Considering switching from Allstate to Amica in Georgia? I have some questions about other insurance options. I’ve had no claims in the past 12 years with Allstate, but I’ve heard their home claims process can be quite challenging. I’ve heard positive feedback about Amica.
Currently, I hold homeowners insurance, two auto policies, and an umbrella policy. While switching could potentially cut my auto insurance costs in half, it would double my homeowners premium, resulting in a neutral effect before factoring in the Amica dividend payment.
Here are a few questions I have:
- What do you use to determine the replacement cost of a home?
- Do you adjust that calculation if your policy includes an overage waiver? My Allstate policy has a 20% waiver, whereas Amica’s quote includes a 30% waiver.
- Is there a reason to insure additional structures if I don’t have a fence or any outbuildings?
Are there any other insurance companies I should consider? Given Amica’s auto rates, it might be worth exploring the option to separate my homeowners insurance rather than bundling it.
It sounds like you’re doing some thorough research on your insurance options. Here are some thoughts on your questions:
Calculating Replacement Cost: To calculate the replacement cost of your house, you can use various online calculators provided by insurance companies, or you might consider hiring a professional appraiser or contractor to give you an accurate estimate. Factors to consider include the square footage, local construction costs, materials, and any unique features your home may have.
Overage Waiver Changes: If your policy has a 20% overage waiver compared to Amica’s 30%, it’s generally wise to adjust your calculations accordingly. The higher the overage, the more protection you have in case of an unexpected price increase in materials and labor. It might be worth discussing with an Amica representative to see how their specific terms could affect your overall coverage.
Additional Structures: If you don’t have any additional structures, like a shed or garage, you may not necessarily need coverage for them. However, if there’s a chance you might add some in the future or have any small structures on your property that aren’t fenced (like a pole barn or deck), you might want to factor that in. It’s important to ensure that your policy covers any relevant structures that are actually on your property.
Other Companies to Consider: Besides Amica, you might explore options like USAA (if you’re eligible), State Farm, and Progressive, as they often have competitive rates and good customer service. It’s beneficial to get quotes from multiple providers to see what offers align best with your needs.
Make sure to read reviews and potentially ask for recommendations from friends or family who have dealt with these companies. Each insurer has different strengths, particularly regarding claims handling, so it’s good to consider that too. Good luck with your decision!