Isn’t it ironic that just about every auto insurance pitch will save you money. I mean, the pitches can’t all be true and, let’s face it, a lot depends on where you live, what kind of car(s) you drive and your personal driving history.
The reality is the underwriting states determine most of the cost. There may be some “fluff” for commissions or overhead, but actuaries are actuaries. They drive the premiums.
But that’s not to say the pitches can’t be entertaining. I felt Geico’s campaign — the gecko, caveman, hump day, lobster hot tub, walrus, mom call, and the like — set the bar for entertainment. I don’t know if they swayed many to switch coverage — I suspect they did — but they were entertaining.
That “success” has led others to follow the script. Progressive started strong with Flo and Jamie until they became annoying. Liberty Mutual was and is the biggest copycat, especially wit its latest emu efforts, but they don’t resonate with me. State Farm has classy ads with the Aaron Rodgers series {hey, I AM a Packers fan} and the current She Shed offering, but my favorite is Kim’s Discount — especially the one where she is in labor. Most of Farmers’ commercials in the current “We know a thing or two …” series get a smile from me. My favorite is Parking Splat. The ones I dislike the most are Allstate’s demented attempt at humor through its Mayhem persona.
I don’t know about you, but the commercials won’t factor much in my insurance decision. Customer service is far more important than catchy phrases. But then again, if I was in the market for a change, those little snippets at least put the companies’ names in my mind. I guess that’s what advertising is all about.
THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: There are two gifts we should give our children: one is roots, and the other is wings.
I agree with you Joe. They are being deceptive. They can actually give you a lower premium, but they aren’t telling you that there may be a higher deductible, or less coverage than your existing policy. However, I did switch from State Farm to USAA auto insurance. For the same coverage and the same deductibles, my premium was $400 less per year. It could be that USAA only insures active duty military personnel, reservists and veterans. These people tend to be more responsible, and the military teaches it’s members to be self disciplined. If the state forces the big insurance companies to carry bad drivers, then the premiums tend to be higher. Of course, someone’s driving record plays a big part too. If someone joins the accident of the month club, or has a terrible driving record, including DUIs and tickets, the premiums will skyrocket. The majority of good drivers will be paying, in part, for the minority of bad drivers.
So many factors
Actually, the lizard featured in the Geico commercials is not a gecko. It’s a green anole. We have millions of anoles and geckos down here in Florida.
Did’t know that. Keep them in Florida
LOL….they are harmless little critters. We also have iguanas that are 4 to 5 feet long, but they are very skittish and if someone goes near them they will run away. We also have really big reptiles that are called alligators. Over a million alligators. But they are mostly in the Everglades. They usually don’t come into populated areas, but once in a while they will.
I agree with everything you said. Including Flo and Jamie and AllState. You’re right. If you are
Thanks. Have a safe and blessed weekend.