Originally Posted by TheProfessional

So we call our agent before buying the Z and they give us a quote $25 more than our 02 Xterra so we are prepared to make a larger monthly payment. I also went to the local office and requested the qoute in person with the VIN.

1 month later we get a bill... that is DOUBLE the difference between the Xterra and the Z.

Convinced this is a mistake... I call and play phone tag with this agent. His final answer was that they quoted me on a preferred rate and when the "state office" or underwriter returned the policy they issued a standard rate (apprently having a 350Z is on their sports car list and disqualifies us for a "preferred" rate).... I told him I didn't care what the problem was on thier side, I wanted them to bill me what they quoted.

This agent calls back and leaves a voicemail saying they can't do any better on my rate even though the quote was their mistake. His only consolence was "I have some friends in the insurance business and can call around to see if I can get you a better rate."

It doesn't matter that we have made a combined $5000 in premiums in the last 6 years and our house is on this policy... they can't do any better on my rate. If this was a new policy they qouted someone, it could be reported to the state for bait and switch. What bull****....

I think my next step is telling him that he will need to call his friends and get a better rate and shop on my own. Basically my rate went from $63mo to $119 with minimal coverage.

Originally Posted by DavesZ#3

So, had the agent told you the cost was going to be $119 per month, or $50 more than your current rate instead of $25 more, you would have decided NOT to buy the Z, correct? Otherwise, I don't see what the problem is.

You can call any agent today and get a quote and when the actual bill arrives it will be different. It happens all the time. Classifications change, rating change, there's always something causing my rates to go up or down every six months. I'm sure that the fine print on any quote from an agent has a clause in it that states that it's only an estimated rate based on certain factors and that those factors can and will change. Same goes for the insurance company.

As for your bait and switch analogy. Unlike buying a product that your "stuck with", you can change agents/insurance companies at will. Nothing is holding you to that policy, other than maybe the realization that the same thing or worse might happen if you switch to a new agent or ins. co.

Call around and talk to some other agents, that should tell you whether you have a beef with this guy or not.

Originally Posted by TheProfessional

You guys need due diligence when shopping insurance. The saying goes it's easier to get something when you already have it applies. Go to a reputible insurance brokerage and let them shop it out for you. It could mean the difference in paying that money to an insurance company or toward a new set of wheels or turbo kit.

Originally Posted by DavesZ#3

As for everybody else who posts what they pay or what they wish they paid - you're comparing apples to oranges. So many things affect your rates, from where you live, how old you are, how many cars, your driving history, even your credit rating. No two people pay the same thing!