American Family auto insurance review 2024
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At a glance
Score breakdown
Auto
4.2
Cost & ratings
4.3
Coverage
4.0
Support
4.0
About Bankrate Score
Bankrate's take
Commonly known as AmFam, this Wisconsin-based insurer has been around since 1927. American Family might be particularly appealing to policyholders who want to personalize their insurance coverage with unique add-ons.
- Ranked high for customer satisfaction in the 2023 J. D. Power U.S. Auto Insurance Study
- Typically offers auto rates lower than the national average
- Auto insurance is only available in 19 states
- Several riders available for whole life insurance policies
American Family car insurance review
Based on our comprehensive assessment of coverage offerings, average premiums, online tools and more, American Family car insurance earned a Bankrate Score of 4.2 out of 5, partly due to the company’s lower-than-average full and minimum coverage premiums and high third-party customer satisfaction ratings. Still, its score may have been better if it offered car insurance nationwide. Additionally, the company has a financial strength rating of A (Excellent) from AM Best. While American Family’s insurance rating is still solid, it is lower than some other carriers.
American Family car insurance offers standard auto coverage types like liability, comprehensive, collision, medical payments and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. Safe drivers may utilize optional tools like KnowYourDrive, a usage-based telematics program that allows drivers to earn up to 20 percent off their car insurance based on how safely they drive, with a 10 percent discount earned automatically just for signing up. AmFam also allows policyholders to purchase Diminishing Deductibles, which credits drivers with a 12-month policy of $100 off their collision and comprehensive deductible for every year of safe driving, up to the full deductible amount.
Pros and cons of American Family car insurance
When shopping for the best car insurance, it’s important to evaluate a carrier’s options as well as the carrier itself. Here’s a quick summary of American Family car insurance to help you compare with other car insurance companies:
Pros
- Average rates for drivers with an at-fault accident or speeding ticket on their records are lower than some competitors
- Ranked highly for customer satisfaction in multiple regions per the 2023 J.D. Power U.S. Auto Insurance Study
- Offers up to a 29 percent discount off auto rates when bundled with an American Family home policy
Cons
- Car insurance is not available in every state
- Digital insurance experience may not be as robust as some competitors
- Limited additional coverage options
American Family car insurance cost
The 2024 annual average cost of full coverage car insurance is $2,458 and for minimal coverage is $678. Traditionally, auto insurance with American Family usually comes in close to, if not less than, the national average. American Family averages $2,688 per year for full coverage insurance and $886 per year for minimum coverage, based on our study of quoted premium data from Quadrant Information Services. Keep in mind that rating factors vary by car insurance carrier and location, which will affect your auto insurance quotes.
How much is American Family car insurance?
Drivers with a clean driving record generally pay the cheapest average car insurance rates based on Bankrate’s analysis of car insurance premiums. Drivers with a single infraction, like a speeding ticket, are often surcharged by car insurance companies. It should be noted that not all insurers accept drivers with DUIs. The best way to know if American Family accepts drivers with DUIs and what your insurance may cost with your personal rating factors applied is to reach out for a quote.
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Good driver, good credit
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American Family full coverage premium
$2,688
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National full coverage premium
$2,458
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American Family full coverage premium
$3,886
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National full coverage premium
$4,502
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American Family full coverage premium
$2,952
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National full coverage premium
$2,975
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American Family full coverage premium
$3,317
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National full coverage premium
$3,508
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American Family full coverage premium
$3,377
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National full coverage premium
$4,713
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American Family car insurance quotes by age
Driver age impacts car insurance rates in every state that AmFam offers coverage. Young and newly licensed drivers don't have the same skill level as older and more experienced drivers do regarding the ability to avoid road hazards or adapt to changing weather conditions. Younger drivers are also more likely to engage in distracted driving and opt not to wear a seat belt. All these risk factors are underwritten for and create higher insurance rates for youthful operators — drivers under the age of 25. While they may pay some of the most expensive car insurance rates compared to older drivers, finding cheap car insurance for newly minted drivers is still possible.
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American Family full coverage premium
$5,116
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National full coverage premium
$5,229
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American Family full coverage premium
$4,416
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National full coverage premium
$4,501
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American Family full coverage premium
$5,383
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National full coverage premium
$4,972
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American Family full coverage premium
$2,862
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National full coverage premium
$3,031
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American Family full coverage premium
$2,693
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National full coverage premium
$2,622
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American Family full coverage premium
$2,688
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National full coverage premium
$2,458
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American Family full coverage premium
$2,475
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National full coverage premium
$2,220
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Compare American Family car insurance rates
Car insurance rates vary by company based on how each carrier evaluates and prices certain risks. Insurance companies gear rates and coverage options towards different types of drivers and not every auto company is the best fit for every driver. This is why policyholders should compare insurance policy rates and coverage types between insurance companies every few years or when there is a life event.
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$2,688
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$886
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$3,060
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$987
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$2,418
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$706
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$3,081
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$925
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$1,992
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$585
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$1,934
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$697
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$1,996
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$543
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$2,127
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$767
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American Family customer satisfaction
When shopping for insurance, it can be important to also consider the customer experience, especially when it comes to claims. In addition to reaching out to friends and family for their experience, also consider ratings from third-party agencies like J.D. Power, which conducts annual surveys of insurance companies and ranks them on a 1,000-point scale.
American Family auto claims satisfaction
American Family ranks above average in the 2023 J.D. Power U.S. Auto Insurance Study in most regions. This study divides the nation into eleven regions and American Family is rated in three of them: Central, North Central and Southwest. The Southwest region is the only one where AmFam fell short, earning 819 out of 1,000 points.
American Family auto insurance customer complaints
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) assigns complaint indexes to insurance carriers that reflect the number of complaints lodged against a company compared to its market share. These indexes are assigned by product type with a baseline of 1.00. An index above 1.00 indicates more complaints than expected for the carrier's size and vice versa.
American Family's auto insurance product has received low NAIC Complaint Indexes for the past three years. This indicates that the NAIC receives fewer complaints than expected from the company's auto insurance policyholders.
American Family car insurance discounts
Taking advantage of discounts could help you save on car insurance. A few AmFam discounts you may not find as common among other insurers include:
- Early bird discount: If you have a policy with another carrier and request a quote from American Family at least seven days prior to its effective date, you may qualify for this discount.
- Steer into savings discount: This discount provides policy savings to new American Family customers for switching their car insurance from another insurer.
- Young volunteer discount: To qualify for this discount, drivers must be under 25 years old and have earned 40 hours of volunteer service at a nonprofit.
- Low mileage discount: Those who drive less than 7,500 miles per year may be eligible for extra savings.
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Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.
Get personalized auto insurance quotes
Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249)
Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.
American Family life insurance review
The best life insurance companies structure policies to allow policyholders to protect their loved ones’ financial futures in the event of an untimely death. AmFam offers term life insurance and whole life policies, as well as some other options, like simplified term, flexible life, senior whole life and children’s whole life policies. Whether you want to purchase life insurance for mortgage protection, income replacement or future tuition costs, AmFam’s different policy offerings and coverage options could provide solutions for your financial situation.
Pros and cons of American Family life insurance
Shopping for life insurance quotes can be an involved process. Whether you’re looking for the cheapest life insurance or a personalized policy, it’ll be important to consider how well your insurer meets your needs. The table below highlights where American Family life insurance excels and where it may fall short:
Pros
- Guaranteed purchase option available for additional whole life coverage
- Many rider options available for whole life
- Variety of payment options depending on policy type
Cons
- Medical exams may be required for some policy types
- Not ranked in the 2023 J.D. Power U.S. Life Insurance Study
- AmFam’s financial strength rating may not be as high as some of its competitors
American Family life insurance riders
Along with deciding which type of life insurance policy to obtain, American Family offers endorsements or riders that can tailor coverage to suit your financial needs. The availability of life insurance policy endorsements depends on the policy type, and adding endorsements will impact how much your policy costs. Here are a few options to consider:
- Guaranteed purchase option rider: Allows policyholders with a whole life insurance policy to purchase additional permanent life insurance without a medical exam. This option is only available during dates and life events specified in the policy terms.
- Children's insurance rider: Can provide $15,000 of coverage for the policyholder's children, including adopted children or step-children.
- Waiver of premium benefit rider: Allows for the life insurance premium to be waived if the policyholder becomes totally disabled and cannot make the policy payments.
Compare life insurance providers quickly and easily
See which provider is right for you.
Whole life insurance combines life insurance with an investment component.
- Coverage for life
- Tax-deferred savings benefit if premiums are paid
- 3 variations of permanent insurance: whole life, universal life and variable life include investment component
Term life insurance is precisely what the name implies: an insurance policy that is good for a specific term of time.
- Fixed premium over term
- No savings benefits
- Outliving policy or policy cancellation results in no money back
Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249)
Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.
Compare American Family with other insurers
It may help to compare American Family to similar insurers before deciding if it’s the right fit for your insurance needs. With that in mind, you may find these insurers also worth considering:
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Featured
American Family
4.2
Bankrate scores primarily reflect a weighted rank of industry standard ratings for financial strength and customer experience, in addition to average quoted rates. A secondary assessment of each provider's online and mobile resources and policy management options also contributed to overall ratings
Cost & ratings 4.3Coverage 4.2Support 4.0 |
Liberty Mutual
3.6
Bankrate scores primarily reflect a weighted rank of industry standard ratings for financial strength and customer experience, in addition to average quoted rates. A secondary assessment of each provider's online and mobile resources and policy management options also contributed to overall ratings
Cost & ratings 2.6Coverage 5.0Support 3.9 |
The Hartford
3.9
Bankrate scores primarily reflect a weighted rank of industry standard ratings for financial strength and customer experience, in addition to average quoted rates. A secondary assessment of each provider's online and mobile resources and policy management options also contributed to overall ratings
Cost & ratings 3.5Coverage 4.4Support 4.0 |
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OVERVIEW
Bankrate identified key carrier features, coverage offerings, discounts and more
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Commonly known as AmFam, this Wisconsin-based insurer has been around since 1927. American Family may be a good option for policyholders who want a well-established provider known for a wide array of coverage options and affordable pricing. However, this carrier is only available in 19 states.
Read More
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Liberty Mutual offers several endorsement options to help drivers customize their coverage. This carrier also has various additional insurance products but ranks below average in J.D. Power U.S. Auto Insurance Study and Auto Claims Satisfaction Study.
Read More
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The Hartford provides similar types of insurance policies when compared to American Family. However, AARP members receive discounts and unique financial services by purchasing insurance through The Hartford. Non-AARP members are not eligible for special pricing.
Read More
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STANDOUT FEATURES
These features are some of the carrier’s most impressive
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Offers bundling discounts
High customer satisfaction
Lower than average rates
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Partners with Mexpro
Above-average digital experience
Many auto insurance discounts
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High customer satisfaction
Coverage add-ons available
Exclusive AARP discounts
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AVG FULL COV. AUTO RATE
Average national annual cost of a full coverage auto insurance policy
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| $2,688 | No rates available |
$2,694 |
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J.D. POWER AUTO SCORE
J.D. Power’s Auto Claims Satisfaction Study assesses customer satisfaction with the claims experience on a 1,000-point scale
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874/1000 |
870/1000 | 869/1000 |
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AVG HOME RATE
Average national annual cost of a home insurance policy with $300K in dwelling coverage
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$1,698 |
No rates available | $2,075 |
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J.D. POWER HOME SCORE
J.D. Power’s Property Claims Satisfaction Study assesses customer satisfaction with the claims experience on a 1,000-point scale
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638/1000 |
596/1000 | 626/1000 |
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AM BEST RATING
AM Best ratings assess companies’ financial strength based on historical ability to pay out claims, among other financial obligations
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| A(Excellent) | A(Excellent) |
A+(Superior) |
Why you can trust Bankrate
Read our full methodologyOur insurance editorial team includes licensed agents with decades of combined experience, and we used our intimate knowledge of the industry to conduct this in-depth American Family insurance review.
46
years of industry expertise
122
carriers reviewed
34.5K
ZIP codes examined
1.2M
quotes analyzed
Is American Family a good insurance company?
Bankrate’s insurance editorial team reviewed average auto insurance premiums from hundreds of carriers. Our research shows that American Family’s rates are relatively low compared to the national average. This could be ideal for car owners looking for affordable insurance policies.
AmFam has additional insurance policy types, as well, which can help policyholders with more complex needs who want to keep their insurance products under the same company. Furthermore, the company offers many discount opportunities that could help you save on insurance — as long as the company is available in your state.
What are real-life customers saying about American Family?
A great way to gauge the satisfaction of other policyholders is to read online reviews from real customers. Platforms like TrustPilot offer customers the chance to share their experiences with the public. On Trustpilot, users can post comments, but only the verified company can respond.
The overall takeaway from these reviews is that American Family customers are happy with their rate and thrilled at the attention to detail and quality of customer service. Another positive indication of good customer service is that AmFam responds to all comments on Trustpilot, good or bad.
TrustPilot
My car incurred significant damage after a hit-and-run incident in 2023. Fortunately, I had full coverage and was able to file a claim to help pay for repairs. I was impressed by American Family's communication throughout the process and appreciated that I could choose my preferred body shop to do the work.— Jessa Claeys, Bankrate editor and AmFam customer for over 20 years
American Family company details
If you are considering American Family for your insurance needs, here are some key contact details to help you get started:
- Customer service: 1-800-MYAMFAM (1-800-692-6326)
- Company website: amfam.com
- Claims: File a claim online or by calling customer service or your local agent
- Mailing address: 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783
State availability
American Family offers auto and life insurance policies in the following 19 states: AZ, CO, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, NV, ND, OH, OR, SD, UT, WA and WI.
American Family tools and benefits
In addition to auto and life insurance, American Family also offers:
- Umbrella insurance: An umbrella policy will provide additional liability coverage over your underlying auto, home and other policies.
- Motorcycle: When looking for motorcycle coverage, don’t forget about your motorcycle gear. AmFam offers up to $1,000 of coverage for helmets, boots and other motorcycle safety gear.
Frequently asked questions about American Family
Methodology
Auto
Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze November 2024 rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates are weighted based on the population density in each geographic region. Quoted rates for our base profile are based on the following characteristics and coverage levels:
Bodily injury liability
$100,000 per person$300,000 per accident
Property damage liability
$50,000 per accidentPersonal injury protection
$100,000 per accidentUninsured motorist bodily injury
$100,000 per person$300,000 per accident
Collision deductible
$500Comprehensive deductible
$500Other profiles
These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes.
Bankrate Scores
Our 2024 Bankrate Score considers variables our insurance editorial team determined impacts policyholders’ experiences with an insurance company. These rating factors include a robust assessment of each company’s product availability, financial strength ratings, online capabilities and customer and claims support accessibility. Each factor was added to a category, and these categories were weighted in a tiered approach to analyze how companies perform in key customer-impacting categories.
Each category was assigned a metric to determine performance, and the weighted sum adds up to a company’s total Bankrate Score — out of 5 points. Our scoring model provides a comprehensive view, indicating when companies excel across several key areas and highlighting where they fall short.
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Cost & ratings 50%
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Coverage & savings 30%
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Support 20%
- Tier 1 (Cost & ratings): To determine how well auto and home insurance companies satisfy these priorities, average quoted premiums from Quadrant Information Services (if available), as well as any of the latest third-party agency ratings from J.D. Power, AM Best, Demotech and the NAIC, were analyzed.
- Tier 2 (Coverage & savings): We assessed companies’ coverage options and availability to help policyholders find a provider that balances cost with coverage. Additionally, we evaluated each company’s discount options listed on its website.
- Tier 3 (Support): To encompass the many ways an auto insurance company can support policyholders, we analyzed avenues of customer accessibility along with community support. This analysis incorporated additional financial strength ratings from S&P and Moody’s and factored a company’s corporate sustainability efforts.
What policyholders are saying about American Family
American Family has 25 reviews
Dive into community reviews below and see what others think about American Family.
To help serve you with relevant information, the customer reviews shown are limited to only those that this advertiser has received during the past 12 months.
recommend this insurer
In May 2024, Bankrate collaborated with market research firm SliceMR to survey over 1,500 insurance customers nationwide, asking policyholders to rate their insurer’s cost, coverage, customer support and overall experience on a five-point scale. Bankrate and SliceMR collected and analyzed these customer ratings, along with website analytics and responses to three open-ended questions regarding customer experience. Responses are based on individual policyholders’ policy details and personal experience, and therefore cannot be verified for accuracy. Users received an incentive for their feedback. All ratings are unedited and have not been reviewed or approved by insurance carriers. User-generated ratings are separate from carrier Bankrate Scores — which are calculated based on our proprietary methodology — and may not match.
Community Reviews
