United Fire Group Insurance Review & Complaints: Auto, Home, Business, & Life Insurance (2024)

Premiums
Claims
Feedback
Financial Strength

United Fire Group Insurance Company offers a comprehensive list of insurance policies for both individuals and for businesses through a list of subsidiary companies. They write insurance in nearly every state, offering auto, home, life, and commercial policies.

This United Fire Group Insurance review will cover everything you need to know about the company. Ready to compare car insurance or home insurance quotes right now? Enter your ZIP code to begin.

United Fire Group Insurance Summary

United Fire Group traces its roots back to Ace Mutual Insurance Association, founded in 1937. In 1943, the company merged with North Central Mutual Insurance to form United Mutual Insurance Association, and by 1950, the United Fire & Casualty Company was formed. The company continued expansion with the addition of United Life Insurance in 1962, and went public in 1971.

The ensuing years saw acquisitions of multiple different companies as United spread across the country. Most recently, the company merged with Mercer Insurance Group; the completion of this merger in 2011 saw United Fire cover more of the nation than ever before, nearly every state.

United Fire Group writes a variety of personal and business products through independent agents, and do not offer any direct sales. They currently write insurance in 43 states, 36 of which include life insurance products.

United Fire Group Insurance Products

United Fire writes the big three of personal insurance – auto, home, and life – as well as business insurance and surety bonds.

Auto Insurance

United Fire’s personal auto insurance program appears basic but solid; they offer all the common coverage options as well as a few extras such as new vehicle replacement and airbag replacement.

Also, available is the company’s Road Assist 24/7, which is a little more than the average roadside assistance plan; it includes coverage for things such as locksmith services, flat tire changes, dead battery assistance, and, of course towing.

Discounts for auto insurance are pretty basic, including good driver, loyalty, loss-free, and multiple policy discounts.

Motorcycle insurance is also available with similar coverage and additions that are specific to motorcycles, including additional equipment coverage.

Home Insurance

United has a homeowner’s program with two levels of coverage. The basic coverage is the standard homeowner’s. They also offer a higher coverage level for newer custom homes known as Signature Premier Homeowner Program.

Signature Premier has all the basics but also adds identity theft coverage, equipment breakdown, increased valuables limits, and a free home inspection. These can also be added as endorsements to a basic homeowner’s policy. Additional add-ons include:

• Personal Injury coverage
• Earthquake insurance
• Water back-up and sump pump overflow
• Scheduled personal property

There are a number of discounts available for homeowner’s including a new home discount, multi-policy, and security system discount.

In addition to home insurance, United also writes condo and renter’s policies.

Life Insurance

United writes both term and permanent life policies, and also offers annuities.

Term life insurance is available with the option to convert to permanent; The company also offers several riders to choose from, including disability income coverage and waiver of premiums.

Both whole and universal life insurance policies are available for permanent coverage; these both include cash accumulation and steady premiums. Available riders include accelerated benefits, disability income, and guaranteed insurability.

Annuity choices from United for retirement income planning are:

• Single Premium Deferred
• Flexible Premium Deferred
• Single Premium Income

Additional Products

Business Insurance

United Fire Group writes a good range of different business insurance options, intended mainly for small businesses. The choices include:

• Commercial Auto
• Business Owners Policy (package policy)
• Commercial Crime
• Commercial Property
• Contractor’s Errors & Omissions
• Garage Service Program
• General Liability
• Inland Marine

Umbrella Insurance

United Fire offers umbrella insurance for both individuals and businesses; this coverage provides additional (up to $5 million extra) liability protection above and beyond underlying policy limits.

Surety Bonds

United has a number of different types of bonds available, including surety, contract, fidelity, judicial, license and contract, and public official bonds.

United Fire Group Insurance Rates

The company doesn’t advertise their auto policies as being low-cost, and they are not a major player in the auto market. Combined with their sales through agents – which means commissions – it’s pretty unlikely that United will be among the least expensive insurance companies.

Of course, price isn’t the only thing that should matter when it comes to insurance. Good service combined with solid products can make a higher premium worthwhile. That balance has to be judged carefully and somewhat individually.

United Fire Group Insurance Claims Process

Ease of Filing a Claim

United Fire Group offers a convenient claims process that allows policyholders to file claims both online and over the phone. This flexibility ensures that customers can choose the method that suits them best. For those who prefer online filing, the company provides a user-friendly online claims form that can be accessed without the need to log in.

This can be particularly convenient for individuals who do not have or do not wish to create a policyholder account. On the other hand, for those who prefer the assistance of a representative, claims can also be filed over the phone by calling the toll-free claims line at 1-800-343-9131.

Average Claim Processing Time

The average claim processing time can vary depending on the complexity of the claim. United Fire Group is committed to handling claims efficiently and strives to provide timely resolutions to its policyholders. While specific processing times may not be readily available, the company’s dedication to quick and effective claim handling is reflected in its overall customer service.

Customer Feedback on Claim Resolutions and Payouts

United Fire Group Insurance has earned an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, demonstrating a commitment to customer satisfaction. In the past three years, there have been only five complaints on record, with two of them being resolved within the past 12 months.

This positive rating and minimal complaints suggest that customers are generally satisfied with the company’s claim resolutions and payouts. However, it’s important to note that customer experiences may vary, and individual cases can differ.

United Fire Group Insurance Digital and Technological Features

Mobile App Features and Functionality

United Fire Group offers a mobile app that provides policyholders with convenient access to their insurance information and accounts on the go. While specific details about the app’s features and functionality are not provided in this review, it’s common for insurance apps to offer services such as policy management, claims filing, digital ID cards, and easy communication with the insurer.

The mobile app can enhance the overall customer experience by providing access to important insurance-related tasks from the convenience of a smartphone or tablet.

Online Account Management Capabilities

Policyholders of United Fire Group Insurance can manage their insurance policies and accounts through the company’s online portal. The online account management platform allows customers to view policy details, make payments, update personal information, and access important documents.

This digital convenience makes it easier for customers to stay informed about their coverage and make necessary adjustments as needed.

Digital Tools and Resources

While specific digital tools and resources offered by United Fire Group are not detailed in this review, insurance companies typically provide online resources to help customers better understand their coverage and make informed decisions.

These resources may include educational articles, FAQs, and tools for obtaining insurance quotes or estimating premiums. Customers can benefit from these digital resources when seeking information about their policies or exploring additional coverage options.

United Fire Group Insurance Consumer Research and Complaints

United Fire Group Insurance rating with the Better Business Bureau is an A+ and there are only five complaints on record in the past three years, two of which were closed in the past 12 months. The company has been accredited since 2014.

Due to the fairly recent merger with Mercer, it’s difficult to say for sure whether this file includes any complaints against that particular company.

The only other complaint we were able to find about this company came from a former employee, and had nothing to do with the company’s service or products. The lack of complaints across multiple common sites leaves a generally positive impression of this insurance company.

United Fire Group Insurance Financial Strength

While United Fire Group is executing on an enterprise-wide strategic plan to improve operational and financial performance, it faces execution risk due to competitive market conditions and ongoing exposure to catastrophe events, which also could potentially result in continued pressure on balance sheet fundamentals. A.M. Best gave United Fire Group a negative Outlook. 

Online Presence

United Fire Groups  website and other online services are available to both personal and commercial policyholders of UFG, excluding commercial surety and contract surety customers.

United Fire Group Insurance: The Bottom Line

United Fire Group is unlikely to be the least expensive insurance option for most people, but they offer a smaller company with a personalized agent approach to selling and servicing policies, and a good reputation to back it up.

The company has a solid product lineup that covers most bases, and is likely worth a look for anyone who values that personal touch but still wants online access to accounts and claims; while online quoting would be nice to see, United Fire Group does manage to strike a decent balance.

Now that you know everything about United Fire Group, are you ready to compare insurance quotes? Just enter your ZIP code below to get free quotes.