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American National Insurance Review 2024
Lead Writer | Auto insurance
Drew Gula is a NerdWallet authority on auto insurance. He previously worked as the senior content editor at Soundstripe and as the senior writer in Liberty University's marketing department. Drew is also a published author. He is based in Nashville, Tenn.
Assigning Editor | Auto insurance, home insurance, other insurance
Lacie Glover spent more than five years covering health care costs and all types of insurance as a NerdWallet writer before becoming an assistant assigning editor in 2019 and later an assigning editor on the insurance team. As a writer, her work was featured in The Associated Press, The Motley Fool and U.S. News & World Report. Lacie is a NerdWallet authority on insurance products and loves data, analytics and solving SEO mysteries.
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 National
3.5
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
- Available in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
- Low number of customer complaints for auto insurance.
Cons
- Few discounts available.
- Website lacks detailed coverage information
American National
3.5
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
- Available in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
- Low number of customer complaints for auto insurance.
Cons
- Few discounts available.
- Website lacks detailed coverage information
American National earned 3.5 stars out of 5 for overall performance. 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 1905 and based in Galveston, Texas, American National might be a good choice for someone looking to bundle their insurance policies. The company operates in all 50 states as well as Puerto Rico and offers a wide variety of products, including auto, life and renters insurance.
» MORE: The best car 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
|  |  |
|---|---|---|
NerdWallet rating NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more. 3.5 /5 | NerdWallet rating NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more. 3.5 /5 | NerdWallet rating NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more. 2.5 /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. Close to 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 |
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. Below 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 | 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. Very few 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. Average set of discounts |
Bottom line American National sells a variety of policies, including auto and life, which means you can easily save by bundling multiple products. | Bottom line Safeco auto policies offer some unique features, such as accident forgiveness, but falls short in customer service. | Bottom line Toggle sells customizable auto insurance policies in several states. |
American National 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.
In addition to the usual car insurance coverage options like roadside assistance, American National Insurance sells:
Gap insurance, which pays the difference between the actual cash value of your car and the amount you owe on your car loan if your vehicle is totaled or stolen. You must have comprehensive and collision coverage to buy gap insurance.
ACE insurance, which stands for “added coverage endorsement,” and is used when you need to replace parts on a damaged vehicle.
Auto insurance policies from American National also include:
Discounted or no deductible. If you’re in a car accident with another American National customer, you may pay a lower deductible or none at all. This perk may not be available in all states.
If you buy comprehensive and collision insurance, benefits include:
Up to $2,000 worth of customized equipment coverage.
» MORE: Compare car insurance rates
Auto insurance discounts
You may be able to save on your auto insurance if you bundle it with a life insurance policy from American National.
First time shopping for auto insurance? Unsure of where to start? Check out our guide on how to shop for car insurance.
American National life insurance coverage
The company offers four types of permanent life insurance: whole, universal, indexed universal and guaranteed universal.
Complaints
American National had far fewer 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 American National insurance
Website: American National’s website lets you speak with an agent, report a claim and make a payment, but doesn’t offer much information about auto insurance discounts.
Mobile app: You can use the American National app on Apple or Android devices to view your policy, make a payment or report a claim. You can also access your ID card and request roadside assistance.
Other insurance from American National
American National also sells the following types of policies:
Classic car.
Business.
Renters.
Health.
Farm and ranch.
Motorcycle.
Off-road vehicle.
Recreational vehicle.
Boat and watercraft.
» MORE: Get free car insurance quotes
You can contact American National by phone at (800) 899-6519 Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. CST, Saturday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST or Sunday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST. You can also email the company at [email protected].
Auto claims can be reported online. You can also call 800-333-2860 to report a claim. If you have a question about an existing claim, you’ll need to email [email protected].
American National’s website doesn’t provide a place to get a quote online, but you can connect with an agent to get an insurance quote.
You can contact American National by phone at (800) 899-6519 Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. CST, Saturday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST or Sunday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST. You can also email the company at [email protected].
Auto claims can be reported online. You can also call 800-333-2860 to report a claim. If you have a question about an existing claim, you’ll need to email [email protected].
American National’s website doesn’t provide a place to get a quote online, but you can connect with an agent to get an insurance quote.
Methodology
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.
Auto insurance ratings methodology
NerdWallet’s auto 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 and discounts. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim. Using our editorial discretion, we also consider customer satisfaction surveys. 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. Read our editorial guidelines and full ratings methodology for auto insurance.
In this review . . .
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