Auto-Owners Insurance Review
Auto-Owners Insurance: Our thoughts
In many respects, Auto-Owners Insurance is an old-fashioned company. The only way to purchase insurance from it is through an independent agent who lives and works in your area, and most of the interaction you have with the company will be through that agent, not online.
For those who prefer a close relationship with an insurance agent, this works out to be a strong plus: If you ever have questions about your policy or need to make a claim, the person on the other end of the line will know your name and the exact details of your policy. And this structure works out to mean highly rated customer service. The company routinely tops the rankings for claims service and customer interaction.
Additionally, rates from Auto-Owners are very competitive. A common concern people have when working with an insurance agent is the possibility of high premiums, since there is a middleman you have to pay. But Auto-Owners’ rates compared well with other auto insurance companies, so this shouldn’t be an issue for potential customers.
The biggest downside to Auto-Owners is that it’s not available nationwide: The company currently operates in just 26 states, despite having been founded over a century ago in Lansing, Mich. So you’ll only be able to buy insurance from the company if you live in one of the following states:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Iowa
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Nebraska
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Virginia
- Wisconsin
However, for customers eligible to buy coverage, Auto-Owners has another strong benefit worth noting: its extreme dependability. The company consistently receives the best possible financial ratings, indicating a high level of fiscal responsibility and suggesting it will be around to insure its customers for a long time to come.
Though Auto-Owners matches many of the most popular discounts and coverage options, it does not offer many unique choices. If you have special coverage needs or might be able to find a great discount elsewhere — like if you’re in the military and can purchase from USAA — it may be worth it to shop around before committing to Auto-Owners Insurance.
Bottom line: Auto-Owners car insurance is a great choice for customers who want great rates and exceptional customer service and don’t feel the need to do everything online.