Submitted by Cashneto t3_126qih1 in newjersey

I got a quote from NJM which is about $350 less per year than Geico who I'm currently with. However, when I look online, NJM appears to have horrible reviews over the past several months. People don't seem to be able to reach customer service or adjusters to the point where if someone else was at fault in an accident, the at fault insurance company isn't able to reach NJM adjusters and end up calling the person in an accident.

Does anyone have any first hand experience with NJM vs GEICO?

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[deleted] t1_jeaa1ky wrote

They’re just outdated with coverages. I got rid of auto home and umbrella with them.

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mr444guy t1_jeabyq2 wrote

I have Geico for the cars and NJM for homeowners. Never had any issues with either. Although NJM raised our rates after I put in a claim for some water damage. Might look to someone else for the house. Only claim with Geico was fast, deer hit my car, Geico paid right away, didn't even look at the car, just accepted the repair estimate.

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[deleted] t1_jeadwf0 wrote

Like for homeowners they don’t cover market adjustments , cost increases, labor etc. my home was under insured because they wouldn’t go up in coverages. Fine print on most documents doesn’t extend coverages

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ansky201 t1_jeafdvm wrote

I have had Geico for my car for almost 20 years and their customer service has been great. I also have roadside assistance on my policy which is very simple to use through the Geico app.

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Gixxerfool t1_jeagg7x wrote

I dropped NJM after 20 years. It’s a long story. I concur with the above comment on them being outdated. I got more perks and the same coverage with Allstate. I was always on the phone with NJM as they kept cranking my replacement cost estimate for no reason.

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baboo512 t1_jeahg75 wrote

I switched from geico to progressive about 2 years ago, 2 auto/home, and I am currently saving $1600 a year...F geico

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lemonsantana t1_jeaj393 wrote

I was hit by someone with NJM insurance and it took a full year to get any sort of payout from them even though she was 100% at fault according to my insurance & police, NJM claimed I was 25% at fault. They also only offered to pay 75% of repairs that were left to do AFTER I had already paid to make the car driveable, even though they are liable for that damage as well. It was IMPOSSIBLE to get ahold of my claim rep and she only offered the full amount they’re liable for after I threatened her manager and the managers managers manager with a law suit. I can’t imagine their customer service for actual customers is any better.

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SomeLadySomewherElse t1_jeajrrf wrote

My sister works for NJM and she doesn't have NJM...

I swapped from Geico to Plymouth Rock and they gave me so many perks I can't even remember them all. They were super friendly.

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felipe_the_dog t1_jeak5gb wrote

I recently switched from Geico to AAA since I already had homeowners with AAA. Only saved money because of the bundling otherwise Geico would've been a better rate.

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colonel_batguano t1_jeal6v9 wrote

Have had NJM since I started driving, which was well into the last century. I would recommend without question. I have to wonder if some of the bad reviews are paid bots from insurance agents that represent other companies.

I’ve had no issues getting a person on the phone, if I have a claim, I get a dedicated representative to deal with and I can call or email them. They pay ME as the policyholder very quickly. I’ve not had to deal with them on the other end of getting paid by someone else’s policy (I always though that with NJ being a no-fault state, I just deal with my insurance, and let them fight with the other one)

For homeowners, I have the chance to adjust my policy every year, so I make sure I have enough coverage.

I just had to make some adjustments on my auto policy and always got someone on the phone within 2 minutes and got my issues taken care of right away.

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Hrekires t1_jealcbx wrote

Every year that my insurance is up, I look around at the other options and every year, no other company ends up being significantly cheaper than the Progressive plan I've had since getting my license 20 years ago.

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jarage00 t1_jealt8s wrote

I have everything through them and have no negatives aside from actual process to pay for the premium is a bit painful. Had a car accident years back. Wasn't at fault, but they took care of everything right away, got it towed to a dealership, rental car for the time of the fix, etc. No delay or waiting for the other person's insurance to pay. Home, a few years ago, had to file two claims in the same year. Got checks within a week of calling (adjuster was there next day). Neither made my rates go up significantly (maybe $100/year, total for claims was over $20k).

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NotTobyFromHR t1_jeamgp3 wrote

Everyone is different. I've had NJM over 20 years. And they've done a good job for me. House and car.

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xenonjim t1_jeanedn wrote

I have NJM for home and auto, no significant claims but the smaller ones I had were handled well and quickly. Never had issues and when I've checked nobody has been able to match their rates.

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GhostRising_ t1_jearyr7 wrote

NJM pays out better medical than ANY other insurance company (god forbid you need it). I’ve never had an issue other than the fact of the ASININE way they use your credit history in your premium. Both of us have well over 800 scores but get hit by number of accounts etc. it’s a joke

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BlueBeagle8 t1_jeasapc wrote

I had Plymouth Rock for a year and they were great, then they tried to raise the price by an absolutely silly amount. I guess the plan is to lure people in with a steep discount, then hope they'll be too lazy to switch? They were very responsive when I got rear ended, though.

I'm on State Farm now fwiw, it seems fine.

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GhostRising_ t1_jeasi8d wrote

Apparently so. When you renew they send you a report from some 3rd party company who rates the customers. They list the “issues” which in turn have an affect on your premium. Like “too many accounts open” etc. We haven’t missed a payment on ANYTHING (in fact we over pay if it’s a balance) in 2 decades.

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Typical-Atmosphere-6 t1_jeaszb9 wrote

I've had NJM for almost 20 years, all the way back when they were so restrictive, the company you worked for would give you a pin number in order to even be a part of it and even then you would need a perfect driving record. I hear a few years ago they opened it up completely to anyone in NJ. Been in a few fender benders over the years, never ever had an issue. I've gotten quotes from Geico and others over the years, but the NJM rate I have is so low, other companies can't even come close.

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Interesting_Tower485 t1_jeat5v5 wrote

have you had any claims with them, how did they go? I am trying to decide between NJM (where I currently have 1 car) and State Farm, both rates similar in total. NJM generally gets high scores for client satisfaction which includes claims. SF gets dinged a little on claims satisfaction and timeliness. That said, SF reduces their auto rate over 3 years without accidents. Current is selective which has done fine but seems to be much more expensive (though an agent, vs. SF and NJM which are direct). These days, I don't feel the agency / agent does much anymore or really helps, even when I've had claims.

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WakeRider11 t1_jeatu57 wrote

I've always been happy with NJM. I've had a few auto claims over the years and they were always easy to work with. Just a few weeks ago added then deleted a car and did part of it online, but also needed a rep a couple of times and always easy to get through. They insure my home, cars, camper, and umbrella.

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gex80 t1_jeavgkj wrote

Depends I would say. I haven't been a NJM customer, but if you pay less per month but out of pocket is high when you have an accident, how much did you save? Of course that 100% case by case and policy by policy situations.

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jdbinnj t1_jeawa0l wrote

I have had NJM for home/auto/umbrella for a while. Had some recent claims and they were very easy to work with, paid very quickly and have solid relationships with local body shops. I am very satisfied with there customer service.

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thefudd t1_jeaz2mm wrote

I've been with NJM over 15 years. I never had a problem reaching someone and they've taken care of two accidents for me.

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Summoarpleaz t1_jeazbfx wrote

It’s weird I’ve never had issues with geico and they never bothered me even when I had a fender bender; they just paid the claim. My premium didn’t go up so I was like huh maybe I’m just paying an exorbitant amount. I got a quote from NJM (which I use for home), and their policy was $700 more for two people. I have no idea how or why.

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imironman2018 t1_jeazm28 wrote

I have had a meh experience with NJM.

They also were one of the lowest cost for insurance companies. progressive jacked my rates up almost 250% even though I didn't get into any accidents or have any tickets.

NJM has a discount where they have you install their safe driver app. it is really terrible. it constantly doesn't work and drains your battery in the background. I would suggest installing it on a dummy cell phone that you rarely use and dont ever bring with you. their safe driver app is insanely critical. I have no idea how it grades driving but it constantly will ding you for any acceleration or sudden stops.

Also unfortunately I had my first accident and I tried to talk or call the adjuster that NJM assigned me. they were unreachable. they would take up 1-2 weeks to respond to any emails or voicemails.

I just would caution with NJM. you pay for what you get. don't expect good customer service and their smart phone app is terrible.

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sunlance t1_jeb1bx0 wrote

Two data points: I've been with NJM for 20 years or so, got into a single-car accident a couple of winters ago and they paid for all-new OEM parts within like 48 hours, premium didn't increase by a penny. A colleague of mine had GEICO, got rear-ended on the Turnpike (100% not their fault), got the run-around for months to get reimbursed. YMMV

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SourceVG t1_jeb2fyr wrote

Interesting because NJM always gives me the highest rate for auto and home quotes out of any insurance company. GEICO gives me the best rates.

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sargepepper1 t1_jeb3dsm wrote

Lime some other folks who've already posted, we've used NJM for YEARS. their staff have been easy to reach and easy to work with. Claims have been handled quickly and well. I recommend them without hesitation.

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Emily_Postal t1_jeb6z2p wrote

NJM or USAA if you qualify. Can’t do better.

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Fecal_Fingers t1_jeb99t5 wrote

I have been with with NJM for over 20 years and highly recommend and I work for a competitor.

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Rare-Welcome2982 t1_jeb9j9q wrote

I've found NJM to be more expensive than Geico for the same coverage.

$290 NJM but $202 for Geico

Trying to decide if it's worth paying that much extra per month.

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AdministrativeHair58 t1_jeba5p9 wrote

NJM all day. I worked at geico and I am still in the claims end of the business. Geico is fine but NJM is a gem.

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rochat29 t1_jebayou wrote

As NJM expands beyond NJ I wonder if all the good things will continue but yes they are wonderful and well priced.

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Anonymoushipopotomus t1_jebbcvl wrote

Manufacturers used to be a private company/invite only company, that would pay out great dividends at year end, with absolutely fantastic customer service. Now theyre open to anyone, and it seems like customer service has slipped and people are unhappy.

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BT8139 t1_jebbpy7 wrote

People in my household get mail from those people every week. It goes right in the trash.

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clandipher t1_jebbuoj wrote

Just switched back to NJM from Geico actually! My family had NJM growing up, they were amazing to work with even as a household with a bunch of teenagers collecting tickets and accidents every year. At least as far as we were concerned they were always responsive and on top of things. We actually managed to have two at-fault incidents almost back to back, one with a ticket, and they paid out for both and didn't even raise our rates.

I had to switch to Geico when I moved to NY, Geico was fine but very like cold. No complaints, it just always seemed like whenever I needed something I was just a ticket in a call center. All my dealings with them were through the app, and they seemed a lot more rigid. For instance we had a crack in our windshield, and Geico had to replace it twice. The first time they used cheap off-brand glass and it messed up our car's auto-driving camera stuff, but they wouldn't let us get an OEM windshield until they'd installed one and it failed.

I have no idea if this is still the case, since when we first had NJM it was before it was open to everyone, but you used to even get a dividend every year because they considered policy members shareholders. I definitely felt like every time we interacted with them it was way more of a "member" experience not a "customer" experience. I just moved back to NJ and I switched back to them. I know it's all a subjective experience but I always felt more secure with them than with Geico, which to be fair is like the entire thing you're buying with insurance.

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HQxMnbS t1_jebbzhv wrote

They’re all going up like 9% YOY in my experience, sucks

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weaselpoopcoffee1 t1_jebcd58 wrote

They were great with my claim and were sending a dividend at the end of each year. NOt sure if they will after my claim.

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arein114 t1_jebdsyc wrote

for me NJM has always been higher that GEICO, and always like 600-700 more, I just checked through my employer and it was 700 more for the same coverage.

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rpg25 t1_jebf13e wrote

Can't say I had the same experience with them. I had them for two years and each year they drastically raised my rate despite having made no claims or having any adverse events on my driving record. I'm convinced it was a teaser rate to get me to bite and then they raised it when they felt they could.

Of my coworkers? Many swear by them and recommend them like yourself. That said, there are also a decent amount of guys who said that they were dropped after one claim.

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rpg25 t1_jebfd0n wrote

I loved NJM when I had it but they raised my rate each year I was with them despite me having made no claims or getting any tickets while with them. Also have a decent number of coworkers who claim that NJM dropped them almost immediately upon making a claim.

Food for thought. The dividend check is nice and so is the price of insurance, but just be careful to double check the price when you renew and don't be surprised if you get dropped for making a claim.

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whoremoanal t1_jebfm2s wrote

njm is gold, I've written estimates for them before, and they let us use more new oem parts than any other insurer

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iozoepxndx t1_jebfsbd wrote

I know this is not the question, but I switched to progressive from geico and saved a lot! Try comparing NJM vs Progressive! I went tru a flooded claim with them and it was handled well and as quick as possible.

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rpg25 t1_jebfut9 wrote

Wow. And here I am having had them for two years, but have since left, thinking they were the exact same coverage. No wonder they can do it so much cheaper than everyone else. They are not covering the same shit everyone else is!

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bighaircutforbigtuna t1_jebgure wrote

I can't speak to Geico - but I've had NJM since I started driving in 1992. I now have them for home owners as well, and they have been wonderful. They were amazing and responsive during Sandy when I had tens of thousands of dollars worth of damage to my home. They are my ride or die, pardon the pun.

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rpg25 t1_jebhkts wrote

That may have been your experience… But I have it on good authority from people who I trust that would have no reason to lie to me that they got dropped after a single claim. And honestly? It stands to reason that they might drop you after one claim to keep rates low.

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Icy-Significance-119 t1_jebitel wrote

We’ve been very happy NJM auto insurance customers since 1970. Never ever a problem with claims. we live 5 miles from their campus however, so we have dealt face to face with them for some issues.

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storm2k t1_jebm4zg wrote

every couple of years i price out various companies just to see if i can save some money. njm was going to charge me way more than some others. have heard very mixed things since they opened it up to everyone in the state and now advertise just as much as your geicos and allstates and state farms.

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scyber t1_jebmt4f wrote

NJM has been consistently rated very high. Usually #2 behind USAA. But one thing to note is that they recently started expanding to additional states. They used to be primarily NJ, with some PA policies. But now they opened up to all of PA, OH, DE, and MD. That could impact their customer service.

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Partytimegarrth t1_jebn6m0 wrote

Weird I had NJM initially and it was massively more expensive than Progressive who I ended up switching to. Just call everywhere and get an apples to apples quote and go with the cheapest. I do this every year or so. I had NJM, then Progressive, then Geico, then went back to Progressive lmao.

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Workodactyl t1_jebq4d5 wrote

The one thing I love about GEICO is it’s app. Can pull up insurance cards and any other documents whenever I need them. Easy to track billing too. But my premium has up from $110/m to $133/m this past year and I don’t know why?

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dbellz76 t1_jebqw6y wrote

Had NJM for just about 30 years now and I have had zero complaints.

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seriously_wtf t1_jebqyyg wrote

*IF* NJM is cheaper, go for it without question. It's a big IF these days though. I was with NJM for 20years with a clean record, but found that GEICO was 25% cheaper for me for the same coverage. NJM wasn't really interested in keeping me as a customer.

So if you go with them, make sure to check prices with competitors regularly to make sure their underwriting doesn't catch you out.

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Hoover889 t1_jebr75k wrote

NJM is the best. I lost my car in Ida, and NJM got me a rental before any of my neighbors, and was super easy to work with.

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ddnnyp t1_jebu993 wrote

Can’t say enough good things about NJM, it’s the best insurer out there.

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plushygood t1_jebvj7h wrote

NJ Man for decades. Wouldn't think of switching and never had any issues.

I also love the small, but just enough, rebate just before Christmas.

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BFrankNJ t1_jebw2ns wrote

I have had NJM since 1989. They are probably the best company I've ever dealt with on any level. Not sure where the bad reviews could have come from. I find it amazing that there's still a company where when you call, you get a human picking up the phone right away.

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jerzcruz t1_jec3rfm wrote

Yes. I loved them. I miss them. Don’t live there anymore or would still have

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Suitable_Shallot4183 t1_jec4o5j wrote

My body shop told me that NJM is one of their two preferred insurance companies (along with MetLife) because NJM/MetLife don’t pressure the shop to use non-OEM or other cheaper parts/materials. I like knowing that my insurance company isn’t trying to save money at the expense of making things right.

I also had two claims within a couple of years (hit a deer, $12k in damages; car keyed, something like $2500) - I think my premium went up like $18/year.

I’m an NJM fan.

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vote4gordo t1_jec7puk wrote

Njm has been amazing for me. It's a mutual company so there are no shareholders to pay. When insurance claims are lower than they expected they give you a rebate.

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cvrgurl t1_jec9ejm wrote

I second usaa if you can get it, we’ve had them over a decade and response was super quick on 2 accidents, 1 at fault, 1 not. Rates are a tiny bit more than some if you have an at fault, but well worth it. We have them for both cars and house- and they made sure to go over everything with the house to get an accurate rebuild cost. They are pretty well known for being super responsive with homeowners as well, but I haven’t had to test it and hopefully never will.

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Ancient-Sympathy6010 t1_jeca415 wrote

I have NJM and have since I started driving (6 years ago). I have no complaints.

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Past-Secret-7480 t1_jecauw4 wrote

Have to remember insurance companies can use credit scores late payments etc against you

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Jimmytowne t1_jecb2gf wrote

I’ve had NJM for 20 years. They’ve always answered the phone. When I get a new car, it’s a 4 min phone call. If I need to make a claim, they tell me the closest approved mechanic. No questions asked. They always replace parts with OEM or better so there is no issues with turning my car back at end of lease. Plus I get a dividend check at the end of the year.

Even if it were more expensive, I’d still use NJM

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CasuallyInsecureMan t1_jecfz0i wrote

I’m a federal employee and decided to get a quote from Geico, you know, the govt employee insurance company. Their discounted federal employee rate was double the price of NJM for essentially the same coverage.

Actually no, it was worse. They gave me a 6-month quote, which was the roughly same price as NJM’s annual quote. I’m glad I noticed Geico’s quote was for six months. Fuck Geico.

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hellorlyowl t1_jecl4tr wrote

I love mascots too much to get car insurance from a company that brags about not having a mascot. They also promote how they have no jingle but the jingle for fake “Top Insurance” from their commercials got stuck in my head

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mrcupcakes5642 t1_jed38nz wrote

I was an estimator/manager at a body shop for the last 7 years. NJM is hands down the best company you could have. They are in my experience the only ones that are actually customer first.

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rdsmith3 t1_jedx5vq wrote

I've had NJM for maybe 25 years. I have found them to be prompt in paying claims and easy to work with.

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spectra_v0ndergeist t1_jeel1v6 wrote

Anything is better than geico lmao, talk about bottom of the barrel. Geico has priced themselves out of the market and now their clients are going to pay for it because their growth is not enough to cover their losses, so premiums will skyrocket over the next few years. Not to mention geico is infamous in the insurance industry for shady practices and screwing people over. NJM is a great company, but imo travelers is probably the best in the market right now if you're looking at price and quality together.

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Aromatic_Constant865 t1_jef1k8u wrote

Not for nothing when I called they gave me a quote over the phone which was less then I was paying with Allstate when I got the quote it was to the penny double what I was quoted.

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SuperSimpleSam t1_jefov6j wrote

OP when is the last time you left a review for an insurance company? People only tend to leave reviews if something real good or bad happens. Much more likely bad things happening so you get a bias in the reviews.

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