It is fascinating to read articles on the perils of real estate investing in the press. News reports what happened, not the current market or future. This recently published article discusses what happened approximately 18 months ago in the Atlanta area.

Not many people smart enough to be Delta pilots are going to be dumb enough to misuse a 401K loan in the manner described by the article. JMHO

Didn't we take the LAX BZE back from Connection?

Not a 100% sure where BZE is. Perhaps your thinking Bozeman,Montana (BZN).

Is BZE Belize? Based on the stage time it must be at least a 3.5 hour flight.

I'll throw in my belated 2c for Wings Financial's customer service. It's been fantastic in my experience, though I've never done a home loan through them, just a few auto loans. Good rates, fast turnaround, very good communication.

Don't get me started on USAA and diminution of value. I went off over at the military thread. Anyhow, if you are looking for a company that seems to cover claims reputably try this link from an auto insurance appraiser.

Best & Worst Insurance carriers for Diminished Value claims | Diminished Value Car Appraisers

At least it's a place to start.

Interesting (to me) that Farmer's was rated "average".

I had a vehicle damaged by a Farmer's insured client. I got three estimates from reputable body shops, all of whom wanted to replace a damaged emblem. The Farmer's adjuster said putting a new emblem (maybe $25.00) on my older vehicle was bettering it and would only pay for part of it.

When I related that to the body shop of my choice the proprietor said "I've been in business for 40 years and I've never heard of an insurance company claiming betterment on an emblem".

It strikes me Farmer's was trying to lower the bar of customer service even lower. I would rate them solidly "Unsat".

My impression is for collector car stuff Hagerty is the way to go...

When does an owner sustain diminished value? If the vehicle has not been sold, has any loss been sustained? Does a 1998 Nissan Sentra suffer diminished value in the same manner as a 2013 Carrera 3? What if the car is leased, not owned, who then has the diminished value claim?

Auto insurance is largely based on claims experience. Members of mutual insurers like State Farm and USAA are share holders in companies who's structures bear the echos of farmers' mutual aid societies (your barn burns down and the neighbors agree to help rebuild it).

I am glad my insurer is not on a list of insurers liked by a company offering it's services to help exaggerate claims for a big fee.

Wasatch Phantom is right. For specialty products specialty insurers are the.way to go. Betterment on an emblem is silly. That silliness leads to the

BZE=Belieze. Enjoy a few Belikins while you are there.

I own a independent insurance agency and can tell you i would not put much faith in this article. First, Allstate is put on a pedestal yet their sister company, Encompass which is for the independent insurance agents is rated as avoid. There are several companies on this list that I would not insure my dog house with yet are rated high. Another red flag for me is Auto-owners being listed so low. Auto-owners consistently wins awards for customer service and satisfaction.

In fact there is book out "from good hands to boxing gloves that talks about Allstate. The book was written by a former employee that talks about Allstate hiring MIT to find ways to save money. The conclusion was to deny the majority of claims (no matter the the validity) the first time because 30% of people will never push forward trying with the claim. What a concept accept premiums and fight to never pay out!


My advice for my pilot brethren is to find a good local independent insurance agent in your area that has access to many carriers. Sit down with the agent and discuss your insurance needs. There are many carriers you may never heard of that offer much better coverage's then the traditional carriers (state farm, farmers, Allstate, etc.) Remember, when you have a claim and push comes to shove the people who represent only one company tend to eventually side with the person who signs their check. I love insurance because each family has specific needs make sure your agent understands yours!

Last bit of advice stay away from any insurance agent that pushes to sell annuities and investments. I am licensed to sell this but in all honesty you should use a independent financial advisor for many of the same reasons you should use a independent insurance agent. Having options to tailor to the Insured/investor is a good thing.

Also, because of our earnings potential and the litigious society we live be sure to discuss a umbrella policy. Every pilot should have ONE!!!

I agree with you vikz09. But, you have to start somewhere. I'm willing to pay a little more for good service and fair dealing. It's just hard to find it.

In Georgia, diminution of value is a legal concept that is part of your premium that you pay for when you buy insurance. I've been hit by someone else and been paid diminution of value for it. I settled for what USAA offered. Now, I am a more educated consumer. It bothers me that they have ripped me off.

If I have a homeowner's claim, my second call will be to an independent professional adjustor.