Connect Auto Insurance: Good Option Or Not?

Connect auto insurance is a subsidiary of American Family Insurance, offering policies in 43 to 44 states. It provides affordable rates for basic coverage, with extra discounts for Costco members. However, it offers fewer digital tools than most major insurers, and has received mixed reviews from customers. While some praise its competitive rates and responsive claims process, others have expressed concerns over unexpected premium hikes and communication issues.

Connect auto insurance offers good rates for new car owners

Connect auto insurance, a subsidiary of American Family, offers good rates for new car owners. The company provides affordable rates for basic coverage and offers a variety of discounts. Connect is a solid option for those on a budget, especially if you've recently purchased a new vehicle and need GAP coverage.

Connect's rates are lower than average, and they offer a plethora of driver discounts. For example, drivers can receive discounts for having a clean driving record, taking a defensive driving course, having a college degree, and installing safety features in their vehicle.

In addition, Connect partners with Costco to offer members lower-than-average rates. According to Costco, customers reported savings of an average of $595.86 during the first year they switched their car insurance to Connect.

Connect is widely available, covering drivers in 43 states. While it doesn't have a mobile app, its low rates may be more important to drivers seeking cheap car insurance.

Connect also offers additional coverage options, such as roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, and GAP coverage, which is ideal for those who have recently purchased a new car.

Overall, Connect auto insurance is a good option for new car owners seeking affordable rates, multiple discounts, and additional coverage options.

Connect auto insurance is available in most states

Connect auto insurance is available in 43 or 44 states and Washington, D.C. The company does not operate in Alaska, Louisiana, Maine, North Dakota, Rhode Island, and Wyoming. In California and Florida, Connect is not writing new policies.

Connect, formerly Ameriprise, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Family Insurance. It was purchased by American Family in 2020 and renamed Connect in 2020. The company is headquartered in De Pere, Wisconsin, and has been in business since 1986.

Connect offers affordable rates for basic coverage, with a variety of discounts available. These include discounts for being a good student, taking a defensive driving course, having a college degree, and installing safety features in your vehicle. There are also extra discounts for Costco members.

Connect does not have a mobile app, which may be a drawback for some customers.

Connect auto insurance offers a wide range of discounts

Connect auto insurance offers the following discounts:

• Garaging discount: For drivers who park their car in a garage overnight in certain areas.
• Premier safety discount: For drivers with a clean record, who have not filed any claims in the last four years.
• Tenure discount: For customers who maintain continuous coverage with Connect over a number of years.
• Vehicle safety discounts: For cars with anti-lock brakes, airbags, automatic seatbelts, and anti-theft devices.
• Good student discount: For full-time students with good grades.
• Away-from-home student discount: For students who go to school more than 100 miles from where the insured vehicle is located.
• Multi-policy discount: For customers who bundle their auto insurance with home, renters, or umbrella insurance.

Connect also offers additional discounts for Costco members, as it sells insurance primarily through its partnership with Costco. According to the Costco website, customers saved an average of $595.86 during the first year of switching to Connect auto insurance.

Connect auto insurance also offers discounts for defensive driving course completion and having a college degree.

Connect auto insurance has a higher-than-average number of customer complaints

Connect's parent company, American Family, has also received a higher-than-average number of complaints. In the 2023 J.D. Power U.S. Insurance Digital Experience Study, American Family scored slightly below average, indicating that it may need to enhance its services for customers who prefer to manage their policies online.

Reviews on Reddit, Trustpilot, and WalletHub provide further insight into customer experiences with Connect auto insurance. While some customers praise the company's competitive rates and responsive claims process, others express concerns over unexpected premium hikes, communication issues during policy renewal, and difficulties with claims. These reviews highlight mixed experiences, with some finding value in their policies and others encountering challenges.

It's important to note that online reviews may not represent the full spectrum of customer experiences. However, the higher-than-average number of complaints suggests that Connect auto insurance may need to address customer service and claims management to enhance its services.

Connect auto insurance is underwritten by American Family Insurance

Connect, powered by American Family Insurance, offers auto, homeowners, renters, and umbrella insurance in 44 states and Washington, D.C. The company primarily distributes its products through strategic partnerships with wholesale retailers like Costco and financial services companies like Ameriprise Financial, Inc. Connect's insurance products are underwritten by two companies: American Family Connect Property and Casualty Insurance Company and American Family Connect Insurance Company.

Connect auto insurance provides additional benefits within certain coverage types. For example, comprehensive coverage includes stolen key expense coverage, and Connect offers gap insurance and new car replacement insurance for added protection. Connect also provides roadside assistance and accident travel expense coverage.

While Connect auto insurance has received praise for its competitive rates and responsive claims process, there have been concerns over unexpected premium hikes and communication issues during policy renewal. The company has also received more customer complaints than the industry average, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Complaint Index. Additionally, Connect's insurance products are not available nationwide, and its lack of a strongly rated mobile app may be a drawback for some customers.

Overall, Connect auto insurance, backed by American Family Insurance, could be a good option for those seeking flexible coverage at a reasonable price. However, it is important to consider the company's limited state availability, customer satisfaction ratings, and NAIC complaint index scores before making a decision.

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