Pemco Insurance, anyone?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 761
Likes: 335
From: Charlotte NC
Pemco Insurance, anyone?
Any WA people have input on Pemco Insurance? Good, bad, ugly? I moved here from FL about 6 months ago and my auto insurance went up significantly. I've been casually shopping around for new insurance and Pemco quoted me a very attractive rate. Unless anyone has a compelling argument, I'm having a hard time refusing more coverage for a lower rate than I'm currently paying. Geico blows (though I've never really had a problem with them until now) and with 3 vehicles, I'm getting raped. Any input would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Abram
Thanks,
Abram
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: Puyallup Wa
I have had Pemco for 3 years now..No Problems at all I had a tree limb fall and shatter my rear window on My Z06 $1300.00 to replace it.They never said a word asked where I was getting it fixed cut the check and did not raise my rates.In fact my rates have continued to drop.Head-Malesis in Auburn is who I use..
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,530
Likes: 0
From: Yelm Wa
I have state farm wtih 7 cars insured wtih them plus our house & its less than 200 a month for all 7 cars (grant it that 3 of the cars are under $10 a month)
& I love our agent hes a car guy & currently drives a lotus used to own a couple vettes & owns a classic truck himself.
& I love our agent hes a car guy & currently drives a lotus used to own a couple vettes & owns a classic truck himself.
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 364
Likes: 3
From: Monroe Washington
I currently have Pemco and this will be the last policy I take with them.
In July last year I was rear ended and Pemco decided they would coordinate with the other insurance company. I needed some medical treatment at the time and have gone through therapy for my left wrist. Pemco had to be reminded several time to pay the bills, like every month.
In December I was rear ended again by an uninsured motorist. Took my truck in to get estimate and Pemco said they were not only going to total it, they were only going to pay me "salvage" value for it. Granted my truck is only worth about 9K but their offer was only 2K.
I had to file three complaints about treatment by their claims rep to the HQ.
Pemco won't get any more of my business.
In July last year I was rear ended and Pemco decided they would coordinate with the other insurance company. I needed some medical treatment at the time and have gone through therapy for my left wrist. Pemco had to be reminded several time to pay the bills, like every month.
In December I was rear ended again by an uninsured motorist. Took my truck in to get estimate and Pemco said they were not only going to total it, they were only going to pay me "salvage" value for it. Granted my truck is only worth about 9K but their offer was only 2K.
I had to file three complaints about treatment by their claims rep to the HQ.
Pemco won't get any more of my business.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,620
Likes: 3
From: Vancouver WA
I've had PEMCO for 5 years and very happy with them. Used to have state farm and rates were lower with PEMCO. Had one car claim (hit a deer) and one homoewners and both handled quickly and professionally. Also you get a discount for having both coverages and then a % credit every year as a good policy holder without liability claims.
I think the experience of the previous post is an anomoly as most of thier people are highly skilled and trained.
(I am retired from 40 years in this business)
I think the experience of the previous post is an anomoly as most of thier people are highly skilled and trained.
(I am retired from 40 years in this business)
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,896
Likes: 26
From: Manchester - Political correctness is tyranny with manners.
We have State Farm...very happy. They paid for several windshields and an uninsured motorist collision and nerver raised my rates.
2K Corvette, 2006 F250, boat, 2 Harleys, all for $205 a month and that includes a million $ umbrella policy.
2K Corvette, 2006 F250, boat, 2 Harleys, all for $205 a month and that includes a million $ umbrella policy.
Last edited by DidntSettle; Apr 5, 2008 at 09:18 AM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 761
Likes: 335
From: Charlotte NC
Thanks for the input, fellas. I think I'm going to go ahead and make the switch. FWIW, I'm 28, single, male and I have a few tickets, 2 sports cars and an SUV - not a recipe for low insurance rates. What's funny is my Durango is more to insure than the Z06. Eff insurance companys.. 
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,606
Likes: 88
From: Sammamish WA
I was with PEMCO for years until I told them I was shopping for a Porsche and wanted to know how much to insure. They said they wouldn't cover any Porsche I bought and so I switched to Allstate. Who, by the way, offerred a vey competitive rate. Been with them for nearly 18 years and have been very pleased with them. Several claims and nary a hint of rate increases.
Saying that however, I'm not convinced I'm getting the best price and if I didn't like my agent so much, would probably switch or at least shop around.
PEMCO is a good carrier, I think, and it sounds as though they might have changed their, ahem, policy on insuring high-performance cars. It used to be that Allstate and State Farm were the only carriers that would cover them.
Saying that however, I'm not convinced I'm getting the best price and if I didn't like my agent so much, would probably switch or at least shop around.
PEMCO is a good carrier, I think, and it sounds as though they might have changed their, ahem, policy on insuring high-performance cars. It used to be that Allstate and State Farm were the only carriers that would cover them.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 982
Likes: 18
From: Seattle WA
I have state farm wtih 7 cars insured wtih them plus our house & its less than 200 a month for all 7 cars (grant it that 3 of the cars are under $10 a month)
& I love our agent hes a car guy & currently drives a lotus used to own a couple vettes & owns a classic truck himself.
& I love our agent hes a car guy & currently drives a lotus used to own a couple vettes & owns a classic truck himself.
My agent is also quite a car guy. I increased my coverage a few years ago because I was going to Las Vegas and was renting a Ferrari for the weekend. I wanted to make sure I had enough coverage incase something happened. My agent was really excited and wanted me to call him after the trip to tell him all about driving the car.
When I added the Z06 to my policy my agent called me back the next day and recommended that I lower my deductible from $500 to $250. He said alot of their clients with Corvettes have issues with their cars getting keyed. It actually only increased my rate by about $4 per month too.
Sorry that I can't comment on your original question about Pemco. I just thought I would add my impression about State Farm since others had spoke favorably about it as well.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 238
Likes: 0
From: Edmonds Wash.
Pemco is good if you bundle homeowners ins. with the car etc. I have been more than happy with them for a couple of decades now. I pay about $500 a year for full coverage but like i said get a bunch of discounts.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: North Bend Washington
First of all, not all claims raise your insurance and that is why many of the posters that are happy about their coverage and rates EVEN after filing claims are so happy with them. Tree limbs falling on your car and hitting animals are all Comprehensive claims and will not raise your rates as they are not "chargeable". Collision claims ARE "chargeable" - no matter what company you have!
When I moved to Washington State from Texas, I shopped Allstate and State Farm as when it comes to insurance you DO get what you pay for as long as you know what you're paying for. The State Farm agent mentioned Pemco as an alternative, but did say that their rates are low, but you have one chargeable claim with them and they will drop you. Perhaps that is only true for their high risk client, but you go and try to unravel their definition of a "high risk client".
If insurance is really meant to aid in you resting peacefully, then Pemco or the lowest rate on the block is not advantageous. Most homes in WA cost at least $400K and our cars (at least the Vettes) are by no means cheap... so why do we cheapen out when it comes time to insure them properly???
When I moved to Washington State from Texas, I shopped Allstate and State Farm as when it comes to insurance you DO get what you pay for as long as you know what you're paying for. The State Farm agent mentioned Pemco as an alternative, but did say that their rates are low, but you have one chargeable claim with them and they will drop you. Perhaps that is only true for their high risk client, but you go and try to unravel their definition of a "high risk client".
If insurance is really meant to aid in you resting peacefully, then Pemco or the lowest rate on the block is not advantageous. Most homes in WA cost at least $400K and our cars (at least the Vettes) are by no means cheap... so why do we cheapen out when it comes time to insure them properly???
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: YAKIMA WA
Been With Pemco Since 1963 With Nere A Problem Or A Blink Of The Eye. They Have Payed Off A Few Uninsured Claims, Helped Me Collect On One Insured Claim, Payed For A New Garage Door When I Forgot To Raise It Up, And Even Put A New Roof On The House. They Never Ask Any Questions When I Bought The Vette Or Any Other Car Or Truck But Did Ask If I Had Ever Driven A Large Rig When I Bought The $150,000 Mh. No Ticket, No Citations And An Excellent Credit Rate Help Keep The Premiums Down Too. So Far, Very Happy With Them.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 761
Likes: 335
From: Charlotte NC
Thanks for the input, everyone. After some additional shopping around, I went ahead and made the switch to Pemco today. I was able to bundle my home insurance with the auto insurance and long story short, I'm saving almost $700/year - and that's with much higher coverage all the way around compared to my previous policies. To top it all off, due to Geico's billing method, I don't owe anything for this month of coverage and they are refunding me a little over $200. Geico wasn't too thrilled with my cancellation. They use retention tactics, similar what AOL used to (still do?) use when cancelling your service. They aggressively try to pursued you to stay, even if it's only for a few extra days.. To be fair, the rep was pretty polite and they did offer to reinstate my policy for any reason with no BS within the next 6 months. Hopefully that won't be the case..
1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Total rip offs
Been with them for 6 months. A woman made a left turn in front of me. Pemco totaled my car. Cheapest replacement car in the country is $4000 but pemco wants to give me only $2500 and says I have to make up the difference myself. I have already signed over the title of the totaled car to them but they insist I must continue to pay car insurance of over $100/mo on the wrecked car until I get a replacement vehicle. Won't pay my lost wages as I am still off work due to my injuries. Won't even provide rental car so I can get to my doctor appointments. It's like they are working for the other driver who has insurance with another insurance company. Every time I call them they make it sound like I am such an inconvenience to them. I have had no choice but to contact an attorney and sue my own insurance company. They have lost a client.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,606
Likes: 88
From: Sammamish WA
Been with them for 6 months. A woman made a left turn in front of me. Pemco totaled my car. Cheapest replacement car in the country is $4000 but pemco wants to give me only $2500 and says I have to make up the difference myself. I have already signed over the title of the totaled car to them but they insist I must continue to pay car insurance of over $100/mo on the wrecked car until I get a replacement vehicle. Won't pay my lost wages as I am still off work due to my injuries. Won't even provide rental car so I can get to my doctor appointments. It's like they are working for the other driver who has insurance with another insurance company. Every time I call them they make it sound like I am such an inconvenience to them. I have had no choice but to contact an attorney and sue my own insurance company. They have lost a client.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,340
Likes: 6
From: Redmond WA
Hmm, been with PEMCO for nearly twenty years. They cover our home as well. No problems at all in insuring the Corvette. We've only had a couple of claims, all pretty major ones. The last was in 2002, when my wife was broadsided and our Toyota minivan totaled. They treated us with exemplary service at that time, and did not quarrel when we asked to be compensated for snow tires that we had just purchased but never used.
We haven't had any recent claims but we've had the same agent for many years.
We haven't had any recent claims but we've had the same agent for many years.
