Report: Regional Insurers Graded Higher by Collision Repairers

Sept. 25, 2017
A CRASH Network survey found that when it comes to auto insurers, bigger may not be better. Looking at just the five largest companies, only two of them ranked even among the top 50 in a survey of 1,200 collision repair shops.

Sept. 25, 2017—In CRASH Network's insurer report card, North Carolina Farm Bureau earned the top spot among 86 U.S. auto insurance companies that were graded by over 1,200 automotive collision repair professionals based on how well their claims handling policies, attitude and payment practices ensure quality repairs and customer service for motorists.

Grinnell Mutual, a regional insurer serving 14 states, and Acuity Insurance (available in 22 states) rounded out the top three:

1 North Carolina Farm Bureau A
2 Grinnell Mutual A-
3 Acuity Insurance A-
4 Mutual of Enumclaw B+
5 Indiana Farm Bureau B+
6 Oregon Mutual B+
7 Auto Club (AAA So Calif) B+
8 Erie Insurance B+
9 Pekin Insurance B+
10 Cincinnati Insurance B+
11 Pemco Mutual B+
12 West Bend B
13 Chubb B
14 Arbella Insurance B
15 Auto-Owners B

Collision repair professionals deal with many insurance companies on a daily basis, seeing first-hand how those companies take care of customers after an accident. They know, for example, which insurers pressure them to use cut-rate parts, which refuse to pay for repair procedures needed to ensure a high quality repair, or which add unnecessary delays to the whole repair and claims process.

To provide consumers a new tool they can use when choosing an auto insurer, CRASH Network asked collision repairers from across the United States to grade insurance companies based on one simple question: "How well does this company's claims handling policies, attitude and payment practices ensure quality repairs and customer service for motorists?"

This year's survey found that when it comes to auto insurers, bigger may not be better. Looking at just the five largest companies, only two of them ranked even among the top 50 in this year’s survey rankings.

Although consumers may be less familiar with the names at the top of this year’s "Insurer Report Card," one or more of the top 15 likely offer policies in their state. Choosing a top-ranked regional insurer also offers consumers the opportunity to spend their insurance dollars "locally," keeping it closer to home.

Sponsored Recommendations

ADAS Applications: What They Are & What They Do

Learn how ADAS utilizes sensors such as radar, sonar, lidar and cameras to perceive the world around the vehicle, and either provide critical information to the driver or take...

Banking on Bigger Profits with a Heavy-Duty Truck Paint Booth

The addition of a heavy-duty paint booth for oversized trucks & vehicles can open the door to new or expanded service opportunities.

The Autel IA700: Advanced Modular ADAS is Here

The Autel IA700 is a state-of-the-art and versatile wheel alignment pre-check and ADAS calibration system engineered for both in-shop and mobile applications...

Boosting Your Shop's Bottom Line with an Extended Height Paint Booths

Discover how the investment in an extended-height paint booth is a game-changer for most collision shops with this Free Guide.