Funny name-GREAT company-Wawanesa Insurance
Written: May 08 '01 (Updated Oct 01 '07)
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Pros: Cost, payment plans, coverages, and customer service unsurpassed
Cons: Limited to Calif, Canada, Nevada. Won't provide quotes on the phone, but most won't
The Bottom Line: Phenomenal customer service, excellent rates, flexible payment, I couldn't be happier!
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| Suzer's Full Review: Wawanesa - Auto |
What brought me to Wawanesa:
So, you are no doubt curious how I ever heard about Wawanesa Insurance. I'll share with you. I was frustrated with high rates at one company (AAA) even though my driving record was very good. That caused me to change to another with much more reasonable rates, but the customer service was uncaring (Mercury).
I was told about Wawanesa from someone at work, and to be honest I had never heard of them before. I then looked them up on the internet under the Board of Insurance, and they were number one for customer service. That impressed me. They have an A rating with AM Best, which is considered SUPERIOR. They provide coverage for auto, home, and recently condominiums. Wawanesa does some radio and newspaper advertising, and some direct mail advertising, but 90-93% of their business is through referral.
I was told that I would need to have an excellent driving record to qualify, and as I hadn't had any tickets in fifteen or twenty years, and the accident I had had not been considered "at fault", I thought I would probably be approved. I don't have trouble getting auto insurance, but I am demanding, as I want both low rates and excellent customer service.
What I like about Wawanesa
I contacted their customer service department, and was a little hesitant about what my feelings would be about them, as the gentlemen in my office is the only person I know who is insured with this company. Wawanesa's customer service person was very nice, and they sent me a quote by mail. I then selected the coverages I was interested in. As they are in San Diego, California, I asked where I would have to go to get my car inspected, and they said that wasn't necessary. So, I asked them where I needed to go to sign paperwork, submit my deposit, and they said don't worry about that. So, I completed my application (my rates were $200 less than my previous carrier), and sent them a check for 20 percent. Wawanesa is 25-35% below standard manual rates (and you won't find me complaining about that).
Another thing I really like about Wawanesa is that they have flexible payment options. To make things easy on myself, I selected the 9 payment plan. I really appreciate a company who cares about their customers, or soon-to-be customers. Even though I don't have claims (knock on wood!) I want an insurance company that is user friendly and reasonably priced. I understand they have been around for 100 years, and now I know why.
What I don't like:
I have been with the company for a year now, and there is nothing I don't like about them (and trust me, I've been pretty frustrated with auto insurance companies in the past). The only possible negative is that they are only located in California, Canada, and soon to be in Nevada. They do just take people with excellent driving records.
Final thoughts:
With excellent customer service, rated extremely high by the Board of Insurance, lowest rates I've ever had, I am very, very happy with Wawanesa and recommend them without reservation. If you are located in one of the areas they cover and have a very good driving record, please contact them. You'll be very pleased you did. If you hesitate due to not being familiar with them, remember they have been in existence for 100 years (longer than most of us), and are referral only for the most part. They don't advertise to speak of, and don't have to. If you have any questions about them, please don't hesitate to contact me by email.
Confession:
After I had been insured with Wawanesa a mere three months
I had an at-fault accident, my first ever, and I am over 40. The claims people were efficient, pleasant, and everything was handled without a problem. I was very afraid they would cancel me as I was so new with them. Nope, still insured with Wawanesa, and June 3, 2001, is my anniversary with them. Please feel free to send roses, chocolate, a handsome, eligible man, or you know what? Just having the confidence in my auto insurance carrier is enough for me.
Location:
Wawanesa Insurance
9050 Friars Road
San Diego, CA
Walk in service 8:00-4:30PM Monday through Friday
858/874-5300
http://www.wawanesa.com
Thanks for reading!
Suzi
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
Suzer
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 - Top 100 |
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Member: Suzi
Location: Southern Calif.
Reviews written: 588
Trusted by: 840 members
About Me:
Compromise-Art of slicing the cake so each person thinks they have the biggest piece.
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