Bristol West Insurance Review & Complaints: Auto Insurance (2024)

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With a history of several decades long, Florida-born Bristol West Insurance has come to focus exclusively on personal auto coverage.

What is Bristol West Insurance?

Bristol West Insurance was founded in Florida in 1973, offering personal car insurance. The company grew, expanding across the United States, and was acquired by the Farmers Insurance Group in 2007, joining one of the biggest groups in the nation.

The company has never expanded its product lineup, just its operating territory. Products are sold only through agents and brokers, and the company offers low down payment options as well as a selection of policy options from liability only through full coverage.

The company has offices in various locations, with main offices in their home state of Florida, and in Ohio.

What insurance products does Bristol West offer?

Policies are marketed and sold by Farmers Agents including, in some states, those appointed under the Foremost Insurance Group, a subsidiary of the Farmers Exchange. Offerings for drivers can differ from state to state in terms of insurance coverage options and driver discounts. A variety of insurance providers under the Bristol West banner underwrite the policies but, again, this differs from state to state.

An overview of the policies across covered states shows that the company’s auto policies are quite basic. Liability coverage, comprehensive, and collision insurance along with a few other common coverage options are universally available, while other options may vary.

Optional coverage’s include:

• Medical payments
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist
• Towing and labor
• Rental reimbursement

Some states also have loan/lease (gap) coverage levels and additional equipment coverage available. Limited Mexico coverage is available for California.

Read more: Best Car Insurance For Drivers Who Go to Mexico

Does Bristol West offer competitive rates?

The insurer does not offer online quoting, and all policies and features are quoted and sold through insurance agents. As a result, it is difficult to do a quick price comparison.

Farmers Insurance’s agents will often run rate quotes through all their subsidiary underwriting departments in order to get customers a lower rate. What this means is sometimes you may walk into a Farmers Insurance office, but walk out with a Bristol West policy because it was a lower price.

The company does not directly advertise as a low-cost company but does state that they offer low down payment options as well as several different payment options to make insurance more affordable for drivers. There is little evidence, however, to suggest that it is going to offer rates competitive with major low-cost insurers like Geico auto insurance company. They are agent-driven for sales, which is usually a sign of higher rates thanks to agent commissions.

Auto insurance discounts vary across the states, so it’s difficult to say how much impact there is on insurance policy rates. Without the benefit of major bundling discounts, it is unlikely to be seriously competitive in terms of cost for drivers. Farmers does offer multi-policy discounts with Foremost policies, but there is no information on whether this is available with the company.

Are there consumer complaints against the insurance company?

Finding Bristol West on the BBB is a bit of a challenge, as several offices come up. The only office with a rating was the Indianapolis location, giving the company an A+ rating. There is only one complaint in the last three years listed, and it has been closed within the last 12 months.

While one complaint is very low in terms of a national company, the confusion involved in finding the correct place to lodge a complaint against the company leaves questions as to how many complaints did not land in the correct place.

The company has a good number of complaints on several consumer websites, enough to raise a little concern, even in an industry where complaints are relatively common. There are 68 complaints on PissedConsumer, mainly focusing on the company’s website and billing practices. Similar complaints appear on Consumer Affairs, where there are 71 one-star ratings out of 77 total ratings.

Considering that larger companies have had fewer complaints listed on both of these sites, the numbers are of concern, as well as the content of the complaints, which address similar issues repeatedly.

Overall, there is little in the reviews of the company to put it in a positive light, and enough negative to raise red flags.

Bristol West Insurance Claims Process

Ease of Filing a Claim

Bristol West Insurance offers policyholders multiple convenient options for filing insurance claims. Whether through the company’s website, over the phone, or via dedicated mobile apps, policyholders have the flexibility to choose their preferred method for initiating a claim.

This ease of access ensures that customers can swiftly report incidents and begin the claims process through channels that suit their preferences.

Average Claim Processing Time

While Bristol West Insurance aims to process claims efficiently, the specific processing time may vary depending on the nature and complexity of each claim. The company’s commitment to settling claims quickly is evident, with many policyholders experiencing prompt resolutions.

However, as with any insurance provider, processing times can fluctuate. Bristol West strives to minimize any delays in processing and strives to provide timely responses to policyholders’ claims.

Customer Feedback on Claim Resolutions and Payouts

Bristol West Insurance has received feedback from customers regarding its claim resolutions and payouts. Many policyholders have shared their satisfaction with the company’s handling of claims. Bristol West’s reputation for delivering fair and efficient claim settlements has contributed to positive customer experiences.

The company’s dedication to transparency and straightforward claim resolution is reflected in customer testimonials, emphasizing their commitment to fulfilling their promises to policyholders.

Bristol West Insurance Digital and Technological Features

Mobile App Features and Functionality

Bristol West Insurance provides a user-friendly mobile app equipped with various features and functionalities. Through the app, policyholders can access critical insurance information, review policy details, and seamlessly initiate claims.

Additionally, the app offers tools to help policyholders find in-network service providers, track claim statuses, and manage their policies on the go. Bristol West’s mobile app empowers policyholders to have complete control and convenience over their auto insurance coverage through their smartphones.

Online Account Management Capabilities

Policyholders with Bristol West Insurance benefit from robust online account management capabilities. The company’s online portal allows customers to efficiently manage their policies, access and download important documents, and conveniently make premium payments.

The portal also serves as a secure platform for reviewing claims history, monitoring pending claims, and accessing essential resources related to auto insurance. With 24/7 access to their accounts, policyholders have the flexibility to stay informed and maintain control over their insurance coverage.

Digital Tools and Resources

Bristol West Insurance offers a variety of digital tools and resources designed to enhance the overall customer experience. These resources encompass educational materials, wellness programs, and calculators for estimating insurance costs.

The company’s commitment to leveraging technology extends to telehealth services, enabling policyholders to connect with healthcare providers remotely for consultations and medical advice. Bristol West’s digital offerings are crafted to support policyholders in managing their auto insurance effectively and making informed decisions.

Are there consumer complaints against the insurance company?

Finding Bristol West on the BBB is a bit of a challenge, as several offices come up. The only office with a rating was the Indianapolis location, giving the company an A+ rating. There is only one complaint in the last three years listed, and it has been closed within the last 12 months.

While one complaint is very low in terms of a national company, the confusion involved in finding the correct place to lodge a complaint against the company leaves questions as to how many complaints did not land in the correct place.

The company has a good number of complaints on several consumer websites, enough to raise a little concern, even in an industry where complaints are relatively common. There are 68 complaints on PissedConsumer, mainly focusing on the company’s website and billing practices. Similar complaints appear on Consumer Affairs, where there are 71 one-star ratings out of 77 total ratings.

Considering that larger companies have had fewer complaints listed on both of these sites, the numbers are of concern, as well as the content of the complaints, which address similar issues repeatedly.

Overall, there is little in the reviews of the company to put it in a positive light, and enough negative to raise red flags.

What is the company’s financial strength rating?

What’s the bottom line?

Bristol West flies under the Farmers Insurance banner and is often quoted for customers by Farmer’s agents. They use a different underwriting process than their parent company, so they are often better priced for certain classes of drivers. They are serviced by the same claims department as Farmers, but the number of complaints raises a few flags. However, if the price is right, the company is an alright choice for many drivers.