Posted On: July 9, 2008, 2:23 pm CDT

Posted By: Jerry

Your right. claims service does matter but it is really hard for a shopper to cut through the promise made by every agent and insurer that their claims service is the best. I have only had one claim in the past two decades. It is hard to judge with one experience.

But your right, I made my last switch because the insurer did such a good job at claims service, I was almost compelled to switch to them if the price was good. Prior to that I was with a local independent guy that sent only bills for 6 years. Then the customer of a giant national brand (not Progressive or American Family)happened to rear end me. The other carrier did such a spectacular and convenient job with the claim, I called their number at my next renewal. And surprise they were cheaper. One of their people even call me before each renewal to review my coverage and familiarize me with their features. So they seem to have good customer service as well.

Bottom line is that the average consumer cannot tell who has the best claims service. JD Power might say that Amica and USAA are best and also are lowest on price, but most people with good driving records do not have enough claims experience cut through the statements from every insurance agent or company that they are the best.