Home and Auto/RV insurance Co. suggestions

August 28, 2026, 03:33 PM

My Homeowners insurance is up for renewal soon, I'm looking at suggestions for insurance companys to explore.
I live in Chicago, I'm not sure that all insurance companys write policys in all areas of the country.

I would also like opinions on bunching homeowners and Auto policys.
I currently do not have memberships with Costco or Sams club. I had a Costco policy for years and always used there insurance providers until it seemed they were constantly switching providers, I would consider joining again if the savings were worth the membership.

I also own a Motorhome and would be interested in insurance on that ( I have not used it for a while and keep it at my home on my property).

August 28, 2026, 04:41 PM

ador

I used to have StateFarm for Home and RV for several years that are bundled. That gives me discounted rate. However, about 3 years ago, Statefarm started increasing my premium for 3 consecutive years. I switched to AAA. The rates were lower. Then AAA increased my premium on the first renewal (still cheaper than Statefarm). I stayed. My renewal is up again this month. Premium with AAA increased a little again. Went to StateFarm last week for a quote. StateFarm is MUCH higher. Will be staying with AAA again this year.

One thing AAA pointed out to me was that to make sure my Home Insurance policy covers the ACTUAL (real time) value of the house. When I was with StateFarm, the premium was cheaper, because they insured the property value of the house for LESS.

August 28, 2026, 04:56 PM

ryan81986

Talk to a local insurance agent. They can shop around your policies with multiple companies to get you both the best rate and coverage.

Source: I spent 6 years working at one of the largest insurance companies in the country.

August 28, 2026, 06:33 PM

doublesharp

What ryan says - buy your agent. I've got a great agent that I have stayed with for 30 years. He did have me with Safeco for home/auto/umbrella but now with Cincinnati Financial. I'm in southern Indiana and I guess cost of living is about as low as it gets. I hear others talk about the amount of car insurance policies and I'm grateful for my clean record and great agent.

August 29, 2026, 06:38 AM

SIGfourme

I did the insurance quest last year. Insurance companies like to cherry pick--safe drivers, no claims, new roof, GPS location that is safe.

Home owners discounts--monitored alarm system, water leak detector, upgraded electric panel, new hot water heater, exterior in good condition, proximity to fire hydrant.

Auto insurance--newer car with safety features, blind spot indicators, ABS, National Safety Drivers Certificate.

Bundle--discount
Pay in full-discount
Electronic billing --discount
Umbrella policy--discount
RV--you can keep "basic" insurance in effect when not using the vehicle, take liability, collision, injury, uninsured driver "off".

August 29, 2026, 08:01 AM

Powers77

When you are looking for a local agent, look for a "broker" who represents a number of companies. Also compare their results to some of the bigger companies like State Farm or AAA that may have dedicated agents.
I also highly recommend bundling in an umbrella policy.
Worked for a large insurer and we'd have monthly meetings to review select claims over $1 million.
It's amazing how easy it is for a claim to exceed that. I carry a $4 million umbrella myself as a result. I want my carrier to have skin in the game if there is a nasty claim.

September 01, 2026, 07:20 PM

armored

Still shopping.
I found a broker that I have been dealing with and narrowed my choices to Liberty Mutual for the house and (I have to hold my nose very tightly for this choice) Progressive.

I was shocked by the cost/insured value classified under ROOF DAMAGE.

One classification states under ROOF SETTLEMENT;
FULL REPLACEMENT- I was worried that the cost of roof replacement would be prorated, but the policy reads FULL REPLACEMENT.

Later in the policy there is a WIND & HAIL provision.
It states for wind or hail damage I would have to pay approx. $6500 deductible based on a percentage of the homes value.

I never heard of this before. Living in the Midwest my primary concern for the house is wind or hail damage, and then to see that there is a large deductible for this.
I asked the agent and he told me that all the company's are doing this now.

Is this True?
I never remember seeing this on a home owners policy in the years past, only prorated repair/replacment

September 02, 2026, 06:17 AM

lyman

quote:
Originally posted by armored:
Still shopping.
I found a broker that I have been dealing with and narrowed my choices to Liberty Mutual for the house and (I have to hold my nose very tightly for this choice) Progressive.

I was shocked by the cost/insured value classified under ROOF DAMAGE.

One classification states under ROOF SETTLEMENT;
FULL REPLACEMENT- I was worried that the cost of roof replacement would be prorated, but the policy reads FULL REPLACEMENT.

Later in the policy there is a WIND & HAIL provision.
It states for wind or hail damage I would have to pay approx. $6500 deductible based on a percentage of the homes value.

I never heard of this before. Living in the Midwest my primary concern for the house is wind or hail damage, and then to see that there is a large deductible for this.
I asked the agent and he told me that all the company's are doing this now.

Is this True?
I never remember seeing this on a home owners policy in the years past, only prorated repair/replacment

Travellers and Farm Bureau both had me clean my roof before they would even consider a policy,

wooded area, 15 yrs in on a 30 yr rated shingle roof, and parts were covered with moss, that a broom would remove,

September 02, 2026, 06:20 AM

lyman

currently going thru the same process

had Farm Bureau, cousin ran the branch, and he retired and they are not like they used to be

had Liberty for Worker's Comp, they sucked and dropped them,

did an online marketplace thing, got a quote from Farmer's, and when I went back to confirm and ask about another policy on work vehicles, got ghosted, (they seem to be online only)

found a broker recommended by a friend and now getting quotes