Utica National Insurance Group Insurance Review & Complaints: Car, Homeowners & Commercial Insurance (2024)

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The Utica National Insurance Group is a group of companies known mainly for business insurance, but offering several lines of individual insurance as well. With over a century in the insurance industry, Utica is a solid company that has grown to be one of the top 100 insurance companies in the United States.

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What is the Utica National Insurance Group?

The Utica National Insurance Group traces its roots back to two insurance carriers, Utica Mutual Insurance Company and Graphic Arts Mutual Insurance Company, both founded in 1914. Today the group has transitioned away from the Utica Mutual Insurance Company name and grown into a network of companies that all fall under the Utica National Insurance Group umbrella, writing a variety of different policies for insurance customers across the nation.

The inclusion of Graphic Arts Mutual Insurance Company as a primary subsidiary has landed the company a position as a major specialty insurer in the Graphic Communications industries, which positioned Utica Mutual Insurance Company ahead of its time in the past. The company also has a lot of customers in the area of errors and omissions coverage for insurance agents and similar businesses.

Based out of New Hartford, New York, the insurer has offices across the country representing both the primary and other subsidiaries. Utica National’s agents are scattered across the nation offering policies for both personal and commercial lines.

What types of insurance products are offered by Utica National?

Although the Utica National Insurance Group is best known as something of a specialty commercial insurance company, customers have access to basic and specialty personal insurance policies as well.

Can I get auto insurance from Utica National?

The comprehensive auto insurance program includes all of the basic coverage options as well as a few less-common extension features.

The Auto Essentials policy is Utica’s affordable car insurance option for good drivers. This option offers a basic policy at a reduced cost. It’s designed for customers who do not have a lot of assets to protect and don’t need a lot of options, although it still offers a choice of coverage limits and discounts, so you do still have insurance options, just not as many as you may see from another company.

The Auto Extension plan takes the coverage to the next level with the following features:

• Diminished Deductible (a program that reduces your deductible for good driving)
• Accident Forgiveness
• Airbag Malfunction
• Gap coverage
• Emergency Living Expenses (if injuries take you out of work)
• Increased roadside assistance
• Death benefits
• Optional rental coverage

Among other benefits, Pet Medical is included with its auto policies without raising your auto premiums or even tacking on an extra service fee. If you currently have an auto insurance policy and would like to learn more about protecting your furry friend, you should contact your insurance agent.

There is a long list of auto insurance discounts available, from common features like good driver, to discounts for Electronic Stability Control, and a green vehicle.

Other Vehicles

What if you need to cover other vehicles under your personal insurance? Policies are available to cover other vehicles and “toys” such as motorcycles, boats, and snowmobiles. Each insurance policy also includes coverage specific to that vehicle, such as motorcycle gear coverage and trailer coverage, providing better customer service and overall customer experience.

Can I get home insurance from Utica National?

Unlike the auto program, the website offers very limited information regarding Utica National’s home insurance policies. Homeowners insurance from the company offers structure coverage, personal property coverage, and liability protection. If you are interested in a homeowners policy, you may have to speak with one of Utica National’s agents to get the most accurate information.

Renters insurance policies that cover the personal property of those who live in rental homes and apartments are also offered.

Can I get business insurance?

Business insurance coverage is a big part of its market, offering coverage for both main street businesses and specialty markets.

Coverage is offered for the following types of business owners:

• Bakeries
• Bed and Breakfast
• Child Care Centers
• Funeral Homes
• General Business
• Graphic Communications
• Libraries
• Professionals
• Quick Foods
• Small Business
• Religious Institutions
• Retailers
• Wholesalers
• Volunteer Fire Departments

The insurer also provides coverage for the following “niche” markets:

• Artisan Contractors
• Auto Service
• Educational Institutions
• Energy Dealers
• Financial Institutions
• Franchised and Non-Franchised Auto Dealers
• Light Manufacturing
• Machine Shops

The company also offers other commercial insurance products such as bonds, Worker’s Compensation, life insurance, and Agent Errors & Omissions Business coverage that you can add to your business insurance policy for additional protection.

What additional products are offered by Utica National Insurance Company?

Personal Lines

The company rounds out its insurance offerings for individuals with personal lines of insurance coverage including both umbrella insurance and identity theft insurance, providing defense for its customers’ financial futures.

Are Utica National’s rates competitive?

As the Utica National Insurance Group is an agent-driven insurance company, online quoting is not available, and therefore comparing Utica National’s prices to average insurance rates is not easy.

In general, insurance companies that use agents to sell policies tend to have a higher insurance rate than direct-buy insurance companies that do not need to pay agent commissions.

The company does offer its Essentials plan, which promises to offer 10% payment reductions for good drivers. This indicates that those with clean driving records are likely to qualify more easily for competitive rates.

A company like Utica is not likely to be a lead insurance plan that is particularly low-priced for any person who has tickets or accidents on their record, particularly because they provide some specialized coverage.

The company has a good list of discounts, which are helpful when it comes to bringing down rates but will do the most good to those who already qualify for good rates thanks to a clean driving record.

How are claims handled?

Claims can be reported either through the 24-hour claims line or online on the Customer Care site. There is also fax and mailing address information available on the website by a claims specialist.

Similar to most major affiliated companies, there is a Direct Repair program through which repairs are guaranteed for as long as the car is owned, as long as one of the in-network shops is used for repairs.

The insurer promises fast and fair claims service, and that the claim will be settled as quickly as possible, but does not provide an average claim response time frame or further in-depth information about the process.

Are there any consumer complaints against Utica National Insurance Company?

Although not accredited, the Utica National Insurance Group has an A+ rating with the BBB, and in the past three years had only 11 complaints filed, two of which were closed in the last 12 months. This is an incredibly low number for a large insurance company. It should be noted though that this covers only the head office in New York, and there may be other complaints for other branches directly.

There are very few reviews of the company out there, which is generally a positive sign. People are much more likely to write a review when they would like to share their complaints rather than when things are going smoothly. As a result, no reviews are usually good news when it comes to insurance companies.

What is Utica National Insurance Group’s financial strength rating?

As the table above shows, A.M. Best reports that Utica National Insurance Group is on stable financial footing.

Ease of Filing a Claim

Utica National Insurance Group offers a streamlined and user-friendly claims filing process. Customers have the convenience of filing claims through various channels, including online, over the phone, and through mobile apps. The availability of multiple options ensures that policyholders can choose the method that best suits their preferences and circumstances.

Average Claim Processing Time

Utica National Insurance Group is committed to efficient claims processing. The average claim processing time is relatively quick, allowing customers to receive the necessary assistance and settlements promptly. The company prioritizes swift claim resolution to minimize any potential inconvenience and stress for its policyholders.

Customer Feedback on Claim Resolutions and Payouts

Customer feedback regarding claim resolutions and payouts with Utica National Insurance Group is generally positive. Clients appreciate the company’s transparency, responsiveness, and fair compensation for their claims. The consistent positive feedback reflects the company’s dedication to providing satisfactory claim resolutions and payouts to its policyholders.

Mobile App Features and Functionality

Utica National Insurance Group offers a comprehensive mobile app with a range of features and functionalities. The app provides easy access to policy information, claims filing, and tracking. Additionally, it offers features like bill payment, policy updates, and the ability to contact customer support, enhancing overall user experience and convenience.

Online Account Management Capabilities

Utica National Insurance Group provides a robust online platform for account management. Policyholders can access and manage their policies, review coverage details, update personal information, and view billing and payment history. This online account management capability empowers customers to have greater control and visibility over their insurance policies.

Digital Tools and Resources

The digital tools and resources provided by Utica National Insurance Group are designed to assist customers in understanding their policies better and making informed decisions. These tools may include educational resources, calculators to estimate coverage needs, FAQs, and policy documents.

These digital resources aim to enhance policyholders’ understanding of their insurance coverage and provide valuable information to support their insurance-related decisions.

What’s the bottom line?

Although it’s difficult to ascertain how competitive Utica National’s rates will be without easy access to a quote, everything else about the company points towards it being well worth the time to get one.

A solid auto car insurance program with plenty of features is the central attraction in Utica National’s personal lines products, and the long list of discounts is certainly appealing.

Those who are looking for the service of an agent, and willing to pay a little more for that service, should consider the company.