Let me begin by saying I do not sell insurance nor do I have any affiliation with any insurance company.

I had my auto and home policies with Farmer's Insurance for over 20 years with no claims. No tickets during that time. Approximately 2 years ago while entering a freeway onramp, the car in the next lane swerved into mine slightly ahead and alongside. I had two choices, hit him (her) or try to squeeze to the right and hope I miss the curbing in front of the railing. Instinct led me to swerve to the right and I just clipped the curb. Absolutely no body damage but it tore a chunk out of my right front wheel and tire. Somehow, a piece of the wheel flew back and hit the right rear wheel, ruining it and slicing the right rear tire. Miraculously, there wasn't even a scratch on the right side of the body.

The right front suspension was not so lucky and was shoved back about an inch. The tie rod was bent and most of the right front suspension pieces were busted up. All told there was just over $4000 worth of damage. I filed a report with the insurance company and my agent said there was no "fault" and truly an accident. I asked him if he thought my rates would increase and he said he didn't think they would considering my driving record and there was no other vehicle damage or personal injury. He actually said "...at $4000, it is one of the lowest auto insurance claims he had seen in some time."

Well someone forgot to give that memo to Farmer's. Upon renewal, my insurance doubled to $2400 per year. I did some online shopping and every other company offered policies ranging from $250 to $600 less. I mentioned this to my Farmer's agent and he said "...yeah Farmer's has really come down hard lately" and I was not the only one with doubled rates.

That afternoon I got an offer in the mail from AARP for Auto Insurance through the Hartford. I called and gave them all my info. I only drive the Crossfire 6K miles per year for pleasure 100/300/100 Liability, medical, uninsured motorist 100/300, $250 deductible comprehensive and $500 deductible collision. Accident forgiveness for the first accident AND a 10% reduction in deductibles for each year I go accident free. All this for only $1290 a year! That was nearly 1/2 what Farmer's wanted!

I asked if I transferred my home insurance if it would affect the amount and they said they would discount the home owners insurance if I combined them. I did, and paid another $200 less for the same home coverage I had with Farmer's.

That was a year ago. Just got my new policy. It appears I have been elevated to a "Superior driver" in addition to being a "Good Driver". My renewal cost is now a remarkable $891 for an entire year. Some of you might not think this is such a great deal, but if you drove in SoCal, this would be a good deal for a 6 month policy.

I can only imagine how inexpensive the Hartford's (AARP special) policies in other parts of the country. If you are over 50, check it out!