State Farm vs. GEICO: Insurance for Salvaged and Rebuilt Vehicles
After a frustrating experience with USAA, my husband and I are in the market for new auto insurance. We own two vehicles: a truck that’s over 25 years old and a nearly 15-year-old Jeep, both with clean titles that we want to insure. Additionally, we have a cargo van that USAA declared a total loss; it’s currently classified as salvage, but we plan to repair the minor damages and insure it as a rebuilt vehicle. We’re seeking advice on which of these companies—State Farm or GEICO—might offer reasonable rates for insuring a rebuilt vehicle.
Neither of us has dealt with insuring a rebuilt vehicle before, and we’ve learned that many companies are reluctant to provide coverage in these cases. We’re looking for full coverage for all our vehicles.
Customer service is extremely important to us, especially after our ordeal with USAA, where they attempted to take our 3-month-old van after a minor accident. This led us down a lengthy process that involved hiring an independent appraiser and threatening legal action. The past four months have left us cautious in our search for insurance. If one of these companies offers better service—even at a higher cost—we’re willing to consider it.
We welcome any insights or recent experiences you may have. As a young couple planning to expand our family soon, ensuring the safety and protection of our loved ones is our top priority. Thank you!
It sounds like you’ve had a really tough experience with USAA, and I completely understand wanting to make sure you find an insurance company that you can trust, especially with your family in mind.
When it comes to insuring rebuilt vehicles, both State Farm and GEICO have been known to have more flexible policies compared to other insurers. However, the specifics can vary by state, so it’s always best to get quotes directly from each company.
State Farm generally has a good reputation for customer service and for accommodating insured who have rebuilt vehicles. They often provide options for comprehensive coverage and tend to be more accommodating in the claims process.
GEICO, on the other hand, is known for competitive rates, but their stance on rebuilt vehicles can be stricter. Some customers have reported challenges with coverage for salvage or rebuilt vehicles, so be sure to clarify this with them upfront.
Since customer service is a huge priority for you, I would recommend reaching out to local agents from both companies. This gives you the chance to ask specific questions about your situation, especially concerning your cargo van. Ask about their experiences with claims for rebuilt vehicles and how they handle customer service.
Additionally, you might also consider checking with other providers who specialize in insuring rebuilt and classic vehicles, such as Hagerty or Grundy, as they could offer better rates and coverage tailored for your vehicles.
Ultimately, it’s worth paying a bit more for peace of mind in knowing that you have an insurer who genuinely cares about their customers. Good luck with your search, and I hope you find the right coverage for your family!