Ohio Mutual Insurance Review & Complaints: Auto, Home & Business Insurance (2023)

Shopping for car insurance can be overwhelming. Looking up different companies, comparing rates, all while assessing your needs and budget. We understand. That’s why we created this review.

Since the turn of the 20th century, business has been protecting Midwesterners against unforeseen risks. Today, they cover seven states with auto, business, home, and farm insurance products. Could they be the best auto insurance company for you?

Before starting this review, enter your ZIP code into our FREE tool above to start shopping to compare rates near you.

How are Ohio Mutual Insurance Group’s car insurance ratings?

Ratings from trustworthy sources help consumers shop smarter. You want to know if an insurance company is compatible with your needs before you make a purchase.

Let’s take a look at assessments from some leading rating agencies for this insurer.

Overall, the ratings look good for them. There are some negative reviews about the company across the internet, with the main issue being poor or slow claims service.

However, positive reviews have also appeared, and positive reviews for insurance companies are somewhat rare. Overall, the company has a solid reputation.

A.M. Best: Ratings from A.M. Best explore the financial stability of a company. Your insurance company needs to be financially stable, so you know with certainty that they can pay any claims you may have to file. The company has an A rating, or excellent, which means it is financially stable and trustworthy.

Better Business Bureau: Ohio Mutual has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since 2010, which means it has abided by BBB standards to ensure better consumer experiences. It’s A+ rating means that the company interacts well with its clients and provides top-quality customer support. A+ is the highest possible rating.

Only one customer posted a review on the BBB website, and it is negative. The review references a poor client experience. One review is incredibly minor considering the size and scope of the company.

NAIC Complaint Index: The NAIC Complaint Index rates the customer experience when dealing with a specific company. Lower scores are better, and their score of 0.44 is an exceptional rating and falls below the national average of one.

This score demonstrates that this company has fewer complaints than other insurance companies. Overall, users seem to be very happy with the services they receive.

What is the history of Ohio Mutual Insurance Group?

Ohio Mutual was founded in 1901 as the Ohio Mutual Tornado, Cyclone, and Windstorm Insurance Association. As the name implies, the company offered insurance to protect against common natural disasters in the Midwest.

In 2010, the company acquired Casco Indemnity, which expanded its operations into New England. Today, they write insurance policies in seven states:

• Connecticut
• Indiana
• Maine
• New Hampshire
• Ohio
• Rhode Island
• Vermont

It’s a mutual company, which means it is owned by policyholders. The insurer writes both cheap car insurance policies and affordable homeowner’s insurance policies for individuals, as well as business and farm insurance policies. However, not all products are available in all seven states where coverage is offered.  If you’re looking for something specific, like home insurance, it’s best to check with an agent to verify it’s available.

The business sells its products through local independent agents and does not currently offer online quoting. The company is headquartered in Bucyrus, Ohio, and has an office in Maine as well.

What is the company’s market share?

In 2018, the insurer had a market share of 0.05 percent of the total private passenger auto insurance business. It has held on to its humble share since 2015. Take a look at the table below.

The insurer writes personal and commercial auto insurance policies as well as package policies for businesses and farm owners. The company’s steady hold on its corner of the market proves it has business longevity and a loyal consumer base.

What is its position for the future?

Ohio Mutual’s share of the market and its number of written premiums are increasing at a steady rate. If you’re searching for an independent group with a more personable feel, this company may be exactly what you’re looking for.

It will be a reliable, friendly insurance provider for years to come.

However, if you’re looking for a company with the cheapest auto insurance rates, an independent agency may not be the best fit. Its rates might not be competitive with the larger commercial brands.

What is the company’s online presence?

There is a user-friendly website full of information for clients. It also has a Facebook page and a LinkedIn profile. While the company is not incredibly active online, its website is kept up to date and social media posts are made on a semiregular basis.

Especially for a smaller company, the insurer remains active enough online to stay relevant as technology continues to advance at a rapid pace.

Does the insurer have commercials?

They do not appear to have any commercials currently on air. We also could not find any archived commercials at this time.

Is the company involved in the community?

On its website, there is a Community Involvement page that showcases how the company stays active in its community.

The company pledged $200,000 to assist in launching the Crawford Unlimited Leadership (CULead) program and followed up with a $100,000 contribution to support the building of the Crawford Success Center, Crawford County’s first college facility.

In 2018, Ohio Mutual was named a Ronald McDonald House’s Outstanding Volunteer Group. Check out the following video from RMHCofCentralOhio.

From supporting the Salvation Army to contributing to United Way and the American Cancer Society, the company’s community involvement is commendable.

It has supported the expansion of local hospitals and public libraries and provided funding for community festivals, local schools, and scholarship programs. Its agents even participate annually in Relay for Life and collect coats each winter for families in need.

What do employees have to say?

While there are only three reviews from employees on Glassdoor, they are all relatively positive, with an average rating of 3.3 out of 5 stars. Employees seem to approve of the CEO of the company and the opportunities. Fifty-five percent would recommend the company to a friend.

How much are the company’s insurance rates?

The insurer does not offer online quoting for its auto insurance, nor does it offer coverage in our usual comparison states, so we are unable to provide a rate comparison. The company provides auto insurance in every state in which it does business, except Indiana.

As a regional insurer working through independent agents, it is not likely to have the lowest rates around. Companies like this rely more on reputation than low rates to get and keep their customer base.

Although rates may be somewhat competitive with companies on the same level, particularly for low-risk policyholders who qualify for multiple discounts, they’re unlikely to be on par with major direct-buy companies.

What is homeowners insurance availability and rates by state?

Homeowner insurance is available in five of the seven covered states; it is not available in Indiana or Connecticut. The homeowner’s insurance program is also relatively basic, although they do have several add-on options to expand the coverage.

Basic coverage protects against a variety of perils and covers structure, personal property, and liability.

Optional coverage includes identity theft, guaranteed replacement cost, personal property replacement cost, as well as riders for high-value items, sewer and water back-up, earthquake insurance, and seasonal residence liability coverage.

Ohio Mutual’s Town and Country Program is a special policy designed to provide coverage for the main residence as well as seasonal residence or rental property. There are also options to cover farming liability and other risks under the same policy.

How is business insurance availability and rates by state?

Business insurance is available in all seven covered states and sold in separate or package policies.

Coverage options include property, general liability, inland marine, and commercial auto insurance.

Business owner’s package policies are available, as well as special packages for artisans. There are also special multi-peril packages available.

What is farm insurance availability and rates by state?

Farm insurance is sold only in Ohio and covers small and large farming operations. The insurance company offers a farm owner’s package policy that covers the farm dwellings, additional structures, and equipment under one policy.

There are a variety of coverage benefits that are designed for the particular risks of farms. These benefits include equine coverage, milk contamination coverage, plus several discounts and add-ons.

What car insurance coverages are offered?

The insurer offers common auto insurance policies with coverage including liability, collision, and comprehensive. It also offers more unique coverage options such as stereo equipment and media coverage, trip interruption, transportation costs, and new car replacement.

What are the bundling options?

It’s not clear on the website if the company has any bundling options. However, most insurance companies that sell multiple types of policies do offer various incentives for bundling, so it’s definitely worth asking an agent about this.

What discounts are offered?

The insurer offers a range of discounts, although you’ll need to check with your local agent to see which discounts are available in your state.

Discount options are available for senior drivers over the age of 60 who have completed an approved motor vehicle accident prevention course, students earning good grades, and drivers who have certain safety features installed on their vehicle.

Check out the full list below.

• 4-wheel antilock brake safety discount
• Active or passive restraint devices safety discount
• Anti-theft devices safety discount
• Airbags
• Good student/away to school discount
• Multiple vehicle discount
• Senior driver discount
• Trucks and sport utility vehicle discounts

For the most part, these are standard policy discounts. If you’re a low-risk driver who can qualify for multiple discounts on this list, this company’s insurance may be worth your while.

What programs are available?

The insurer offers basic auto insurance policy programs, such as liability coverage and medical payment coverage, along with uninsured motorists, towing coverage, and accidental death benefits.

Other programs listed on the company’s website including newly-acquired vehicle coverage and protection for CDs and other media, including increased limits for speaker and radio systems.

How do you cancel your car insurance policy?

The insurer requires you to contact your local independent agent when you want to cancel your auto insurance policy. There’s a search feature on the company’s website on the How to Change My Policy page that will help you locate your agent.

Check out the screenshot of the website below; clicking on the Agent Search link helps you find the right contact information.

If you’re considering purchasing insurance through this company, be sure to ask your local agent if there’s a cancellation fee or a refund available should you choose to cancel. You may also want to inquire about when you can cancel your policy.

How do you make a car insurance claim?

Ohio Mutual does not offer an option to report a claim online, which is not surprising for a smaller, regional insurance company. Instead, it offers a 24-hour toll-free claims line for policyholders to report claims. Car insurance claims can also be reported to an agent during regular business hours.

There are two claims offices — one in Ohio and the other in Maine — with field adjusters available throughout all seven covered states. Field adjusters inspect property damage, while specific auto adjusters provide claims service for auto claims.

This allows policyholders to provide feedback on its claims service through a claims survey found on the company’s website.

How easy is it to make a claim?

Making a claim is relatively simple. You can either call the toll-free 24-hour line to report your claim or contact your local agent. If you go to the website’s claims page, there are clear directions about how to properly report your claim.

Take a look at a screenshot of the claims’ page below.

Claims can be tracked by calling a different toll-free number than the one used for filing claims, but this is also listed clearly on the website.

PLEASE NOTE: The claims process varies for different types of products.

How many premiums are written?

Written premiums provide insight into how much of the insurance market a company holds. Let’s take a look at the total number of written premiums Ohio Mutual Insurance Group’s customers have paid for private passenger auto insurance from 2016-2018.

Note that the total for 2015 only accounts for physical damage, as total private passenger auto insurance premiums were unavailable for that year.

The numbers show that this company has grown steadily each year in the auto insurance market. Growth like this is a great sign, it proves that a company is reliable and attractive to new consumers.

What is the loss ratio?

The loss ratio is another important number to consider when analyzing an auto insurance provider. The Loss ratio refers to the amount of money an insurance company spends on claims compared to the amount they take in through premiums.

A balanced, average ratio is anywhere between sixty and seventy percent. A much higher ratio indicates that the company is spending more than they’re making. A very low ratio indicates that the company is charging too much and not providing enough for their clients.

Let’s take a look at the company’s loss ratio for 2016-2018. Again, the ratio for 2015 only refers to physical damage, because data for total private passenger auto insurance was unavailable for that year.

This insurer lands right in the low-to-mid-sixty percent range, which is exactly what you want to see from your insurance company. This company appears to have financial stability, but also gives back enough to its customers that you don’t need to worry that it’s not paying out claims.

How can you get a car insurance quote online?

As stated before, you cannot get an auto insurance quote from Ohio Mutual Insurance Group online. You must call one of its local independent agents to receive information about rates.

What’s the design of the car insurance website/app?

A clear, concise website and a user-friendly mobile app are important tool’s auto insurance companies provide to make a customer’s experience easier and more comprehensive.

The website has an easy to find login feature for its policyholders called 360Access. An app is currently in the works for policyholders with plans for release in the summer of 2020.

Website

While the website may at first appear to be a little dated, the design is relatively user-friendly and you won’t find any broken links or misleading toolbars.

How easily can you find answers?

Finding answers to your questions on the website is refreshingly easy, especially for a smaller company.

Do you need to know more about the products and services the company provides? Go to the products page for easy to read lists with just enough details. Want to know how to file a claim? The claims page will provide you with an answer.

Is the design a plus or minus?

The stylistic design of the website may be a little overwhelming, with a lot of bright red and yellow colors. Fortunately, the user interface is very simple. There are no surprises on this website, What you click is what you get.

Mobile App

Currently, a mobile app is in the works and promises to be released during the summer of 2020. Take a look at the announcement in the image below.

The release of a new mobile app is a good sign, as it shows that the company can keep up with technological advancements and provide even more services for its clients.

What are the pros and cons?

One of the cons is the lack of transparency about rates. You must contact an independent agent for a quote, which complicates comparison shopping. While not uncommon for smaller agencies, it does add an extra step to the process.

Auto insurance is also only available in six states, which severely limits who qualifies for its services.

Fortunately, if you live in one of those six states and are seeking out a smaller, independent insurance company, the pros outweigh the cons. Ohio Mutual remains active in the community, and it’s also proven to be a reliable insurance provider.

The company’s website is easy to use, and it has decent customer service ratings overall. With its soon-to-be-released insurance app, this small company offers benefits and features comparable to the larger, more commercial brands.

What’s the bottom line?

Without information on rates, it’s difficult to get a full picture of Ohio Mutual Insurance Group, but the company does offer a solid auto and homeowners program with some extra benefits and perks.

With a good reputation and over 100 years of experience, this insurer is worth a look for those who prefer a small, local company and the personal service of an agent. For those in search of the best price on insurance, however, better rates will likely be found with large, national insurance companies.

Looking to compare your current rates to quotes from top auto insurance companies? Now that you’ve finished this review, enter your ZIP code into our FREE tool below to get started and find great car insurance rates.

You’re now an expert on everything there is to know about Ohio Mutual Insurance Group. Take what you’ve learned in this guide while you continue to comparison shop for the cheapest rates. Is there something we missed? Check out our frequently asked questions below.

#1 – What coverages do Ohio Mutual Insurance Group offer?

Ohio Mutual products include car protection, home protection, business protection, and farm protection. However, its offerings vary by state.

#2 – How do customers rate Ohio Mutual Insurance Group?

Overall, customers give the insurer positive reviews. There is a mix of both positive and negative reviews on the internet, but positive reviews for an insurance company are rare.

#3 – What states do Ohio Mutual Insurance Group do business in?

Ohio Mutual Insurance Group services seven states: Connecticut, Indiana, Maine, New Hampshire, Ohio, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Business insurance is offered in all seven states. Farmers insurance is only offered in the state of Ohio. Auto insurance and homeowners insurance are not offered in Indiana.