Michigan Auto Law opens new West Michigan law office in Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids, MI (PRWEB) October 28, 2013

Michigan Auto Law has opened a new Grand Rapids law office location to better serve its clients and auto accident victims from around West Michigan.

The law firm has 18 attorneys who help people injured in car, truck and motorcycle accidents, and handle No Fault insurance litigation. Brandon Hewitt, a Grand Rapids native and attorney at Michigan Auto Law, will work primarily at the Grand Rapids location. The office is located in the downtown historical McKay Tower. It is also within walking distance to the Kent County Circuit Court and easy for clients to find.

The new Michigan Auto Law Grand Rapids law office address is:

Michigan Auto Law

McKay Tower

146 Monroe Center NW; Suite 1330

Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Phone number: (616) 447-8847

“Michigan Auto Law has been helping auto accident injury victims throughout the entire state for more than 50 years. We have an extensive client base that live in Grand Rapids and West Michigan,” says attorney Steven Gursten, head of the law firm. “By opening a dedicated local Grand Rapids law office for our clients, we’re providing a higher level of service and convenience.”

Gursten also notes its easy access and ample parking.

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About Steven M. Gursten: Steven M. Gursten is an attorney and head of Michigan Auto Law. He is president of the Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers Association and serves as an executive board member of the American Association for Justice (AAJ) Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer Group. Gursten is also past co-chair of the Michigan Association for Justice Automobile Accident No-Fault Committee and past-president of the AAJ Truck Accident Litigation Group. He speaks at legal seminars across the country on insurance, No-Fault litigation and helping auto accident victims.

About Michigan Auto Law: Michigan Auto Law has 18 lawyers exclusively handling auto accident and No-Fault insurance litigation throughout the state. The law firm has received the top-reported jury verdict for a car or truck accident victim for the past 15 consecutive years, according to published reports by Michigan Lawyers Weekly. Michigan Auto Law has also has law offices in Farmington Hills, Sterling Heights, Detroit and Ann Arbor. For more information, call Michigan Auto Law at (800) 777-0028.

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Get a cheaper premium: How to keep the cost of car insurance down

Sky-high car insurance premiums are driving motorists off the road as a growing number of Brits can no longer afford to keep their vehicles running - so, here are some tips to reducing your car insurance bills

Read our seven tips on how to reduce your insurance premium

Switching providers

Don’t be afraid to walk away from your current insurance provider (and take your no claims bonus with you) as you could save money.
A number of larger insurers will actually offer you a substantial discount, just for switching to them. They will then inevitably try to charge you a much higher premium the following year, but there is no law that says you have to accept. At this point you could switch again and find an even cheaper insurer, taking advantage of yet another new customer deal. 
If you do decide to stick with your current provider then it might be a good idea to watch out for sneaky automatic policy renewals. Opting out of this as soon as possible could be a shrewd move.
Get a quote from them and compare deals with other providers to see who can offer you the best deal. The odds are you could save a substantial sum by going elsewhere, even if the new company is one you have dealt with in the past.

Add another person onto your policy

A classic tactic for parents of young drivers is to add themselves to the policy in order to reduce costs. Insurers welcome an experienced, safe and middle-aged driver on a youngster’s policy with open arms, hence the reduced rate.
Low-risk parents balance out the high-risk premiums, so it’s no surprise that mums and dads are happy to jump on board and be named as the second driver.
Do not list yourself as the main driver on a young driver’s policy if you are not. This is known as fronting and it is very easy to spot, not only could it invalidate your insurance cover but you could also get into serious trouble with your insurance company that may affect your future policies.

Make a deal

Get your haggling hat on and forge a deal with your insurance company. Don’t be tempted to inflate the figures of quotes you have, since the representative on the other end of the phone knows roughly what you will be quoted.
If you’re looking elsewhere remember that brokers want you to insure with them, so (with certain limits) there is room to negotiate.

Choose the right policy

There’s no point in paying for a large amount of extras that you’re never going to use or which are irrelevant to you. Save money by getting the right policy for you. Consider reducing a comprehensive policy to third party fire and theft, if the car is an older and less valuable model. Repairs for newer models are more expensive so it’s a good idea to get comprehensive cover. Savings are still possible, if you fit extra security devices, agree to drive only a limited amount of miles a year, put the car in a garage at night or take approved advanced river courses. Telematics (a little black box which monitors your driving habits and feeds the data back to your insurers) will dramatically reduce your insurance premiums.

Claim discounts

Drivers who join a motorists’ club generally have lower accident rates, insurers recognise this and offer discounts for members of the Institute of Advanced Motorists and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, amongst others.

Buy a new car

If you have the cash, why not get a new car which will do wonders for your insurance. The secret is in the insurance ‘class’ to which a car belongs.
Fuel-guzzlers tend to be in the higher or more expensive classes, whereas cars that are more environmentally-friendly tend to have lower insurance costs.
The Government is offering a subsidy on electric cars and there’s no vehicle tax on them either, making them particularly appealing. It is also worth mentioning that insurance companies like Admiral are offering 10% off insurance for such cars.

Pay in full

Paying for annual insurance cover in one hit is significantly cheaper than paying monthly. Not only can you avoid 12 monthly instalments but you also eliminate the bank charges incurred by direct debits or any other automated payments.

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2013 Best Car Insurance Reviews and Comparisons

Why Auto Insurance?

For the last decade, more than 40,000 people have died each year from auto-related accidents. It is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. and costs taxpayers and private insurance policy holders hundreds of billions of dollars each year to replace and repair cars, maintain roads and highways and pay for medical expenses and emergency services.
It is for these reasons that cheap auto insurance is no longer a good idea and a better investment--but mandatory by state and federal law. Driving without insurance can result in heavy fines, and being involved in an accident without insurance can incur severe penalties, including jail time. On this site you will find articles related to auto insurance, auto insurance quotes online, and reviews to help you make a decision on which company is right for you. Before you sign up, take time to compare insurance policies and companies so you can find cheap car insurance rates that will fit your budget.

What to Look for in Car Insurance

Despite car insurance being a mandatory requirement for all motorists, not all car insurance companies and policies are created equally, which is why completing an auto insurance comparison is crucial. The following are some policy attributes and policyholder benefits to look for when choosing a car insurance policy.

Roadside Response & Repair
Most car accidents and car-related incidents don't involve fatalities or grave injuries. For the most part, they are simply inconveniences that can range from waiting for a tow to awaiting long-term repairs or a claim for a "totaled" car whose repairs would cost more than the value of the car itself. Car insurance companies should offer its policyholders swift response to initial towing needs, as well as car rental options and services while they await repair on their vehicles. The repairs themselves should be facilitated quickly and smoothly, with little to no delay on the part of the insurance company for claim assessment or approval.

Policy Flexibility
Not all motorists drive the latest sports car or can afford full coverage with no deductible. While you don't want to sign up for the cheapest car insurance policy out there, you don't want to break the bank when you pay your premiums. The best car insurance companies should offer its policyholders a variety of insurance options that are affordable without leaving the motorist vulnerable.

Benefits and Discounts
Auto owners insurance companies should offer its policyholders a variety of car and driving-related benefits, such as accident forgiveness for first-time offenders, convenient payment options, after-hours services, 24-hour claims assistance and others. Car insurance companies should also offer discounts for multiple-policy holders, drivers with clean records, students with good grades and others.

Customer Service/Claims Timeliness
Car Insurance companies should respond to policyholder claims in a timely fashion, facilitating the necessary steps to return motorists to their vehicles.

Direct auto insurance might appear to be no more than an additional tax or fee for a service that is never used. However, as the statistics show, it is one that is necessary to ensure that you--and your vehicle--remain protected against injury, accident or liable damages.
In addition to the side-by-side comparison featured above, in-depth reviews are available for 10 of the best auto insurance companies, including top-rated insurers GEICO, Progressive and Esurance.

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GEICO car insurance company

With the wave of successful ad campaigns GEICO has launched in the last decade, it might seem that GEICO, our TopTenREVIEWS Gold Award winner, is relatively new to the auto insurance market. Not so. GEICO, which began in the District of Columbia as the Government Employees Insurance Company, has been an auto insurance provider for more than 70 years and has made its services available in all 50 states.
GEICO was among the first to develop a non-agent model for customer service, claims filing and policy inquiries, making these available through phone and Internet and allowing GEICO to pass savings on to its customers. In addition to these savings-oriented operational practices that provide new policyholders with substantial discounts, GEICO has earned and maintained the loyalty of its customers through its professional, helpful customer service representatives, efficient claims process and continued dedication to getting its policyholders off the road and back on again as quickly as possible.

Standout Features

• Infrastructural Savings Passed on to Policyholders
• Instant Online Premium Quote
• Online Policy Management

Response & Repair:

9.5/10

Getting your car safely off the road and in for repairs or replacement is one thing, but ensuring that motorists are back in their own car or temporary rental with little delay is another. Fortunately, GEICO excels at expediting initial towing and emergency services through its affiliates with streamlined claims and adjustments services to see that necessary repairs and replacements are done as quickly as possible, with the ins and outs of cost and culpability settled responsibly, judiciously and, most importantly, rapidly.
GEICO also offers its policyholders the ability to track claims online, doing away with the complicated "Phone-trees" that many car insurance companies require customers to go through to track claims.

Policy Flexibility:

10/10

GEICO is incredibly flexible with its policy attributes, crafting policies that suit the needs and budgets of its policyholders, while extending its streamlined business-model savings to the customer. Whether you are looking to insure multiple vehicles or drivers, increase or decrease deductibles on policies, reduce coverage to Liability-Only or manage the payment cycle or structure, GEICO allows its policyholders an unprecedented freedom to do so. Best of all, this can all be done online or over the phone with a dedicated GEICO insurance agent, which can be an added benefit for those living in rural areas.

Benefits & Discounts:

10/10

Many discounts are enjoyed outright through GEICO's area agent-free infrastructure. As for others, GEICO offers a variety of discounts ranging from good driver discounts, good student discounts (for younger drivers attending school) and automatic payment discounts, as well as discounts for multiple-policy holders and established customers. GEICO also offers discounts for policies involving cars with advanced safety and security features, including air bags, anti-lock brakes, car security/anti-theft systems and daytime running lights, among others.
As GEICO origins are in its Government Employee Insurance Company, GEICO offers many benefits and discounts to active, reserved and retired military personnel, as well as senior-level federal employees. But, just as it is no longer a company intended only for government employees, GEICO extends similar benefits and discounts to more than 275 affiliated groups.

Customer Service & Claims Timeliness:

10/10

Getting you and your vehicle off the road and into the mechanic or appropriate technician is only half the battle. Seeing that claims are processed and repairs completed in a timely and efficient matter is another matter altogether. Fortunately, this is where GEICO stands out, giving its policyholders a variety of methods for reporting and tracking claims, while mediating between various auto insurance companies if necessary and facilitating timely car repairs. Claims can be reported and tracked entirely online, freeing up motorists to get on with day-to-day responsibilities as opposed to spending a considerable amount of time filtering through "phone trees" to speak to a claims adjuster or agent. Although, for additional convenience, policy information and claims information can still be accessed by phone, with the assurance of a fast connection to the appropriate party.
GEICO's reputation for its customer service is largely what has proven to be the true catalyst for its retention and policyholder satisfaction, not its entertaining, popular commercials or its slight savings. This is evident in its retention rate, which ranks among the best in the auto insurance industry.

Summary:

GEICO has emerged as one of the premiere car insurance companies in recent years--and for good reason. Offering its customers upfront savings on auto insurance policies, providing streamlined claims reporting and tracking and emphasizing personable and responsive customer service, all while facilitating quick repairs to get motorists back in their cars and on the road. Combine this with its bounteous offering of discounts, policy flexibility and potential for multiple policies such as home, life, boat and others and you have a one-stop-shop for auto insurance--as well as other insurance--needs that is as convenient and timely as a drive-thru window.

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Progressive auto insurance

Progressive, our TopTenREVIEWS Silver Award winning auto insurance company, has been a dominant force in the auto insurance market for more than 70 years, garnering a strong reputation for its customer service, emergency responsiveness, policy flexibility and overall commitment to the safety and security of its policyholders. With its "Concierge Level of Claims Service" and renowned Immediate Response Vehicles, Progressive has made the aftermath of car accidents and auto-related incidents less complicated, less time-consuming and most importantly, less-imposing on the workaday lives and busy schedules of its policyholders. Progressive's past may have been bright, but, if it continues to place the needs of its policyholders first, its future will only get brighter.

Standout Features

• Multi-party Comparison Quotes
• Pet Injury Coverage with Collision Coverage
• Concierge Level of Claims Service

Response & Repair:

10/10

Progressive sets quite an example with its Immediate Response Vehicles (IRVs) and initial towing and rental services. Policyholders can receive claims estimates from the comfort of their own driveway or the repair facility the vehicle is housed in: a step that can expedite the claims and adjustment process and facilitate quick repairs and timely payments for vehicles in need of replacement and claimants of non-Progressive motorists involved in an accident.
Many complaints that are issued against all insurance companies, generally involve the complicated process of filing a claim, receiving an estimate, booking time for a repair and then waiting for the scheduled repairs to be completed. This process hardly takes into account the reality of people's schedules, their work, their home, their leisure time. Really, this process has been in need of revision for a long time and Progressive does so through its "Concierge Level of Claims Service". The Concierge Level of Claims Service are facilities where drivers can drop off damaged vehicles and leave the hair-pulling, time-consuming task of receiving an estimate, finding a repair facility and making rental car arrangements to the experts. In fact, in as few as fifteen minutes, policyholders can be back on the road with a rental car, confident that their car is being repaired quickly and hassle-free.

Policy Flexibility:

8.8/10

Progressive's roots are firmly planted in car insurance. Through the decades, however, it has grown to include other insurance products and services that range from home to life and nearly everything in between. Unlike GEICO, which operates entirely online and through telephone, Progressive has more than 30,000 independent insurance agents that, along with simply auto insurance and other insurance products, can give detailed, in-depth information about policies and discounts, as well as assist in finding a coverage level that suits the needs and budget of the policyholder. Whether you need a Liability-Only policy for a single vehicle or Full Collision coverage with no deductible, Progressive has just the right policy and insurance product for you.

Benefits & Discounts:

8.8/10

One benefit that sets Progressive apart from other car insurance agencies is its complimentary coverage of pet injuries for policyholders with collision coverage. Though incidental pet injuries that are caused by a car accident are not measured, thousands of pets die each year due to car collisions. Making sure that both you and your dog or cat are covered in the event of an accident is a step in the right direction--and one that other auto insurance companies would be wise to emulate.
Progressive also offers automatic discounts for new and continuing customers. Good Student discount? Check. Good Driver discount? Check. Multiple vehicle discount? Check. Multiple-policy discount? Check. Full-payment, e-sign or low mileage discounts? Check, check and check. Along with its MyRate feature, which follows driving history and records more closely, which can be a savings boon for customers, Progressive offers dozens of discounts to its policyholders, saving customers money and likely gaining their loyalty, too.

Customer Service & Claims Timeliness:

10/10

Progressive was among the first to make policy and claims management functionality available online; a trend which most of its competitors now follow. With its Immediate Response Vehicles and Concierge Level of Claims Service, drivers can be back on the road and on with their lives and jobs, free from the baffling, time-consuming ordeal that is seeing a damaged vehicle from point A to point Z.
Progressive customer service representatives and agents have a hard-earned reputation as being among the best in the business. Customers continually report of agents and representatives going "beyond their expectations" to find discounts, field questions and facilitate quick and timely claims adjustment and vehicle repair and replacement. Less visible is Progressive's mediation and arbitration team, which ensure that claims involving other parties are brought to a decision as quickly and judiciously as possible. Fortunately for Progressive car insurance policyholders, repairs and replacements will be made even if other involved parties are uncooperative or unresponsive. No driver should have to go without a car because of the negligence of another motorist or his auto insurance company.

Summary:

In its 70-plus years of continual operation Progressive auto insurance has seen wave after wave of competitors, marketing trends and technological innovation--and remained atop throughout. Humorous advertisements might create brand recognition and drive motorists to purchase policies, but it is only through meeting--and even exceeding--the needs of policyholders after the policy's signing that an auto insurance company survives and succeeds. Progressive is living proof of that.

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Esurance

Esurance, our TopTenREVIEWS Bronze Award winner, might not have the history of GEICO or Progressive, both which operate largely online. But, what it lacks in tradition, it makes up for in innovative operational practices, including speedy claims and policy-writing processes. As a green company, Esurance also features environmentally-sound strategies and programs to reduce paper consumption, plant trees in fire-damaged forests, and mitigate the damage caused by CO2 pollution. Not bad for a company that is still relatively new to the auto insurance (and other insurance protection product) game.
Esurance is lauded for its 3-step policy process. Drivers simply quote, buy and print their policy directly from their printer. No waiting for delivery by mail. No hassles. No agents pushing unnecessary policy features or additional insurance protection products. With Esurance, policyholders, both current and prospective, simply enter the necessary information, receive a quote, decide whether or not purchase policy or go with another car insurance agency.
With Esurance, motorists get a free 6-minute quote in addition to instant comparison rates from real companies. At that point, prospective policyholders can simply choose the policy that best suits their needs and buy it directly online.
Esurance policyholders also benefit from an online claims process that features the impressive, real-time repairs monitoring program, E-star

Standout Features

• In-depth, informative website
• E-Star Direct Repair Program
• Savings-oriented operations
• Expedited claims process

Response & Repair:

9/10

Though some auto insurance agencies, like State Farm, offer free towing for its policyholders, Esurance does offer a complete emergency roadside assistance package that covers everything from vehicle tows and tire changes to gasoline refuels and lockouts. From there, drivers can have their cars taken to the repair facility of their choice or be referred to a repair facility through the E-star Direct Repair Program. Though it is nice to have the ability to choose your own repair facility, using designated E-star repair shops guarantees all repairs for as long as you have the vehicle. Though it isn't quite the same as Progressive's "Concierge" program, it does one-up Progressive by including photos of the vehicle as it is being repaired, giving policyholders a visual stamp to go along with the claims and repairs tracking information.

Policy Flexibility:

10/10

Many auto insurance policyholders complain of the unnecessary costly features and attributes that are tacked onto their policies. With Esurance, drivers have far more control over the details of their policies, including emergency services and features. This shouldn't be taken as a sign of neglect. In fact, Esurance has the most informative, in-depth website among any car insurance company, providing countless FAQ pages, insightful articles, auto insurance glossaries and even an interactive Auto Insurance Coverage Counselor to aid in giving each driver the right policy for their needs and budget.

Benefits & Discounts:

10/10

Esurance, like many auto insurance agencies, offers discounts for good drivers, multiple-policy holders, vehicles with enhanced safety and anti-theft features. This has become, more or less, the standard among insurance companies. Esurance, however, goes well beyond the unwritten standard, providing discounts for single parents, senior-aged and retired drivers, vehicles with low-mileage or in rare use and even occupational discounts for those with a license or degree in education, engineering and natural science. What other auto insurance agency can say that?
For benefits, Esurance's environmental efforts are the most apparent. Most policyholders are likely aware of the amount of unnecessary mail a policy will accrue. From account notifications and billing statements to cards with policy numbers to be stored in vehicles, owning a single car insurance policy can generate a pitiful amount of waste. Along with its paper-free policy process through which the customer is a direct beneficiary of the savings, Esurance is dedicated to improving the environment with tree-planting programs, partnerships with community and environmentally-oriented non-profits and charities, instruments for carbon footprint calculation and even insights for incorporating environmentally-friendly practices into your everyday life. While many dismiss the "Green Movement" as a fad, Esurance seems firmly committed to improving the environment and raising environmental awareness, whether or not it's currently en vogue.

Customer Service & Claims Timeliness:

9/10

Between its E-Star Direct Repair Program and 24/7 online and telephone claims center, Esurance wastes little time in getting its policyholders' vehicles off the road, into the repair shop and back out again in as little time as possible. Claims can be tracked entirely online and, best of all, repairs being made in designated E-star facilities include photos with status updates. Like all auto insurance agencies, accidents and incidents involving other drivers can complicate the process. With Esurance, however, these delays are kept to a minimum, with arbitrators seeking quick mediation for involved parties.

Summary:

With only a decade under its belt, Esurance might seem fairly green. However, with savings-oriented business operations, environmentally-sound practices, efficient and simplified claims and repairs process and a firm commitment to environmentally-oriented causes, Esurance is proving itself to be an innovative, ethical and "Green" force among car insurance companies, one that, hopefully, will inspire a lot of imitators--even top-rated auto insurance agencies GEICO and Progressive.

 

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Nationwide Auto Insurance

 

Like Farmers and State Farm, Nationwide auto insurance began with farmers and ranchers, limiting its risk pool to farmers and ranchers in order to save its policyholders money on premiums oftentimes inflated due to urban motorists who drove more frequently and in riskier conditions. The years have served Nationwide well. It has expanded its auto insurance to include other insurance protection products while expanding its coverage from Ohio farmers to all drivers across the nation.
Unlike many auto insurance agencies, whose storied past tends to cast a shadow into the future and whose growth, while beneficial to shareholders and can offer savings initially for policyholders, comes at the cost of the quality of its customer service and claims process, Nationwide has managed to balance the needs of the individual with the needs of the collective.

Standout Features

• Free Nationwide iPhone application
• 100% guarantees on repairs for life of car
• Blue Ribbon Claims Services

Response & Repair: 8.8/10

 

Accidents are just that: unplanned, oftentimes chaotic affairs that can range from simple information exchanges for parties involved in a fender bender to serious bodily injury and vehicle damage that can require hospital stays and even legal prosecution. With Nationwide, getting your vehicle off the road, into the repair shop and back on the road again is made as simple as possible and built with the busy lives and schedules of its policyholders in mind.

The Blue Ribbon Claims Services, like Progressive's "Concierge" program and eSurance's E-star program is designed to expedite the claims and repairs process by offering motorists access to pre-screened, pre-qualified repairs facilities where all repairs are guaranteed for as long as you own the vehicle. The Blue Ribbons Claims Service, like eSurance's E-star, also updates repairs statuses with actual photos, going beyond the vague and brief description that generally accompanies updates.

Policy Flexibility:  8.8/10

Depending on state laws, many of which require drivers to take out additional auto insurance protections, Nationwide is highly flexible. Keeping in mind the needs of its policyholders, Nationwide customizes each car insurance policy to offer the right coverage for the right driver at the right price. Nationwide customers seeking simplicity for insurance protection products can also expand their auto insurance policy to include other policies, including home, life and others.

Benefits & Discounts:  8.8/10

Though Esurance sets a pretty high mark for discounts and benefits, Nationwide doesn't fall far behind. In addition to the unwritten discount standards like Multiple-policy, multiple-car, good driver and good student, Nationwide offers premium discounts for vehicles with car safety and anti-theft features, drivers that have completed a defensive driver course and long-term policyholders. Also, not forgetting its roots, Nationwide offers discounts for Farm Bureau Members in several states, as well as upwards of 3% for employees and members of qualifying organizations.

Customer Service & Claims Timeliness: 10/10

Nationwide has gone well beyond the norm with claims transparency and tracking. With the recent release of its Nationwide iPhone app, Nationwide policyholders with an iPhone can now track claims, manage policies, make payments and perform other tasks, further simplifying both routine policy maintenance and irregular customer needs like accident claims and repairs.
Although Nationwide has remained with the times and has made policy information and application, maintenance and reporting functions available online, it still keeps offices with licensed agents across the country. Though the move online has simplified the maintenance of car insurance policies and made it fairly easy to access information about features and products, sometimes you need a personal agent from your own community to explain features, assist with claims and advocate your cause. With offices in most cities across the country, Nationwide makes this possible.

Summary:

Nationwide Auto Insurance is proof that being big doesn't have to mean being impersonal, and that it's possible to be innovative and traditional at the same time. While GEICO, Progressive and eSurance have strong features or programs that distinguish them, Nationwide seems to have taken some of the better elements of all 3, combining them together to make for a customer-driven auto insurance product built with the lives, needs and schedules of its policyholders in mind.

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USAA auto insurance agency

Like GEICO, the United Services Automobile Association began as an insurance product for government employees, in this case, U.S. Army Officers that were unable to obtain auto insurance coverage due to their purported "high-risk" status. In the years that have followed, USAA has expanded from a group of self-insured U.S. Army officers and other U.S. military personnel to include additional insurance protection products and policies for other branches of the military, including reservists and non-officers, and other government agencies such as the FBI.

Standout Features

• Savings-oriented business operations
• Expansive discounts and benefits for eligible policyholders

Response & Repair: 8/10

Drivers with USAA auto insurance policies have access to the USAA Roadside Assist program, which partners with the Cross Country Motor Club to provide initial automotive first aid, including tows, refuels and jump starts. Repairs are covered only if included in the policy.
USAA continually receives high marks for the timeliness of its claims process, which is open 24/7 with full telephone and online tracking available. Tows can be ordered with follow-up damage estimation and repairs scheduling taking place as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, there are very few USAA-approved repairs facilities (less than 3,000 to be exact). In USAA's defense, however, these facilities are carefully evaluated and all repairs are guaranteed for as long as you own the vehicle. For policyholders with glass replacement coverage, windshields can be replaced at the driver's convenience, whether that be at home, at work or anywhere else they should choose.

Policy Flexibility:  8.5/10

USAA offers a variety of policy options beginning on the low-end with Liability-Only and moving up the ladder to Comprehensive and Collision coverages. Between these two end points, eligible drivers can select various insurance protections, including towing and labor, rental reimbursement, glass replacement and even medical payments and extended benefits insurance.
Where USAA truly stands out is in its flexibility with insurance premium payments. Starting as a risk-pool by and for "high-risk" U.S. Army officers, USAA still keeps the lives and needs of its policyholders in mind, allowing payments to be made according to military pay schedule, toll-free lines for military personnel with deployment orders and up to 90% off storage expenses on vehicles of deployed U.S. Armed Forces personnel.

Benefits & Discounts: 10/10

USAA goes toe-to-toe with non-reciprocal, open-enrollment car insurance companies like GEICO, Progressive and eSurance for its benefits and discounts. Drivers with clean records are eligible for a discount. So, too, are drivers that haven't been involved in an accident for at least 5 years. Taking out multiple-vehicle and multiple-line policies will result in a discount. Discounts are also available on new vehicles, vehicles with anti-theft systems, as well as other safety features such as daytime running lights.
When it comes to benefits, few auto insurance competitors top USAA, who manages to offer its policyholders car and travel-related benefits and discounts, as well as discount on flowers, jewelry, shipping and home security products. Also, USAA offers its policyholders a hassle-free car buying service that saves members an average of $2600 off the MSRP, manufacturer discounts of $750 on all GM brands and 20% savings on CARFAX vehicle history reports.

Customer Service & Claims Timeliness: 10/10

USAA has a well-deserved gilded reputation for its customer-driven customer service practices and streamlined claims and repairs processes. As USAA is not a publicly-traded company, no shareholder stands to gain from low-ball estimates, cut corners or poor customer service. As a result, USAA auto insurance policyholders can be assured of receiving courteous and helpful customer service, timely claims adjustment and approval and guaranteed repairs.

Summary:

On and off paper, USAA is among the best auto insurance agencies in the nation. No other car insurance company offers its members so many discounts, benefits and services as USAA. Unfortunately, being a member requires being in the U.S. Armed Forces, select government agencies like the Foreign Service and FBI or Legacy status from an eligible parent. Though it is doubtful that policy eligibility will loosen up anytime in the near future, other auto insurance agencies (including top-rated GEICO, Progressive and eSurance) would do best to take a few notes from USAA.

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Farmers Insurance

Nearing 90 years of continual operation, Farmers Insurance began with the idea that some drivers (farmers and ranchers living in rural areas) deserved lower insurance premiums than their riskier counterparts (urban drivers). Though it initially only serviced the needs of the former group, it has expanded to include drivers of all backgrounds and geographic locations across the US, and has managed to expand its policy offerings to include home, life, fire and others. Though this auto insurance company has changed hands and ownership several times in its history, Farmers still remains true to its initial concept, making sure that good policyholders were pooling their risk with other good policyholders.

Standout Features

• Good Driver discounts and rewards
• Customized policies

Response & Repair: 8.3/10

Farmers is no Progressive when it comes to response time and claims processing. But then again, no one is, with the exception of Progressive. Farmers does, however, do a fairly decent job of going from A to B, getting claimants and policyholders off the road and into the proper repair facilities as quickly as possible. Getting from B to Z, on the other hand, can often take much longer, depending on whether or not other parties were involved.
Farmers Insurance is still agent-based in structure. This can be a blessing and a curse since traditional insurance agents often are a large factor in the policyholder's experience. Farmers policyholders with good agents are likely to see claims adjustments, repairs and other insurance odds and ends go through more smoothly and quickly than those with bad agents.

Policy Flexibility: 8.3/10 

One of the advantages of having area agents is the ability to meet face to face and provide a personalized, customized policy that actually meets the insurance protection needs without exceeding the budget. Farmers auto insurance policyholders have access to their agents to ask questions, file claims, receive estimates and learn more about their insurance products. With so many insurance companies closing up offices and concentrating their insurance agents online and over the phone, this seems to be an added advantage.

Benefits & Discounts: 8.8/10

Farmers is quite generous with its discounts offerings for auto insurance policies. It offers discounts for customers that take out additional policies on other insurance products like home and life. It discounts good drivers and good students. It discounts drivers with low-mileage. It even offers discounts for premium contracts paid in full, as well as discounts for payments paid automatically.

Customer Service & Claims Timeliness: 8.8/1

As mentioned earlier, much of the customer service experience and claims timeliness will depend upon the policyholders' agent. Claims processes involving arbitration and mediation between multiple car insurance agencies will be out of their hands, but claims not involving other parties typically won't. If you have a good agent, you will likely be met with favorable results. If not, you run the risk of ending up another disgruntled customer.

Claims can be filed and tracked by phone and online. Having a local agent means that policyholders have a point of contact to accelerate the process, or at least receive information about the status of the claim.

Summary: 

Farmers Insurance began as an auto insurance agency for smart, safe drivers. Today, much of that remains true. It may have expanded to include home, life, theft, fire and every other possible insurance protection product imaginable in the last century, but it still provides a fairly comprehensive, effective service for its policyholders and claimants. It might lack the streamlined efficiency of Progressive and the ease of use and savings of GEICO, but it makes a strong argument for itself with its tried-and-true customer service approach and commitment to retaining its policyholders.

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State Farm Insurance

Like Farmers Insurance, State Farm was founded on the notion that farmers and ranchers, who drove less and in safer environments, shouldn't have to pay as much as their urban motorist counterparts. Now, more than 80 years later, through careful expansion of insurance protection products and a continued dedication to customer service, State Farm has become the preeminent auto insurance policy writer in both the United States and Canada.

Standout Features

• Ubiquitous in the US and Canada
• Customer Service

Response & Repair: 8.3/1

 

 

 

 

State Farm Insurance is a giant, spanning two nations and populating them with local agents and representatives in most cities, large and small. With complimentary towing (with distance stipulations) coverage for all auto insurance policyholders, drivers can get their car off the road and into a repair facility quickly and painlessly, with no money down. From there, however, much depends upon the nature of the incident or accident, the involvement of other motorists, pedestrians or property, as well as the location of the vehicle in question and its proximity to a certified estimator. It is here that State Farm loses some points to Progressive, which streamlines the repair process with its "Concierge Level of Claims Service," which takes the onus of estimates and repairs off the policyholder, putting them back on the road with a rental car with only minor interruption to their busy lives and schedules.

Another bone drivers tend to pick with State Farm is its "salvage parts" policy, which uses, when possible, parts from salvaged vehicles as replacement parts for damaged cars. In its defense, these parts do, in fact, have to undergo a process to certify its quality and viability.

Policy Flexibility: 8.8/10

Though many car insurance companies run the risk of stretching themselves too thin with expanded insurance protection products for life, home, fire and other insurance needs, State Farm Insurance manages to strike a favorable, even enviable balance between the policyholder and the shareholder. What's more, State Farm, with its tens of thousands of agents and representatives nationwide and straightforward, informative website, ensures that drivers get the right amount of insurance, as opposed to more or worse, less than what is adequate.

Benefits & Discounts:8.8/10

 

State Farm offers car insurance policyholders the clearest description of its comparatively-generous benefits. Multiple-vehicle and multiple-policies will result in a discount. As will drivers with established safe driving records. Good students that maintain a "B" average, too, are eligible for a discount. Also, vehicles with safety features like anti-theft devices and other safety features are eligible for a discount.

Like Progressive and a handful of other auto insurance agencies, State Farm offers discounts for car insurance premiums paid in full or paid automatically each month electronically.

Customer Service & Claims Timeliness:8.3/10

No company can become one of the largest auto insurance agencies of 2 nations--United States and Canada--without a well-tuned, policyholder-minded customer service and claims center. Or at least not for long, anyway. State Farm ranks among the best for its day-to-day customer service, with accessible local agents and "phone-tree"-free customer service representatives for policy inquiries and claims. It is the claims process, however, that can be a complicated, time-consuming one, as State Farm has an aggressive-albeit-somewhat bureaucratic arbitration and mediation operation arm. This can be quite a benefit for State Farm car insurance policyholders, but with claimants represented by another auto insurance agency, this can often be a painstakingly long process. This is true of most car insurance agencies, but here seems to be exacerbated by its size and ubiquity.

Summary: 

State Farm Insurance, like Allstate, is often as good or bad as the policyholder's agent. Accidents and incidents are typically stressful, frightening and potentially life-altering scenes. Having an agent that, despite the stress and confusion of the moment, calmly and adeptly facilitates smooth, timely repairs and uses policy tools and features to the benefit of the driver is of great import. While local agents can facilitate policy knowledge and lend the company a human face, it can also make the customer experience wildly divergent. Perhaps through careful strategy to make customer experience consistent across the country and a streamlining of the claims process, State Farm will continue to grow. For now, however, drivers looking for a quick claims process and agent-free policy access should look to GEICO, Progressive and eSurance.

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Liberty Mutual

Liberty Mutual auto insurance is fairly typical in its customer perception among auto insurance policyholders. That is: those that go without an accident or car-related incident with little interaction with customer service representatives tend to like it, while policyholders that are involved in an accident or car-related incident don't. For its features and policy attributes, Liberty Mutual is among the best, offering a variety of services to address everything from the minor repair, such as a cracked windshield, to the major, which its Total Liberty Care Facilities program makes quick work of. However, while many car insurance companies would be wise to emulate its policy features and offerings, they should steer clear of imitating its customer service and claims tracking/reporting features, which are considered among the poorer offered by auto insurers.

Standout Features

• 12-Month Policies
• Total Liberty Care Facilities
• Multi-Policy Savings

Response & Repair:

7.5/10

Liberty Mutual is excellent at getting its policyholders off the road and, if necessary, into a rental car (should their policy include rental car expenses). However, repair and car replacement can prove more problematic. Depending on the region or area the Liberty Mutual policyholder lives in often determines the repair quality and coverage. However, policyholders that live in areas with affiliated Total Liberty Care Facilities do have access to expedited repairs and car replacement services and--Massachusetts withstanding--can receive towing and car repairs at Liberty Mutual-approved facilities without paying anything upfront.

Policy Flexibility:

7.5/10

As mentioned in the introduction, Liberty Mutual stands out for its policy attributes and offerings, which range from simple liability-only to all-inclusive car windshield with direct billing to Liberty Mutual. Also, Liberty Mutual offers 12-month policy agreements, which can greatly reduce fluctuations in premiums. Also, with multiple-policy offerings, policyholders can combine home, life and other policies to simplify payments and services.

Benefits & Discounts:7/10
When it comes to customer service and claims timeliness, Liberty Mutual is found wanting. Contacting a claims adjuster or customer service representative by telephone is, generally, a time-consuming affair with long waits and potential "phone-tree"-like navigation. Reporting a claim can be done online and through a direct telephone line 24 hours a day. Also, though it might be difficult to personally expedite the claims process with one's assigned adjuster, Liberty Mutual policyholders can at least track and manage their claim online.

Customer Service & Claims Timeliness: 8.3/10
Liberty Mutual is fairly standard in the benefits and discounts it offers to its auto insurance policyholders. Multiple-policyholders and good drivers with established histories can expect discounted rates on their car insurance. Unfortunately, Liberty Mutual offers no substantial discounts for good students, military personnel and other affiliated businesses.

Summary: 

Liberty Mutual auto insurance is by no means, sub-standard. Really, it is the standard that most motorists have come to expect from car insurers: long telephone waits, complex and time-consuming mediation and claims adjustment processes and difficulty with obtaining approval for car repairs. For its other insurance-types offered, the mediocre auto insurance benefits might be worth it, but for motorists with no need for home, life, fire or other insurance types, there are several other car insurance companies, such as GEICO, Progressive and eSurance with much more to offer.

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Allstate

Allstate has asked "are you in good hands?" for several years now. Unfortunately, the resounding answer from its policyholders has been "yes, but there are better hands out there." While its auto insurance policies and products aren't the worst, they aren't the best, either. Allstate, more or less, is the non-golden mean between great and terrible insurance companies, excelling in certain areas, such as area coverage and policy flexibility, while often performing well below standards for customer service and claims timeliness.

Standout Features

• Deductible discounts for each accident-free year
• Car replacement program
• Policy flexibility

Response & Repair:

7/10

Like Liberty Mutual, Allstate is excellent for its initial response benefits, like towing, but can be painstakingly slow-coming in its damage estimation, claims resolution and repairs. Again, these inadequacies place them somewhere between best and worst. There are hundreds of companies that it stands head and shoulders above, but several of its competitors featured on this site do, in fact, best Allstate in this regard.

Policy Flexibility:

7.5/10

Allstate stands out for its policy offerings, providing a variety of coverage options for drivers. It even offers drivers agent-like customization with its "Bumper-to-Bumper Basics" tool that helps determine the right level of coverage for vehicles. And, for drivers that prefer going about their policy the traditional way, Allstate has agents in most cities and states nationwide that can assist in providing potential policyholders with the appropriate coverage for their needs and budget.

Benefits & Discounts:

7/10

While it stands out first and foremost for its policy flexibility, Allstate also has a robust offering of driver discounts. Discounts are available for cars with safety features like Anti-Lock brakes and Anti-Theft devices. Good students, senior adults and retired persons are eligible for potential discounts as well. So are policyholders with new cars, economy cars, utility vehicles and farm and ranch vehicles. Taking out other insurance policies for home, life, etc, is also a sure-fire way to reduce premiums.

One of Allstate's benefits is its "New Car Replacement" program. Drivers of new cars often lose more than just their car when involved in a "Total Loss" accident. They also lose whatever money they paid down on their car. With Allstate, drivers of vehicles in their first three model years will receive an entirely new car, as opposed to the depreciated value of the totaled car.

Customer Service & Claims Timeliness:

7.5/10

For customer service and claims timeliness, Allstate stands to improve. While some of the blame for its ineffectiveness or delays can be given to its status as a profit-driven, publicly-traded company, much of it still falls on the company itself, not its shareholders. Claims can be reported easily enough, both online and through telephone, but unlike Progressive's hassle-free "Concierge " program that fees up policyholders to return to their lives and let the car insurance company worry about the details, Allstate's process is riddled with inefficiencies that more often than not translate to serious delays.

Tracking a claim, too, can be somewhat harrowing, despite being available online. This is due to the fact that, while claimants are able to view what stage of the process their claim is in, there is no way to expedite the process online; claimants must speak with their claims team in order to hasten their claim or remain informed in-depth.

Summary:

Allstate has taken some serious heat in the following years for going from "good hands to boxing gloves" with its policy changes and quality of service. Despite this, it still maintains a large and loyal following. While it might not be the best auto insurance company, it's certainly nowhere near the worst. Perhaps by reevaluating its customer service and taking a long hard look at its resolution and repair processes, Allstate will once again rise to the top. For now, however, better car insurance providers are available, including top-rated GEICO, Progressive and eSurance.

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American Auto Association, AAA

With more than a century of continuous operation under its belt, the American Auto Association, AAA, has been a driving force in the auto insurance industry, as well as longstanding advocate for traffic safety and a lobbyist at the national and local levels for improved roads and vehicle safety standards (not to be confused with emissions standards). Though primarily known for its towing and roadside assistance services, AAA has expanded its benefits to include "Go, not Tow" on-site battery diagnosis and replacement to reduce unnecessary tows. Its insurance functions might be limited to initial towing, roadside assistance and other automotive first aid, but AAA car insurance is likely to bring savings to any auto insurance policy, as well as access to travel guides, maps and resources. Also, AAA members can enjoy discounts at affiliated retailers, including LensCrafters, Payless ShoeSource and even Burger King and Pizza Hut in some areas.

Standout Features

• Approved Auto Repair Facilities
• Comprehensive roadside assistance benefits
• Travel and retail discounts

Response & Repair: 5/10

AAA is intended solely for automotive first aid and emergency response. Offering tows, winches, jump starts, battery replacements, tire changes and even locksmith services for lock-outs, AAA is the first step in the process that generally involves another car insurance company for rentals, repairs and outright replacements.

Policy Flexibility:

2.5/10

AAA membership is available through several auto insurance agencies as a bonus feature of the car insurance policy. If a driver's auto insurance agency doesn't offer AAA along with the policy, membership can be purchased independently online or through a local AAA club.

Benefits & Discounts:

10/10

AAA membership is largely attractive for its discount on travel accommodations, retailers and service affiliates. In fact, AAA membership can yield discounts at more than 150,000 US locations.

Customer Service & Claims Timeliness:

7/10

 

AAA is renowned for its response time to incidents requiring roadside assistance. Though this often depends on the vehicle's proximity to AAA fleet vehicles or affiliated response vehicles, AAA is among the best for getting drivers back on the road or to the safety of a repairs facility. Also, AAA offers referrals and listings for AAA-approved repairs facilities, many of which offer discounts for AAA members.
 

Summary:

While it cannot legally be used as a substitute to auto insurance, when combined with a car insurance policy, AAA membership can enhance the speed and quality of roadside incidents requiring automotive first aid, including tows, tire changes, lock outs, battery changes, battery replacements, gasoline refuels and others. Also, AAA membership has thousands of membership discounts and savings available at more than 150,000 locations nationwide, including hotel and motel accommodations.

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Auto Insurance Premiums Increase an Average of $153 in 2013

Consumers are growing weary of unexpected and unexplained rate hikes in auto insurance, as they face an average premium increase of $153 in 2013, a 35% increase from last year. As a result, customer satisfaction with auto insurance companies has reversed course and declined from an all-time high in 2012, according to a recent J.D. Power 2013 U.S. Auto Insurance Study.

Based on a 1000-point scale, overall satisfaction with auto insurance companies is 794, down 10 points from 2012, but still the second-highest rating since the study began in 2000.
"In 2013, there is a sharp rise in the number of customers who have experienced premium increases," says Jeremy Bowler, senior director of the global insurance practice at J.D. Power. "The dollar amount of those increases is also larger, averaging $153 in 2013, compared with an average rate increase of $113 reported in the 2012 study."

Nearly one-third (32%) of customers are most likely to switch insurers when a premium increase is greater than $200. Consumers are most dissatisfied when rate hikes are unexplained and issued without prior notice, making them more likely to switch their policy to another insurer. Only 16% of those surveyed indicated that they had a discussion with their insurer regarding a potential change in their coverage after a premium increase.

"Generally, customers typically have little understanding of how their rates are set by their insurer, or why prices may vary by sometimes hundreds of dollars between companies when they shop for multiple quotes," says Bowler. "We've seen many companies focus on communicating discounts to strengthen customer perception of value. But the introduction of personal driving data characteristics in establishing discounts, and hence rates, represents another significant step forward for the industry in terms of better communicating price to customers."
The J.D. Power study measures customer satisfaction across five factors: interaction, price, policy offerings, billing and payment and claims. Scores across all five factors declined from last year.

"In today's low-interest market, many insurers are filing for new rate structures in order to rectify underwriting losses," said Bowler. "To prepare for the likely downturn in customer sentiment and risk of increased attrition following a premium increase, insurers need to do a better job of proactively reaching out to their customers and explaining the reasons behind the rate increases."
Among the five factors, price satisfaction is lowest at 716 -- more than 100 points lower than the average scores for interaction and claims.

--Written by Hal M. Bundrick for MainStreet

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