I get the urge to spreadsheet everything, but honestly, I’ve found that sticking with the same insurer sometimes pays off—especially if you’ve built up loyalty discounts or have a good claims history. I know the exclusions can be sneaky, but I’ve had luck just calling my agent and asking them to walk me through the policy line by line. It’s not foolproof, but sometimes the personal relationship helps cut through the fine print. Not sure if that’s just my experience, but it’s saved me a headache or two.
Honestly, I get the loyalty thing, but I’ve seen companies jack up rates after a few years, even with no claims. I still check quotes every renewal—sometimes the “loyalty discount” is just them charging you more slowly. Maybe I’m just paranoid, but it’s paid off for me.
I hear you, but isn’t there a risk with switching too often? I’m about to buy my first place and I keep reading that some insurers look at how long you’ve been with your last company. Like, could jumping around actually hurt you if you ever need to file a claim or get a better rate down the line? Or is that just another myth they use to keep us from shopping around?
I’ve actually wondered about this too, since I’m also in the process of buying my first place. I’ve read mixed things—some say loyalty discounts are real, others claim they’re mostly marketing. But I can’t help but think that if switching gets you better coverage or a lower rate, it’s worth considering. Maybe insurers do keep track, but is it really a dealbreaker if you’re not switching every year? I’d rather not overpay just to look “loyal” on paper...
I get what you’re saying, but I’m honestly not convinced loyalty discounts are all they’re cracked up to be. I’ve checked with my parents and a couple friends who’ve stuck with the same insurer for years, and their rates still went up every renewal. Meanwhile, I’ve seen people switch and save a decent chunk, even after accounting for the “new customer” deals wearing off.
I don’t think insurers really care unless you’re hopping around every single year. Even then, it’s your money—why pay more just to keep up appearances? I’d rather compare quotes every couple of years and see if someone else can beat my current rate or offer better coverage. If my current company wants to keep me, they should give me a reason, not just expect me to stay out of habit.
Loyalty’s nice in theory, but my wallet comes first. Maybe that sounds harsh, but with how expensive everything is these days, I’d rather be practical than “loyal” for the sake of it.
