New York Central Mutual Insurance Review & Complaints: Car, Homeowners & Property Insurance (2024)

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New York Central Mutual (NYCM) is a property and casualty insurance company that serves the area it is named for – central New York. They write personal auto insurance and homeowners insurance as well as commercial policies.

What is NYCM?

New York Central Mutual Insurance was founded in 1899 by VanNess D. Robinson to provide insurance services to residents of central New York and is currently running with the fourth generation of the Robinson family at the helm. The NYCM insurance company was founded and remains in the town of Edmeston, New York, but has since expanded to open an office in Amsterdam, NY, and provides service across the region.

In 1991, NYCM Insurance Agency acquired adjusting from Albert F. Stager, Inc., and 10 years later added a second subsidiary, A. Central Insurance Company. That same year, in 2001, they created Central Services Group as an umbrella for the companies. Today, the car insurance company employs more than 800 people, making them relatively large for a regional insurer.

NYCM writes three main lines of business: auto, home, and commercial insurances. Policies are sold through independent agents across the service area.

What products does NYCM Offer?

NYCM Insurance Group offers personal auto as well as some specialty coverage car insurance, homeowners and several other types of home policy, and a couple of commercial options.

Auto Insurance

The casualty insurance carrier has a pretty robust auto insurance program for a smaller company, including some options we do not often see from regional insurers.

The basic policy has the option of either split limits for liability or a combined single limit option, both of which can meet the New York state mandatory car insurance requirements. From there, customers can choose to add common options such as comprehensive coverage, collision coverage, and rental car coverage.

Roadside assistance is offered at three levels, from Basic to Choice Plus, with each level increasing the distance allowable for towing and adding extra features.

NYCM has a usage-based program available on a voluntary basis, something not usually seen from smaller companies. It is called inControl, and it uses a plug-in device to record driving habits over a period of six months. After that time period ends, the device is sent back to the company, and a discount is calculated based on the data collected. There is a participation discount for the first year, which is replaced with the calculated discount the following year. The inControl program is available for vehicles 1996 and newer.

There is a long list of other discounts offered on the auto program. New York drivers can get up to 10% off for completing an online driving course. Other discounts include: new car, homeownership, students that are 100 miles or more away from home, senior, paid in full, EFT, security features discounts, and multi-policy discounts.

NYCM also offers insurance coverage for RVs and conversion vans, though costs will vary depending on the vehicle being insured. Auto policies for smaller vehicles tend to be cheaper than what someone will pay to insure an RV.

Home Insurance

NYCM provides policies for traditional homeowners, mobile home insurance, renter’s insurance, condo insurance, and flood.

The homeowner’s program is fairly standard, covering the dwelling and other structures, personal property, liability, medical payment, and loss of use. Endorsements include equipment breakdown, high-value item riders, and service line coverage.

Like the auto program, there is a good list of available discounts for homeowners insurance. They include security features, the age of the home, renovation discounts, gated community, retirement, and multi-policy.

New York Mutual insurance also covers mobile homes that have a value of at least $10,000 and are not more than ten years old. Mobile home policies can also qualify for retirement, new home, multi-policy, and protective devices. It is worth noting that the mobile home bundling discount with auto is considerably smaller — 5% versus 25% for a homeowner policy. This is likely due to the much lower premiums attached to mobile home policies.

Both condo and renter’s policies are designed mainly for personal property and liability, although condo owners insurance also covers aspects of the home not covered by the condo association. Both qualify for a bundling discount as well.

Commercial Insurance

NYCM has two lines of commercial insurance available.

Highliner is an insurance product aimed at rental dwelling owners. This package policy provides coverage for structures as well as liability and includes loss of rent coverage.

Silverstreak is a small business insurance product that is offered to a range of retail, professional, and office businesses. These include gift shops and clothing stores, dental, medical, law and accountant offices, and beauty and barbershops.

The Silverstreak package is a standard business owner’s policy that covers property, liability, loss of income, and professional liability where applicable.

Are NYCM rates competitive?

NYCM Insurance offers online quoting for their auto insurance only. The system requires a great deal of personal information from the insurance customer, and as a result, we were not able to provide an example quote for auto insurance policies for an NYCM car insurance policy.

Since this car insurance company covers only the state of New York, their insurance rates would only be comparable to companies operating in that same area, providing insurance coverage to residents. Smaller companies do not often compete in terms of having the lowest insurance rates, but they usually add value in other ways, including offering more personal customer service.

Claims Process at New York Central Mutual Insurance

Ease of Filing a Claim (Online, Over the Phone, Mobile Apps)

When it comes to filing a claim with New York Central Mutual Insurance (NYCM), customers have multiple options to choose from, ensuring convenience and accessibility. The company offers a user-friendly online claims submission process, allowing policyholders to file claims directly through their website or mobile app.

This digital approach simplifies the claims process, eliminating the need for extensive paperwork and reducing the time required to initiate a claim.

Additionally, NYCM provides the option to file claims over the phone, catering to those who prefer a more traditional approach or encounter issues with online methods. This flexibility ensures that customers can choose the method that suits their preferences and circumstances.

Average Claim Processing Time

Efficiency in processing claims is a critical aspect of any insurance company’s performance. NYCM aims to streamline the claims processing timeline to provide prompt assistance to its policyholders. While specific processing times may vary depending on the nature and complexity of the claim, the company strives to expedite the evaluation and settlement process.

Customers can expect timely responses and efficient handling of their claims, with NYCM committed to resolving issues as quickly as possible to minimize disruptions in their lives.

Customer Feedback on Claim Resolutions and Payouts

Customer feedback plays a pivotal role in assessing an insurance company’s performance, particularly in the context of claim resolutions and payouts. NYCM has received both positive and negative reviews regarding its claims process.

Some customers have praised NYCM for their excellent claims experience, highlighting efficient claim resolutions and fair payouts. However, there are also negative reviews that mention challenges related to rate increases and claims problems.

It’s worth noting that NYCM actively engages with customers by responding to both negative and positive reviews, demonstrating their commitment to addressing concerns and improving their services.

Explore New York Central Mutual Insurance’s Digital and Technological Features

Mobile App Features and Functionality

NYCM offers a mobile app equipped with a range of features and functionalities designed to simplify the insurance experience. Customers can conveniently access their policies, make payments, and even file claims directly from the app. Additionally, the app provides real-time updates on policy information and offers a user-friendly interface for managing insurance-related tasks on the go.

Online Account Management Capabilities

NYCM’s online account management capabilities empower policyholders to have greater control over their insurance policies. Through the company’s website, customers can easily view and update policy details, track claims, and access important documents. This online platform offers a convenient and efficient way for customers to manage their insurance needs from the comfort of their own homes.

Digital Tools and Resources

To further support policyholders, NYCM provides a range of digital tools and resources. These include educational materials, calculators, and resources to help customers make informed decisions about their insurance coverage. The availability of such digital tools enhances transparency and empowers customers to navigate the complexities of insurance effectively.

As NYCM continues to invest in digital and technological advancements, policyholders can expect an enhanced and seamless insurance experience, with access to innovative tools and resources that facilitate their interactions with the company.

Are NYCM’s ratings and consumer reviews positive?

New York Central Mutual has been Better Business Bureau (BBB) accredited since 2010 and has an A+ rating. There are a total of 17 complaints on file in the past three years. There are 10 negative reviews on the BBB page, and the company makes an effort to respond to them. The complaints are in regards to rate increases and claims problems.

There are 105 reviews of this company on Google, with an overall 2.7-star rating that is made up of slightly more positive reviews on quality customer experience than bad. Most of the negative reviews are in regards to claims and subpar service. On the flip side, multiple positive reviews cite an excellent claims experience. The company takes the time to respond to reviews, both negative and positive, and that is always a mark in a company’s favor.

What’s the bottom line?

New York Central Mutual is an independent insurance agency that has been around a long time and has solid insurance programs, particularly their auto insurance, which has an impressive list of discounts and robust coverage options. They have enough positive reviews to outweigh the negative, and they respond to all of their complaints, leaving us with a positive impression. Their claims services are attentive, and lead us closer to a firm decision that they’re a reputable company. Those that prefer a smaller insurance company and like to work with an agent will want to consider NYCM.