Notifications
Clear all
Topic starter
Hi,
I just wanted to mention a recent experience I had while obtaining auto insurance on STT.
The first auto insurance quote I received seemed shockingly high, so I told the agent that I planned to shop around to get some additional quotes. He told me that I shouldn't bother because his company "underwrites" all of the other insurance companies on the island and that the pricing would be the same, if not higher. I courteously told him that while I was certain that his company was giving me a great deal, I still wanted a little time to make some phone calls to shop around.
Well........ after calling around I found MUCH better pricing on auto insurance, than what I was originally quoted.
I was just about ready to sign up with another insurance company when I received a call from the first agent that I had spoken to. He told me that he had made a "mistake" on his quote. He asked me to come back to his office so that he could provide me with another quote. I did, and the pricing came down nearly $800.
Moral of the story: It pays to take some time to shop around for auto insurance, just as it does in the states. I almost bought the notion that the prices are roughly the same no matter what agency you deal with. However, it took me less than one hour to find out differently and to save myself $800!
Posted : March 14, 2006 12:24 pm
Please tell me you didn't go sign up with the first quoter after thay came down $800.
They sound wicked shady to me.
Posted : March 14, 2006 2:53 pm
Topic starter
Hi Lysa,
As it turns out, this agency is one of the "majors" on the island. I am willing to give the original agent the benefit of the doubt that he did make a mistake, but as I said before, it does pay to do a little homework....................
Posted : March 15, 2006 7:20 pm
Did you find that your car must be fairly new in order for an insurance company to issue comp/collision on your vehicle? I was planning on bringing the car I have (its a '91) but was told that the car was too old and that I couldn't get comp/collision coverage in the USVI. Do you happen to know what the cut off age is for coverage?
Posted : March 16, 2006 1:05 pm
Isn't it about time to start dropping the NAME of the insurance comapny? Guradian, perhaps?
Posted : March 16, 2006 1:32 pm
Even stateside many companies don't want to write collision and comp for cars more than 10 years old.
When you get a quote for just liability insurance in the VI you probably won't be ineterested in purchasing collision and comprehensive if you can afford it. The amount you are insuring is small (the difference between the blue book value and your deductible ). If your 91 is some exotic or fancy car in super shape and valuable are you sure you want to bring it to the VI? The island's roads and climate is very hard on cars.
More importantly with a car as old as yours are you sure it is worthwhile shipping to the VI. Figure it will cost you at least $2K in shipping and taxes just to get the car on the road.
Jim
Posted : March 16, 2006 5:52 pm
