If you have not been following along, back in July I started researching new cars. In August, I finally placed an order for a new WRX. How new? 2011 new. It took a couple days more than 10 weeks to arrive, but it eventually did. Yesterday. Finally.

So the details then I guess… it is a 2011 Subaru WRX Premium, in WR Blue Pearl. I’ve added the short shifter, auto dimming mirror, and roof rack rails (yet to be installed). Other than that, the differentiators for the Premium model include the All Weather Package (heated seats, wipers, washer nozzles, and side mirrors), fog lights, and a sunroof/moonroof/whatever. Well worth the extra $$ over the base WRX. After having a sunroof for the last 5 years, it was a necessity.

I also have a couple things at home waiting to install – a set of Rally Armor UR Mudflaps and an Inno faring for the roof rack. Those will be done as time permits. I also had a set of new Blizzak snow tires installed when I picked it up – and now I’m ready for the deep stuff. Snow… deep snow.

Want to see it? I know you do… These are not the best pics yet, but the best I have so far… enjoy.

Word.

This one had all of the right answers.

I was finally able to place an order for a 2011 Subaru WRX. I ordered a Premium model, 5 door, in WR Blue. Ordered it with the roof rack base and short throw shifter. Actual price was even $300 below invoice (before destination).

Of course I don’t have an actual ETA for my new wheels yet, but the order is in, so to speak. Now the waiting begins… Again.

So in a minor bid to change that a little, here is a little positive feedback in terms of “word of mouth.”

If you’ve been following along, you’ll know that I recently had to deal with Progressive with regard to my insurance policy continuing to skyrocket (up to $1028 for 6 months if I renewed straight up – for 2 cars, 2 clean drivers – crazy). After an ordeal of calling up and essentially “complaining” about my policy continuing to climb, they worked with me to start essentially a new policy with all of the same info – which saved me something like $240/six months. And even beyond that – the payments are now every month (instead of 5 on and 1 off) so that’s spread out further, thus making the payment even lower. Suffice to say I’m going from what would have been about $212/mo to $130/mo.

Anyway… after the new policy started and I made the first deposit payment, my online policy kept reminding me to submit proof of my security system and such for the discount. Uh whaaa? The guy that setup my new policy assured me everything would transfer and I’d be good to go.

Well I emailed Progressive again and basically said “I was told this… and it says this.” That was last night.

Got a reply this morning confirming that I’m set. Nothing to mail/fax in or prove. The policy is ready to go and I’m all done with having to fight for a lower rate (for now).

So nothing big. But it’s nice to contact someone about something you think is a problem and then are assured that it is actually OK in the end and you don’t have to worry about it. So thank you, Progressive. You are still showing me that you’d like to keep my business (even though I had to essentially call and ask if you still wanted it after you kept jacking my rates up).

This makes it very difficult for me to understand why my insurance continues to climb EVERY six months. “Oh we had to adjust our policies for NY state.” Shenanigans! There’s no reason for my policy to go up $60-$70 every six months for “adjustments” or whatever. Can’t be possible.

Well today I received the renewal notice for my policy which would be effective 3/28. It would now go up to $1028 for six months (note: that is for two cars and two drivers). That is ridiculous when just this past six months it was $900-something. And $800-something before that. Come on people, we need to put a stop to this.

So in a bit of frustration I (politely) called Progressive and pleaded my case asking for some sort of understanding. The girl I first spoke with told me there’s nothing obvious on my policy that would be causing such a hike but instead blamed it on the “updates” for NY. I explained I live no where near NYC and was hoping that wasn’t having an effect on my insurance. Well what they change/adjust for one part of the state is carried out for the rest of it basically.

BUT, she said she could direct me to a NY licensed agent that would be able to review my policy and see if there’s anything they can do.

Well this guy must be a miracle worker or something then because he knocked over $200 off of my six month premium after a few minutes. How? Ya, I’d like to know the truth on this one, but here’s how I understand it at the moment…

Les (the guy I talked to) explained that he was entering my stuff (same coverage) into their “new program” to generate a completely new quote. OK, that seems fine. But if this “new program” can save me that much just by creating a new quote – how is this “new program” not the “standard program?” Why is this not used by every quoting system Progressive has?

If I go online for a new quote, it’s not anywhere near that. So while I’m super happy my payment went from $214 for the first month to around $140 for the first month, I’m still left a bit curious how I could save this much money from a requote after being a customer for 6 years – and why I have to go through this much trouble to get a new quote. Just feels to me like if this new system were the standard for them, my renewal would have gone through at least close to this rate without my having to call and whine about it.

Oh well though. I have to call back on Thursday to finalize it and provide the first payment (that’s the catch) but it’s WAY worth it for the premium I’m getting. So I’m happy overall – just have to question why it was this hard and how it is SO much cheaper this way. I would strongly encourage any of you to call and ask about your policy if it feels like it goes up for no reason.