You've taken my money, now take care of my claim.
Written: Nov 21 '00
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Pros: They make it easy to pay your premiums
Cons: They make it hard to settle a claim
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| menomonee1's Full Review: American Family Insurance Group - Auto |
I have been using American Family for the last 20 years. They cover my auto and my home. Until last week, I never thought about changing my insurance provider. Until last week, I never had a claim.
Last Thursday morning my car was stolen. I followed all the right steps. I called the police, and then my insurance agent at American Family. After explaining to my agent that my car was stolen and giving him all the information that they required, I had a few questions myself. I wanted to know how they were going to handle all of my belongings that were in the car. The answer I was provided startled me a bit. The items in the car are not covered when your vehicle is stolen by your car insurance. They are covered by your home-owners insurance. Where did that come from?
I had to stop and think on that one for a while. The items were not in my house, they were in my car. Ok, I have my home owners insurance through them, no problem. So the articles in my car are covered through my home-owners policy. Well yes and no, that depends on what they are. Yes, we will cover your work uniforms and tools in your trunk, but tapes and compact disc's, sorry.
Now I am doing an itemized list of everything that was in my car. I am even listing things I am not sure they cover since I really don't know what they will and will not pay for. But I did learn an important lesson. If someone breaks into your home and steals your compact discs, they are covered. If they are in your car they are not. So what is the lesson learned? Park your car in the family room to make sure that all the contents are covered.
Next step was to get a rental car. Yes, I pay the extra money on my policy to cover rental fees. This is the discussion I had with the claims rep for American Family.
American Family : "well , we provide you with the $20.00 minimum allowed by law to cover rental costs while we process your claim".
Myself: " Well I do pay extra on my insurance for rental fees. How much do I have for a rental car per day".
American Family: "Well I see you do have that on your policy. You have $20.00 a day for a rental car".
Myself: "So anothers words I have $40.00 a day. The $20 you provide my by law, and the $20.00 I get for having rental insurance on my policy".
American Family: " No, you just get the $20.00".
Myself: "So the extra money I pay really doesn't do anything for me then does it?"
American Family: "Well that you pay for would kick in if we did not finish your claim within 30 days."
Ok, I got it now. I have paid the extra money to cover me in case they drag their feet with my claim. I am in the wrong business.
It has only been a week since my car was taken so I will wait to pass final judgement until this is all finished.
I strongly suggest that you talk with you insurance agent and find out exactly what is covered if someone steals your car. I thought I new the answers but was wrong. I know now. If my agent had been upfront and explained all this to me while selling me the policy, I would not be out looking for a new insurance company now.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
menomonee1
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 - Top 1000 |
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Member: Alan Wenberg
Location: Olathe ks
Reviews written: 82
Trusted by: 72 members
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