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Topic starter
I'm trying to get my truck out of the shipping docks. Planning well in advance I investigated with State Farm Insurance if they are able to support comp, collision, etc. in the USVI - specifically St. Thomas. They absolutely said YES! Today, "people" that my husband is interacting with at the Port of STT said they will not recognize / accept State Farm Insurance policy - - that we must come in hand with LOCAL insurance company proof. I am faxing an official response from State Farm corporate HQ disputing....uh, CLARIFYING State Farm's position and praying to the USVI gods that the USVI officials will accept.
What is the scoop? Local Insurance companies trying to make a monopoly "play"? Or, State Farm Insurance Corporate HQ is mistaken? What's the real deal?
Posted : October 26, 2005 9:15 pm
Sorry, but you've got a problem. Whatever State Farm says, insurance carriers have to be licensed here in the VI to offer coverage. And there are no national carriers who are so licensed.
I'm pretty sure you'll have to insure with someone local.
Anyone who can speak with more authority??
Posted : October 27, 2005 1:38 am
Just wondered if there are any USAA members that have said coverage on USVI
Posted : October 27, 2005 2:09 am
Topic starter
Well, in the end, I'm kinda already resigned to reality that I will have to secure auto insurance locally. Though, the letter I received from State Farm yesterday does state they are licensed in the VI to offer coverage. But, I acknowledge that pushing a boulder up a mountain is not something I'm inclined to do.
Posted : October 27, 2005 1:26 pm
If you have an accident here, with State Farm Insurance, how can they possible cover you - meaning can they examine any damage first hand to settle a claim? I think not since there are no State Farm offices on island.
Guardian Insurance seems to have the islands sewn up.
Posted : October 27, 2005 2:01 pm
USAA does have coverage for your car here. I have had USAA coverage since I was 16 and love it. I have had my share of accidents and they have been very prompt at taking care of eerything. I have full coverage and it was about half of what I was paying on the mainland.
Posted : October 27, 2005 2:19 pm
GREAT!!! We've had nothing but excellent service with them since 1971
Posted : October 27, 2005 2:24 pm
I was actually on my way to Gardian to get my insurance when I noticed I didn't have the VIN # for my car. I was calling USAA to get it and the guy told me they offer coverage here. I was so happy. I changed my address and got the new coverage all in about 15 minutes. would have taken me at least 1 hour to do it down here.
Posted : October 27, 2005 2:29 pm
Do you have to be in the military to get USAA?
Posted : October 27, 2005 2:51 pm
My undertsanding is that you or a parent has to have been in the military or currently in the military. My father was in the navy and I was on his insurance until I turned 21. Then I got my own insurance policy though them.
Posted : October 27, 2005 2:58 pm
we have our vehicles insured through the new insurance division of First Bank - great service - well worth getting a quote.
Posted : October 27, 2005 4:19 pm
That is correct. Our kids all got "grandfathered in" when they got their driver's licenses and they (like we) have discovered that no one can compete with USAA. The catch is to never drop coverage or it is lost for good (unless you activate your own military service). Has the lowest and best homeowners insurance (on the mainland) also!
Posted : October 27, 2005 4:20 pm
Topic starter
Good point! I asked State Farm this question. They said they manage everything remotely.
Posted : October 27, 2005 5:23 pm
I contacted Guardian for an auto insurance quote and was told that they will only offer me liability coverage since my car is 15 years old (1990). Can anyone recommend an insurance company that would give comp/collision to 'older' cars?
Posted : January 18, 2006 5:30 pm
Am I to understand that there is a shortage of insurance programs in the USVI or is it just a lack of agencies?
Posted : January 18, 2006 5:35 pm
Many stateside companies don't offer collision on cars older than ten years. Given the cost of insurance in the VI you may only want to purchase liability insurance.
Jim
Posted : January 18, 2006 6:23 pm
Well, I'm interested in that...Excuse me for just butting in - but does the length of military service matter? My father was in the Army for four years about fifty years ago...my father being what he is, I would bet he doesn't even know about USAA or he would be touting it to anyone who would listen. Being his child, I want to save a few bucks as well....so is this just for military retirees? Could someone shed a little light on the parameters?
Thanks - a penny saved is a beer at Happy Hour after three months...
Posted : January 18, 2006 6:33 pm
You can go to USAA.com to get more information and/or a phone number. All of the customer service reps are really nice and very helpful!
Do any of you USAA people also use their banking services on the islands? I am currently using them because I like not paying to use ATMs. Is this true on the islands as well?
Posted : January 18, 2006 6:53 pm
I have USAA and they do cover here in the USVI. I have to switch now because my fiance is unlicensed in lives with me. big risk they said
Posted : January 19, 2006 3:44 pm
You would not want to have full coverage on the car, the value of the vehicle does not outweigh the cost for coverage; but if your car were a classic or customized (which would not be a good island car) then it might be possible to get coverage in that way & pay additional premium. Most insurance companies will actually let you know that after 7 years that it is a safe bet to only carry liability.
Posted : January 20, 2006 2:02 pm
I see Geico insurance advertised on the.. on line.. "Daily News".
Their web site however did not respond to US Virgin Islands.
You might give them a call.
Posted : January 20, 2006 4:39 pm
