Smart Auto Insurance Blog

According to the article “7 Desirable Auto Car Insurance Companies” by Matthew Keegan on saycampuslife.com, the insurance commissioner in any given state authorizes who can write auto insurance policies.  The article discusses 7 auto insurance companies that have a national presence with excellent reputations and competitive prices.

The companies discussed in the article include State Farm, Allstate, Government Employees Insurance Company, Progressive, USAA, Liberty Mutual and Nationwide Insurance.  All of these companies are well known and provide an array of benefits.  Having auto insurance is required in most states and important to have in case you are in an accident.

When you do decide to shop around with these or other companies, be sure you are obtaining quotes based on comparable coverage to ensure your comparison is fair.  Most auto insurance companies review your credit as part of determining your rate, so it’s a good idea to pull your credit report and have a good understanding of where you stand.

State Farm, a leader in life, homeowners, and auto insurance, continues to have a successful marketing relationship with basketball superstar, LeBron James.  According to State Farm’s website, in their newsroom article, State Farm is part of an integrated campaign supporting the company’s sponsorship of LeBron’s new documentary “More Than a Game”. 

This Lionsgate documentary tells the true story of five gifted basketball players, one of which is LeBron James who plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers and won 2009 NBA MVP.  It documents their true and unique story growing up in Akron, Ohio.  It opens in select cities October 2. 

There is going to be a commercial airing on TV, the Internet and in theaters called “Memories” to promote the film.  There is also a link set up on State Farm’s page where fans can view behind the scene footage as well as scenes never seen before.  State Farm is very excited about this movie and they believe that James’ inspirational story transcends sport.

State Farm Insurance, which carries many different types of insurance including auto insurance and health insurance, is giving the nation a challenge.  It’s a challenge to lose 50 million pounds across the country according to the article “Insurance agency challenges Americans to lose weight” on wqow.com. 

State Farm agent Bob Johnson states that the healthier you are the less you see the doctor which will ultimately affect your insurance rates.  Not to mention if you are healthier and take good care of yourself you will live a longer, more quality life. 

Registration is online and participants can track their progress as well as get tips on how to lead a healthier life.  State Farm is offering a kit as well which includes a pedometer and an information booklet.  This is a great example of insurance companies supporting a greater cause.  pivemrg678

According to an article on coosavalleynews.com by Tony Potts, State Farm auto insurance is reminding everyone that the Federal Government’s Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS program or “Cash for Clunkers”) has an auto insurance requirement.

Last week the US Senate agreed to extend the CARS program until Labor Day which is a great opportunity for more car owners to take advantage of the tax benefit.  By trading in an older car for a new one, tax credits will be given.  But there are stipulations, one of which includes auto insurance.  Trade-in cars must  be registered and insured for the full year before trading in.  This is an important reminder of how crucial it is for all autos to be covered by insurance.  Uninsured drivers pose a risk to everyone on the road, not to mention it’s the law in most states.

According to the article “Shops debate the place of insurers in the repair process” by Brian Albright on SearchAutoParts.com, car designs have become more complicated and costly which is causing auto insurance companies to become more involved in the repair process.

Conflicts often arise between repairers and insurers as the insurance companies pressure shops to reduce costs.  The repair shops often see this as unnecessary meddling as they deal with their own financial pressures.  Most shops prefer that the insurance company cut a check and stay our of the repair process, but customers find value in the insurers taking over and the insurance companies want to keep costs down as much as possible. 

Not all insurance companies get in the way.  State Farm auto insurance is generally regarded as cooperative according to this article.  Recently they have engaged in programs looking for efficiencies in the repair business.  While some independent shops see this as intrusive, others see it as positive.  Gene Regan is a general manager at Causeway Collision Center in Manahawkin, NJ and he believes it’s a good thing State Farm is getting involved.  He sees the programs bringing the shops and insurance companies together to practice better business, and that ultimately will benefit the mutual customers.

Iowa auto insurance consumers are in for some price increases.  According to the article “State Farm to Increase Iowa Auto Insurance Rates” by Karen Mracek on desmoinesregister.com, State Farm Auto Insurance is raising some prices in the state by an average of 2.2% by July 27.

Auto insurance rates for comprehensive coverage and collision are increasing the most and the cost of liability is also going up.  The cost of medical payments will be remaining the same for most customers.  The premium changes will vary from customer to customer based on what kind of policy they have, where they live and the type of car they insure.

State Farm is the largest insurer in Iowa, insuring about 1 out of every 5 cars on the road.  The increases are caused by the influx of claims over the year, but even after this increase State Farm’s overall rates are still much lower than they were 5 years ago by over 12%.  State Farm is still committed to keeping prices reasonable for their customers.

The commissioner of the LPGA, Carolyn Bivens, says she has had a series of conversations with State Farm Auto Insurance about the future of the LPGA event in Springfield, IL.  She is optimistic about an agreement being reached between State Farm and the LPGA for a new title-sponsorship contract.  She did not say if or when the agreement would be reached according to The State Journal-Register. 

During these tough economic times, few sports are getting automatic renewals but Bivens is encouraged by State Farm Insurance’s efforts to support the local LPGA tournament event.  As many companies are holding back, State Farm is stepping up to invest in the community and the LPGA.

State Farm Insurance has named their agent Steve Borklund to the Chairman’s Circle, a prestigious award within the company, for the fifth time!  This award not only recognizes top sales, but honors agents with their ability to demonstrate and represent State Farm’s values.  Many go to Borklund to receive their State Farm Insurance quote, and he has met strict criteria and sales goals to receive this award. 

Steve has been with State Farm Insurance for 39 years and joins a small, select number of people in South Carolina to receive the Chairman’s Circle recognition.  And this is his 3rd consecutive year to win this award!  He offers a wide range of insurance and financial products and is extremely knowledgeable in the industry.

State Farm Insurance’s Corporate Headquarters in Bloomington, IL, received the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ENERGY STAR for the year 2008.  This certification means that State Farm Auto Insurance is exemplifying superior energy efficiency and prioritizing the environment’s protection. 

The EPA introduced ENERGY STAR in 1992 as a partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through efficient means of running energy.  Today the ENERGY STAR is found on 50 different types of products and is considered an honor by companies to receive.

Georgia auto insurance companies such as State Farm are charging lower auto insurance rates to drivers with better credit ratings, WALB News’ Jim Wallace reports. With these ratings, the higher the better. Insurers believe that lower credit ratings correlate with a higher likelihood of filing auto accident claims. A motorist’s credit rating plays a large part in calculating the insurance score that determines the premiums they charge. (Other factors include your driving record and demographic characteristics like age, location, and marital status.) Unfortunately, the perceived greater risk results in more expensive auto insurance for those with bad credit.

If your credit is good, Jim says that this is the perfect time to take advantage of the competition in the state’s car insurance market. Otherwise, try to improve your credit rating before shopping around for auto insurance quotes. You could save hundreds of dollars per year!

(Photo credit: History.com)