Metlife Auto Insurance: Exploring The Annual Advantage

MetLife no longer offers auto insurance to new customers. In 2021, the company sold its home and auto insurance business to Farmers Insurance Group, and new customers must now look elsewhere for car insurance. Former MetLife policies are now serviced by Farmers, which offers a range of insurance solutions, including collision and comprehensive auto insurance, liability insurance, personal injury protection, and rental car reimbursement.

MetLife no longer offers car insurance to new customers

If you had an existing car insurance policy with MetLife, your policy is now serviced by Farmers. Former MetLife policyholders who moved to Farmers may still benefit from various discounts, including employee and retiree discounts, multi-policy discounts, and other employment or group discounts.

While MetLife no longer sells home and auto insurance products, the company still offers a wide range of other insurance policies, including accident and health insurance, disability insurance, and identity theft insurance.

Former MetLife policies are now serviced by Farmers Insurance

MetLife sold its auto and home insurance business to Farmers Insurance in 2021. This means that former MetLife policyholders now have their insurance serviced by Farmers Insurance or Foremost, a Farmers subsidiary.

If you previously had a MetLife policy, you will now see Farmers or Foremost branding on your insurance documents. You can no longer use the MetLife mobile app to manage your policy and will need to switch to the Farmers app.

While you can no longer purchase car insurance through MetLife, the company still offers a wide range of other insurance policies, including accident and health insurance, disability insurance, and identity theft insurance.

Employees can save money on auto insurance

MetLife no longer offers car insurance to new customers, but former policyholders who moved to Farmers Insurance following the 2021 acquisition may still benefit from employee and retiree discounts.

Shop Around for Insurance

Shopping for auto insurance is like shopping for any major item. It's worth taking the time to find the policy that best meets your needs and budget. Get at least three quotes from different insurance companies and different types of insurance companies. Compare insurance costs before buying a car—auto insurance premiums are based in part on the car's price, the cost to repair it, its overall safety record, and the likelihood of theft.

Discounts

Ask your insurance company about potential discounts. For example, some companies offer discounts for driving fewer miles, maintaining a good driving record, setting up automatic payments and paperless billing, signing up for a driving monitoring program, or having certain occupations or group memberships. If you're working from home and no longer commuting, your insurance company might offer a pay-per-mile policy that could save you money.

Deductible

A deductible is the amount you pay before the insurance company will pay a claim. Switching to a higher deductible can lower your insurance premium, but remember that a higher deductible means you'll pay more out-of-pocket if you do need to make a claim.

Review Your Coverage

Review the various coverages in your policy to ensure they align with your needs. If you have collision coverage on an old car that's paid off, make sure the car's value is worth more than what you're paying for that coverage. If you have gap coverage on your car, you can cancel it when you owe less than the vehicle is worth.

Group Insurance

Some companies offer reductions to drivers who get insurance through a group plan from their employers, professional associations, business groups, or alumni groups. Check with your affiliated organizations to see what they offer.

Multi-Policy Discounts

Many insurers will give you a discount if you purchase two or more types of insurance from them, such as homeowners and auto insurance, or if you have more than one vehicle insured.

Low Mileage Discounts

Some companies offer discounts to motorists who drive less than the average number of miles per year, including those who carpool to work.

Remember to evaluate your current plans during open enrollment to ensure you're getting the coverage you need and explore additional benefits, such as employee discounts on auto insurance.

Discounts for mature drivers

MetLife no longer offers car insurance to new customers. In 2021, the company sold its home and auto insurance business to Farmers Insurance. Therefore, drivers looking to purchase a new car insurance policy should look elsewhere.

However, for those who had car insurance with MetLife and are now working with Farmers, there are several discounts available. These include employee and retiree discounts, multi-policy discounts, and other employment or group discounts.

For mature drivers specifically, discounts are available through Farmers Insurance, as well as other insurance providers. In California, for example, mature drivers aged 50 and older with AAA insurance are eligible for a discount on their auto insurance. This discount is offered to those who complete a Mature Driver Improvement Course, which is designed for drivers 55 and older. The course provides instruction on California motor vehicle laws, updates on rules of the road, and the effects of medication, fatigue, alcohol, and sensory limitations on driving ability.

The California Mature Driver Course is offered online and in-classroom, with a maximum duration of 400 minutes for the initial course and 240 minutes for the renewal course. The certificate earned upon completion is valid for three years and can be renewed by taking a subsequent course within one year of the expiration of the previous certificate. The course fee is $30, plus a $1 charge for a DMV certificate, which serves as proof of completion.

Mature drivers can benefit from reduced insurance premiums by taking advantage of these improvement courses and the associated discounts offered by insurance providers. It is recommended to check with individual insurance companies to understand their specific discounts and eligibility requirements for mature drivers.

MetLife auto insurance reviews

MetLife has high financial stability scores, with an A+ rating from AM Best, indicating its ability to pay claims. However, its ratings for the quality of customer service are average or below average. According to J.D. Power, MetLife auto insurance rates are about average on a national level but consistently rate below average in many regional markets.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) data shows that MetLife's customer complaint ratio is 0.89, indicating slightly better-than-average complaint numbers. Most complaints appear to result from difficulties with the claims process and unexpected fees.

MetLife offers a range of discounts, including bundling, multiple cars, good student grades, safe driving, anti-theft systems, and paperless billing. Unique discounts are also available for those without late fees for 12 months and for those aged 55 or older who have completed a safe driving course.

MetLife offers standard coverages such as liability insurance and comprehensive and collision insurance. They also provide add-on coverages like roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, accident forgiveness, and new car replacement. However, they do not offer gap insurance coverage, better car replacement, or deductible modification.

MetLife's mobile app allows customers to alter their policies, file claims, and pay premiums directly. The app has received low user ratings and is considered less robust than competitors' apps.

In summary, while MetLife has strong financial stability and offers a variety of discounts, its auto insurance is generally considered expensive, and its customer service and digital tools could be improved.

Frequently asked questions