The Alleva Agency Blog

It is no surprise that the cost of living continues to increase nationally, but those in New Jersey are feeling the pinch in a new way. On May 6, 2009, New Jersey's Insurance Commissioner Steven Goldman approved an 8.9 percent auto insurance increase for Allstate. Allstate currently insures approximately 300,000 motorists across the state.

As a New Jersey resident, what does this increase mean to you? Allstate's New Jersey customers will now be paying (on average) an additional $100 - $150 a year for auto coverage when they renew their policies. Although the 8.9% increase seems like a hefty one, the insurance giant originally requested a 15.4% rate hike in order to cover inflating car repair costs, lawsuits, and medical care.

So how can a New Jersey resident cope with the ever-increasing costs of living in the Garden State? Pinch pennies where you can and try to be frugal. Although you are probably cutting back on the typical things- like dinners out and energy costs, if you are an Allstate customer affected by this hike, you can probably save by switching to a different insurance agency.

Before you hop over to Geico's website, try an independent insurance agency. Independent insurance agencies can get you a lower rate than the insurance giants. How? They can search the top carriers in the country to get you the most coverage for the best price. If you choose Geico, you get Geico. If you chose an independent agency, you have options. A great place to start your search is with Alleva Insurance. You can visit their Virtual Insurance Office at www.onepointeadvantage.com, and get a free online auto insurance quote.