How to File a Complaint Against Your Auto Insurance Company in 2024 (Follow These 5 Steps)
How you file a complaint against your auto insurance company starts with knowing that 66% of complaints get resolved, visit your state's insurance department website, complete the complaint form, submit required documents, send the form and while waiting, explore other auto insurance coverage options.
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Chris Abrams
Licensed Insurance Agent
Chris is the founder of Abrams Insurance Solutions and Marcan Insurance, which provide personal financial analysis and planning services for families and small businesses across the U.S. His companies represent nearly 100 of the top-rated insurance companies. Chris has been a licensed insurance agent since 2009 and has active insurance licenses in all 50 U.S. states and D.C. Chris works tireles...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Sep 18, 2024
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different 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 auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Sep 18, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different 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.
On This Page
How to file a complaint against your auto insurance company depends on understanding the steps, check your coverage, visit your state’s insurance department, complete the form, and submit documents to resolve disputes quickly.
Top companies excel in customer satisfaction and claim resolution, supporting you through the complaint process. Discover the best insurance options. Check out our ranking of the top providers: Auto Insurance Companies With the Best Customer Service
Find the best auto insurance rates no matter how much coverage you need by entering your ZIP code above into our comparison tool today.
- Step #1: Visit State Insurance – Contact your state’s insurance department
- Step #2: Complete Complaint Form – Fill out grievance document
- Step #3: Submit Required Documents – Provide necessary paperwork promptly
- Step #4: Send Complaint Form – Submit your complaint form
- Step #5: Auto Insurance Coverage – Explore different insurance options
Step #1: Visit State Insurance
To file a complaint against your auto insurance company, first locate your state’s insurance department website. Each state has its own Department of Insurance, and you can find the relevant site through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) website at www.naic.org.
On the NAIC site, navigate to the directory of state insurance departments, select your state, and you’ll be directed to the appropriate website. Once there, look for sections like “Consumer Complaints” or “Filing a Complaint” for instructions and forms. For more details, check out our guide titled “Is it worth claiming a scratch on your auto insurance?”
To effectively file a complaint against your auto insurance company, clearly document your issue, follow your state’s specific filing procedures, and ensure all supporting documents are accurate and complete.Kristen Gryglik Licensed Insurance Agent
Review the guidelines, download any necessary forms, and take note of contact information for further assistance. This ensures you access the correct resources and follow the proper procedures for filing your complaint.
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Step #2: Complete Complaint Form
Follow the instructions on your state’s insurance department website, and enter accurate personal details and information about your policy, including proof of insurance. Clearly describe the issue in chronological order, detail your interactions with the insurer, and state what resolution you seek. For more details, check out our resource titled “Auto Insurance Policyholder Defined.”
Attach copies of all relevant documents, including proof of insurance, while keeping the originals. Ensure all details are correct before signing, dating, and submitting the form. Before submitting, review everything for accuracy. Despite any frustration, ensure your problem is communicated clearly.
Step #3: Submit Required Documents
Once the form is filled out, you should supply copies of all supporting documents. Do not send in your originals. Any paperwork, emails or letters that were passed between you and the auto insurance company during the dispute should be sent with the complaint form. To learn more, check out our resource titled “What documents do you need to get auto insurance?”
Next, do not forget to sign and date the form. This might seem like an obvious step, but going through this process can sometimes cause people to forget even the simplest of things.
Step #4: Send Complaint Form
The next step is to send the completed complaint form to your State’s Department of Insurance. Be sure to double-check that you are sending it to the right place. If you are not completely sure where to send it, contact the department to verify the address before sending.
Sending it to the wrong place could delay the whole process.
Once it has been sent, wait a little bit and then follow up with the department to see if they received it. Once you know they have successfully received it, be sure to follow up with them every couple of weeks to see how the complaint process is progressing. For more details, see our report titled “How to Check if an Auto Insurance Company Is Legitimate.”
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Step #5: Auto Insurance Coverage
While waiting for your complaint to be reviewed by your current auto insurance company, consider exploring new providers for comprehensive auto insurance. Start by obtaining multiple quotes to compare options. Evaluate the discounts each company offers, and inquire directly about any specific discounts you might qualify for.
This data compares monthly auto insurance rates from major U.S. providers for both minimum and full coverage. Geico and USAA offer the most affordable options, with Geico charging $30 for minimum and $80 for full coverage, and USAA offering the lowest rates at $22 for minimum and $59 for full.
Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Provider & Coverage Level
| Insurance Company | Minimum Coverage | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
 | $61 | $160 |
 | $44 | $117 |
 | $46 | $151 |
 | $53 | $139 |
 | $30 | $80 |
 | $68 | $174 |
 | $39 | $105 |
 | $33 | $86 |
 | $43 | $113 |
 | $22 | $59 |
In contrast, Liberty Mutual has the highest rates at $68 for minimum and $174 for full coverage. Other providers, like Allstate, Farmers, and Progressive, fall between these extremes, allowing consumers to compare and choose based on their budget and coverage needs.
Research the insurance company’s underwriter to ensure they have a good reputation and minimal complaints. Additionally, assess the quality of their customer service, as you will frequently interact with them.
Your Quick Guide to Filing an Auto Insurance Complaint
If you need to file a complaint against your auto insurance company, start by visiting your state’s insurance department website, which can be found through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) site. Complete the required complaint form with accurate details about your issue and attach copies of all relevant documents.
After submitting your form, follow up to confirm receipt and monitor progress. Meanwhile, compare quotes from other insurers to explore better coverage options. For additional help, check your state’s guidelines or contact consumer protection agencies. For a thorough understanding, refer to our detailed analysis titled “Full Coverage Auto Insurance Defined.”
Protect your vehicle at the best prices by entering your ZIP code into our free auto insurance quote comparison tool below.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I file a complaint against my auto insurance company?
To file a complaint against your auto insurer, first try resolving the issue with their customer service. If unresolved, submit a formal complaint to the company. If needed, escalate it to your state’s insurance department or seek legal help.
What should I include in the description of my complaint?
Include a clear, detailed account of the issue, including dates, names of people you interacted with, the nature of the problem, and any steps you’ve already taken to resolve it. Providing a chronological order of events can help clarify the situation.
If you’re just looking for coverage to drive legally, enter your ZIP code below to compare cheap auto insurance quotes near you.
What types of issues can I file a complaint about?
You can file complaints about a variety of issues, including delays in processing claims, disputes over coverage, unsatisfactory customer service, wrongful denial of claims, or any other issues related to your insurance policy or the company’s practices.
To expand your knowledge, refer to our comprehensive handbook titled “How to File an Auto Insurance Claim.”
Can I file a complaint if I have already taken legal action?
Yes, you can still file a complaint with your state’s insurance department even if you have taken legal action. The complaint process and legal proceedings are separate, and both can run concurrently.
How can I check the status of my complaint after submission?
After submitting your complaint, contact your state’s insurance department to confirm receipt and ask about the status of your complaint. Many states also provide online portals for tracking the progress of your complaint.
Is there a fee to file a complaint with my state’s insurance department?
Generally, filing a complaint with your state’s insurance department is free. However, some states may have administrative fees, so it’s best to check with your state’s department for specific details.
To gain profound insights, consult our extensive guide titled “Does a second car affect auto insurance rates?“
What if my complaint involves multiple insurance companies?
If your complaint involves multiple insurance companies, file separate complaints with each company’s state insurance department. Provide detailed information about each company’s role in the dispute.
Can I request a hearing or meeting with the insurance department?
Some state insurance departments allow for hearings or meetings to discuss complaints in detail. Check with your state’s department to see if this option is available and how to request it.
What happens if my insurance company does not comply with the resolution?
If your insurance company does not comply with the resolution proposed by the state insurance department, you may escalate the issue by seeking legal advice or contacting consumer protection agencies for further assistance.
For a comprehensive overview, explore our detailed resource titled “Auto Insurance Laws.”
Will filing a complaint affect my insurance policy or rates?
Filing a complaint should not directly affect your insurance policy or rates. However, if you have an ongoing dispute or unresolved issues, it may be worth discussing potential impacts with your insurer or seeking advice from an insurance expert.
If you’re looking to lower your auto insurance premiums, enter your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool below to compare your rates against the top insurers.
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Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Chris Abrams
Licensed Insurance Agent
Chris is the founder of Abrams Insurance Solutions and Marcan Insurance, which provide personal financial analysis and planning services for families and small businesses across the U.S. His companies represent nearly 100 of the top-rated insurance companies. Chris has been a licensed insurance agent since 2009 and has active insurance licenses in all 50 U.S. states and D.C. Chris works tireles...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.