Auto-Owners Insurance Company is a member of the renowned Fortune 500 list and one of the top insurers in the nation. Though the company name indicates they only offer car insurance services, the enterprise actually also sells insurance for property, liability, garage, workers compensation and life. Research shows that consumers are divided on the ratings of service for claims, cost, customer service and coverage provided by this company for car insurance. Many reviews give them high marks while others warn you to stay away.
Recently, in a nationwide survey put out by JD Power and Associates, Auto-Owners Insurance Company ranked highest in customer service. The survey assessed experiences of policyholders who had filed a claim (usually related to an accident) and whether they thought their insurer handled it properly. The survey, conducted during June and July of 2009, included 11,616 responses from car insurance holders who had filed claims within the last 12 months. “Auto-Owners is extremely honored to again be recognized by our customers through the J.D. Power and Associates study for the highest rank in satisfying auto insurance customers with the claim process,” said chairman and CEO of Auto-Owners Insurance Company Ron Simon. “Auto-Owners makes it our top priority to provide our policyholders the best in personal, timely, and professional service. This award recognizes every one of our Auto-Owners associates and our agents for their dedication to service and doing what is right.”
However, some Auto-Owners customers beg to differ with the survey’s findings. There have been several reported incidences that have caused policyholders to switch their car insurance coverage to another company due to rate hikes, the company’s failure to make payouts and poor customer service. For example, some customers state this company has paid the cost of the damage and month later had their car insurance rates jump 50 percent. These customers stated that they would rather go through the hassle of changing insurance company than pay the higher premium. In some instances, customers state this car insurance company will cancel coverage for a specific reason without ever fully stating or explaining the reason. These consumers say the insurance company is not concerned when they cancel because of how much money the policyholder has put into the company over the years. Unfortunately, one survey is not likely to influence these previous customers.
It seems the jury is still out on whether Auto-Owners Insurance Company is the bet insurer to get when searching for car insurance – or most any other type of insurance. Luckily, it’s up to each consumer to decide for themselves what company is going to be the best fit for their insurance needs.
