Metlife Auto Insurance: Is It A Good Choice?

MetLife is a well-known insurance company that offers a range of insurance products, including auto insurance. However, in 2021, Farmers Insurance acquired MetLife's auto and home insurance business, and as a result, MetLife no longer sells auto insurance directly to consumers. Despite this change, existing MetLife auto insurance customers will continue to be serviced by Farmers Insurance, with no immediate changes to their policies, coverage, or benefits. MetLife auto insurance is available in 44 states and offers a variety of coverage options and discounts. The company has received mixed reviews for its auto insurance, with some customers praising its features and discounts, while others have complained about unexpected delays or denials of claims. Overall, MetLife auto insurance is generally considered expensive compared to other providers, with higher rates for full coverage, minimum coverage, and speeding violations.

MetLife's auto insurance coverage options

MetLife offers all the standard auto insurance coverage options, including comprehensive, collision, and liability insurance, as well as uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, personal injury protection (PIP), and rental car coverage.

New Car Replacement Coverage

If you total your car within the first 15,000 miles or within one year of purchasing it (whichever comes first), MetLife will repair or replace your car with a new one. This does not apply to cars under a lease contract longer than six months or non-owned cars.

Special Parts Replacement Coverage

If certain auto parts, such as tires, batteries, brake parts, and steering or electrical wiring, become damaged in a covered loss, MetLife will replace them without deducting for depreciation. This does not apply if these parts are stolen.

Enhanced Rental Car Damage Coverage

This provides additional coverage if your rental car is damaged in a covered loss. MetLife will work with the rental car agency to ensure you are not charged additional expenses, including fees, the damaged rental car's loss of market value, and loss of use of that vehicle.

Glass Repairs Without a Deductible

MetLife will repair your windshield if it becomes chipped or cracked and waive your deductible.

Roadside Assistance Service and Towing Reimbursement

If your car breaks down, MetLife will reimburse roadside assistance fees and cover the cost of towing.

Gap Coverage for Leases or Loans

Even if the amount remaining on your lease or loan exceeds the value of your vehicle, MetLife will pay off your car if it's totalled in an accident.

Legal Defense Cost Coverage

MetLife will cover your legal fees if you're sued and reimburse you for lost wages, up to $200 per day.

Customer satisfaction and complaints

MetLife has an average customer satisfaction rating and an above-average score for complaints. According to J.D. Power, MetLife auto insurance rates about average on a national level while consistently rating below average in many regional markets. MetLife's customer complaint score from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) is 1.00, which means it has received an average number of customer complaints for an insurance company its size. Most complaints appear to result from unexpected delays or denials of claims.

Cost of MetLife auto insurance

MetLife's auto insurance rates are typically higher than those of its top competitors. According to Forbes, MetLife has the highest car insurance rates for good drivers among its top competitors.

MoneyGeek also found that MetLife is expensive for most drivers, with an average annual cost of $1,686 for their sample driver. However, for young drivers, MetLife is moderately priced.

MetLife offers a range of discounts to help lower monthly premiums, including:

• Deductible savings benefit: $50 for every year you don't make a claim, up to a maximum of $250.
• Multi-policy discount: Discounts for customers with multiple types of insurance policies, such as auto and homeowners or auto and life insurance.
• Multi-car discount: Reduced rates for insuring more than two cars under the same policy.
• Good student discount: Applicable for students under 25 who meet certain academic requirements.
• Student away discount: For students younger than 25 who live at an educational institution at least 100 miles from home and have limited access to the insured vehicle.
• Superior driver discount: Discount for drivers with an excellent driving record.
• Defensive driver discount: For licensed drivers who complete a MetLife-approved defensive driving course.
• Safety and anti-theft devices discount: For installing a qualifying safety system or anti-theft device.

Additionally, MetLife's My Journey® program, available in select states, offers a discount of up to 10% for enrolling and up to 30% based on a safe driving score at the time of renewal.

Discounts offered by MetLife

MetLife auto insurance customers have been transitioned to Farmers Insurance Group following its acquisition of MetLife's auto and homeowners policies. Farmers Insurance has stated that there will be no immediate changes to existing policies, coverages, or benefits.

Multi-Policy Discount

Farmers Insurance is working to create a discount for customers who have a car insurance policy through both MetLife and Farmers Insurance. Customers are advised to contact Farmers Insurance to see if a multi-policy discount is available in their state.

Employment or Association Discounts

Farmers Insurance will honour discounts and benefits if customers currently get car insurance or home insurance discounts through their employer or association membership.

MetLife Employee and Retiree Discounts

There will be no interruption for group discounts for MetLife employees and retirees.

Deductible Savings Benefit

MetLife offers a deductible savings benefit where you can earn $50 for every year you don't make a claim (up to a maximum of $250), which can be used toward your deductible for a covered loss.

Multi-Car Discount

MetLife offers reduced rates if you insure more than two cars under the same policy. Consult a MetLife agent for details.

Good Student Discount

MetLife offers a good student discount for students under 25 enrolled in high school, community college, full-time college, graduate school, or vocational or technical programs who meet MetLife's academic requirements.

Student Away Discount

Students under 25 can take advantage of this discount if they reside at an educational institution at least 100 miles from home and have limited access to the insured vehicle.

Superior Driver Discount

MetLife rewards drivers with a discount if every person on the policy has an excellent driving record.

Defensive Driver Discount

If you have been licensed for at least two years and complete a MetLife-approved defensive driving course, you are eligible for a discount that applies annually for three years.

Safety and Anti-Theft Devices Discount

MetLife offers a discount for installing a qualifying safety system or anti-theft device, such as passive and active disabling systems.

MetLife's other insurance products

MetLife is a well-known name in the insurance industry, with a history dating back to 1863 when it was known as the National Life and Limb Insurance Co. The company has since expanded its offerings beyond auto and home insurance, providing a range of insurance products to meet diverse needs.

Life Insurance

MetLife offers life insurance solutions to secure your family's future financially. They provide different types of life insurance, including term life insurance and permanent life insurance. Term life insurance covers a specified period, usually one to 20 years, while permanent life insurance offers lifelong protection as long as premiums are paid. Permanent policies may also accumulate cash value, providing a tax-favoured way to build wealth.

Health Insurance

MetLife offers health insurance solutions to protect individuals and their loved ones in case of unexpected accidents or illnesses. This includes hospital indemnity insurance, which provides financial protection in case of hospitalisation, and critical illness insurance, which provides financial assistance during severe illnesses.

Dental and Vision Insurance

MetLife's dental insurance plans offer protection for routine dental care, oral surgery, and orthodontics. Their vision insurance provides similar coverage for eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses, ensuring that individuals can maintain their eye health without financial strain.

Pet Insurance

Recognising that pets are important members of the family, MetLife offers pet insurance to provide reimbursement for covered vet visits, accidents, and illnesses. This ensures that pet owners can give their furry friends the best possible care without breaking the bank.

Legal Insurance

MetLife also offers legal insurance, providing access to a network of lawyers who can provide expert legal advice for life's big moments. This includes will preparation services and estate resolution services, ensuring that individuals can navigate legal matters with confidence.

Other Protection Products

In addition to the above, MetLife provides disability insurance, identity and fraud protection, and various employee benefits, including health savings accounts and accident and health insurance.

While MetLife has a range of insurance products, it's always a good idea to shop around and compare rates and coverage options to find the best fit for your specific needs.

Frequently asked questions