Guelder Rose

Just realised that I really don't need to compare different hazards, when the quotes so far don't even include earthquake or flooding coverage anyway! Judging by the cost so far, I think I will just have to keep my fingers crossed that we don't have an earthquake.

Guelder Rose

Hmmm, so maybe I should think along the lines of whatever I save in the US compared to the UK can be put toward what costs more in the US compared to the UK - and maybe I will end up quits!

They say living in the US is cheaper than the UK, I'm not so sure!

Manc

The auto policy has limits, but you as the consumer determine the limits of the policy. State minimum liability is usually $20,000 per person per accident. If you chose this and end up getting sued it's because you chose a cheap ass insurance policy on your car.

Most people have at least $100,000 per person liability and sometimes even a Personal liability umbrella on top.

Manc

it's only said by people whom don't live here.

Guelder Rose

Okay, but I was told that a serious car accident could leave you with medical bills costing several hundreds of thousands, so $100,000 doesn't seem that much. I just have an awful lot to learn about how things work here in the US and it feels a bit like I'm the old dog trying to learn a new trick and not doing too well!

Manc

You see here's another thing to add into the mix.

There are basically 3 different types of homeowners policy.

1) Homeowners 1 - Named Perils only
2) Homeowners 3 - Named Perils on dwelling, broad coverage on contents
3) Homeowners 5 - Broad Perils on everything.

So even if you just ask for a quote and you think it's dead cheap it could be because you're comparing a shitty HO1 to a broad HO5.

Eskimo

Where are you in CA ?

I pay $1100 per year $400k structure, $300k Liability ,$100k Personal - no earthquake or flood with All State - no point in earthquake - the deductable is usually 200k plus - I assume Bush will help me out

Manc

Aaaah I was talking about others sueing you for their medical bills should you be held at fault for an accident.


Yes, In tort based states, your medical coverage is usually capped at some pre-determined limit by you on yourp olicy. It's a question of how much risk you're willing to take. However lets be honest, most health insurance policies coordinate with ato accidents, so it's the health insurance co which will cover you in the event of an auto accident, with auto insurance picking up any excess deductibles.

Guelder Rose

And by plenty of Americans who seem to think that you have to be wealthy to live in the UK because they think the cost of living is extortionate - and those same Americans also seem to think that the US is the best and most affordable place to live, even though most of them haven't even travelled outside of the US!

Guelder Rose

Well, I said I had a lot to learn, and thank you Manc - your advice, along with what other posters have said, is helping me to be better equiped to ask the right questions in order to get the right answers!

fatbrit

Another factor to consider is your credit score (they usually use their own proprietry scoring system rather than the financial industry's FICO but use the credit bureaus' data) as some insurance companies take it in to consideration. If you don't have a credit score, it's a waste of time shopping those insurers who will determine part of the risk using it. Conversely, if you've got a pretty good score, you can usually find the best rates at those insurers who rely heavily on it.

AmerLisa

I grew up here and left for 6 years to live in the UK with my husband. We came back a year ago and it was like I came back to a foreign country. Things have become a lot worse since I left - medical insurance is a big problem....either that or I got lulled into the nice sense of not having to worry about medical insurance. Either way, I was in the habit of telling my husband how cheaper it was to live here....I've had to eat my words on more than one occasion.

Also, we went to State Farm insurance last year for our auto insurance and was pleasantly surprised at how cheap they were. I was given a quote from them for homeowners insurance this year and was pretty impressed at how cheap they were again. I'd give them a try if possible.

PS I grew up in California....when we moved back that was one of the places I'd knew I'd never move back to....too bloody expensive!

AmerLisa

Fatbrit is right....another reason why we went with State Farm, unlike Geico, they didn't rip you off because of your non exsistent credit score.

BritGuyTN

I use the local farm bureau - cheap for house, cheap for car