jdoo

I just got my new 07 RX8 last week and found out a few things that were surprising (in a good way!) when i got my insurance.

1 - When you buy a new car and insure it through GEICO (possibly others, I don't know though since I am insured through GEICO) they have an option called "mechanical breakdown insurance". The cost on the RX8 was $15/6months and it amounts to a 7yr/100,000 mile extended warranty on the powertrain and certain other parts of the car. I was pretty shocked when I heard this considering that 3rd party extended powertrain warranties with similar coverage were around $1,000 to $1,500.

2 - Comprehensive coverage covers damage to the car from "water" and "falling objects". I specifically asked the agent whether that covered things like acid rain and tree sap damaging the paint of the car. To my surprise he said yes. I'm a LOT less concerned about parking the thing outside now

3 - Anti theft devices can give meaningful discounts on your insurance as well. VIN etching kit (which can be found online for $20) was good for a 5% discount to my comprehensive coverage premium. An audible alarm is good for 5%, and a homing device like lojack is good for a 15% discount. The electronic immobiliser in all rx8's was good for a 10% discount for me. I was told that the cumulative discount to comprehensive has a limit of 25% however. I'm definitely going to get a VIN etching kit since that 5% discount will pay for the kit in just one year of coverage.

Anyway this was all new information to me so I hope it helps some of you when you're considering whether or not to buy an extended warranty or are worrying about that brilliant black paint losing its lustre if you park it outside a few times.

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

I have MBI coverage since day 1, not because of the fear of *rotary breakdown*. Is because I mean 15 bux for 1/2 year? WHY NOT ? It has a deductible of 250, so you *better* make sure that your break down is worth WAY more than 250. Cuz this coverage is considered as a *claim*, if its your first time and *not that much*, is ok, but if it cost ALOT, your premium will raise. and REMEMBER, this coverage HAS to be inspected and approved b4 it has any effect. meaning if your Tranny is *dead*, you have to tow your car to the shop, call Geico so their adjuster will come, the shop has to *take* the broken part out so the adjuster can visually see it, take pictures, before they can issue out credit.

Dont just repair it and give Geico the bill, they wont accept it.

User24

iTrader: (1)

I think Geico automatically applies 5 discounts that the policy holder qualifies for. For example, moving out of CA means the policy holder looses the "California good driver" discount, but their system will then add discounts such as "seatbelt" or "anti-lock" until 5 discounts is reached again.

To see current discounts, Log in, click Policy Documents, Your Policy Documents, Vehicle Declaration Page, and scroll down to the bottom to see discounts applied to your current policy. Unfortunately it doesn't list the dollar amount here. I'd pull up a quote sheet to get the dollar amounts, but their Change Coverage Quote will never work.

http://www.geico.com/auto/sales/discounts.htm

They have a whole list of discounts claiming up to 15% for things as mundane as always remembering to wear seatbelts. Unfortunately they add up to about $5 worth and I don't pay attention anymore.

My RX8 Geico Premium

That is with these 5 discounts:
-job-related
-seatbelt
-5-year good driver
-anti-lock
-air-bag

I've had Geico for 2 years: $1300 6mo, $1100 6mo, $900 6mo, $850 6mo. I have insured the RX8 in OR, CA, IL, and now living in FL, but haven't found the dirt cheap Geico rates yet.

Razz1

1600/yr



I'm only $339/yr with 300k / 100k coverage.

Well above the min. coverage.

RufusVonStorm

1200 = 6 months full cov

Keyten

I'm with state farm and I have full coverage for about $700/6 mo.

I'd say thats pretty decent considering I'm a 21 yo male. Gotta <3 those discounts.

Rems31

I have 5 apples...how many oranges do you have?

Razz1

3 Pears...

Jethro Tull

iTrader: (6)

Farmers. $680/yr. Full-coverage, $750 deductable.

Being the right age is everything. It's the ultimate discount...

jdoo

Thanks for the additional info gpsnyc.

I got $800/6mo with some pretty substantial coverage, but I'm in NYC.

One other thing I found out today is that the RX8 comes stock with "coded/VIN window etching". So if you aren't getting a discount for it, call up your insurance guys and see if you can..

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

Hmm really, **** I didnt even notice that.

where ??????

Im in NYC as well (name, duh), and Im with Geico, they're NOT the cheapest. but its the easiest.

ZOOMRX-8

Hi guys, 1st post, have enjoyed reading yours. My insurance w/State Farm Mutual is 239/6 months full w/500 deduct. 2004 Touring. Good record @60 yrs old (but I like to go fast in fast cars like the RX8). Rural Oregon has open spaces and good rates. I also like Mobil 1 and am using 10w30 w/larger RX-7 filter.

jdoo

nycgps,
My driver window has some weird codes on the bottom right (looking at it from the outside). I got a photo inspection done this week at NOK auto repairs (in brooklyn on st. marks bet vanderbilt and underhill ave in prospect heights) and the guy (Rohon) checked the box for "coded/vin etched windows". The inspection is free so you might want to do it at any carco authorized place if you aren't getting the etched windows discount.

Here's the locator for the nearest carco inspector http://carcogroup.com/s_is_site_locator.htm

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

I know how to get photo inspection.

but hmm I will do it later. Thx for the heads up.

Revvittupp

I have heard of LOTS of people that had Geico's MBI. The problem is, last I knew, Noone I had talked to at any dealership had heard of a paid claim. The ammount of repairs that fit under that $250 deductible, and not some longer powertrain/emmissions warranty are so minute they never really happen.

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

Thats why I said you will only use that for MAJOR repairs, which is *quite* rare on cars. not to mention like I said, it counts as a *claim*, the more expensive and often you use it, the higher chance that they will raise your premium.

Im saving that **** for my tranny or engine ... just in case.