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State Farm is a pretty good insurance company overall, earning a rating of 4.1/5 from WalletHub editors, good customer reviews, and great scores from organizations such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and J.D. Power. State Farm also has great ratings from financial groups like AM Best and Moody’s, and it has received praise from customers for providing personalized attention when purchasing policies and during the claims process.

Those things help to explain how State Farm became the largest auto insurance company in the United States (with 44.1 million auto policies) as well as the largest provider of homeowners insurance. State Farm is also a leader among life insurance and small business insurance providers. In short, the company deserves a spot near the top of every insurance shopper’s list.

Does the status of a company as one of the largest insurance providers in the U.S. benefit customers?

Jason Abate - I believe being among the largest insurance companies in the U.S. presents several potential advantages for customers:

  • Economies of Scale: A company's size may allow it to leverage economies of scale, potentially resulting in lower premiums or enhanced services at the same price due to the distribution of fixed costs over a vast customer base.
  • Broad Network: A more extensive operation often translates to a more comprehensive network of agents, adjusters, and repair services, offering customers increased accessibility and convenience.
  • Diverse Product Offerings: Larger companies typically provide a more varied range of insurance products, enabling customers to bundle services or select policies tailored to their specific needs.
  • Stability: A company's size may be indicative of its financial stability.
  • Technological Investments: Bigger companies usually have the means to invest more heavily in technology, leading to superior online platforms, mobile apps, and digital customer services.

However, it is essential to remember that size is not the sole determinant of quality or value. Some customers might gravitate towards the more personalized touch of smaller companies or discover that these smaller entities offer competitive rates in specific scenarios.

Should a company's reputation for handling claims influence customers when selecting insurance?

JB - Absolutely. I believe that an insurance company's track record in managing claims should be a pivotal consideration for customers. Here is why:

  • Trustworthiness: Insurance's primary role is to offer financial safeguards against unexpected events. A company's reputation in claim handling mirrors its dependability and commitment to this core promise.
  • Customer Experience: Navigating the claims process can be daunting. Companies with a commendable reputation in this domain are likely to ensure a more streamlined, transparent, and stress-free experience for their policyholders.
  • Timeliness: Expediency in processing and settling claims, especially during emergencies, is invaluable. Companies renowned for their efficiency hold a distinct edge in this regard.
  • Fairness: It is imperative for customers to feel that their claims receive an unbiased evaluation and that they obtain the rightful compensation. A company's reputation can shed light on its ethical standards and fairness.
  • Communication: Effective communication is crucial throughout the claims process. Companies held in high regard in this aspect tend to keep their customers well-informed and offer clear instructions on required procedures and documentation.

Disclaimer: The above expert remarks are the general opinions of Professor Abate, and do not represent his position or opinion nor those of his employers on research related to this topic conducted by WalletHub. Additionally, he is not a licensed insurance agent. The thoughts offered are based on his understanding and perspective.