The nightmare of Insurance...any advice?

Gonna guess you're not enamored with any agent you currently have, or you wouldn't be asking.

Insurance is frequently purchased like a commodity, but it really isn't. Those cut-rate policies you can buy are typically serviced by a call center via 800 number, and as long as you never have to use them, you at least can feel like you're protected for a reasonable price.

I prefer to deal with someone locally, and yes bundle wherever I can in order to save some bucks. Vehicles and house, for example. It's nice to deal with a live person who can answer some questions and help you make an informed decision, and God forbid should you need to file a claim, will be an advocate for you. That's when you really find out how 'good' your insurance is, and if it sucks, when you'll realize why insurance isn't a commodity.

I like dealing with someone who reps different lines and isn't tied into offering me only what one company offers. I'd recommend you maybe start somewhere like here and find an independent agent in your area using the search function. If you've got some trusted friends or family members who can recommend their agent, there's sure nothing wrong with that, either. A good agent will realize if they foul you up, there'll be likely more than just your account he'll lose. Yours, likely the one who referred you, and any additional referrals from either of you. Not an issue for Progressive or GEICO.

A good agent will find out what specifically you need and can afford, and work with you to customize a package that makes sense. An independent broker will have access to a number of companies offering specific coverage tailored to you. Finding cheap quotes on your own and cobbling something together works, as long as all you need is the illusion of protection and service.

Good luck.

Just saw you last post. I'd sure exhaust Farm Bureau before i eliminated them. They're typically very good, and responsive.

I always compare the Farm Bureau for insurance like a credit union for banking in that it's a member thing. Obviously, there's no guarantee that you won't run into a clinker, and as you know insurance companies are a profit deal. You've got to fight them over stuff occasionally, and that's never fun. I think they believe if they throw up enough road blocks, they'll just wear you down. That's why I like an independent agent. Let them do the fighting, and he's got some skin in the game if I decide to leave over it.

If I was betting, I'd bet the mortgage thing was more Chase than Farm Bureau, but I could be wrong. I dumped Chase as a bank years ago, less than 6 months after they acquired my old bank and I quickly grew dissatisfied with the way they operated. I have no experience with them as a mortgage company, but I can't imagine it would be much better. Unfortunately, the way mortgages are sold on the open market, we don't have a lot of control over who has it. Mine's currently Ocwen, and I can't believe anywhere else would or could be worse.

Anyway, insurance is a PITA especially when you're looking to make changes. The only thing worse than buying cheap insurance and finding out when you go to make a claim that they suck, is buying expensive insurance and finding out the same thing.

Like I said, good luck.

I was thinking about that. Arrangements can differ, but the usual one is you pay into an escrow account managed by the mortgage company for your taxes and insurance. The mortgage company adds that expense to your monthly payment. The do that to indemnify themselves against losing a property to unpaid taxes, or uncovered damage. But the mortgage company ultimately has the responsibility to pay the insurance premium and property tax out of the escrow account.

So if it doesn't get paid... it's the mortgage company at fault.