Is there to (auto) insurance companies as there are credit unions to banks?

Question

I have been paying my insurance company $250 a month for a $1k deductible, "full coverage" insurance policy.

Long story short, on coming through the policy, two major things I need after I was rear-ended recently; the rental car assistance in case of accidents where my car becomes unusable is an addon package and car repairs are covered only for aftermarket parts, with OEM part cost overages to come out of my pocket.

Of course, there are other things they are going to charge me for, and increase my premium by 10% or more once I actually make a claim.

Here's my question: is there to insurance companies as there are credit unions to banks?

Is there a way I could:

1. sit down with a human being
2. go through the policy
3. understand what I am up for, what I am liable for and what will be "taken care of" for me
4. find out which policy is actually good for me
5. all without the above person(s) having a financial incentive of trying to push me to buy a policy from a specific company where another one would have been better yet/or cheaper for me?

My background:

1. I am new to the US, came here as a student 4 years ago.
2. Just got my driving license 2 years ago
3. I need to move around in California to different zip codes, but in the same Fountain Valley, Riverside and Corona area

The premium of $250 a month is something I could live with (if I have to) but the high deductible and pathetic customer service and coverage worries me.

I had this SAME feeling when I was banking with a few big banks and now that I joined credit unions, I am really happy, and that gives me some hope in this case too.

Is there a way for me to be really happy in the case of auto insurance?

Some people recommended I join AAA, but I would like to hear from you guys before I make the change.

(I am also open to apartment rental insurance, but perhaps that should be a separate question?)

Answer 1

You want Mutual insurance companies. Those are the insurance companies that are owned by the members much like credit unions are owned by the members.

Something to consider is how well an insurance company treats you besides just the bottom line price. Clark Howard (a US radio host) frequently cites Amica Mutual as the top tier of customer service providers.

You can check Consumer Reports to see which insurance companies are the best in service. You might not pay any less (or even a bit more) but the issue comes up when there is a need to insure.

Answer 2

AAA is a "consumer" club that provides services to its members. In a sense its a similar relation as the credit unions compared to banks. AAA also have service centers everywhere, and you can go there and talk to the insurance agent about all your needs and concerns. From my experience, they're significantly cheaper than other insurance companies.

AAA members can also buy other insurance products, not just auto insurance, so you can get your renter's insurance quote from them as well. But you have to be a member to purchase, take that into the account, as the membership adds to the costs.