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Are there ANY US insuance companies that can consolidate residential policies across state lines?
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5 Responses to Are there ANY US insuance companies that can consolidate residential policies across state lines?
First of all, you do need to recognize that insurance is regulated on a state-to-state basis, and that laws vary widely between the states. A property in a given state will need to have a policy written in that state under that state’s laws. There is no way around this, and if you’re looking for a single policy to take care of three properties, you’re out of luck. Can’t be done.
What you are looking for is a national firm, one that writes in multiple states. State Farm is a good bet. You’ll have policies written in three states, but should be able to get a consolidated bill. State Farm is a network of largely independent agents, but they work together quite well, and they should be able to put you in touch with a central office that can consolidate your bills. You can also use their website to view and pay all of your bills at once.
Another option is a little firm I used to work for called Merastar. They’re a small insurance outfit located in Chattanooga, TN that writes business across the country. They don’t deal in commercial or rental properties, but they’re worth giving a call.
And I do mean “call”. Your situation is complicated enough that regardless of who you decide to buy insurance from, you will want to speak directly to an agent. No website is going to be able to adequately deal with something this complex.
http://merastar.com/
Worked there.
http://statefarm.com/
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I agree with the last answer, (State Farm) but there are a number of other companies that cross state lines, too. Check out American Family (they do commercial); Nationwide, Hartford, etc. However, you need to talk to someone. That means pick up the telephone. The websites are just not adequate for someone in your situation.
There is another alternative, and that is to chose an independent agent (look under Independent Agents in the telephone book). Oftimes they can write insurance with a company many of them are cross the state lines, too. I would make sure the agent is a member of the Independent Insurance Agents Association (the Big I). What they do is work for you….they find the best coverage for your needs, by identifying what your needs are, and then know which insurance companies will best fit.
Although working with an independent agent is a little confusing at first, they know their product, they know you, and as long as they place you with a carrier who writes in each of the three states you need coverage, it should work out well. By the way, most Independent Agents I know also have a claims department. They make sure that if you have a claim (isn’t that what you buy insurance for) that it is not lost in the shuffle. Some of them even have authority to just pay for the smaller claims right away.
There is a Commercial Package Policy which should work, as it would list each of your properties, each of your vehicles, and may be best for your situation. However, talk to them. Insurance is a little strange, and having an agent understand your needs as well as Insurance, would probably benefit you in long run.
http://merastar.com/
Worked there.
http://statefarm.com/
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You can avoid the hassle by going to an actual agent of one of the national companies and explaining your case.
You can’t escape the reality that you will need three different policies (because insurance is state regulated), but if you stick with one company, they’ll bundle the three policies.
The options are companies like: State Farm, American Family, Farmer’s, Allstate, St. Paul Travelers, AIG, etc).
http://merastar.com/
Worked there.
http://statefarm.com/
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Depends on which states you’re talking about. You will have to have three different policies, however, if you can put them all with the same carrier, like Travelers, you can have all the policies billed to one bill.
Here’s what you need: A national carrier, like Travelers, or Farmers, who currently writes insurance in the three states, AND has an agent that’s ALSO licensed to write the policies in all three states. Commission isn’t an issue fo ryou,k you won’t see that. But you WILL need to do this through an independent agent. Your best bet is probably to call Travelers or Farmers or some such, and ask them for the name of an agent that’s licensed in all three states.
http://merastar.com/
Worked there.
http://statefarm.com/
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same as the others, but I do know that Auto Owners or Owners will put multiple policies on a single bill, they will give you multi-policy discounts and they will give you further discounts for life, health and personal policies you have with them. The more you have with them, the more you save. Auto Owners and Owners is handled by Independent Agents and they do commercial properties. Good Luck!
http://merastar.com/
Worked there.
http://statefarm.com/
Report Spam/Abuse