I’ve gone on record many-a-time as being against exceeding the posted speed limit and I’ve taken a lot of flak for that from almost all of my nearest and dearest. They say things like “you were a schoolteacher too long” or “everybody goes at least five miles over.” But I remain adamant.
Even after the crushing blow of being stopped last May for (yes!) going 40 in a 35 mph zone plus the further indignity of getting a ticket AND going to court, AND getting the ticket ‘forgiven’ but still having to pay $80 in court costs… Yes, even after all of that, I continue to be adamant about following the speed limit and believing that those who ‘cheat’ by a few miles an hour are in the wrong. Period. (But I do get quite huffy about that short stretch on Sandridge where it’s 35, 25, 35, 45 and woe-be-unto-you if your attention wavers.)
It was my first ticket of any kind since 1978 – 34 years of a pristine and pure record. So, when we got our auto insurance renewal yesterday and we found that our premium has gone up by $185.40 for the upcoming year to a figure in excess of $1,250 for each and every subsequent year until 2018, I was more than a little indignant.
It’s bad enough our insurance company no longer provides us with “personal” service. There was once a time when our agent took us out to the Ark for dinner every now and then. It was a PR thing, maybe on an expense account or maybe not. I only know we enjoyed the attention and the conversation and, certainly, the meal. And, when it came to our auto insurance, if we had a problem, he would go to bat for us. I remember when someone T-boned our brand new car as we drove through Nahcotta. “Don’t worry,” our agent said, “I’ll take care of everything.” And he did.
Now, we don’t even have an ‘agent’ that I know of – just a series of menu options when we telephone and, eventually, a voice on the other end that tells us what the company policy is. “Your driving record? No, no credit for good driving.” Over and out.
So… we’re shopping. I think the days of individual attention are probably over. But, I’m not giving up on getting credit for a good driving record. And I’m not giving up on finding a less expensive premium. And I’m probably not giving up whining about the entire process.
Wow, I so agree. Where is the personal service anymore?
Wading through a phone menu is laborious and frequently requires going back and starting over. My mother cannot handle it so I do it for her when I can. I remember back in the ’70s when I had a question or concern I called our insurance broker who answered my questions, found us the best rates, and felt like a little gardian angel. Sad that such personal service seems to be a thing of the past.
Yikes! I guess we are on the other side of the barrel as far as insurance and an agent is concerned. All bundled (home and auto) with State Farm and an agent whose secretary is always at the end of the line, an agent who returns a call when we request one, an agent who sends us a letter of thank you for your business! At the risk of “outing” a much appreciated insurance agent I will state his name: Ron Hosack, State Farm Insurance.
I hope you’ve got a lot of energy behind the “not giving up,” because you’ll need it. Is there a good insurance company out there. One that takes a personal interest? If so, share the wisdom. I’ve given up. I’ve lost hope.