Car Insurance

[anthonype3]

Does anyone out there know if there are any Insurance issues with the Smart Car?

Does anyone have a quote or have they been turned down for Insurance by any particular company?

Thanks!

[Old smart]

A phone call to USAA got a preliminary quote of <$19/month ($300k/$500k, $500 deductible). The quote was preliminary, as USAA does not have any claims history on the vehicle, and in fact, they don

[Decorleon]

I went to a local shop that sells the imported smart cars with the Mercedes engine yesterday and asked about insurance on them. He said they get quotes from $200-$900 (19 year old kid) a year.

[lhoboy]

More info on insurance: Has anyone called State Farm?

[mikie]

I spoke to the SMART rep in Portland Or at the Smart Drive Event. State Farm has a car now that they are working with to determine what insurance will be.

I really like the $19/MO that was "quoted" by USAA

[Fredvon4]

Just now got off the phone with USAA (I use them 100% for all my insurance). The lady could not give a quote but acknowledged that several members have the "grey market" Smart carss and are insured.

As soon as I have a VIN, she will be happy to give an accurate quote.

Based on my description and initial cost estimate in the $19,000 range she is sure it will be around the same as my Ford Escort ($135 for 6 months full coverage $500 deductable) The real reason she did not want to stab at a quote is the rag top Cabrio...they have no history on that version yet.

[Old smart]

Sounds about right. My entering arguments were a 14-kilobuck passion coupe, <10 k miles/yr., garaged in VA, 35-year membership, for $112/6 mos.

[SmartBob]

Of course a lot of these low prices are based on where you live. Here in NJ the average on a car in the $14-17k price range is about 700-900/yr for full coverage w/$500 deductable. Lots of factors play in like I've been accident free for 13 years, good driving record, I've been with Allstate my whole life....I drive 17 miles to work...etc...
Funny, I called my Allstate agent and here she has one reserved as well. She is going to research it and call me back next week.

[paul c]

and their answer was this:
"I understand that you plan to purchase a Smart Fortwo in the middle of 2008. Unfortunately, we do not currently have this vehicle in our systems. To request a quote, please log in to the Policyholder Service Center with your User ID and password. Then, click on the tab that reads, "Vehicles" and the link that reads, "Thinking About Making a Change."

Please note that although the online application will not recognize the model type of this vehicle, it will give you the option to enter the cost new. This is what will help determine the quote for insuring it. Please also be sure to include any features the vehicle will have where asked on the application."

So, I think what they're saying is that they don't know what it is but they'll insure it anyway.

[propes]

I have my insurance through American Family - nothing in their database yet, but also said that they'll be able to insure it. I work in small business IT, and have several body shops as clients; they get updates on parts on a monthly basis - I would imagine insurance companies have something similar, and will get information in December, give or take a month.