UCB Parents Insurance Recommendations
Amica Insurance
Advice and recommendations from the UCB Parents mailing list.
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October 2001
I've seen requests for insurance recommendations a long time ago, but
I think the following info may be very useful to readers: Last Sunday,
our 1994 Saturn was stolen from the Denny's in El Cerrito (Police said
thieves in the area are stealing many 1994 Saturn w/ a master key).
In the meanwhile, we found out from our insurance company, AMICA,
that we had dropped Comprehensive on the older Saturn 2 years ago!
No theft coverage. Upon the advise of an attorney, Michael Sullivan
who was consulting me on a separate contractor problem, we called
AMICA and asked them if they could help us. We dropped comprehensive
out of ignorance or from miscommunication of what that meant. We
intended to drop only collision on the old car. They came back
within 24 hours and announced that they would cover the loss! We
got our car back, but AMICA didn't know that yet and benevolently
gave us coverage when they had no obligation. I've never been as
satisifed with any service as I've been w/ AMICA for also past
claims. They speak like human beings on the other end, not like
jaded beaurocrats. Our Claims rep is Donna Covony and Underwriter
was Laurie Teckham. 1-800-385-6377. We're now going to look into
their life insurance as well.
Susan
August 2000
I am looking into insurance for a new home. Amica
offers really good rates, but I had never heard of the company before. Has
anyone had experience with it? Thanks!
Mary
I've been insured by AMICA for car and home for many years. They are a very
reputable company and consistently get top ratings in Consumer Reports.
Alison
I do not have a policy with this company, but when my husband and I bought
our house last year I did some research on homeowner's insurance companies
and Amica is rated Number 1 in a Consumer Reports reader survey, best in
service, policy coverage, rates. They are one of the few companies who
actually issue earthquake insurance themselves, rather than going through
the CA Earthquake Authority and charging ridiculous premiums. However,
because of this and their policy of insuring lower risk houses, they insist
on seismic retrofitting and they come and inspect your house. A benefit,
though, is that because they are a mutual company, when you buy a policy you
are in effect buying a piece of the company, which means you get a dividend
at the end of every year which effectively lowers your premium. They have
an 800 number (don't know what it is), and a web site for further research:
http:www.amica.com. Good luck!
Erin
We have had Amica car insurance for about five years and their renter's
insurance for about a year. We've never had to make a claim so can't speak
to how the company works when there's actually a loss of some kind.
However, I can say that it's always been easy to get questions answered and
make changes to our policies, and the general customer service has been
great. They certainly had the lowest rates we could find, and in addition,
you get a substantial rebate check at the end of each year! The northern
California regional office is nearby-- in San Rafael.
Alisa
In response to the question about Amica life insurance I did some research
on car insurances and Amica was rated #1 by a consumer type magazine.
They are a bit more expensive, but my experience with them has been wonderful
in every way. After having left the cheaper AAA insurance with the worst records
for customer service, I whole heartedly recommend Amica for
auto insurance... I don't know what they're like for life insurance.
Susan
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UC Berkeley Parents Network and
should not be taken as a position of or endorsement by the
University of California, Berkeley.