It took me 5 minutes on the phone with GEICO to switch my coverage from my old Ford Focus to my new smart. Rates were virtually the same. They had no problem covering it, and seemed well acquainted with the smart. This was back in early March.
This is too weird. I checked on Geicos website first about a month ago and it wasn't listed, so I then called them and they said the smart wasn't in their system yet. I don't understand how it could be state-by-state, since the phone # on their website is their national #.
I called back Geico (after so many positive posts)
who appologized after a little agruing with them. The woman told me that on my previous call the operator must have looked up the car by description not VIN number. By description it showed a custom import which they class as a grey vehicle. By VIN number it was a regular car. She changed my policy to fully comp and appologized.
Problem you are having is the Smart make is not loaded into many companies' computers yet, and because of the lack of familiarity, they are thinking it is either grey market (a car made for foreign market, imported to the USA, and fitted to meet US emission standards-a pain to repair or resell, and thus to insure), OR that it is a "kit car", which is virtually impossible to insure, outside of a speciality or classic car policy.
This is really common with new vehicle makes, and even new vehicles models. It is often mid model-year before we get "Symbols" or other rating factors on new vehicles. On the flip side, ISO assigned symbols well over a month ago, so there's no excuse for the info not to be available to your average phone bank rep.
A great reason to have a relationship with a neighborhood agent, and not an 800 number....... ;-) (sorry, couldn't resist)
AAA, covers the Smart Car (in Southern CA.) The AAA computers didn't have the Smart Car code in the main database, but, since one of the employees has reserved a smart for herself. She alone had the Code to input into the computer.
Based on my annual 30,000 miles per year I am paying $759.00 / year. I believe she mentioned $260.00 if I had driven the typical mileage of 15,000 miles.
If you want a great insurance rate call AIG direct. I have been with them for the last 6 months, they smoked Progressive, and I had been with them for 8 years. They told me my rate will drop about 20% going from an '03 Dodge Stratus to the smart.
I take back what I said earlier. I called AIG tonight to cancell insurance on my Stratus because I sold it, and they informed me my policy was cancelled! This ys two weeks after I recieved my new insurance cards! They claimed they did not receive my paymrnt. No notice, no call, nothing! Do not buy insurance from AIG! I went back to progressive, no issues.
i have insurance through IDS (which is from costco) on my smart with a clean record, 100/500 deductibles, and 100/300 liability. the total is $249 for 6 months.
i have insurance through IDS (which is from costco) on my smart with a clean record, 100/500 deductibles, and 100/300 liability. the total is $249 for 6 months.
I switched my IDS (Costco) policy to StateFarm because IDS told me they couldn't insure my Smart. This really pisses me off.
Were you able to get a competitive rate from State Farm? I've been with them for 42 years incl. house, 3 cars, etc., so I hope I can stay, but I haven't got a quote yet.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
Today
Linear Mode
