Homeowners insurance comparison question

http://cdn.brownstoner.com/4fe4be7986000-.jpg

Hi. I’ve been covered for 30+ years by Brownstone Agency (using an often changing variety of underwriting companies). I am currently up for renewal. I have a competing bid from State Farm, which appears to include everything I need, it’s about $600 cheaper over 3 years, and they will accept monthly payments rather than annual ones. On the theory that you really shouldn’t pay in advance for insurance, I am tending towards State Farm. Does anyone have a vote one way or the other?

catbk

in Insurance 13 years ago

10

Please log in, in order to post replies!

10 replies

Newest Oldest

tricks73 | 13 years ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4929 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4917 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "32268"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(8) "tricks73"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BL7xOFvHv9rpdSNNWcCjzshUq8PnG91"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(8) "tricks73"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(28) "angierichard@frontiernet.net"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(50) "http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forums/users/tricks73/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:48:11"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(8) "tricks73"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(32268)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

I found Dorothy Cohen at HUB (whose name had come up on an older forum post) very knowledgable and responsive – 212-338-2223\. She has access to a broad range of underwriters including Lloyds of London syndicates and cut my cost in almost half for similar coverage when my policy was up for renewal and I wasn’t getting what I needed from my previous broker.

Stonergut | 13 years ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4928 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4927 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "15317"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(9) "Stonergut"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(9) "stonergut"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(18) "n1mrod@verizon.net"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(51) "http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forums/users/stonergut/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:01:35"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(20) "ox6qreQ4lMyqzAZ78Sy8"
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(9) "Stonergut"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(15317)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

I called a number of places and also filled out online forms. I think the dollar value of the house was too high for a few because the applications were flatly rejected. I tried with my automobile carrier also, (GEICO) and was turned down for no specific reason. BTW, it’s a financing charge, imposed at the start of the policy. It works out to a flat fee per payment, but it IS a finance charge.

FishieFishie | 13 years ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4924 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4930 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(4) "6738"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(12) "FishieFishie"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BCYjPuENea9aEoDZhYkb9yfEFTV.P20"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(12) "fishiefishie"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(24) "fishietoss86@hotmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(27) "/forums/users/fishiefishie/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:18:44"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(12) "FishieFishie"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(6738)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Am I the only one wondering why you don’t get more than two prices?  I was recently checking around and I called about ten places.  Also, I looked up some ratings.  If it were me, out of curiosity, I’d call the same insurer that Brownstone is quoting you, and check the price if you went elsewhere. By the way, is that really an interest charge, CG, or was is a flat fee per payment?  Either way, I don’t understand why insurers are allowed to get away with it – it’s like they’re charging you for the nuisance of taking your money.

housepoor | 13 years ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4929 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4931 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "71781"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(9) "housepoor"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(63) "$wp$2y$10$/FcjiKlefNxZbTPgi.sDW.3mhyu12E62ijN8M/o9As5nBR2ZXA2Xq"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(9) "housepoor"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(25) "jonathanscooper@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(24) "/forums/users/housepoor/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:30:00"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(9) "housepoor"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(71781)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

I am also about to renew my insurance and have been using 3 year policies Brownstone for many years. I got an competing quote through an agent called Distinguished (actually the agent I asked in turn went to Distinguish — same thing as my agent who goes to Brownstone). Anyone have any experience with Distinguished? I had a claim a while back with Brownstone and it was very unpleasant. It is a 3 family landmarked house — not leaving me with a lot of choice for carriers.

Stonergut | 13 years ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4928 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4932 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "15317"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(9) "Stonergut"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(9) "stonergut"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(18) "n1mrod@verizon.net"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(51) "http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forums/users/stonergut/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:01:35"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(20) "ox6qreQ4lMyqzAZ78Sy8"
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(9) "Stonergut"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(15317)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Good question. I’ll ask the broker.

parkslopemom | 13 years ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4924 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5093 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(4) "5394"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(12) "parkslopemom"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$B8I4YLbH29z3Lhm/9CiwW3rDdDF.PY/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(12) "parkslopemom"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(17) "MKRoelofs@aol.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(27) "/forums/users/parkslopemom/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:13:41"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(12) "parkslopemom"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(5394)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

We’re on a landmarked block, and were always told that Brownstone was the only agency that would fully insure the house. Last researched 2 years ago, and State Farm & Allstate said no to a landmark. Have things changed?

brucef | 13 years ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4932 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4929 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(4) "4724"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(6) "brucef"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BBW3UzNM8B1w6uproJMdiiw1vnHriz1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(6) "brucef"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(20) "bruce@jerseydata.net"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(21) "/forums/users/brucef/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:13:36"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(6) "brucef"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(4724)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Brrownstone Agency’s interest was usurious previously, but now they finance it thru a different outfit that is more reasonably priced.

Goatcrapp | 13 years ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4928 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5094 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "108904"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(9) "Goatcrapp"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BBIwBZIbwf8MzD0m6gSVz3ZtnIqVUW0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(9) "goatcrapp"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(17) "goatcrapp@aol.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(24) "/forums/users/goatcrapp/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:33:02"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(9) "Goatcrapp"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(108904)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Go with state farm. Never had a problem on claims (one theft, one storm damage) and they work on quotes with you if they under-estimate (common, if their adjuster doesn’t know the area, and it’s associated higher costs for most repairs lol)

Stonergut | 13 years ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4924 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5096 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "15317"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(9) "Stonergut"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(9) "stonergut"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(18) "n1mrod@verizon.net"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(51) "http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forums/users/stonergut/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:01:35"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(20) "ox6qreQ4lMyqzAZ78Sy8"
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(9) "Stonergut"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(15317)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

I was kind of being facetious, but in general, it seems to me that if you DO have a disaster, pre-payment doesn’t do you any good in the long run.  The Brownstone Agency interest charge is a really big vote against them in my book. State Farm doesn’t include it.

CG11231 | 13 years ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4932 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5095 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "139468"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(7) "CG11231"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BIwems0L7k93rrCzqtcYJjA1XRmtZ91"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(7) "cg11231"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(19) "emailjsr@nyc.rr.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(22) "/forums/users/cg11231/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:16:48"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(7) "CG11231"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(139468)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Hi, Our 4 unit co-op has used Brownstone Agency for yrs as well and has always elected to pay the 3 yrs upfront in order to avoid the very heavy interest chg ($1,200 approx) for periodic payments.  What is the theory that you really shouldn’t pay in advance for insurance?  Thanks