you are retired, if you drive a new car or an economy car, if you drive a utility vehicle or a farm vehicle and if you have a student in the family that lives away at school.

Allstate is motivated to keep teen drivers safe as well as others that are in their path on the roads. Allstate clarifies the stages of Florida’s graduated driver licensing program so that parents are aware of their new driver’s limitations. Allstate also provides a downloadable “Teen Driver Agreement” for parents and teens to personalize according to their own family’s safety agreements.


Farmers Auto Insurance Review

November 11th, 2008 FL Insurance Posted in Car Insurance No Comments »

Farmers Insurance Group of Companies started in 1928 as an automobile insurance provider. It is the nation’s third largest insurer of private policy automobile insurance. Farmers Auto Insurance division provides Florida policyholders with a personal local agent to assist them in specializing their auto insurance policy to suit their lifestyle. This agent will also be able to better scope out potential discounts that may be available to the auto policyholder, such as discounts for location or credit history.

Farmers provides services that make the claims process very easy. When you call them in an emergency or after an accident, they first assess your safety. They then assess your immediate needs such as roadside assistance or emergency help, and then they walk you through the claims process. After the claim is processed, Farmers refers service providers to ensure reliable and efficient auto repair. Using the Farmers website, you can find a Florida auto insurance quote in five minutes.

Though Florida is a no-fault insuring state, Farmers offers additional coverage beyond the basic requirements for a Florida auto insurance policy. Farmers also offers the following additions:

Bodily injury Coverage
The Farmers’ policy covers the expenses in the event of another person’s serious injury or death because of an accident in which you are involved. This coverage includes lost wages, medical expenses and financial compensation for pain and suffering.

Collision Coverage
This addition covers the damage caused to your vehicle when you hit another vehicle or object. You would be reimbursed for the damages, minus a chosen deductible.

Comprehensive Coverage
This package offers protection against fire, theft, falling objects, riots, storms, earthquakes, floods, animal damage or other collision with other natural obstacles. Permanently installed equipment is covered under this option as well.

Medical Payments
Farmers offers medical payments coverage, but this addition may not be necessary in Florida. Florida’s no-fault policy requires drivers to carry PIP coverage. Farmers’ PIP coverage offers a broader range of medical costs than the medical payments coverage. With PIP, even lost wages of the injured party are compensated.

Farmers uses Foremost, the nation’s largest specialty insurer to provide motorcycle and antique car insurance. Though the law in Florida does not require motorcycle insurance, it is worth having with the rate of accidents and fatalities. Foremost covers all types of antique cars that are quite expensive to maintain as well, including kit cars, customs, hot rods, foreign cars, exotics and more.

Farmers also offers discounts to policy holders such as professional groups, retired professionals, homeowners, new parents, good students, Teens with certain driving training programs, alternative fuel vehicles, air bags and more.