This review will show you the twenty largest companies insuring private passenger vehicles in New York, ranking them from best to worst, based on their number of upheld complaints filed with the New York State Department of Financial Services. Most consumers fail to check the complaint records of their insurance companies, and are unaware of all the major auto insurance companies in their state. The information I provide in this review not only helps you evaluate your auto insurance company, it helps you know about the other leading companies, so you can shop for lower rates and better service. I update this review or write a new review with the latest complaint statistics each year, so bookmark or place my website in your favorites!The New York Department of Financial Services website, is the source of the information presented in this review regarding NY auto insurance company market share & complaint information. The New York auto insurance company complaint ratios used in the rankings compare the number of each auto insurance company’s upheld complaints, as a percentage of the average of its last 2 years of auto insurance premium it has collected for all its customers. The latest data is from 2011 and 2010. Upheld complaints occur when the department agrees with a consumer that an auto insurer made an inappropriate decision. Complaints made only to the company are not included. Converting the number of complaints received by each company into a ratio, considering the NY auto insurance market share for each company, allows you to fairly compare a large auto insurance company with a smaller auto insurance company. The company complaint ratio with the lowest number has less complaints per one million dollars of auto insurance premium it collects in New York.

For example, 21st Century Advantage Insurance Company had one upheld complaint, and its 2012 auto insurance complaint ratio is .0511 complaints per 1 million of NY auto insurance premium charged by the company. Amica Mutual Insurance Company has more than four times the NY auto insurance market share than 21st Century Advantage. Amica Mutual Insurance Company also had 1 upheld complaint, but its auto insurance complaint ratio is much lower, at .0112 complaints per 1 million of NY auto insurance premium charged by the company. It’s a lot more impressive to have only one upheld complaint when you have more than 4 times as many customers.

Complaint ratios help you fairly compare the complaint records of different companies, regardless of their size, but they don’t tell you when a complaint ratio is high enough to be a cause of concern. I’ve made some calculations, which I will include for each company in this review, to show you how the total complaints and upheld complaints for each company compare to the average, so you’ll know if the company has an above or below average number of complaints.

Here is some more information about the nature of the complaints gathered, from the New York Department of Financial Services website:

Why are only “upheld” complaints included in the ratio?

A complaint is counted against a company only if the company was found to be at fault in a disputed matter by the Department. The company is not penalized if it acted in a legally responsible manner.

What are the most common complaints?

Complaints about the value of monetary settlements are the most common, followed by complaints about policy terminations. The Department also receives complaints about the promptness of claims payments.

What is a “question of fact” complaint?

A question of fact arises when a consumer and an insurer cannot agree on the facts of a case. For example, a driver is involved in an accident with an insurer’s policyholder and there are no witnesses. The driver says he did not run a red light, while the insurer, based on its policyholder’s statement, insists that he did. Since the examiner handling the complaint was not at the scene of the accident and there were no witnesses, the complaint is generally closed as a “question of fact” dispute and does not count against an insurer.

20 Largest Auto Insurance Companies in New York Ranked from Best to Worst by their 2012 New York Complaint Ratings

The auto insurance companies on this list represent about 84% of the New York auto insurance market, as measured by the average written auto insurance premium for 2011 & 2010 in New York for all companies. The average for all the companies in these rankings is one complaint per 2.333 million of dollars of written premium. The average for upheld complaints is one complaint per 25.063 million of dollars of written premium.

Most insurance companies have several separate subsidiary companies selling auto insurance. Companies with multiple subsidiary companies large enough to be considered in this review are ranked by their largest subsidiary’s complaint ratio. Many companies have several subsidiaries, so it’s important to know the exact name of the subsidiary company insuring or quoting you. For example, it’s not enough to know you are insured with Allstate, because if your cars are insured by Allstate Indemnity Company, that Allstate subsidiary did not have a large enough NY auto insurance market share to be included in this review.

Please refer to the link to the New York Department of Financial Services provided earlier in this review, to see complaint information for all the companies insuring cars in New York, if your auto insurance company is not listed in this review. You can email me if you want my opinion about the company and the complaint data. You can get auto insurance quotes direct from many of the companies reviewed in this article by using the ads on this page & my website.

1. Kemper Independence Insurance Company

2010-2011 NY auto insurance complaint ratio = .0000

Average 2011-2010 NY written auto insurance premium (in millions of dollars): 55.999

This Kemper company had no upheld complaints in the latest published complaint data, giving it a complaint ratio of zero. It also had no complaints in NY for the complaint ratios published for 2011. For 2012, there were 10 questions of fact, where the person filing the complaint and the insurance company could not agree on the facts, and 4 complaints not upheld against the company. Kemper Independence Insurance Company not only has the best upheld complaint record on this list, it’s overall number of complaints is lower than the average for all the auto insurance companies in this review, at 58% of the average.

2. New York Central Mutual

NY Central Mutual has two subsidiary companies selling auto insurance in New York, and large enough to be included with the top 20 biggest companies:

New York Central Mutual Fire Insurance Company

2010-2011 NY auto insurance complaint ratio = .0085

Average 2011-2010 NY written auto insurance premium (in millions of dollars): 235.051

New York Central Mutual Fire Insurance Company had two upheld complaints in the latest published complaint data. There were 65 complaints not upheld or withdrawn. There were 25 questions of fact. New York Central Mutual Fire Insurance Company not only has a superior 2012 complaint ratio to all but two companies on this list, the company improved over its also very good 2011 NY auto insurance complaint ratio of .0130. New York Central Mutual Fire Insurance Company had a lower than average number of upheld complaints, about 22% of what would be average, based on its size. New York Central Mutual Fire Insurance Company had a slightly lower than average number of overall complaints, about 92% of what would be average, based on its size.

New York Central Mutual performed well in this year’s JD Power auto insurance customer satisfaction study. Click this link to read my New York Central Mutual auto & home insurance review.

A. Central Insurance Company

2010-2011 NY auto insurance complaint ratio = .0486

Average 2011-2010 NY written auto insurance premium (in millions of dollars): 61.767

A. Central Insurance Company had three upheld complaints in the latest published complaint data. There were 30 complaints not upheld or withdrawn. There were 27 questions of fact. A. Central Insurance Company had a higher than average number of upheld complaints, about 22% more than average, based on its size. A. Central Insurance Company had a much higher than average number of overall complaints, about 130% more than average, based on its size. You can find out more information about A. Central, in my NYCM review, by clicking this link to read about A. Central auto insurance.

NYCM Summary Note: Looking at the complaint statistics for these two NYCM subsidiaries, a person would likely prefer New York Central Mutual Fire Insurance Company over A. Central. However, customers don’t have their pick of subsidiaries. I suspect A. Central is for drivers not qualifying for standard auto insurance, due to their driving record or other reasons. This type of auto insurance company almost always has higher complaint statistics than standard auto insurance companies. If you are insured with, or quoted A. Central for your auto insurance, it’s probably because you do not qualify for New York Central Mutual Fire Insurance Company. If this is the case, you should compare A Central’s complaint record against the complaint records of other auto insurance companies willing to insure you, not the complaint records of auto insurance companies for which you do not qualify.

3. GEICO

GEICO has three subsidiaries large enough to make this review:

Geico General Insurance Company

2010-2011 NY auto insurance complaint ratio = .0107

Average 2011-2010 NY written auto insurance premium (in millions of dollars): 1397.051

Geico General improved in 2012 on its also very good 2011 NY auto insurance complaint ratio of .0156. Geico General Insurance Company had 15 upheld complaints in the latest published complaint data. There were 226 complaints not upheld or withdrawn. There were 190 questions of fact. Geico General Insurance Company had a much lower than average number of upheld complaints, about 27% of what would be average, based on its size. Geico General Insurance Company had a lower than average number of overall complaints, about 72% of what would be average, based on its size.

Geico Indemnity Company

2010-2011 NY auto insurance complaint ratio = .0125

Average 2011-2010 NY written auto insurance premium (in millions of dollars): 640.146

Geico Indemnity greatly improved in 2012 on its 2011 NY auto insurance complaint ratio of .0227. Geico Indemnity Company had 8 upheld complaints in the latest published complaint data. There were 109 complaints not upheld or withdrawn. There were 72 questions of fact. Geico Indemnity Company had a much lower than average number of upheld complaints, about 31% of what would be average, based on its size. Geico Indemnity Company had a lower than average number of overall complaints, about 69% of what would be average, based on its size.

Government Employees Insurance Company

2010-2011 NY auto insurance complaint ratio = .0060

Average 2011-2010 NY written auto insurance premium (in millions of dollars): 501.969

Government Employees greatly improved in 2012 on its 2011 NY auto insurance complaint ratio of .0336. Government Employees Insurance Company had 3 upheld complaints in the latest published complaint data. There were 143 complaints not upheld or withdrawn. There were 97 questions of fact. Government Employees Insurance Company had a much lower than average number of upheld complaints, about 15% of what would be average, based on its size. Government Employees Insurance Company had a higher than average number of overall complaints, about 13% more than average, based on its size.

GEICO Summary Note: Whether you qualify for Geico General or Geico Indemnity, will most likely depend on your driving record, claims, or prior insurance history. Qualifying for Government Employees will depend on your employer, as well as your driving record. The higher than average number of overall complaints for Government Employees Insurance Company is a concern, but one year’s complaint record should not be the sole factor for choosing or not choosing an auto insurance company. Otherwise, the 2012 auto insurance complaint ratios for these GEICO companies are a positive sign, though other things should be considered before selecting auto insurance company.

4. Progressive

Progressive has a lot of subsidiary companies, and six of them are big enough to be included in this review:

Progressive Northern Insurance Company

2010-2011 NY auto insurance complaint ratio = .0156

Average 2011-2010 NY written auto insurance premium (in millions of dollars): 128.244

Progressive Northern improved in 2012 on its 2011 NY auto insurance complaint ratio of .0225. Progressive Northern Insurance Company had 2 upheld complaints in the latest published complaint data. There were 16 complaints not upheld or withdrawn. There were 11 questions of fact. Progressive Northern Insurance Company had a much lower than average number of upheld complaints, about 40% of what would be average, based on its size. Progressive Northern Insurance Company had a lower than average number of overall complaints, about 53% of what would be average, based on its size.

Progressive Casualty Insurance Company

2010-2011 NY auto insurance complaint ratio = .0916

Average 2011-2010 NY written auto insurance premium (in millions of dollars): 98.255

Progressive Casualty Insurance Company had 9 upheld complaints in the latest published complaint data. There were 51 complaints not upheld or withdrawn. There were 12 questions of fact. Progressive Casualty Insurance Company had a much higher than average number of upheld complaints, about 125% more than average, based on its size. Progressive Casualty Insurance Company had a much higher than average number of overall complaints, about 71% more than average, based on its size.

Progressive Specialty Insurance Company

2010-2011 NY auto insurance complaint ratio = .0106

Average 2011-2010 NY written auto insurance premium (in millions of dollars): 94.159

Progressive Specialty Insurance Company had 1 upheld complaint in the latest published complaint data. There were 26 complaints not upheld or withdrawn. There were 6 questions of fact. Progressive Specialty Insurance Company had a much lower than average number of upheld complaints, about 27% of what would be average, based on its size. Progressive Specialty Insurance Company had a lower than average number of overall complaints, about 83% of what would be average, based on its size.

Progressive Advanced Insurance Company

2010-2011 NY auto insurance complaint ratio = .0533

Average 2011-2010 NY written auto insurance premium (in millions of dollars): 75.065

Progressive Advanced Insurance Company had 4 upheld complaints in the latest published complaint data. There were 25 complaints not upheld or withdrawn. There were 2 questions of fact. Progressive Advanced Insurance Company had a higher than average number of upheld complaints, about 33% more than average, based on its size. Progressive Advanced Insurance Company had an about average number of overall complaints, approximately 97% of what would be average, based on its size.

Progressive Direct Insurance Company

2010-2011 NY auto insurance complaint ratio = .0590

Average 2011-2010 NY written auto insurance premium (in millions of dollars): 67.849

Progressive Direct Insurance Company had 4 upheld complaints in the latest published complaint data. There were 49 complaints not upheld or withdrawn. There were 13 questions of fact. Progressive Direct Insurance Company had a higher than average number of upheld complaints, about 33% more than what would be average, based on its size. Progressive Direct Insurance Company had a much higher than average number of overall complaints, about 128% more than average, based on its size.

Progressive Preferred Insurance Company

2010-2011 NY auto insurance complaint ratio = .0182

Average 2011-2010 NY written auto insurance premium (in millions of dollars): 54.859

Progressive Preferred Insurance Company had 1 upheld complaints in the latest published complaint data. There were 7 complaints not upheld or withdrawn. There were 11 questions of fact. Progressive Preferred Insurance Company had a lower than average number of upheld complaints, about 50% of what would be average, based on its size. Progressive Preferred Insurance Company had a lower than average number of overall complaints, about 79% of what would be average, based on its size.

Progressive Summary Note: As you can see, Progressive has many subsidiary auto insurance companies, and some of them are too small to make the list. There can be several reasons for auto insurance companies to have different subsidiaries, but the bottom line for the customer is the price will vary for each subsidiary. To be thorough when you shop with Progressive, you should get an auto insurance quote direct from the company, and from an independent agent. Progressive, like GEICO, is one of the companies gaining the most auto insurance market share nationally in recent years, and this growth has been achieved by extensive advertising and competitive rates.

5. Amica Mutual Insurance Company

2010-2011 NY auto insurance complaint ratio = .0112

Average 2011-2010 NY written auto insurance premium (in millions of dollars): 89.669

Amica Mutual Insurance Company had 1 upheld complaints in the latest published complaint data. There were 6 complaints not upheld or withdrawn. There were 3 questions of fact. Amica Mutual Insurance Company had a much lower than average number of upheld complaints, about 25% of what would be average, based on its size. Amica Mutual Insurance Company had a much lower than average number of overall complaints, about 26% of what would be average, based on its size.

Amica Summary Note: Although Amica is ranked number 5 on this list, it has a much lower level of overall complaints, compared to the other companies on this list. Amica also performs extremely well in the annual JD Power auto insurance customer & claims satisfaction studies. You can find out more by reading my review of Amica auto & home insurance.

6. State Farm

State Farm has two subsidiaries big enough for this review:

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company

2010-2011 NY auto insurance complaint ratio = .0248

Average 2011-2010 NY written auto insurance premium (in millions of dollars): 1,087.724

State Farm Mutual improved in 2012 on its 2011 NY auto insurance complaint ratio of .0361. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company had 27 upheld complaints in the latest published complaint data. There were 219 complaints not upheld or withdrawn. There were 131 questions of fact. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company had a lower than average number of upheld complaints, about 63% of what would be average, based on its size. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company had a lower than average number of overall complaints, about 81% of what would be average, based on its size.

State Farm Fire & Casualty Company

2010-2011 NY auto insurance complaint ratio = .0226

Average 2011-2010 NY written auto insurance premium (in millions of dollars): 176.852

State Farm Fire & Casualty Company had 4 upheld complaints in the latest published complaint data. There were 38 complaints not upheld or withdrawn. There were 14 questions of fact. State Farm Fire & Casualty Company had a lower than average number of upheld complaints, about 57% of what would be average, based on its size. State Farm Fire & Casualty Company had a lower than average number of overall complaints, about 74% of what would be average, based on its size.

7. Adirondack Insurance Exchange

2010-2011 NY auto insurance complaint ratio = .0268

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Adirondack Insurance Exchange had 2 upheld complaints in the latest published complaint data. There were 11 complaints not upheld or withdrawn. There were 5 questions of fact. Adirondack Insurance Exchange had a lower than average number of upheld complaints, about 67% of what would be average, based on its size. Adirondack Insurance Exchange had a lower than average number of overall complaints, about 56% of what would be average, based on its size.

8. Metlife

Metlife has two subsidiary companies big enough for this review:

Metropolitan Casualty Insurance Company

2010-2011 NY auto insurance complaint ratio = .0296

Average 2011-2010 NY written auto insurance premium (in millions of dollars): 134.97

Metropolitan Casualty Insurance Company had 4 upheld complaints in the latest published complaint data. There were 25 complaints not upheld or withdrawn. There were 6 questions of fact. Metropolitan Casualty Insurance Company had a lower than average number of upheld complaints, about 80% of what would be average, based on its size. Metropolitan Casualty Insurance Company had a lower than average number of overall complaints, about 60% of what would be average, based on its size.

Metropolitan Group Property & Casualty Insurance Company

2010-2011 NY auto insurance complaint ratio = .0251

Average 2011-2010 NY written auto insurance premium (in millions of dollars): 79.576

Metropolitan Group Property & Casualty Insurance Company had 2 upheld complaints in the latest published complaint data. There were 8 complaints not upheld or withdrawn. There were 5 questions of fact. Metropolitan Group Property & Casualty Insurance Company had a lower than average number of upheld complaints, about 67% of what would be average, based on its size. Metropolitan Group Property & Casualty Insurance Company had a much lower than average number of overall complaints, about 44% of what would be average, based on its size.

Metlife Summary Note: Metropolitan Group P & C Insurance Company is a group benefit plan, so your employer must be a participant in the group for you to be eligible.

9. Liberty Mutual Fire Insurance Company

2010-2011 NY auto insurance complaint ratio = .0325

Average 2011-2010 NY written auto insurance premium (in millions of dollars): 491.956

Liberty Mutual Fire greatly improved in 2012 on its 2011 NY auto insurance complaint ratio of .0547. Liberty Mutual Fire Insurance Company had 16 upheld complaints in the latest published complaint data. There were 88 complaints not upheld or withdrawn. There were 43 questions of fact. Liberty Mutual Fire Insurance Company had a lower than average number of upheld complaints, about 80% of what would be average, based on its size. Liberty Mutual Fire Insurance Company had a lower than average number of overall complaints, about 70% of what would be average, based on its size.

10. Travelers

Travelers has two subsidiary companies large enough for this review:

Travelers Home & Marine Insurance Company

2010-2011 NY auto insurance complaint ratio = .0327

Average 2011-2010 NY written auto insurance premium (in millions of dollars): 244.51

Travelers Home & Marine greatly improved in 2012 on its also very good 2011 NY auto insurance complaint ratio of .0504. Travelers Home & Marine Insurance Company had 8 upheld complaints in the latest published complaint data. There were 23 complaints not upheld or withdrawn. There were 12 questions of fact. Travelers Home & Marine Insurance Company had a lower than average number of upheld complaints, about 80% of what would be average, based on its size. Travelers Home & Marine Insurance Company had a much lower than average number of overall complaints, about 41% of what would be average, based on its size.

Travelers Property Casualty Company of America

2010-2011 NY auto insurance complaint ratio = .0364

Average 2011-2010 NY written auto insurance premium (in millions of dollars): 137.191

Travelers Property Casualty Company of America had 5 upheld complaints in the latest published complaint data. There were 23 complaints not upheld or withdrawn. There were 10 questions of fact. Travelers Property Casualty Company of America had about an average number of upheld complaints, about 91% of the average, based on its size. Travelers Property Casualty Company of America had a lower than average number of overall complaints, about 64% of what would be average, based on its size.

11. Nationwide

Nationwide insurance has two subsidiaries large enough for this review:

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company

2010-2011 NY auto insurance complaint ratio = .0359

Average 2011-2010 NY written auto insurance premium (in millions of dollars): 111.289

Nationwide Mutual performed much worse in 2012, compared to its 2011 NY auto insurance complaint ratio of .0081. Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company had 4 upheld complaints in the latest published complaint data. There were 14 complaints not upheld or withdrawn. There were 7 questions of fact. Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company had about the same as the average number of upheld complaints expected for its size, about 90% of the average. Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company had a lower than average number of overall complaints, about 52% of what would be average, based on its size.

Nationwide Insurance Company of America

2010-2011 NY auto insurance complaint ratio = .0410

Average 2011-2010 NY written auto insurance premium (in millions of dollars): 97.532

Nationwide Insurance Company of America had 4 upheld complaints in the latest published complaint data. There were 16 complaints not upheld or withdrawn. There were 10 questions of fact. Nationwide Insurance Company of America had an about average number of upheld complaints, approximately 103% of what would be average, based on its size. Nationwide Insurance Company of America had a lower than average number of overall complaints, about 71% of what would be average, based on its size.

Nationwide Summary Note: Whether you are insured with Nationwide Mutual or Nationwide Insurance Company of America, may depend on whether you purchased your auto insurance direct from the company, from a Nationwide agent, or from an independent insurance agent.

12. Preferred Mutual Insurance Company

2010-2011 NY auto insurance complaint ratio = .0531

Average 2011-2010 NY written auto insurance premium (in millions of dollars): 56.518

Preferred Mutual Insurance Company had 3 upheld complaints in the latest published complaint data. There were 7 complaints not upheld or withdrawn. There were 12 questions of fact. Preferred Mutual Insurance Company had a higher than average number of upheld complaints, about 33% more than average, based on its size. Preferred Mutual Insurance Company had an about average number of overall complaints, approximately 92% of the average, based on its size.

13. Hartford Insurance Company of Illinois

2010-2011 NY auto insurance complaint ratio = .0607

Average 2011-2010 NY written auto insurance premium (in millions of dollars): 65.846

Hartford Insurance Company of Illinois had 4 upheld complaints in the latest published complaint data. There were 22 complaints not upheld or withdrawn. There were 6 questions of fact. Hartford Insurance Company of Illinois had a higher than average number of upheld complaints, about 52% more than average, based on its size. Hartford Insurance Company of Illinois had a higher than average number of overall complaints, about 14% more than average, based on its size.

14. USAA

USAA has restricted eligibility to the military, their immediate family members, and honorably discharged veterans, and has two subsidiaries selling auto insurance large enough for this review:

United Services Auto Association

2010-2011 NY auto insurance complaint ratio = .0640

Average 2011-2010 NY written auto insurance premium (in millions of dollars): 93.731

United Services Auto Association had 6 upheld complaints in the latest published complaint data. There were 17 complaints not upheld or withdrawn. There were 3 questions of fact. United Services Auto Association upheld had a higher than average number of upheld complaints, about 50% more than average, based on its size. United Services Auto Association had a lower than average number of overall complaints, about 65% of what would be average, based on its size.

USAA Casualty Insurance Company

2010-2011 NY auto insurance complaint ratio = .0647

Average 2011-2010 NY written auto insurance premium (in millions of dollars): 77.319

USAA Casualty Insurance Company had 5 upheld complaints in the latest published complaint data. There were 19 complaints not upheld or withdrawn. There were 6 questions of fact. USAA Casualty Insurance Company had a higher than average number of upheld complaints, about 67% more than average, based on its size. USAA Casualty Insurance Company had an about average number of overall complaints, approximately 91% of what would be average, based on its size.

15. New South Insurance Company

2010-2011 NY auto insurance complaint ratio = .0724

Average 2011-2010 NY written auto insurance premium (in millions of dollars): 110.503

New South Insurance Company had 8 upheld complaints in the latest published complaint data. There were 19 complaints not upheld or withdrawn. There were 5 questions of fact. New South Insurance Company had a much greater than average number of upheld complaints, about 81% more than average, based on its size. New South Insurance Company had a lower than average number of overall complaints, about 68% of what would be average, based on its size.

16. Erie Insurance Company

2010-2011 NY auto insurance complaint ratio = .0749

Average 2011-2010 NY written auto insurance premium (in millions of dollars): 66.789

Erie performed much worse in 2012, compared to its 2011 NY auto insurance complaint ratio, where it had no complaints. Erie Insurance Company had 5 upheld complaints in the latest published complaint data. There were 8 complaints not upheld or withdrawn. There were 4 questions of fact. Erie Insurance Company had a much higher than average number of upheld complaints, about 88% more than average, based on its size. Erie Insurance Company had a lower than average number of overall complaints, about 59% of what would be average, based on its size.

Erie Summary Note: Although Erie insurance is ranked low on this list at #16, its a good sign its overall complaints are lower than average. Also, it had no auto insurance complaints in New York for the 2011 complaint ratio report. Erie has a great reputation among agents and its customers, and performs very well on the annual JD Power insurance studies, as you can see in my review of Erie auto & home insurance. Don’t discount Erie based on the complaint record for a single year.

17. Peerless Insurance Company

2010-2011 NY auto insurance complaint ratio = .0795

Average 2011-2010 NY written auto insurance premium (in millions of dollars): 75.486

Peerless Insurance Company had 6 upheld complaints in the latest published complaint data. There were 12 complaints not upheld or withdrawn. There were 17 questions of fact. Peerless Insurance Company had a much higher than average number of upheld complaints, about 100% more than average, based on its size. Peerless Insurance Company had a slightly higher than average number of overall complaints, about 9% more than average, based on its size.

18. Allstate

Allstate insurance has two subsidiaries selling auto insurance large enough for this review:

Allstate Insurance Company

2010-2011 NY auto insurance complaint ratio = .0861

Average 2011-2010 NY written auto insurance premium (in millions of dollars): 1,127.18

Allstate Insurance Company improved a great deal in 2012, compared to its 2011 NY auto insurance complaint ratio of .1423. Allstate Insurance Company had 97 upheld complaints in the latest published complaint data. There were 312 complaints not upheld or withdrawn. There were 251 questions of fact. Allstate Insurance Company had a much higher than average number of upheld complaints, about 115% more than average, based on its size. Allstate Insurance Company had a higher than average number of overall complaints, about 37% more than average, based on its size.

Allstate Property & Casualty Insurance Company

2010-2011 NY auto insurance complaint ratio = .0384

Average 2011-2010 NY written auto insurance premium (in millions of dollars): 676.299

Allstate P & C improved in 2012 on its 2011 NY auto insurance complaint ratio of .0475. Allstate Property & Casualty Insurance Company had 26 upheld complaints in the latest published complaint data. There were 107 complaints not upheld or withdrawn. There were 45 questions of fact. Allstate Property & Casualty Insurance Company had an about average number of upheld complaints, approximately 96% of the average, based on its size. Allstate Property & Casualty Insurance Company had a lower than average number of overall complaints, about 61% of what would be average, based on its size.

Allstate Summary Note: Allstate is appearing so low in these rankings due to the complaint record of its largest subsidiary, Allstate Insurance Company. Allstate P & C would have been ranked 12th on this list if it was the largest subsidiary. I worked for an Allstate agency in Oregon, and if it is the same in New York, Allstate Insurance Company is a “closed book of business,” meaning it does not sell new policies. If you are getting an auto insurance quote from Allstate, unless you don’t qualify for its standard auto insurance, you should be quoted Allstate Property & Casualty Insurance Company. However, if your vehicles have been insured with Allstate for several years, you may be insured with Allstate Insurance Company.

19. Esurance Insurance Company

2010-2011 NY auto insurance complaint ratio = .1019

Average 2011-2010 NY written auto insurance premium (in millions of dollars): 49.068

Esurance improved in 2012 on its 2011 NY auto insurance complaint ratio of .1998. Esurance Insurance Company had 5 upheld complaints in the latest published complaint data. There were 30 complaints not upheld or withdrawn. There were 9 questions of fact. Esurance Insurance Company had a much higher than average number of upheld complaints, about 150% more than average, based on its size. Esurance Insurance Company had a much higher than average number of overall complaints, approximately 110% more than average, based on its size.

20. Country-Wide Insurance Company

2010-2011 NY auto insurance complaint ratio = .4562

Average 2011-2010 NY written auto insurance premium (in millions of dollars): 111.791

Country-Wide performed worse in 2012, compared to its 2011 NY auto insurance complaint ratio of .3643. Country-Wide Insurance Company had 51 upheld complaints in the latest published complaint data. There were 429 complaints not upheld or withdrawn. There were 92 questions of fact. Country-Wide Insurance Company had an extremely higher than average number of upheld complaints, about 1,043% (!!!) more than average, based on its size. Country-Wide Insurance Company also had an extremely higher than average number of overall complaints, about 1,092% more than average, based on its size.

You can find more customer complaint data, JD Power ratings, and other information for other auto and home insurance companies not appearing in this review, by going to my Website’s home page.

Thank you for reading this review, and please share it with your friends and family. I hope this information helps you find a better auto insurance company and lower rates.

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