I recently received my auto insurance bill. It had gone up a lot from last year so I checked to see why. My insurance is through the Hartford AARP program. First, they raised it $15.00 because I turned 65. They told me I could reduce it $72.00 per year by taking the Driver Safety Course. It is an 8 hour course sponsored by AARP and costs $15.95 for AARP members ($4.00 more for nonmembers) I decided it would be worth it to reduce the premium by $72.00 per year for the three years till it expires. Luckily DH cooperated and spent much of the time sitting beside the PC watching me. I'm really not too happy with Hartford. With the $72 discount it will go down from $717/yr to 645. The $15 surcharge for turning age 65 stays on. Hartford doesn't insure mobile homes so don't qualify for discount for having homeowners and auto. Also, when we sold DH's pickup the insurance rate actually went UP because we lost our multicar discount. I still think it is too high and would love to change companies but don'[t know where to start. We've been with them for 13 years, and have never had a claim of any kind.Oh, well, at least it is a relief to have the course taken and over with.
I hate insurance companies. I have never had a wreck or a ticket..., never filed a Homeowner's Claim and I pay pay pay... More every year... I need to see if my insurance company has an on line safety course. I took one about fifteen years ago ...wonder if it's still valid.
I've wanted to take the AARP driver's test but can't leave DH all day to do it. When you took the on line version, did you have to do it all at once? I can't imagine staying on the computer for 8 hours taking the test.
The site I went to was www.AARP.org/life/drive It is good for three years. It can be taken over a period of days, not necessarily all at once. It says it's an 8 hour course, but I finished in less time. I called the company that carries my homeowner and they said they will also accept the certificate and it will reduce the cost with them. As soon as I get the cert I do believe I'll look into changing.
I've taken the AARP drivers test 3 times over the years. Once 1/2 day for 2 days. Others not really 8 hrs. Insurance companies gave a discount. However, this year our insurance went up; so I called and asked if they couldn't do better as I was looking and had received a couple other quotes. They're an indpendent agency; so found a policy as good as but less expensive than the former. Since my hb is a "documented" non-driver, they did ask if all keys were secure where he couldn't get them. I said, "Yes," but I suspect my purse isn't exactly what they meant. However, hb is resigned to not driving and wouldn't try now.
It might be beneficial for you to contact an independent insurance agency. An independent agency represents several companies. Have current copies of your policies on hand and make that phone call(s). Most, if not all, of the information needed to provide quotes will be on those declaration pages - drivers' license numbers may not be on the policy dec. The agent you speak with will help you and offer options to consider. They are there to help you. I hope you have good results!
Just this week I consulted with an independent insurance agency since my home owner's insurance increased 13% (Farmers in TX is sticking it to everybody for the storm damage on the Gulf). Consumers Report even suggests that every 5 years we check around for the best rates and coverage. We have never filed a claim on either home owners or auto insurance. We received a very solid quote for both that offer more comprehensive coverage for less money. Tomorrow we will sign on the dotted line. Thanks for the tip about taking the AARP class online. I have taken it in the past but it has been 5 years or more. The agent did tell me that my DH will have to fill out a form (I can help or even do it for him) since he is over 70 and still has his drivers license. I told her that he has ALZ and does not drive anymore. (True). However,he still has his driver's license. It is important to him to have that "official" photo ID and I don't see any reason to take it away. He is very happy to NOT be driving. Even with the AD the rates will be better than with Farmers.
John didn't want to give up his drivers' license, either. Insurance still has him listed as a driver. License expires this coming year, but I took him to get a regular photo ID at the DMV. GUESS WHAT??? In Virginia, apparently the DL format has changed and the photo ID looks very much like the regular drivers' license. John is happy with that piece of "identity". Now I can get him off my policy~!
We have had Allstate Insurance, both car and home, for at least 25 years. Last June, when my auto policy was up for renewal, the six month premium was $613.00 for full coverage on my 2008 Kia. This price was with over 55, multiple policy, and all the other discounts.
I did some checking around and AARP Hartford was the cheapest at $578 PER YEAR for more coverage than Allstate offerred at $1226 per year. I am the only driver on the policy and have never had any accidents or tickets knock on wood :-).
Our home owners insurance comes due next April and I am going to get a quote from them.
Claude voluntarily quite driving in 1997 when his truck died. He was 75 at the time and didn't really have any alzheimer symptoms. He just felt it was time to quit. He kept his OKlahoma driver's license until we moved to Texas in 2000. We then got him a State ID card. They look just like a driver's license and are good indefinitely.
The Hartford is the policy endorsed by AARP. I know I will need to change insurance.I also have Allstate, but they are known to be the most expensive in Texas. I so dislike those Caveman commercials I won't go with that one... but I love the cute little lizard. I believe the best bet is to go with an independent agency that represents lots of companies...and get a quote from all of them (Son works for Allstate!...he acknowledged that Allstate is higher than others in his area.) I have to keep DH on policy as long as his license is active. It expires in February. It's paid up for a year...so will change when it comes due.