Rick

We joined State Farm when we purchased our home in 1992. The application process was simple, we called the local SF rep and scheduled an appointment. He filled out the application for us and gave us suggestions on coverage options. He did try to up sell us a bit but that is to be expected; he wasn't too aggressive about it. Prices were competitive with other companies we had talked to. We went with SF because the agent was nearby and some of our new neighbors used them and had a positive experience. Claim resolution wasn't too bad. Once we had a broken pipe; they worked to get us fixed quickly. Another time we had a vehicle run into our home. This was more difficult as they told us that the driver's coverage should take care of it. That company wasn't responsive and when I called SF to see if they could get things moving they said it was up to the other company. After a month and a call to the state insurance commission they got involved and within a day had the ball rolling on getting our home repaired. This really soured my view towards them - this is a property that you are insuring, you should have some sort of vested interested in the outcome. We do receive a lot of communications from them, usually for other services they offer.

After 17 years with State Farm we recently switched to GEICO. The application process was simple. I went onto their website, filled in the information about the drivers in my family as well as the information on our vehicles and was given a rate that beat what I had been paying SF, even with their discounts. I did have a question about the policy so I called GEICO and the account services rep answered the question for me. She even went so far as to suggest some other changes to my policy that saved me more money but didn't impact my service. After answering my questions she asked me if there was anything she could do. I asked her if she could complete my app for me, which she did. She then welcomed me to GEICO. I should have noted her name but she was very friendly and easy to talk to. Communications with GEICO have been a lot less than what I was getting with State Farm. Whereas SF would constantly hit me up with offers, I've received nothing from GEICO. SF had a local rep for me, GEICO requires me to call or visit their website. Not a deal breaker at all. GEICO does have a local office near us now (for claims) but we've not used it. GEICO has an Android app, which we have installed on our phones. This should make it handy when filing claims.

I've been a member with the State Employees' Credit Union since May of 1999. During my first day of employment HR told me about the Credit Union, which I joined during lunch. Joining was very simple and I was out of there in 15 minutes. Customer service has been top notch. Whether I'm in person or calling on the phone the staff are eager to help you. Obtaining loans here are easy, two. After my second day at my job we needed a new vehicle. I went to the CU and talked to a loan officer. We discussed what I was going to spend and what I was going to put down, which allowed her to pre-qualify me. After finding a vehicle I wanted I called the loan officer and she started on the paperwork. Within the hour all of my paperwork was at the dealer and I was on my way with a new car. No pressure to buy options, no games and no hassles. I did have a credit card number stolen from an online vendor once. I called the SECU toll free number and they immediately took action. Once the error was revealed to be the fault of the vendor my monies were restored. Once I had a company run my CC twice, when I called the credit union they reversed payment. Their rates are the most competitive but they're easy to work with, which means a lot to me.

I've had a Blue card since release. I like the points I accrue from my purchases and the offers that I receive in my email. The American Express website is easy to navigate and support, when needed, has been great. While it's not accepted everywhere more and more businesses appear to take it. Once I used my Blue to purchase a few items from a online store. Several months after my purchase I received a call from Amex - my card number had been stolen from the vendor's database. Amex had cancelled the card and was offered to overnight me a new card. I told them that I was traveling and could use my Visa, so just send it normal mail. The rep I talked to said that they'd overnight it to me where ever I was. The next morning my card was in my hands. Amex removed the charges from my card and dealt with the vendor; with my Visa I had to prove to them that I didn't make the charges. This impressed me greatly and is one reason (of many) why I continue to due business with them.