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American Family Homeowners Insurance Review 2024
Lead Writer | Home insurance, renters insurance, pet insurance
Sarah Schlichter is a NerdWallet authority on homeowners, renters and pet insurance. Prior to joining NerdWallet, she spent more than 15 years in digital media as a writer, editor and spokesperson. Sarah enjoys delving into complicated topics and helping readers understand the ins and outs of their insurance coverage. She lives in the Washington, D.C., metro area.
Assistant Assigning Editor | Home insurance, renters insurance, pet insurance
Caitlin Constantine is an assigning editor at NerdWallet, focusing on homeowners, renters and pet insurance. She has more than 15 years of experience in digital media, including as the deputy managing editor at The Penny Hoarder and as a digital producer for a 24/7 news station based in the Tampa Bay area. Caitlin enjoys exploring the ways technology can help people become better informed about the world. She currently lives outside Asheville, North Carolina.
Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.
American Family
4.5
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Pros
- Variety of coverage options.
- Discounts available for qualifying smart-home devices.
- Far fewer consumer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
Cons
- Not available in all states.
- May restrict liability coverage for certain dog breeds.
American Family
4.5
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Pros
- Variety of coverage options.
- Discounts available for qualifying smart-home devices.
- Far fewer consumer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
Cons
- Not available in all states.
- May restrict liability coverage for certain dog breeds.
About American Family home insurance
4.5
NerdWallet ratingAmerican Family homeowners insurance earned 4.5 out of 5 stars for overall performance. Founded in Madison, Wisconsin, American Family sells homeowners insurance and other policies in 19 states. You can customize an American Family home insurance policy with a variety of add-ons, including coverage for identity theft, valuable jewelry or the breakdown of major appliances.
Our star ratings are based on consumer complaint data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners; financial strength grades from AM Best; coverage and discounts available; and the overall consumer experience. See our criteria for evaluating home insurance companies.
Our writers and editors follow strict editorial guidelines that ensure fairness and accuracy to help you choose the financial products that work best for you. Here is a list of our partners, and here’s how we make money.
Where American Family home insurance stands out
Customer satisfaction. American Family receives far fewer customer complaints than expected, suggesting that its policyholders tend to be happy with their coverage.
Wildfire prevention services. American Family has partnered with Wildfire Defense Services to offer free assistance in protecting your home from wildfires. The company includes these services with homeowners policies in select Western states such as Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon and Washington.
Where American Family home insurance falls short
Availability. American Family’s homeowners policies generally aren’t available in certain parts of the U.S., including most of the East Coast.
State availability
American Family homeowners insurance policies are available in 19 states.
American Family home insurance coverage
You can customize your homeowners policy with numerous add-ons, but below are the types of coverage that generally come standard:
Type of coverage | What it does |
|---|---|
Pays to repair or rebuild the structure of your home. | |
Covers damage to unattached structures such as sheds or fences. | |
Pays to repair or replace personal belongings such as furniture or clothing. | |
Pays for hotel stays, restaurant meals or other expenses if you have to live elsewhere while your home undergoes covered repairs. | |
Covers legal expenses and damages if you're responsible for injuries to other people or their property. | |
Covers injuries to guests in your home, regardless of fault. |
For more details, see What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?
American Family Insurance offers the standard homeowners insurance coverage above, plus the following types of optional coverage:
Sump pump failure and water backup. Pays if your sump pump overflows or your sewer backs up.
Identity theft. Covers costs associated with restoring your finances if someone steals your identity.
Home-based businesses. Provides additional liability and personal property coverage if you run a business from your home.
Equipment breakdown. Pays to repair or replace appliances, home systems or smart-home devices that experience a sudden mechanical, electrical or pressure systems failure.
Matching siding. When an event like a storm or fire damages your siding, your home insurance will cover the costs. Matching siding protection pays to replace undamaged siding so everything matches.
Service line. Pays for repairs to water, power or other underground lines that run to your house.
Senior living. Covers liability and personal belongings for older adults in nursing homes or assisted living facilities.
Vacant home. Available for three-, six- or 12-month periods, this coverage pays for damage if your house is unoccupied during renovations or while it’s on the market.
Hidden water. Covers damage, including mold, resulting from hidden water leaks.
Temporary rental. If you rent your home out to others temporarily (no more than 62 days a year total), this coverage pays for damage that happens during those rental periods.
Scheduled personal property. If you have individual items that are particularly valuable — such as an engagement ring or musical instrument — you can buy separate insurance that covers them for a wider range of potential problems.
American Family home insurance rates
American Family homeowners insurance costs $2,300 per year, on average, according to NerdWallet’s rate analysis. That’s more than the national average of $1,915 per year. American Family’s average rates were higher than the state averages in most of the states we analyzed.
Our sample rates are for 40-year-old homeowners with good credit, a $1,000 deductible, $300,000 in dwelling coverage and $300,000 in liability insurance. Your own rates will be different.
Discounts
Depending on where you live, you may be able to get a discount for:
Having safety features or smart devices such as a video doorbell.
Having multiple American Family policies.
Going paperless, setting up automatic payments or paying your premium in full, upfront.
Being insured with American Family for at least a year.
Insuring a home that's less than 15 years old.
Being between 18 and 30 years old and having a parent who’s an American Family customer.
Replacing your home’s plumbing, heating or electrical systems within the past 15 years.
Consumer complaints
American Family had far fewer than the expected number of complaints to state regulators relative to its size for home insurance, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
Consumer experience
Website: The American Family website offers comprehensive details on the company’s coverage options and discounts, plus general insurance advice. You can also use the site to get a quote, file and track claims and find a local agent.
App: Download the MyAmFam app to make payments or set up autopay, view policy information, file and track claims and reach out to your local agent.
Claims: American Family offers a variety of ways to file home insurance claims, including online, through the app and at 800-692-6326. You can track claim status on the company’s website or app. For advice, see how to file a home insurance claim.
Customer service: You can call American Family at 800-692-6326, reach out to a local agent or send an email through the website.
American Family home insurance: The bottom line
American Family offers convenient ways to manage your policy, whether you prefer to do so online or with an agent. This aspect and its wide-ranging coverage options make it worth considering for any homeowner who lives in a state the company serves.
Other home insurance companies to consider
Not ready to make a decision? You may be interested in these other homeowners insurance companies:
Current Product
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NerdWallet rating NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more. 4.5 /5 | NerdWallet rating NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more. 4.0 /5 | NerdWallet rating NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more. 4.5 /5 |
Complaints to NAIC Ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company's size, according to three years' worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. Far fewer than expected | Complaints to NAIC Ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company's size, according to three years' worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. Fewer than expected | Complaints to NAIC Ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company's size, according to three years' worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. Fewer than expected |
Coverage Ratings are based on the types of coverage a company offers in comparison to other insurers. About average | Coverage Ratings are based on the types of coverage a company offers in comparison to other insurers. About average | Coverage Ratings are based on the types of coverage a company offers in comparison to other insurers. More than average |
Discounts Ratings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers. Great set of discounts | Discounts Ratings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers. Great set of discounts | Discounts Ratings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers. Average set of discounts |
Bottom line Customizable coverage and discounts for smart-home devices. | Bottom line Big national brand with plenty of discount options. | Bottom line Well-established insurer with a lengthy list of coverage options. |
American Family also sells auto, renters, boat, RV, umbrella and life insurance, among other products. Learn more by reading our American Family auto insurance review.
American Family was founded as Farmers Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. in 1927. The company has had its current name since the 1960s.
American Family may have requirements for certain dog breeds, such as a securely fenced yard or proof that the animal has been spayed or neutered. And if your dog has a history of biting or other aggression, liability coverage for dog-related claims may be limited to $25,000. Learn more about dog bites and homeowners insurance.
American Family also sells auto, renters, boat, RV, umbrella and life insurance, among other products. Learn more by reading our
American Family auto insurance review
.
American Family was founded as Farmers Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. in 1927. The company has had its current name since the 1960s.
American Family may have requirements for certain dog breeds, such as a securely fenced yard or proof that the animal has been spayed or neutered. And if your dog has a history of biting or other aggression, liability coverage for dog-related claims may be limited to $25,000. Learn more about
dog bites and homeowners insurance
.
Methodology
Homeowners insurance star ratings methodology
NerdWallet’s homeowners insurance ratings reward companies for customer-first features and practices. Ratings are based on weighted averages of scores in several categories, including financial strength, consumer complaints, coverage, discounts and online experience. These ratings are a guide, but we encourage you to shop around and compare several insurance quotes to find the best rate for you. NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews.
Here’s how we weighted each category to come up with our list of the best home insurance companies:
Consumer complaints (30%).
Financial strength (30%).
Coverage (20%).
Consumer experience (10%).
Discounts (10%).
Read our full ratings methodology for home insurance.
Insurer complaints methodology
NerdWallet examined complaints received by state insurance regulators and reported to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in 2021-2023. To assess how insurers compare to one another, the NAIC calculates a complaint index each year for each subsidiary, measuring its share of total complaints relative to its size, or share of total premiums in the industry. To evaluate a company’s complaint history, NerdWallet calculated a similar index for each insurer, weighted by market shares of each subsidiary, over the three-year period. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. Ratios are determined separately for auto, home (including renters and condo) and life insurance.
Homeowners insurance rates methodology
NerdWallet calculated median rates for 40-year-old homeowners from various insurance companies in every ZIP code across the U.S. All rates are rounded to the nearest $5.
Sample homeowners were nonsmokers with good credit living in a single-family, two-story home built in 1984. They had a $1,000 deductible and the following coverage limits:
$300,000 in dwelling coverage.
$30,000 in other structures coverage.
$150,000 in personal property coverage.
$60,000 in loss of use coverage.
$300,000 in liability coverage.
$1,000 in medical payments coverage.
We made minor changes to the sample policy in cases where rates for the above coverage limits or deductibles weren’t available.
These are sample rates generated through Quadrant Information Services. Your own rates will be different.
In This Review . . .