American Family Homeowners Insurance Review
American Family homeowners insurance has been protecting families across the Midwest, Mountain West, and Southern United States for nearly a century. The company offers comprehensive home insurance with family-focused features and competitive pricing for households in its 19 served states. Combined with bundling opportunities and unique discounts, American Family homeowners insurance is a solid choice for many homeowners who live within the company’s service area.
This guide reviews American Family homeowners insurance in detail including coverage options, pricing, claims experience, customer satisfaction, available discounts, and how the company compares to other major homeowners insurers.
American Family Homeowners Insurance Overview
American Family offers comprehensive homeowners insurance through its captive agent network in the 19 states where the company operates. The company writes coverage for homes ranging from modest properties to higher-value homes, with appropriate coverage options for different price ranges.
American Family’s homeowners insurance is well-regarded for family-focused features, strong bundling discounts (up to 23%), and the MyAmFam digital platform that simplifies policy management. The company’s mutual structure prioritizes member benefits over shareholder returns.
Coverage Options Available
HO-3 Special Form Policy
American Family’s standard homeowners policy is the HO-3, which provides open-perils coverage for the dwelling structure and named-perils coverage for personal property.
HO-5 Comprehensive Form
American Family offers HO-5 coverage in select markets, providing open-perils coverage for both the dwelling and personal property.
HO-6 Condominium Insurance
Condo-specific coverage that addresses the split between unit owner responsibility and condo association master policy coverage.
HO-4 Renters Insurance
Renters insurance for tenants, providing personal property and liability coverage.
Manufactured Home Coverage
American Family offers specialized coverage for manufactured and mobile homes.
Standard Coverage Components
Dwelling Coverage
Protects the physical structure of your home including walls, roof, foundation, and built-in systems. Replacement cost coverage is standard.
Personal Property Coverage
Typically defaults to a percentage of dwelling coverage. Replacement cost coverage on personal property is available.
Other Structures
Coverage for detached garages, sheds, fences, and similar structures, typically set at 10% of dwelling coverage.
Loss of Use
Coverage for temporary living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable, typically set at 20% to 30% of dwelling coverage.
Personal Liability
Coverage against lawsuits arising from incidents at your home. Standard limits start at $100,000, with higher limits available.
Medical Payments
Small no-fault coverage for guest injuries, typically $1,000 to $5,000 per person.
American Family Unique Homeowners Features
Replacement Cost Plus Coverage
Optional extended replacement cost coverage that pays additional amounts above the dwelling limit if rebuilding costs exceed initial estimates.
Equipment Breakdown Coverage
Optional coverage for damage to home systems and appliances from electrical or mechanical breakdown.
Identity Theft Protection
American Family offers identity theft protection coverage including monitoring services and reimbursement for identity restoration costs.
Water Backup Coverage
Optional coverage for damage from sewer or drain backups.
Personal Articles Coverage
Specialty coverage for jewelry, fine art, collectibles, and other high-value items that exceed standard policy limits.
Service Line Coverage
Optional coverage for damage to underground utility lines that connect to your home.
American Family Homeowners Insurance Cost
American Family homeowners insurance averages $1,400 to $2,000 per year nationally in served states, competitive with major insurers.
| Dwelling Coverage | American Family Average | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| $200,000 | $950 to $1,350 | $1,000 to $1,500 |
| $300,000 | $1,300 to $1,900 | $1,300 to $2,000 |
| $400,000 | $1,700 to $2,450 | $1,700 to $2,700 |
| $500,000 | $2,050 to $3,150 | $2,100 to $3,400 |
| $750,000+ | $2,750 to $4,750+ | $3,200 to $5,000+ |
Available Discounts
Multi-Policy Bundling Discount
Bundling homeowners with American Family auto insurance produces savings of up to 23% on both policies.
Loyalty Rewards
Long-term customers receive accumulating loyalty discounts.
Generational Discount
Young adults whose parents are American Family customers may qualify for additional discounts on homeowners insurance.
New Home Discount
Newly constructed homes typically qualify for substantial discounts.
Newly Purchased Home Discount
Recently-purchased homes often qualify for premium discounts.
Protective Device Discount
Homes with smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, security systems, and similar safety features qualify for premium discounts.
Home Security System Discount
Homes with monitored security systems qualify for additional discounts.
Smart Home Discount
Homes with smart home technology including water leak detectors, smart smoke alarms, and security systems may qualify for additional discounts.
Higher Deductible Discount
Choosing a higher deductible reduces your premium.
Auto Pay Discount
Setting up automatic premium payments qualifies for savings.
Paperless Discount
Choosing electronic billing qualifies for a small discount.
Claims Experience
American Family scores around average in homeowners claims satisfaction.
24/7 Claims Filing
Claims can be filed any time through the MyAmFam mobile app, website, phone at 1-800-374-1111, or your American Family agent.
Local Agent Support
Your American Family agent provides personalized advocacy throughout the claims process.
Repair Network Access
American Family partners with pre-vetted contractors for streamlined repair processing.
Pros and Cons of American Family Homeowners Insurance
Pros
- Strong financial position (A rating from A.M. Best)
- Competitive pricing in served states
- Strong bundling discounts (up to 23%)
- Comprehensive coverage options and endorsements
- Local agent service through captive agent network
- MyAmFam digital platform for self-service
- Loyalty Rewards for long-term customers
- Family-focused approach to coverage
- Smart Home Discount for technology-equipped homes
Cons
- Available only in 19 states
- A rating slightly lower than competitors’ A++ ratings
- Some specialty coverages may have limited availability
- Customer satisfaction average rather than top-tier
How American Family Compares to Other Major Insurers
| Insurer | Average Annual Premium ($300K Coverage) | Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,500 | Bundling, agent network |
| American Family | $1,500 | Loyalty Rewards, smart home |
| USAA (military families) | $1,300 | Military focus, ratings |
| Nationwide | $1,600 | Brand New Belongings |
| Travelers | $1,650 | Decreasing Deductible |
| Farmers | $1,700 | Tiered coverage |
| Allstate | $1,750 | Unique features |
| Liberty Mutual | $1,800 | Customization options |
Who Should Choose American Family Homeowners Insurance?
- Households in the 19 states where American Family operates
- Customers bundling auto and home insurance
- Long-term customers benefiting from Loyalty Rewards
- Young adults qualifying for Generational Discount
- Customers with smart home technology
- Households wanting family-focused coverage approach
Who Should Look Elsewhere?
- Customers outside the 19 states where American Family operates
- Military families who qualify for USAA
- Customers wanting the strongest financial rating (A++ vs. A)
- Households needing specialty coverages not offered by American Family
How to Get the Best American Family Homeowners Quote
Bundle Auto and Home
Combining auto and home with American Family produces meaningful bundling discounts.
Apply All Available Discounts
Ask American Family specifically about every available discount including Loyalty Rewards, smart home, and Generation Discount.
Add Smart Home Technology
Installing smart smoke alarms, water leak detectors, and security systems can produce ongoing discounts.
Set Appropriate Deductibles
Higher deductibles reduce premiums. The right deductible reflects your ability to absorb out-of-pocket costs.
Work With a Local Agent
American Family’s captive agents provide personalized service and discount review.
Compare Against Other Carriers
Even if you stay with American Family, comparing rates ensures competitive pricing. The team at Matrix Insurance can help compare American Family against other top carriers.
Our broader guide on what is homeowners insurance provides additional context for evaluating any homeowners policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is American Family good for homeowners insurance?
Yes, for homeowners in the 19 served states. American Family offers comprehensive coverage with competitive pricing, strong bundling discounts, and family-focused features.
Does American Family offer flood insurance?
Yes. American Family sells flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
How much does American Family homeowners insurance cost per month?
Monthly costs typically range from $80 to $250 for most homeowners depending on home value, location, and coverage levels.
Does American Family cover roof replacement?
American Family covers roof replacement when damage results from covered perils. The age and condition of your roof affect coverage.
Can I cancel American Family homeowners insurance?
Yes. Contact your American Family agent or call customer service. You typically receive a refund for unearned premium.
Does American Family offer earthquake insurance?
Yes. American Family offers earthquake coverage as an endorsement in earthquake-prone states.
What is American Family’s homeowners insurance phone number?
For general customer service: 1-800-692-6326. For claims: 1-800-374-1111, available 24/7.
The Bottom Line
American Family offers solid homeowners insurance for households in its 19 served states. The combination of competitive pricing, strong bundling discounts, family-focused features, and local agent service makes it a good choice for many homeowners.
The main considerations are the geographic limitation (19 states only) and the A rating (vs. A++ for some competitors). For households in served states who specifically benefit from American Family’s bundling discounts and unique features, the insurance represents strong total value.
The team at Matrix Insurance can help you compare American Family homeowners insurance against other top carriers. Use our Home Insurance Calculator for a starting estimate, or reach out to our team directly for a personalized quote comparison.
Post Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.