Auto-Owners Car Insurance Review in 2023

Shopping for the best coverage for your vehicle can be challenging, especially if you have a high number of accidents or moving violations on your driving record. People who own collector or classic autos or custom cars with major modifications may also find it difficult to get coverage.

Auto-Owners Insurance, a mutual company based in Michigan, offers many different types of coverage through its 48,000 independent agents. Operating in 26 states across the country, Auto-Owners Insurance has an A++ rating from A.M. Best. Read on to learn more about this insurer and how it may fill your coverage needs.

Auto-Owners Insurance Car Insurance Coverage

The Auto-Owners auto insurance company was founded in Michigan in 1916. Over the past century, Auto-Owners Insurance has grown into the 17th-largest mutual insurance company in the United States. With a solid A++ rating from A.M. Best, the company is well able to pay its claims in a timely manner. Auto-Owners insurance reviews from consumers have been mostly positive.

Today, Auto-Owners has 48,000 independent agents in states where the company operates.

Common types of car insurance coverage motorists can obtain through Auto-Owners Insurance Company include:

• Basic Liability: this is the minimum legal requirement in most states. It covers any damage and injuries caused by the insured in an accident, up to the policy limits.
• Collision: with this type of coverage, the insurer pays for any damage to the vehicle, regardless of fault or circumstance, up to the stated limits on the policy and subject to the insured’s deductible.
• Comprehensive: also known as “full coverage,” this policy covers anything that might happen to the vehicle, including theft, vandalism, and most natural disasters, up to the policy limits. The Auto-Owners comprehensive policy also includes glass replacement, veterinary services, rental car reimbursement, GAP insurance, and roadside assistance at no extra charge.

Less common types of coverage that consumers can obtain through Auto-Owners include:

• Personal Injury Protection: Usually abbreviated as “PIP,” this type of coverage is also known as “no-fault insurance,” and as of 2020, is a legal requirement in 12 states (noted below). PIP covers medical expenses and loss of income for the driver and any passengers, up to the policy’s stated limits.
• SR-22: Properly speaking, this is not an actual insurance policy. Rather, it is a certificate, proving the insured carries adequate liability coverage. SR-22 is a legal requirement for motorists who have been convicted of driving under the influence or have a high number of moving violations or accidents on their driving records.

In addition to the standard types of coverage, drivers who own difficult-to-insure vehicles such as vintage, collector, or custom cars can find a policy with Auto-Owners Insurance. The company also offers a number of add-ons with its Personal Auto Plus package. This is a rider that covers a number of situations, such as:

• Loss or damage to mobile devices, including GPS units
• Loss or theft of auto accessories such as sound systems
• Trip interruptions
• Rental cars and trailers
• Lost keys

Auto-Owners insurance company also offers coverage for ATVs, RVs, motorcycles, and trailers. Boat insurance is not available, however, you may be able to get coverage for watercraft under a homeowners policy.

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What auto insurance discounts are available from Auto-Owners?

Most major insurers offer a range of discounts on their rates, and Auto-Owners is no exception.  One of the most common discounts is available if you insure multiple vehicles with the company and/or bundle your auto insurance with other types of coverage, such as homeowners, renters, or life insurance.

Other discounts for which you may qualify:

Advance quote: Auto-Owners Insurance offers a discount for customers who get a quote ahead of time and subsequently insure their vehicles with them.

Deductible: Minimize your premiums by selecting a higher deductible.

Driving record: Like many insurers, Auto-Owners Insurance company offers better rates to motorists who have not incurred moving violations. You may be able to lower it even more by attending traffic safety and defensive driving classes.

Favorable loss: If you have filed very few claims, you may be eligible for this discount.

• Full Payment: Customers who can pay for an entire year can get a better rate.

Green discounts: Auto-Owners charge less for coverage on vehicles such as hybrids and electric cars.

Mature discount: This discount is for experienced motorists of retirement age with good driving records (not available in all states).

Safety equipment: Cars with anti-lock brakes, anti-theft devices, and road sensors qualify for lower-priced coverage.

Teen and Student Drivers: Young, inexperienced drivers generally cost more to insure. However, a student who maintains a high GPA or whose car has GPS monitoring installed can get substantially better rates.

True-Ride Discount: Available only in Ohio, Auto-Owners offers this discount to drivers who participate in its telematics program. This involves the installation of a device that monitors a driver’s acceleration and braking habits.

Where in the U.S. does Auto-Owners Insurance offer coverage?

Auto-Owners is licensed to sell its insurance products available in the following states:

• Alabama
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Florida
• Georgia
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas *
• Kentucky *
• Michigan *
• Minnesota *
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• North Carolina
• North Dakota *
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania *
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Utah *
• Virginia
• Wisconsin

*Denotes a  no-fault state

How To File a Car Insurance Claim with Auto-Owners Insurance

Auto-Owners Insurance has locally-based claims offices in all states in which they are licensed to operate. Filing a claim is as easy as contacting the agent with whom you purchased your coverage. On the company website, it states that its claims services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays.

Before contacting your agent, however, there are a few things to remember when in an accident:

• Call 911 and render aid to the injured as far as you are  able
• Obtain names, contact information, and license numbers for all involved parties
• Contact the police
• Get photos or video of the accident scene
• Contact your insurance agent as soon as possible

Under no circumstances should you discuss the accident with anyone other than law enforcement. Do not admit responsibility, or make a cash offer to the other driver.

Once you have filed a claim with your local insurance agent, Auto-Owners offers different options that enable you to keep track of the status of your claim. You can sign up for online access to your account, either on the World Wide Web on your PC or through a mobile phone app.

You also have a few different options for receiving your settlement:

• Direct deposit
• PayPal, Venmo, or another third-party payment service
• Auto-Owners Visa claim card

According to Auto-Owners insurance reviews, customers have been satisfied with how the company handles the claim process. As of 2022, the company has received only 121 complaints over the past three years, with 51 closed in the last 12 months, and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

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Does Auto-Owners offer any other types of insurance?

While car insurance is Auto-Owners’ primary line of business, the company also offers coverage for the following:

• Homes (including condos and mobile homes)
• Rental units (for landlords and tenants)
• Farms
• Businesses (including liability)

Auto-Owners also offers whole, term and universal life policies as well as annuities. It bears mentioning that, unlike other major insurance groups, Auto-Owners underwrites its own policies.

If you live in one of the states in which Auto-Owners operates and wish to take advantage of bundling discounts, this company may be worth taking a look at.

Auto-Owners Insurance: The Bottom Line

Auto-Owners Insurance is a 100+ year-old company with solid financials according to A.M. Best, and a A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Auto-Owners Insurance Company offers standard lines of coverage as well as niche coverage for difficult-to-insure vehicles and high-risk drivers.

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