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Elephant Auto Insurance Review 2024
Lead Writer | Auto insurance
Isabel is a lead writer at NerdWallet covering auto insurance. She's also got a knack for finding stories buried in data. Previously, Isabel worked as a personal finance writer for Morning Brew’s Money Scoop and as a markets reporter at Forbes, where she covered everything from fintech and crypto to billionaires and IPOs. Isabel earned her bachelor’s degrees in journalism and economics from Boston University, where she fostered a passion for throwing intimidating jargon out the window to make financial topics accessible to all. She is originally from Mexico City and is currently based in Brooklyn, New York.
Assistant Assigning Editor | Auto insurance
Ben Moore is an assistant assigning editor and spokesperson who joined NerdWallet as a writer in 2020. An auto insurance authority, his past work has been featured in The Associated Press, The Chicago Sun-Times, MarketWatch, Nasdaq and Yahoo News. Ben has been quoted in Martha Stewart and Real Simple magazine, and he has appeared on local broadcast television. He is based in Nashville, Tennessee.
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.
Elephant
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Ease of useRatings are determined by our editorial team. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim.
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
- Offers a wide variety of discounts.
- Legal assistance coverage available.
- Can bundle auto insurance with non-Elephant policies.
Cons
- Available in only eight states.
- Far more complaints to state regulators than similar-sized companies.
Elephant
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Ease of useRatings are determined by our editorial team. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim.
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
- Offers a wide variety of discounts.
- Legal assistance coverage available.
- Can bundle auto insurance with non-Elephant policies.
Cons
- Available in only eight states.
- Far more complaints to state regulators than similar-sized companies.
NerdWallet was not able to rate Elephant for overall performance because there is no financial strength rating information available for the company. NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer experience, complaint data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and financial strength ratings.
Founded in 2009, Elephant is a subsidiary of Admiral Group, a large insurer in the U.K. Elephant Insurance is a small company that writes auto insurance policies in eight states only: Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.
However, it sells other types of insurance, such as homeowners and renters, from other companies and offers a bundling discount in some states. Elephant sells policies directly to consumers, both online and over the phone.
» MORE: Best auto insurance companies
In our auto insurance reviews, our editorial team considers both the customer and the insurer. These are some of the factors we take into account:
Financial strength. We use A.M. Best ratings to confirm an insurer’s long-term financial stability and ability to pay claims. NerdWallet does not recommend companies with a rating lower than a B.
Complaints. These 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. The best auto insurance companies have fewer than the expected number of complaints.
Ease of use. This category looks at how easily consumers can interact with an insurer through its mobile app and website. This includes how much coverage information is offered online, whether a user can start and track a claim online and get a quote and mobile app scores based on the Apple and Google Play store ratings.
Discounts. We look at both the kind of discounts a company offers and the total number of discounts available.
Compare to other insurers
Current Product
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NerdWallet rating NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more. 5.0 /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 more 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. Far more 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. Far fewer than expected |
Ease of use Ratings are determined by our editorial team. Our "ease of use" category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim. Above average | Ease of use Ratings are determined by our editorial team. Our "ease of use" category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim. Average | Ease of use Ratings are determined by our editorial team. Our "ease of use" category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim. Above 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. Average set of discounts | Discounts Ratings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers. Great set of discounts |
Bottom line Elephant offers auto insurance in eight states, but it has far more complaints than other companies of similar size. | Bottom line Clearcover offers a digital-first user experience in 19 states, but sells only auto policies. | Bottom line American Family offers a wide range of coverage, including rideshare and gap insurance, but doesn’t sell policies in all states. |
Elephant auto insurance coverage
When you're shopping for car insurance coverage, it's important to understand what car insurance coverage you want and what you’re required to buy. For instance, most states require a minimum amount of car insurance to drive a vehicle. Alternatively, if you want extra protection, you may be interested in full coverage insurance. Read about the most common types of car insurance coverage to see how they work.
Elephant offers typical car insurance coverage options, including comprehensive, collision and roadside assistance. It also offers:
Rental reimbursement, which helps pay for a rental car if you can’t drive your vehicle due to a covered loss.
Non-owner car insurance, which provides car insurance coverage if you regularly drive a vehicle you don’t own. You may also want this policy if you are trying to avoid a gap in insurance coverage or need an SR-22 after a DUI or other serious traffic violation.
Loan/lease insurance. This add-on helps pay the difference (up to 25%) between your car’s value at the time it’s totaled and your loan amount.
Legal assistance coverage. Starting at $6 per month, policyholders can add this coverage, which pays for legal fees associated with one minor traffic violation annually. You also receive a 25% discount off other legal services needed for estate planning, family law and more.
Diminishing deductible. An extra option available only if you have collision coverage, it must be purchased with the initial policy or at renewal — not mid-contract. When you sign up, Elephant takes $100 off your collision deductible immediately for yearly policies or $50 for six-month policies, with a maximum of $500 off your deductible. Going forward, you’ll get the same amount reduced each time you renew your policy, as long as you remain accident-free. Should you have a wreck, the collision deductible won’t reset — it’ll stay the same for a year and then continue to decrease as you stay accident-free.
Customers who purchase collision insurance automatically receive pet injury coverage, which provides up to $1,000 of coverage if your pet is injured during a covered accident.
In addition, Elephant customers may receive free perks, including:
Accident forgiveness. If all drivers on your policy remain accident-free for three years, you’ll automatically earn accident forgiveness. This means that your next at-fault accident won’t increase your premium. For an extra cost, you can get accident forgiveness immediately.
Custom parts and equipment coverage. This covers permanent enhancements to your car, such as window tinting and custom paint jobs. Elephant automatically includes up to $1,000 in coverage, but you can raise that limit for a fee if you have collision and comprehensive insurance.
YourMechanic. This gives you the ability to book a mechanic to come to you and perform certain repair and maintenance services at your home or office, including an oil change, battery replacement and alternator repairs.
Repairs guaranteed for life. If you take your car to certain repair shops recommended by Elephant.
» MORE: Compare car insurance rates
See what you could save on car insurance
Easily compare personalized rates to see how much switching car insurance could save you.Auto insurance discounts
Depending on your location and coverage type, you may be able to save on your auto policy by:
Insuring more than one vehicle with Elephant.
Getting a quote online.
Buying multiple insurance products from Elephant.
Owning a home.
Not having any recent claims.
Paying for your policy in full.
Being a good student or having one on your policy.
Having a student on your policy who is away at school and keeps their car at home.
Buying an auto policy before your previous one expires.
Taking a defensive driving course, if you’re 55 or 60 years old (varies by state).
Referring a new customer to Elephant.
Working from home.
Receiving your documents electronically.
Using e-signature to sign your paperwork.
Signing up for automatic payments
Owning a car with safety equipment.
First time shopping for auto insurance? Unsure of where to start? Check out our guide on how to shop for car insurance.
Complaints
Elephant had far more than the expected number of complaints about auto insurance to state regulators relative to its size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
More about Elephant auto insurance
Elephant’s website lets you pay bills, print ID cards, get a quote, file a claim and more.
Other insurance from Elephant
Elephant offers insurance for other vehicles, such as ATVs, snow mobiles and golf carts. It also offers motorcycle insurance through a partnership with Dairyland. Other types of insurance from Elephant’s partners and third-party insurers include:
Homeowners insurance.
Condo insurance.
Umbrella insurance.
Renters insurance.
Elephant sells auto insurance in eight states: Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.
You can track and file your claim on Elephant’s website or by calling 877-218-7865. Glass claims can be filed online or by calling 800-413-8860.
Perks for Elephant customers may include accident forgiveness after all drivers on the policy are accident-free for three years and discounted rates for certain repairs and maintenance services. You may also get up to $1,000 of custom and equipment coverage. If you have collision insurance on your policy, you’ll receive up to $1,000 in pet injury coverage. In addition, if you take your car to an Elephant-approved shop, repairs are guaranteed for as long as you own your car.
Elephant sells auto insurance in eight states: Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.
You can track and file your claim on Elephant’s website or by calling 877-218-7865. Glass claims can be filed online or by calling 800-413-8860.
Perks for Elephant customers may include accident forgiveness after all drivers on the policy are accident-free for three years and discounted rates for certain repairs and maintenance services. You may also get up to $1,000 of custom and equipment coverage. If you have collision insurance on your policy, you’ll receive up to $1,000 in pet injury coverage. In addition, if you take your car to an Elephant-approved shop, repairs are guaranteed for as long as you own your car.
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.
In this review . . .