Has anyone called State Farm?

[SEEBURG200]

I was curious, if anyone has contact an Insurance Agent to find out what it will cost to insure a smart car? Will the insurance be high because of it size? Or will it be low, based upon the cost of the vehicle and how easy it is to change out the pannels?

[alejake]

We have State Farm here in AZ, and it runs $38 a month or $456 per year (with $500) deductible.

[smarty]

Originally Posted by SEEBURG200

I was curious, if anyone has contact an Insurance Agent to find out what it will cost to insure a smart car? Will the insurance be high because of it size? Or will it be low, based upon the cost of the vehicle and how easy it is to change out the pannels?

Good questions. Several years ago--and I'm now trying to recall if it was before the announcement that smart would be coming in 2008, when you could only purchase smarts on the "gray market", or if it was just after it was announced that they would be here in 2008--I did call my insurance company and ask about insuring a smart. The agent said:

1. She had never even heard of smart. Please hold...

2. ...Okay, thanks for holding: no, we don't insure those and we don't have any plans to insure those, but do check back as that might change.

I've just this week been thinking about checking back, and if I do, I shall report my findings here.

p.s. alejake, the rates State Farm quoted you are AMAZINGLY LOW. I am in Florida, and I don't have State Farm (thank God--don't get me started on what I think of that company), so maybe it is different, but I am an excellent driver with a spotless record, my car is very safe, and I've been with my insurance agancy for many years, yet my rate is more than that just for six months! I don't get it. Anyway, that is fantastic.

SEEBURG200, you make a good point that the panels being so easily changed could affect the rates. My guess is that the rates could be somewhat high due to the tiny size. However, if smart performs well in crash tests, that definitely might not be the case. And with its safety cell, it just might pleasantly surprise the insurance companies and the rates could be reasonable.

We will have to see, but I'm definitely wondering about all this, too. Good questions!

[alejake]

Originally Posted by smarty

Good questions. Several years ago--and I'm now trying to recall if it was before the announcement that smart would be coming in 2008, when you could only purchase smarts on the "gray market", or if it was just after it was announced that they would be here in 2008--I did call my insurance company and ask about insuring a smart. The agent said:

1. She had never even heard of smart. Please hold...

2. ...Okay, thanks for holding: no, we don't insure those and we don't have any plans to insure those, but do check back as that might change.

I've just this week been thinking about checking back, and if I do, I shall report my findings here.

p.s. alejake, the rates State Farm quoted you are AMAZINGLY LOW. I am in Florida, and I don't have State Farm (thank God--don't get me started on what I think of that company), so maybe it is different, but I am an excellent driver with a spotless record, my car is very safe, and I've been with my insurance agency for many years, yet my rate is more than that just for six months! I don't get it. Anyway, that is fantastic.

SEEBURG200, you make a good point that the panels being so easily changed could affect the rates. My guess is that the rates could be somewhat high due to the tiny size. However, if smart performs well in crash tests, that definitely might not be the case. And with its safety cell, it just might pleasantly surprise the insurance companies and the rates could be reasonable.

We will have to see, but I'm definitely wondering about all this, too. Good questions!

They (State Farm) has been very fair with us. At one point for about three years, we had three homes, a condo, a cabin and five cars insured by them. In some twenty odd years we have probably filed three claims for broken windshields and never anything for home insurance and no crashes, We have earned the rated provided, and they are way ahead of the game with our account.

[Zacman]

My State Farm agent told me that the size of the car would have no effect on the insurance.

[lhoboy]

Geico is quoting us $628/yr vs $540 ($500 deductible) for a MINI Cooper S with a higher market value. I think the insurance companies will charge more initially until they establish loss experience on this vehicle.

[wyldkarma]

I've been around the block more than a few times, State Farm is about the WORST insurance company there is. I would never, NEVER, have a policy with those crooked people again. They are very nice until you're in an accident and need their services.

If you have State Farm, please pray you don't ever have an accident! I had them for many years and since finding USAA, I will never go back to those crooked State Farm thieves. USAA is by FAR the best insurance company I have ever been with. They now handle all my insurance for car and home as well as my banking and investments. Top notch company all around.

I'm almost in my 60's and nearing retirement so heed a word of experience from someone who's been around the block and dealt with all the insurance companies......STAY AWAY from State Farm, you will get nothing but headaches! Oh, and by the way USAA will beat State Farms prices by at least 25% and you get more coverage and TONS more customer service. My premiums for my Smart Passion Cabrio runs under $400 per yr for FULL coverage and a ZERO deductable.

[lhoboy]

I posted a JD Powers ins co survey result on another thread. It rated usaa at the top for all categories. Great price/great service.

[GliderDude]

I actually did have an accident under State Farm and had no problems at all.

[dbwill]

I have been with USAA for just over 53 years and while they are not perfect, and there have been a couple of terse issues with them, I have not found a reason to change.