Let me be honest - I've spent way too many hours comparing auto insurance policies. After helping three neighbors switch to Plymouth Rock last year (and dealing with two claims myself), here's the real scoop you need before signing up.
### **Who Actually Benefits from Plymouth Rock?**
Living in Boston, I've seen how this regional insurer works in practice. They're strongest in:
- **Massachusetts** (where they dominate the market)
- **Connecticut** (good rates if you're over 30)
- **New Jersey** (surprisingly competitive near Newark)
*Funny story*: When my cousin in Rhode Island tried getting a quote, the agent told him "we don't really do Rhode Island" - so much for New England coverage!
### **Their Secret Coverage Tiers Explained**
Plymouth Rock's packages sound fancy, but here's what matters:
**1. The Free Perks (Essential Assurance)**
- **Crashbusters®**: The adjuster came to my driveway after my fender bender - surprisingly convenient
- **Guaranteed Repairs**: But you must use their shops (more on that headache later)
- **Get Home Safe®**: Used this once when my car died at work - got a $50 Lyft credit
**2. The Good Stuff (Assurance Plus)**
Available after 3 years (or immediately for Motor Club members):
- **Pet coverage**: $1,000 if Fido gets hurt in an accident (tested when my labrador got car sick)
- **Laptop replacement**: Up to $1,500 (though they'll argue about "reasonable" prices)
**3. The Luxury Tier (Premier)**
Only worth it if:
- You drive kids constantly (extra car seat coverage)
- Your dog is basically your child ($2,500 pet coverage)
- You keep expensive gadgets in your car
### **The Add-Ons That Are Actually Worth It**
After paying for unnecessary extras last year, here's what I'd recommend:
✔ **Accident Forgiveness**: Saved my neighbor $400 after a parking lot scrape
✔ **Glass Coverage**: Massachusetts potholes make this essential
✖ **Roadside Assistance**: Cheaper through AAA (their response time is slow)
*Pro tip*: The "New Car Replacement" sounds great until you see the premium hike - better to self-insure this risk.
### **Customer Service: The Good, Bad, and Ugly**
**What Works:**
- Local agents who remember your name (shoutout to Maria in the Newton office)
- Fast claims when everything goes right (7 days for my straightforward claim)
**What Frustrates:**
- Being forced to use their repair shops (the one in Watertown kept my car for 3 weeks)
- The mobile app looks like it was designed in 2010 (still crashes when I try to upload photos)
### **What You'll Really Pay (No Sugarcoating)**
Here's what actual people in my area paid last month:
| Driver Profile | Plymouth Rock | Geico | Local Agent |
|----------------|--------------|-------|-------------|
| 35yo teacher, clean record | $1,364 | $1,100 | $1,450 |
| 22yo college grad | $3,812 (ouch) | $2,900 | $4,100 |
| Married couple, 2 cars | $2,600 | $2,300 | $2,800 |
*See that young driver rate?* That's why my nephew went with Root instead.
### **Discounts Worth Fighting For**
After hours on hold, I've learned:
- **The alumni discount** (UMass saves me 8%)
- **The secret group rates** (teachers/nurses get 12% off)
- **Pay-in-full** (saved me $87 last year)
*Warning*: Their "safe driver" program is glitchy - it docked me points for "hard braking" when I was just avoiding a raccoon.
### **Final Verdict: Who Should Sign Up?**
**Good for:**
- Northeast drivers who want local agent support
- People who value perks over rock-bottom prices
- Those with multiple policies to bundle
**Avoid if:**
- You're under 25 (prepare for brutal rates)
- You want the absolute cheapest option
- You modify your car (they hate aftermarket parts)
Post a Comment