I get what you mean about smaller agencies sometimes being more responsive, but I’ve actually had the opposite happen once or twice. One time, I went with a local broker who promised “personal service,” but when I filed a claim after a pipe burst, it was still a ton of paperwork and delays. The adjuster was from some third-party company anyway, so it didn’t really feel any different than dealing with a big name.
I do check claim approval rates when I can find them, but honestly, it’s tough to get real numbers. Most of what I hear is just stories from other investors or neighbors. I guess at the end of the day, it’s all a bit of a gamble. I’ve started switching companies every few years just to see if I get better service or rates. Loyalty perks sound nice, but in my experience, they don’t always add up to much unless you’ve been with them forever... and even then, it’s hit or miss.
I hear you on the “personal service” promise not always panning out. Had a similar thing happen with a regional agency—figured they’d be more hands-on, but when my tenant’s kitchen flooded, I still got bounced around between call centers and outside adjusters. Didn’t feel any different than dealing with the big national brands, except maybe the hold music was worse.
I’ve tried sticking with one company for a while, hoping those loyalty perks would kick in, but honestly, the only thing that seemed to go up was my premium. Swapping every few years has worked out better for me too—sometimes just getting a quote elsewhere is enough to get your current provider to drop their price a bit. Still, it’s always a bit of a crapshoot. The only real difference I’ve noticed is how fast they answer the phone when you’re buying versus when you’re filing a claim... funny how that works.
Yeah, I’ve noticed the “loyalty perks” thing is mostly smoke and mirrors too. I used to think sticking with one company would help my rates or make claim stuff smoother, but honestly, shopping around every couple years seems safer. The only thing I’m careful about is making sure switching doesn’t mess with my credit score—some companies do a hard pull when you get quotes. Learned that the hard way once... not a fan.
Yeah, the “loyalty discount” thing always sounds good in theory, but I’ve barely seen it make a dent in my premiums over the years. I’m all about comparing rates every couple of years too—sometimes even just calling your current company and saying you’re shopping around makes them magically find a better deal. The credit pull thing is a pain, though. I’ve started asking point-blank if it’s a soft or hard inquiry before giving out my info... learned that lesson after a random ding on my score for a quote I didn’t even take. It’s wild how much you have to babysit this stuff.
Honestly, I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually had better luck sticking with the same company long term—sometimes those loyalty discounts stack up with other perks, especially if you bundle. The credit inquiry thing is a pain, though. I usually ask for written confirmation on the type of pull before I even give them my info... burned once, never again.
