Can You Ground YOURSELF? (AAA for AAA)
Written: Jan 15 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Excellent Rates Even After an Accident
Cons: Doesn't Have a Catchy Slogan Like 'The Good Hands People'
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| Hard_To_Please's Full Review: AAA - Auto |
I must admit that the spirit of a 16 year old driver still lurks in this thirty-something body... The problem is that the insurance payments come from the thirty-something's checkbook.
The spirit of the 16 year old just had an accident in MY car and I wasn't looking forward to the payment increase caused by my alter-ego. When it comes to driving, "he" isn't quite as reckless as his review of Carmaggedon would have you believe (no dobermans killed in real life), but "he" isn't exactly a Driver's Ed Instructor's Dream either!
A little background...I don't exactly have a stellar driving record and have filed a couple of claims for accidents since I was 16. (I swear, the other cars came out of nowhere!) All kidding aside, accidents DO happen and don't think it won't happen to you unless you possess (a)the ability to maintain total control while doing 60 mph on a solid sheet of ice or (b) a Hummer.
I have also had my share of speeding tickets, although I learned later in life that it's possible to magically change most of them to 'Loud and Excessive Noise' (for a $100 attorney's fee.)
The point is that when my friends and I talk about our rates, they are always amazed that I pay so much less than them. They are Perfect Drivers- I am NOT- and they pay MORE than me! (I should point out that I get a 10% discount due to also having my home insurance with AAA, but even when factoring that in, I still pay far less.)
Much of an individual's perception of their car insurance company comes down to their agent and it's hard to know whether AAA has great agents or I just lucked out by having a great agent who happens to work for AAA.
We probably all get the 'friendly' Birthday Card from our agent (just got mine today), but my agent truly goes above and beyond the call of duty. He has the patience to explain the difference between 'collision' and 'comprehensive' at least once a year without rolling his eyes.
The true measure of an insurance company is when you actually have a claim. When it was determined by the police and adjustors that it WAS my 16yr-old's alter-ego's fault, I just knew that (1) my insurance would be canceled or I wouldn't be able to re-new (2) if they did 'allow' me to stay, I'd be facing double the bargain rate I had been paying (3) it would take forever to pay my claim and that of the other driver and I'd therefore be paying attorneys alot more than the cost of a 'Loud and Excessive Noise' ticket.
Bottom Line: None of the above happened. Within thirty minutes of filing my claim, I was instructed by the 'funny, but sympathetic AAA lady' to have my car towed to the most convenient of several locations. The repair shop experience was relatively painless when it come time to paying (except for my deductible.) Almost zero paperwork or hassle!
When I received my renewal bill, I did not see the expected $100 monthly increase- not $75 - not $50- not even $25 (why do I feel like Ron Popeil?). The payment increase caused by an accident that was my fault- uh, I mean, the 16 year old spirit's fault- was a whopping $4.49 a month.
I thought it was a mistake and when the honest thirty-something in me called my agent, he explained that AAA "understands" that accidents happen.
I should mention that he also told me to pass something on to 'the 16 yr old' ..."We will be forced to show a more substantial increase if this behavior continues." I don't know what I'm gonna do with that kid!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
Hard_To_Please
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 - Top 1000 |
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Location: St. Louis, MO
Reviews written: 47
Trusted by: 741 members
About Me:
MARK IS MISSED!
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