Is Auto-Owners Insurance Good? Honest Review
Auto-Owners Insurance is one of the most highly-rated insurance companies in the United States. The Fortune 500 mutual insurer has built its reputation on exceptional claims service, consistently ranking #1 or in the top tier of J.D. Power claims satisfaction studies for years. Combined with the A++ Superior financial strength rating (the highest possible from A.M. Best), competitive pricing in served states, and 100+ years of continuous operation, Auto-Owners offers one of the strongest combinations of value and quality among major U.S. insurers. The honest answer for most shoppers in served states is that Auto-Owners is an excellent choice that deserves serious consideration.
This is a fair, evidence-based review of Auto-Owners Insurance covering financial strength, customer satisfaction, claims handling, pricing competitiveness, unique features, and the situations where Auto-Owners works best.
Quick Verdict
Auto-Owners is one of the highest-rated insurance companies in the United States. For shoppers in its 26 served states, Auto-Owners delivers competitive pricing, top-tier customer satisfaction, exceptional claims service, and unique features like Common Loss Deductible that few competitors can match. The restricted geographic availability is the only meaningful barrier.
Best For
- All shoppers in Auto-Owners’ 26 served states
- Households bundling auto and home insurance
- Customers prioritizing top claims satisfaction
- Drivers wanting the Personal Automobile Plus Package value
- Households needing farm or agricultural insurance
- Small business owners needing comprehensive commercial coverage
- Customers wanting independent agent flexibility
- Households wanting the highest possible A++ financial rating
Look Elsewhere If
- You live outside Auto-Owners’ 26 served states
- You strongly prefer fully online direct purchase experience
- You qualify for USAA (military families)
- You want absolute lowest base pricing regardless of service
Auto-Owners Financial Strength
| Rating Agency | Auto-Owners Rating |
|---|---|
| A.M. Best | A++ (Superior – highest possible) |
| Standard & Poor’s | AA- (Very Strong) |
| Better Business Bureau | A+ |
Auto-Owners’ financial ratings are among the highest available in the entire insurance industry. The A++ Superior rating from A.M. Best is the highest possible, putting Auto-Owners in an elite group of insurers with the strongest financial security.
Customer Satisfaction Scores
J.D. Power Studies
Auto-Owners consistently ranks #1 or in the top tier in J.D. Power claims satisfaction studies. The company often outranks larger national insurers in claims-specific categories.
Better Business Bureau
Auto-Owners maintains an A+ BBB rating with strong complaint resolution processes.
NAIC Complaint Index
Auto-Owners’ complaint ratio is significantly below the industry average, indicating fewer customer complaints relative to market presence.
Pricing Competitiveness
| Insurer | National Average Annual Premium (Full Coverage) |
|---|---|
| USAA (military families) | $1,200 to $1,500 |
| Erie Insurance | $1,250 to $1,600 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,350 to $1,700 |
| GEICO | $1,400 to $1,750 |
| State Farm | $1,400 to $1,800 |
| Travelers | $1,500 to $1,900 |
| American Family | $1,600 to $2,000 |
| Progressive | $1,650 to $2,000 |
| Nationwide | $1,700 to $2,100 |
| Allstate | $1,800 to $2,200 |
| Farmers | $1,900 to $2,400 |
| Liberty Mutual | $2,100 to $2,600 |
Strengths That Stand Out
A++ Superior Financial Strength (Highest Possible)
The A.M. Best A++ rating is the highest possible. Customers can have exceptional confidence that Auto-Owners will be available to pay claims now and in the future.
#1 Claims Satisfaction Consistently
Auto-Owners’ J.D. Power claims satisfaction rankings are exceptional and consistent. The company often outranks larger national insurers in claims-specific categories.
Common Loss Deductible (Unique Feature)
The signature feature that waives your auto deductible when the same event damages both home and auto. No other major insurer offers this specific feature.
Personal Automobile Plus Package
Bundled package of 10 coverages for $50 to $120 per year, providing comprehensive protection that would cost much more if purchased separately.
Mutual Company Structure
Policyholders are the owners, ensuring policyholder benefits are prioritized over shareholder returns.
Strong Bundling Discounts
Up to 25% in bundling discounts when combining multiple policies.
Comprehensive Farm Insurance
Auto-Owners has particularly strong farm and agricultural insurance offerings.
Independent Agent Flexibility
Auto-Owners’ independent agent model gives customers options and personalized service.
100+ Year Operational History
Founded in 1916, Auto-Owners has more than a century of continuous operation.
Honest Weaknesses to Consider
Limited Geographic Availability
Only operates in 26 states. Customers in other states cannot get Auto-Owners insurance.
Agent-Based Distribution
Customers who prefer fully online direct purchase experience may find Auto-Owners’ agent-based model less convenient.
Limited Telematics Program
Auto-Owners has limited telematics offerings compared to competitors with established programs.
Some Specialty Coverage Limitations
Auto-Owners may have limited availability for certain specialty coverages compared to nationwide specialty insurers.
Coverage Quality Assessment
Auto Insurance
- Standard liability, collision, comprehensive coverage
- Personal Automobile Plus Package (10 bundled coverages)
- Common Loss Deductible
- Accident Forgiveness
- Diminishing Deductible (through Plus Package)
- Pet injury coverage (through Plus Package)
- Identity theft expense (through Plus Package)
- Cell phone coverage (through Plus Package)
- Rental reimbursement options
- Roadside assistance available
Homeowners Insurance
- HO-3 and HO-5 coverage forms available
- Replacement cost coverage available
- Common Loss Deductible (when bundled with auto)
- Guaranteed Home Replacement Cost option
- Identity theft protection available
- Service Line Coverage option
- Ordinance or Law Coverage option
Business Insurance
- Business Owners Policy (BOP)
- Strong farm and agricultural coverage
- Commercial property and general liability
- Workers compensation
- Commercial auto
- Professional liability
- Cyber insurance
Auto-Owners vs. Other Major Insurers Verdict
| vs. Insurer | Auto-Owners Better When |
|---|---|
| State Farm | You want #1 claims satisfaction |
| GEICO | You want agent service and claims quality |
| Progressive | You want top-tier claims service |
| USAA | You don’t qualify for USAA |
| Allstate | You want lower pricing with better service |
| Liberty Mutual | You want significantly lower pricing |
| Farmers | You want lower pricing |
| Travelers | You want top claims satisfaction |
| Nationwide | You want lower pricing and better satisfaction |
| American Family | You want Common Loss Deductible |
| Erie Insurance | You don’t live in an Erie state |
Real Customer Sentiment
Positive Themes
- “Best claims experience I’ve ever had with any insurer”
- “Common Loss Deductible saved me hundreds during a hailstorm”
- “Personal Automobile Plus Package coverage came in handy”
- “My independent agent is responsive and helpful”
- “Claims were handled fairly and quickly”
- “Pricing significantly lower than my previous insurer”
- “Pet injury coverage helped when my dog was hurt in an accident”
Negative Themes
- “Wish Auto-Owners was available in more states”
- “Some specialty coverage options limited”
- “Telematics program not as advanced as competitors”
The complaint volume is significantly lower than for most major insurers. Most issues are minor and resolved well.
How to Decide if Auto-Owners Is Right for You
Step 1: Confirm You Live in a Served State
Auto-Owners operates in 26 states primarily in the Midwest, South, and parts of the Mountain West.
Step 2: Find a Local Independent Agent
Visit auto-owners.com to find local agents or contact the company directly.
Step 3: Get a Specific Quote
Get an actual quote based on your specific situation through your local independent agent.
Step 4: Compare Against Current Insurance
Compare Auto-Owners’ quote against what you currently pay. For most customers, the value is meaningful.
Step 5: Take Advantage of Features
Once you become an Auto-Owners customer, take full advantage of the Personal Automobile Plus Package, Common Loss Deductible (when bundling), and other features.
For broader perspective on insurance shopping decisions, our guide on how insurance protects you from financial loss provides foundational context.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Auto-Owners worth the effort to switch?
For customers in served states, often yes. Auto-Owners’ top claims satisfaction and unique features usually make switching worthwhile. The transition is straightforward through an independent agent.
Is Auto-Owners good for claims?
Yes. Auto-Owners consistently ranks #1 or top-tier in J.D. Power claims satisfaction studies. Claims are typically resolved faster than industry average.
Is Auto-Owners financially stable?
Yes. Auto-Owners maintains the A++ Superior rating from A.M. Best, the highest possible rating.
Is Auto-Owners good for young drivers?
Yes. Auto-Owners offers good student discounts, driver training discounts, and competitive pricing combined with strong service.
Is Auto-Owners good for seniors?
Yes. Auto-Owners is excellent for senior drivers benefiting from competitive pricing, top claims service, and the Personal Automobile Plus Package value.
Does Auto-Owners offer commercial insurance?
Yes. Auto-Owners offers comprehensive commercial insurance including small business, farm, construction, manufacturing, and professional services coverage.
Is Auto-Owners a mutual company?
Yes. Auto-Owners is structured as a mutual insurance company where policyholders are the owners. The mutual structure prioritizes long-term policyholder value.
The Bottom Line
Auto-Owners Insurance is exceptional for shoppers in its 26 served states. The combination of competitive pricing, top-tier customer satisfaction rankings (#1 in many claims studies), the A++ Superior financial strength rating (highest possible), unique features like Common Loss Deductible and Personal Automobile Plus Package, and 100+ years of operational history makes Auto-Owners one of the strongest insurance choices in the United States.
The only meaningful weakness is the restricted geographic availability, which excludes shoppers in 24 states. For shoppers in served states, the choice between Auto-Owners and competitors usually comes down to whether you value Auto-Owners’ specific features and service quality.
If you live in Auto-Owners’ service area, verify availability immediately. The combination of competitive pricing, top claims satisfaction, and unique features usually makes Auto-Owners a top choice that deserves serious consideration in any insurance shopping decision.
The team at Matrix Insurance can help you verify Auto-Owners’ availability and compare Auto-Owners against other top carriers. For auto coverage, use our Car Insurance Calculator. For homeowners coverage, use our Home Insurance Calculator. For business coverage, use our Business Insurance Calculator. Or reach out to our team directly for a personalized comparison.
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