When it comes to insurance, the balance between affordability, coverage, and customer service can feel like walking a tightrope. Auto-Owners Insurance has been in the game since 1916, offering a range of policies for auto, home, and life insurance. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s break it down with a deep dive into their rates, coverage options, discounts, and customer satisfaction.
At a Glance: Is Auto-Owners Right for You?
Auto-Owners Insurance is best known for its budget-friendly policies, personalized service through local agents, and high financial strength rating (A++ by AM Best). However, its limited availability in only 26 states and below-average digital tools could be a dealbreaker for those who prefer an all-online experience.
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros
- Offers numerous discounts, including bundling and good student discounts
- Strong financial stability (A++ rating from AM Best)
- Local independent agents provide tailored customer service
- Competitive rates, often lower than the national average
- Coverage options include unique add-ons like diminished value coverage and purchase price guarantee
❌ Cons
- Limited availability (only in 26 states)
- Below-average claims satisfaction score from J.D. Power
- No online quotes – requires an agent for policy details
- Digital tools are not as robust as competitors
Auto-Owners Car Insurance: Coverage & Costs
If you’re shopping for car insurance, Auto-Owners offers competitive rates, particularly for drivers with clean records. Here’s how their average annual premiums stack up against the national average:
| Driver Profile | Auto-Owners Full Coverage | National Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Good driver, good credit | $1,838 | $2,638 |
| Good driver, poor credit | $5,079 | $4,644 |
| Speeding ticket | $2,123 | $3,204 |
| At-fault accident | $2,494 | $3,774 |
| DUI conviction | $3,849 | $5,106 |
👉 Key takeaway: If you have a clean driving record, Auto-Owners can save you hundreds per year compared to national averages. However, if you have poor credit or past violations, their rates may not be the lowest option available.
Discounts That Can Lower Your Premium
- Bundling discounts (Auto + Home)
- Multi-car discount
- Good student discount (for young drivers)
- Safety feature discount (anti-lock brakes, airbags, etc.)
- Paperless billing discount
While Auto-Owners’ rates are already below the national average, these discounts can push your savings even further.
Auto-Owners Home Insurance: Is It a Good Deal?
For homeowners, Auto-Owners provides solid coverage with customizable add-ons and lower-than-average rates.
| Dwelling Coverage Limit | Auto-Owners Average Premium | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| $150,000 | $1,178 | $1,344 |
| $300,000 | $1,700 | $2,181 |
| $450,000 | $2,291 | $2,934 |
| $750,000 | $3,358 | $4,189 |
Coverage Options
Auto-Owners offers standard home insurance coverage, plus endorsements like:
- Guaranteed home replacement cost – Pays for a full rebuild even if costs exceed your coverage limit.
- Home cyber protection – Covers cyberattacks and identity theft.
- Equipment breakdown coverage – Protects appliances, HVAC systems, and electronics.
Auto-Owners Life Insurance: A Worthy Add-On?
Auto-Owners provides term life, whole life, and universal life insurance. While it doesn’t have the bells and whistles of some dedicated life insurance companies, it offers bundling discounts when paired with an auto or home policy.
Pros
✔ Multi-policy discount on auto & home insurance ✔ Several life insurance options (Term, Whole, Universal) ✔ Local agents can help customize policies
Cons
❌ No online quotes – must go through an agent
❌ No advertised no-medical-exam policy
For those already insured with Auto-Owners for home or auto, adding a life insurance policy can result in savings. However, if you’re purely shopping for life insurance, competitors may offer more options and better online tools.
Customer Satisfaction & Reviews
Auto-Owners scores well in financial stability and affordability but falls short in digital experience and claims satisfaction.
Customer Reviews (Trustpilot & Reddit Highlights)
Positive Experiences:
- “Their local agents made the process seamless. I got way better coverage than with my previous insurer.”
- “They paid my claim within a week – no hassle at all.”
Negative Experiences:
- “Their claims process is a nightmare. Long wait times and lack of communication.”
- “Premiums went up significantly after my first year, even with no claims.”
Customer Ratings Breakdown
| Category | Rating (Out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Overall Satisfaction | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.1) |
| Customer Service | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.1) |
| Affordability | ⭐⭐⭐ (3.4) |
| Coverage Options | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.1) |
👉 Bottom line: Auto-Owners excels in affordability and local agent support, but if digital convenience and high claims satisfaction are your priorities, you might want to explore alternatives.
How Auto-Owners Compares to Other Insurers
Wondering how Auto-Owners stacks up against major competitors? Here’s a quick comparison:
| Company | Full Coverage Auto Premium | Home Insurance Premium | J.D. Power Auto Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $1,838 | $1,700 | 692/1000 |
| State Farm | $2,887 | $1,916 | 842/1000 |
| Progressive | $2,388 | $2,181 | 819/1000 |
| Geico | $2,173 | N/A | 843/1000 |
| Allstate | $3,297 | $2,487 | 832/1000 |
👉 Takeaway: If you’re after affordability and a local agent experience, Auto-Owners is an excellent choice. But if you prioritize digital tools, claims satisfaction, or availability in all states, competitors like Geico or State Farm might be better.
Final Verdict: Should You Choose Auto-Owners Insurance?
Auto-Owners Insurance is a solid choice for drivers and homeowners who value personalized service and competitive rates. However, its limited digital features and inconsistent claims satisfaction ratings mean it won’t be for everyone.
✅ Best For:
✔ Those who prefer working with a local agent
✔ Drivers with clean records looking for affordable rates
✔ Homeowners who want customizable coverage options
❌ Not Ideal For:
❌ People who want 100% online policy management
❌ High-risk drivers with multiple violations
❌ Those who need insurance in a state where Auto-Owners isn’t available
If you’re in one of the 26 states where Auto-Owners operates and value a hands-on, agent-driven experience, it’s a fantastic budget-friendly option. Otherwise, getting quotes from multiple insurers will ensure you land the best deal.
For a detailed side-by-side comparison, check out NerdWallet’s Best Car Insurance Companies to see how Auto-Owners stacks up against other providers.