Auto-Owners vs Shelter Insurance Car Insurance for 2023
Auto-Owners and Shelter Insurance, two prominent providers in the car insurance realm, undergo an in-depth comparison, revealing distinctive features and customer-centric approaches.
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Eric Stauffer
Licensed Insurance Agent
Eric Stauffer is an insurance agent and banker-turned-consumer advocate. His priority is educating individuals and families about the different types of insurance coverage. He is passionate about helping consumers find the best coverage for their budgets and personal needs. Eric is the CEO of C Street Media, a full-service marketing firm and the co-founder of ProperCents.com, a financial educat...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Feb 22, 2025
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our car insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different car insurance companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about car insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything car insurance-related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by car insurance experts.
UPDATED: Feb 22, 2025
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our car insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different car insurance companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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Choosing the right car insurance company hinges on various factors, from coverage levels to discounts and customer service. In this detailed comparison between Auto-Owners and Shelter Insurance, we unearth the key elements influencing rates, catering to different customer profiles. Whether you prioritize extensive coverage options, responsive claims processing, or innovative discount programs, understanding how these providers fare can make a substantial difference in securing the best protection for your vehicle. Let’s dive into the insights to find the ideal match for your insurance needs.
| Factors | Auto Owners | Shelter |
|---|---|---|
| Clean Record | $87 | $120 |
| 1+ Ticket | $105 | $112 |
| 1+ Accident | $127 | $135 |
| DUI | $130 | $160 |
| Poor Credit | $150 | $206 |
*monthly rates are based on an average of minimum and full coverage for a 45-year-old male driver
| Discounts | Auto Owners | Shelter |
|---|---|---|
| Anti Theft | 5% | 20% |
| Good Student | 10% | 8% |
| Low Mileage | 10% | 10% |
| Paperless | 7% | 5% |
| Safe Driver | 15% | 15% |
| Senior Driver | 10% | 10% |
Auto-Owners Car Insurance
Pros:
- Company History and Mission: Established in 1916 with a mission to provide quality insurance ethically.
- Coverage Options: Offers a variety of car insurance policies, including additional coverage options like roadside assistance and rental reimbursement.
- Discount Programs: Provides discounts such as safe driver discounts, multi-car discounts, and a unique “diminishing deductible” program.
- Positive Customer Reviews: Generally positive reviews for excellent customer service, fast claims processing, and competitive rates.
Cons:
- Limited Availability: Policies are available in 26 states, limiting accessibility for potential customers.
- Some Claims Issues: While many customers report positive experiences, some have mentioned difficulties with the claims process.
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Shelter Car Insurance
Pros:
- Established Reputation: Founded in 1946 with a commitment to exceptional insurance services through local agents.
- Coverage Options: Offers various car insurance policies with additional benefits through the “Personal Auto Policy Enhancements” program.
- Discount Programs: Provides discounts for safe drivers, multi-car policies, and special discounts for teachers, firefighters, and law enforcement officers.
- Positive Customer Reviews: Generally praised for friendly customer service, competitive rates, and efficient claims processing.
Cons:
- Limited Availability: Policies are available in 18 states, potentially excluding some customers.
- Claims Challenges: Like Auto-Owners, some customers have reported difficulties with the claims process.
Best Overall Car Insurance: Auto-Owners
After a comprehensive analysis of Auto-Owners and Shelter Insurance, Auto-Owners emerges as the best overall car insurance provider. Several factors contribute to this determination:
Coverage Options: Auto-Owners offers a wide range of coverage options, including additional benefits like roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, and a unique “diminishing deductible” program. This ensures that policyholders have access to comprehensive protection tailored to their needs.
Discount Programs: Auto-Owners provides various discounts, including safe driver discounts, multi-car discounts, and opportunities to save through bundling policies. The “diminishing deductible” program further incentivizes responsible driving.
Claims Process: Positive case studies highlight Auto-Owners’ responsive claims process, demonstrating a commitment to efficient and empathetic resolution. Customer reviews emphasize excellent customer service and fast claims processing.
Availability: While both companies have limited availability in terms of the states they cover, Auto-Owners operates in 26 states compared to Shelter Insurance’s coverage in 18 states, potentially offering more accessibility to customers.
Innovative Solutions: Auto-Owners goes the extra mile to provide innovative solutions, as seen in the case study where they tailored coverage for a luxury vehicle. This reflects a commitment to personalized service and attention to individual policyholder needs.
Auto-Owners stands out for its comprehensive coverage, competitive rates, and a track record of excellent customer service. While Shelter Insurance also has positive aspects, Auto-Owners takes the lead in offering a well-rounded and customer-centric car insurance experience.
Auto-Owners Insurance
Founded in 1916 and headquartered in Lansing, Michigan, Auto-Owners Insurance has a rich history spanning over a century. Established as a mutual insurance company, Auto-Owners operates with the unique structure where policyholders are also owners of the company.
The company’s mission revolves around providing quality insurance products and services to customers while maintaining professionalism and ethical standards. Over the years, Auto-Owners has expanded its offerings to include a variety of insurance products, such as car, home, and life insurance, and has grown its presence to cover 26 states.
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Shelter Insurance
Shelter Insurance, founded in 1946 and based in Columbia, Missouri, is another prominent player in the insurance industry. Similar to Auto-Owners, Shelter operates as a mutual insurance company, reinforcing a sense of shared ownership among policyholders. The company’s mission is centered on delivering exceptional insurance services through local agents dedicated to upholding high standards of quality and service.
Shelter provides a range of insurance products, including car, home, and life insurance, and has extended its services to cover 18 states. This regional presence, coupled with a commitment to personalized service, has shaped Shelter Insurance’s trajectory in the insurance landscape.
Products and Services
Auto-Owners offers a variety of car insurance policies, including liability coverage, collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, and personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. The company also offers additional coverage options, such as roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, and loan/lease gap coverage. Auto-Owners car insurance policies are available in 26 states.
Shelter Insurance also offers a variety of car insurance policies, including liability coverage, collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, and PIP coverage. The company also offers additional coverage options, such as roadside assistance and rental reimbursement. Shelter Insurance car insurance policies are available in 18 states.
Cost and Discounts
When it comes to car insurance, cost is an important factor to consider. Auto-Owners and Shelter Insurance both offer competitive rates, and policyholders can save even more money by taking advantage of available discounts.
Auto-Owners offers a variety of discounts, including safe driver discounts, multi-car discounts, and anti-theft device discounts. Policyholders can also save money by bundling their car insurance policy with their home insurance policy. Auto-Owners also offers a unique “diminishing deductible” program, where policyholders can earn $100 off their deductible for every year they do not file a claim.
Shelter Insurance also offers a variety of discounts, including safe driver discounts, multi-car discounts, and discounts for teachers, firefighters, and law enforcement officers.
Policyholders can also save money by bundling their car insurance policy with their home insurance policy. Shelter Insurance also offers a unique “Personal Auto Policy Enhancements” program, which provides additional coverage options and benefits to policyholders.
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Case Studies: Auto-Owners vs. Shelter Insurance Car Insurance
Case Study 1: The Responsive Claims Process
Sarah, a policyholder with Auto-Owners, found herself in a fender bender where her car suffered significant damage. Worried about the claims process, she promptly contacted Auto-Owners’ claims department. Much to her relief, the insurer’s representatives were responsive and empathetic.
They guided Sarah through the claim filing process, arranged for a quick inspection, and ensured that her vehicle was repaired promptly at a reputable repair shop.
Case Study 2: The Personalized Customer Service
John, a long-time customer of Shelter Insurance, experienced a minor accident that left him with minor injuries and damage to his vehicle. Impressed by Shelter Insurance’s reputation for personalized customer service, John decided to file a claim.
Shelter’s dedicated claims agent promptly assisted him, ensuring that he received the necessary medical attention and overseeing the vehicle repairs to minimize the disruption to John’s daily life.
Case Study 3: The Roadside Assistance Advantage
Emily, a policyholder with Auto-Owners, encountered a flat tire on a busy highway during rush hour. Frustrated and unsure how to proceed, she remembered that her policy included roadside assistance. Emily contacted Auto-Owners’ emergency helpline, and within minutes, a professional tow truck arrived to change her tire.
This prompt and reliable service provided Emily with peace of mind and enabled her to continue her journey without significant delay.
Case Study 4: The Customized Coverage Solution
Mark, a prospective policyholder, sought comprehensive coverage for his newly purchased luxury vehicle. He reached out to both Auto-Owners and Shelter Insurance for quotes.
While Auto-Owners provided a standard policy with adequate coverage, Shelter Insurance went the extra mile by offering Mark a customized coverage solution tailored specifically to his high-value vehicle. Mark appreciated Shelter Insurance’s attention to detail and decided to entrust his luxury car to their specialized coverage.
Case Study 5: The Transparent Premium Adjustments
Jane, a loyal customer of Shelter Insurance, received her policy renewal notice, which indicated a moderate increase in her premium. Concerned about the sudden change, Jane contacted Shelter Insurance’s customer support for clarification.
The representative explained that the adjustment was due to an increase in overall claim costs within Jane’s geographic region. Appreciating the transparency, Jane decided to continue her coverage with Shelter Insurance.
Exploring Claims Management at Auto-Owners vs. Shelter Insurance Car Insurance
Ease of Filing a Claim
Both Auto-Owners and Shelter Insurance offer multiple convenient options for policyholders to file insurance claims. These options include online claim submissions, over-the-phone assistance, and the use of mobile apps. Policyholders can choose the method that best aligns with their preferences and needs when it comes to initiating a claim.
Average Claim Processing Time
The average processing time for insurance claims can significantly impact policyholders’ experiences. While both Auto-Owners and Shelter Insurance aim for efficient claims processing, the specific processing time may vary based on factors such as the complexity of the claim and the completeness of submitted documentation. Policyholders are encouraged to inquire about the estimated claim processing times to set realistic expectations.
Customer Feedback on Claim Resolutions and Payouts
Policyholders’ feedback and experiences provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of an insurance company’s claim resolutions and payouts. Both Auto-Owners and Shelter Insurance have received feedback from customers regarding their claims processes.
Reviewing this feedback can offer valuable information regarding the efficiency, fairness, and overall satisfaction with the claim resolutions and payouts provided by these insurers.
Auto-Owners vs. Shelter Insurance Car Insurance Digital Features: Leading the Tech Revolution
Mobile App Features and Functionality
Both Auto-Owners and Shelter Insurance offer mobile apps designed to enhance the overall policyholder experience. These mobile apps typically provide access to policy details, premium payments, and claim filing. The features and functionality of these apps are designed to simplify policy management, especially for individuals on the go.
Online Account Management Capabilities
In addition to mobile apps, both companies provide online account management capabilities through their websites. Policyholders can log in to their accounts to review policy information, make necessary adjustments, and access important documents. These online tools empower customers with self-service options, offering flexibility in managing their policies.
Digital Tools and Resources
Auto-Owners and Shelter Insurance may also offer digital tools and resources to assist policyholders in gaining a better understanding of their insurance coverage. These resources could include online calculators, educational materials, and guidance to help customers make informed decisions about their policies.
Utilizing these digital resources can be beneficial for individuals looking to optimize their coverage and reduce insurance costs.
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Customer Reviews
Customer reviews can provide valuable insight into the quality of service provided by an insurance company. Here is a summary of customer reviews for Auto-Owners and Shelter Insurance:
Auto-Owners Insurance has received positive reviews from customers for their excellent customer service, fast claims processing, and affordable rates. Many customers have reported that they have been with the company for years and have had no issues with their policies.
However, some customers have reported that they have experienced difficulty with the claims process and have had trouble reaching a representative.
Shelter Insurance has also received positive reviews from customers for their friendly customer service, competitive rates, and fast claims processing. Many customers have reported that they have had positive experiences with their local agents and appreciate the personalized service they receive.
However, some customers have reported that they have experienced difficulty with the claims process and have had trouble reaching a representative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Auto-Owners Insurance founded, and what insurance products do they offer?
Auto-Owners Insurance, founded in 1916 in Lansing, Michigan, is a mutual insurance company providing car, home, and life insurance products.
What is Shelter Insurance’s mission, and in how many states do they offer car insurance policies?
Shelter Insurance, established in 1946 with headquarters in Columbia, Missouri, is a mutual insurance company dedicated to exceptional services. They offer car insurance policies in 18 states.
What additional coverage options are available for policyholders with Auto-Owners car insurance policies?
Auto-Owners offers additional coverage options such as roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, and loan/lease gap coverage.
How do policyholders qualify for discounts with Shelter Insurance, and what unique program do they offer?
Shelter Insurance provides discounts, including safe driver and multi-car discounts. They also offer a distinctive “Personal Auto Policy Enhancements” program, providing added coverage options and benefits.
What are the average processing times for insurance claims with Auto-Owners and Shelter Insurance?
Both Auto-Owners and Shelter Insurance aim for efficient claims processing, with specific times varying based on claim complexity and documentation completeness. Policyholders are encouraged to inquire about estimated processing times for realistic expectations.
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Eric Stauffer
Licensed Insurance Agent
Eric Stauffer is an insurance agent and banker-turned-consumer advocate. His priority is educating individuals and families about the different types of insurance coverage. He is passionate about helping consumers find the best coverage for their budgets and personal needs. Eric is the CEO of C Street Media, a full-service marketing firm and the co-founder of ProperCents.com, a financial educat...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about car insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything car insurance-related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by car insurance experts.