Most American drivers are overpaying for car insurance, sometimes by hundreds of dollars a year. But what if you could get comprehensive coverage for less than half the national average?
American National Insurance has been quietly operating since 1905, and in 2025, it’s earning attention for something surprising: rock-bottom rates that make other insurers look expensive. But cheap doesn’t always mean good. Before you switch policies or sign up, you need to know whether American National’s affordable premiums come with hidden trade-offs.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll break down everything you need to know about American National auto insurance, from actual costs across different driver profiles to coverage options, customer satisfaction, and the real experience of filing a claim. Whether you’re a new driver, dealing with a DUI, or just tired of rising premiums, this guide will help you decide if American National is your best bet.
Why American National Stands Out in 2025
American National isn’t the flashiest insurance company you’ll find. There are no celebrity commercials or catchy jingles. But here’s what matters: the company ranks among the top five auto insurers nationwide, with particularly strong marks for affordability.
Founded over a century ago in Galveston, Texas, American National operates in all 50 states plus Puerto Rico. After being acquired by Brookfield Reinsurance in 2022, the company has maintained its financial stability while keeping rates competitive.
The Numbers That Matter
American National’s average annual premium is $970; that’s 52% cheaper than the $2,012 national average. To put it in perspective: if you’re currently paying the average rate, switching to American National could save you over $1,000 per year.
But these are just averages. Your actual savings depend on multiple factors, including your age, driving record, location, and coverage needs. Let’s break down what you’ll actually pay.
How Much Does American National Auto Insurance Actually Cost?
Full Coverage vs. Minimum Coverage
American National charges an average of $67 monthly for full coverage and $27 monthly for minimum liability coverage, making it one of the most affordable options nationwide.
Here’s what you need to know about coverage levels:
Minimum Coverage: meets your state’s legal requirements, typically liability insurance that covers damages you cause to others. American National’s average minimum coverage rate is $321 annually, compared to the $780 national average.
Full Coverage: includes liability plus comprehensive and collision insurance that protects your own vehicle. With an average annual rate of $1,005, American National’s full coverage is 58% cheaper than the national average.
Real Costs by Driver Profile
Your personal situation dramatically affects what you’ll pay. Here’s what American National charges different types of drivers:
Young and Teen Drivers
If you’re under 25, you’ve probably experienced sticker shock when getting insurance quotes. Teen drivers are statistically riskier, so insurers charge more. However, American National has the lowest average rates for teen and young adult drivers in the industry.
- 17-year-old female: $2,608/year (vs. $6,475 national average)
- 17-year-old male: $2,892/year (vs. $7,321 national average)
- 25-year-old female: $1,139/year (vs. $2,309 national average)
- 25-year-old male: $1,183/year (vs. $2,459 national average)
Adult Drivers (26-64)
Adult drivers pay an average of $26 monthly for minimum coverage and $66 for full coverage, 46% below the regional average.
For married 40-year-olds:
- Female: $922/year (vs. $1,893 national average)
- Male: $938/year (vs. $1,922 national average)
Senior Drivers (65+)
Senior drivers pay around $40 monthly for minimum coverage and $87 for full coverage, which is 40% below average.
For married 60-year-olds:
- Female: $824/year (vs. $1,724 national average)
- Male: $812/year (vs. $1,765 national average)
What If You Have a Less-Than-Perfect Driving Record?
Here’s where American National really shines. Many insurers punish drivers with violations by drastically increasing rates. American National takes a more forgiving approach.
After a Speeding Ticket
American National ranks first for drivers with speeding tickets, with average rates of $34 monthly for minimum coverage and $84 for full coverage, 43% below average.
Annual cost with one speeding violation: $1,234 (vs. $2,571 national average), a savings of $1,337 per year.
After an At-Fault Accident
Drivers with an accident pay approximately $37 monthly for minimum coverage and $92 for full coverage, which is 46% below the regional average.
Annual cost with one accident: $1,217 (vs. $2,891 national average); that’s $1,674 in annual savings.
After a DUI
DUI violations typically result in the highest rate increases. American National ranks first overall for drivers with DUI, with average rates of $42 monthly for minimum coverage and $105 for full coverage, 54% below average.
Annual cost with one DUI: $1,477 (vs. $3,737 national average), saving you $2,260 annually.
Bad Credit
Drivers with bad credit pay around $95 monthly for minimum coverage and $235 for full coverage, though this represents only a 4% savings versus the average, making it American National’s weakest category for discounts.
Coverage Options: What’s Included and What Costs Extra
American National offers standard auto insurance coverages plus several valuable add-ons. Here’s what you need to know:
Standard Coverages
Every American National policy can include:
- Liability insurance (bodily injury and property damage)
- Comprehensive coverage (non-collision damage like theft, vandalism, weather)
- Collision coverage (damage from accidents)
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Medical payments (MedPay)
- Personal injury protection (PIP) (in states that require it)
Valuable Add-Ons and Included Perks
If you buy comprehensive and collision coverage, rental car reimbursement is included at no additional charge, a perk that usually costs $30-50 per year with other insurers.
American National also covers up to $2,000 of customized equipment with comprehensive and collision coverage, which is great if you’ve added aftermarket parts to your vehicle.
Other notable options:
- Roadside Assistance: Available 24/7 for towing, jump starts, flat tire service, lockout help, fuel delivery, and winching. You can request service through the phone, online portal, or mobile app by calling 800-333-2860.
- Gap Insurance: Pays the difference between your vehicle’s actual cash value and outstanding loan/lease balance if totaled. This requires comprehensive and collision coverage but is essential if you owe more than your car is worth.
- Deductible Discount/Waiver: If you’re in an accident with another American National customer, you may receive a reduced or completely waived deductible. This unique perk isn’t available in all states.
- ACE Insurance (Added Coverage Endorsement): Helps cover replacement parts for damaged vehicles, though details are limited and require speaking with an agent.
- Accidental Death and Dismemberment: Provides cash payments for severe injuries or death resulting from a vehicle accident.
How to Save Money With American National
While American National offers very few discounts compared to competitors, the company’s base rates are already so low that you might save more than you would with another insurer’s “discounted” rate.
Available Discounts
Multi-Policy Discount: Bundle your vehicle, home, and life insurance with American National to earn savings on qualifying home and auto premiums.
Multi-Car Discount: The more cars you own and insure with American National, the more you’ll save.
Early Application Discount: Apply for your new policy before your current one expires, available across all 50 states.
Company Vehicle Deductible Waiver: If you’re involved in an accident with another vehicle also insured by American National, you may receive a discount or complete waiver on your deductible.
The Deductible Combination Benefit
If you have both auto and home policies with American National and both are damaged in the same incident, the company will combine your deductibles, meaning you’ll only pay once instead of twice.
What American National Doesn’t Offer
Unlike competitors, American National doesn’t have:
- Telematics or usage-based insurance programs (like Snapshot or Drive Safe & Save)
- Good student discounts
- Defensive driving course discounts
- Loyalty discounts for long-term customers
However, since the base rates are already among the lowest in the industry, many drivers will still save money even without these additional discounts.
Customer Experience: The Good, the Bad, and the Reality
Cheap rates don’t matter if you can’t get help when you need it. Here’s what actual customers experience with American National.
Customer Satisfaction Rankings
American National ranks 16th nationwide for overall customer satisfaction, which is middle-of-the-pack performance. The company isn’t included in J.D. Power’s major studies, which makes comprehensive comparisons difficult.
The Quote and Purchase Process
American National takes an old-school approach: you cannot get quotes or purchase policies online. The company sells policies exclusively through a network of local agents.
To get a quote, visit the American National website and use the agent locator tool by entering your ZIP code. You’ll find agents within 30 miles, complete with office address, phone number, and email.
Pros of the agent-only model:
- Personalized service and advice
- Someone who knows your specific situation
- Human interaction for complex coverage questions
Cons:
- No instant online quotes
- Must schedule time to speak with an agent
- Less convenient than competitors’ digital experiences
Digital Platform and Mobile App
The mobile app has low ratings in both the Apple App Store (3.2 stars) and Google Play (2.6 stars), with most users reporting that it’s glitchy and doesn’t let them get past the verification screen.
However, if you can access it, the app allows you to:
- View policy information
- Make payments
- File claims
- Request roadside assistance
- Access your ID card
The website and app feel pretty outdated compared to competitors, with customers noting they can handle simple tasks online but need to call or visit their agent for anything more complex.
Customer Service Quality
NAIC Complaint Index scores tell a mixed story. Overall, American National has a score of 2.72, meaning it receives almost three times as many complaints as average. However, when filtered for private passenger auto complaints only, that score drops to 0.75, indicating fewer complaints than average in the category that matters most.
Customer feedback reveals:
Positive aspects:
- Local American National agents are often described as fantastic, with customers noting they know family histories and take time to explain changes or answer questions
- Strong personal relationships with agents
- The company’s 119-year history provides stability
Negative aspects:
- Customer service through the main number can be hit or miss, with some customers feeling like just a policy number
- Extended hold times reported
- Digital platforms need modernization
Filing Claims: What to Expect
The claims process is where insurance companies prove their worth. Here’s what American National customers experience:
How to File a Claim
You have three options:
- Online: Through the American National website portal
- Mobile App: Via the smartphone application (when it works)
- Phone: Call 800-333-2860 to report a claim
To track your claim status, you must email claims@americannational.com, a less seamless process than competitors who offer real-time tracking through their apps.
Claims Handling Experience
Claims processing receives negative reviews on Trustpilot, showing only 1.5 stars from 116 reviews. Customer experiences are decidedly mixed:
Positive feedback:
- Some customers report that American National was very thorough in investigations and fair with settlements, covering everything they should have
- Fair payouts without lowballing
- Comprehensive coverage of legitimate claims
Negative feedback:
- Claims processes felt slower than bigger companies, though payments were eventually fair
- Some reviewers describe frustrating experiences where claims were denied due to narrow policy interpretations and extensive documentation requirements
- Longer processing times than industry leaders
Industry Ratings for Claims
The 2025 CRASH Network Insurer Report Card, which rates insurers based on auto-body repair shops’ experiences, gave American National a grade of C+ and ranked it 54th out of 97 insurers, slightly below average but better than some major carriers like State Farm and Progressive.
Financial Strength for Claims Payment
American National maintains an AM Best rating of “A” (Excellent) for financial strength, indicating a strong ability to meet financial obligations and pay claims. The company has maintained an A rating or better for 83 consecutive years, demonstrating long-term stability.
Additional financial ratings:
- S&P Global rates American National as “A” (Strong) for financial strength
- AM Best’s Long-Term Credit Standing is “a” (Excellent), though recently downgraded from a+
- Moody’s does not currently rate American National
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Choose American National
American National Is Best For:
✅ Budget-conscious drivers who prioritize low premiums above all else
✅ High-risk drivers including those with DUIs, speeding tickets, or at-fault accidents American National offers some of the best rates for these categories
✅ Young and teen drivers who face astronomical rates with other insurers
✅ Drivers with newer cars who need comprehensive and collision coverage rates are 52% below average
✅ People who prefer working with local agents for personalized service and advice
✅ Drivers who lease or finance vehicles and need gap insurance at affordable rates
✅ Multi-vehicle households who can benefit from bundling discounts
American National May Not Be Best For:
❌ Tech-savvy drivers who want seamless digital experiences and mobile apps
❌ People who value online quote comparison shopping without talking to an agent
❌ Drivers seeking extensive discounts for things like good student status, defensive driving, or telematics programs
❌ Those prioritizing top-tier customer service ratings and claims processing speed
❌ Drivers with bad credit seeking the absolute lowest rates (though American National is still competitive)
American National vs. Major Competitors
Here’s how American National stacks up against other leading insurers:
| Company | Average Annual Rate | Full Coverage | Minimum Coverage | Customer Satisfaction (J.D. Power) | Online Quotes |
| American National | $970 | $1,166 | $321 | Not rated | ❌ |
| USAA | $1,279 | $1,407 | $417 | High | ✅ |
| Travelers | $1,549 | $1,597 | $576 | High | ✅ |
| GEICO | $1,669 | $1,731 | $517 | Average | ✅ |
| Progressive | $1,820 | $1,960 | $638 | Below Average | ✅ |
| State Farm | $2,167 | $2,167 | $674 | Average | ✅ |
| Allstate | $2,605 | $2,605 | $840 | Average | ✅ |
Key Takeaway: American National offers the lowest average rates but lacks the digital convenience and extensive customer service infrastructure of competitors.
5 Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing American National
1. Assuming the Lowest Rate Is Always Best: While American National offers affordable coverage, make sure the policy limits and deductibles actually protect your assets. A $500 savings isn’t worth it if you’re underinsured.
2. Not Comparing Multiple Quotes: Even though American National has low average rates, your specific quote might be higher or lower depending on your circumstances. Always compare at least 3-5 insurers.
3. Overlooking the Lack of Digital Tools: If you manage everything online and rarely speak to anyone on the phone, American National’s agent-only model might frustrate you. Consider whether you’re willing to trade convenience for cost savings.
4. Ignoring Customer Service Concerns: Low customer satisfaction scores and claims complaints are red flags. If you’ve had complex claims in the past or anticipate needing extensive support, a company with higher service ratings might be worth extra premium dollars.
5. Forgetting to Ask About All Available Discounts: While American National doesn’t advertise many discounts, agents may have access to state-specific savings opportunities. Always ask what’s available in your area.
How to Get the Best Rate With American National: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Gather Your Information
Before contacting an agent, collect:
- Driver’s license numbers for all household drivers
- Vehicle identification numbers (VINs)
- Current insurance policy details
- Driving history for the past 5 years
Step 2: Determine Your Coverage Needs
Decide on:
- Liability limits (consider 100/300/100 minimums)
- Deductible amounts ($500 vs. $1,000)
- Whether you need comprehensive/collision
- Add-ons like roadside assistance or gap coverage
Step 3: Find a Local Agent
Visit americannational.com and use the agent locator tool. Enter your ZIP code to find nearby agents with contact information.
Step 4: Request Multiple Quotes
Don’t stop at American National. Get quotes from at least 3-5 other insurers for comparison:
- GEICO
- Progressive
- State Farm
- USAA (if eligible)
- Local/regional carriers
Step 5: Compare Coverage, Not Just Price
Look at:
- Policy limits and deductibles
- Included perks (rental coverage, roadside assistance)
- Customer service ratings
- Claims handling reputation
- Mobile app functionality
Step 6: Ask About All Discounts
Even if not advertised, ask your agent about:
- Multi-policy bundling
- Multi-vehicle discounts
- Early application discounts
- Any state-specific programs
Step 7: Review Your Policy Annually, insurance rates change constantly. Review your American National policy every year and get fresh comparison quotes to ensure you’re still getting the best deal.
The Bottom Line: Is American National Worth It in 2025?
American National auto insurance is an excellent choice if your top priority is saving money without sacrificing essential coverage. With average rates less than half the national average and particularly strong pricing for high-risk drivers, young drivers, and those with violations, American National delivers where it matters most: your wallet.
However, you’ll trade some convenience and modern digital experiences for those low rates. The company’s agent-only sales model, outdated mobile app, and middle-of-the-pack customer service won’t satisfy everyone, especially tech-savvy drivers who prefer managing everything online.
Our recommendation: Get a quote from American National alongside 3-4 competitors. For many drivers, especially those with speeding tickets, accidents, DUIs, or newer vehicles, American National will likely offer the lowest rate. Just make sure you’re comfortable with the agent-based service model before making the switch.
Remember: the cheapest insurance isn’t worth it if the company won’t be there when you file a claim. American National’s strong financial ratings and 119-year history provide confidence that they’ll pay legitimate claims, even if the process might take longer than industry leaders.
Ready to see how much you could save? Use the tool below to compare American National rates with other top insurers in your area. Most drivers find quotes in under 5 minutes.
Compare American National Rates Now →
Comprehensive FAQ: Everything Else You Need to Know
Is American National Insurance a good insurance company?
American National takes fifth place in comprehensive car insurance provider rankings, particularly excelling in affordability, where it earned second place among all evaluated carriers. The company offers solid financial strength with an A rating from AM Best, but customer service ranks middle-of-the-pack.
How much does American National car insurance cost on average?
American National charges adults an average of $336 annually ($28/month) for minimum coverage and $829 annually ($69/month) for full coverage. However, annual premiums range dramatically from $250 to $5,490 for minimum coverage and $630 to $12,242 for full coverage depending on your specific circumstances.
Can I get a quote online from American National?
No. American National doesn’t provide online quotes through its website. You must contact a local agent to receive a quote. Use the agent locator tool on their website to find representatives in your area.
Does American National have a mobile app?
Yes, but it has significant problems. The app has low ratings (3.2 stars on Apple, 2.6 stars on Android), with users reporting glitches and verification issues. When functional, it allows policy viewing, payments, claims filing, and roadside assistance requests.
Is American National known for denying claims?
Some reviewers describe frustrating experiences where claims were denied due to narrow policy interpretations and extensive documentation requirements. However, the company maintains a lower-than-average NAIC complaint index of 0.75 for private passenger auto insurance, suggesting fewer formal complaints than typical.
What states does American National operate in?
American National operates in all 50 states as well as Puerto Rico, making it widely accessible to drivers nationwide.
Where is American National the best car insurance company?
American National is the best car insurance company in Colorado based on comprehensive rate and coverage analysis.
Is American National a good option for high-risk drivers?
Absolutely. American National ranks first overall for drivers with DUI and speeding tickets, offering rates significantly below competitors for drivers with violations.
Does American National raise car insurance rates over time?
Yes, American National and other insurers increase rates over time due to inflation and rising claim costs from distracted driving and severe weather events. However, their base rates remain competitive even with annual increases.
What company owns American National Insurance?
American National was acquired by Brookfield Reinsurance in 2022, though it continues to operate under the American National brand with the same product offerings.
Does American National offer accident forgiveness?
Limited information suggests American National does not offer a traditional accident forgiveness program like many competitors. However, their base rates for drivers with accidents are already among the lowest in the industry.
How do I file a claim with American National?
You can file claims online through their website portal, via the mobile app (when functional), or by calling 800-333-2860. To track claim status, email claims@americannational.com.
What is American National’s financial strength rating?
American National maintains an AM Best rating of “A” (Excellent), demonstrating strong financial ability to pay claims after 83 consecutive years of A-level ratings.
Does American National offer gap insurance?
Yes, American National offers gap insurance that pays the difference between your vehicle’s actual cash value and outstanding loan/lease balance if totaled. This requires comprehensive and collision coverage.
Can I bundle home and auto insurance with American National?
Yes. American National offers multi-policy discounts when you bundle vehicle, home, and life insurance, with the added benefit of combined deductibles if both are damaged in the same incident.
Does American National offer roadside assistance?
Yes, American National provides 24-hour roadside assistance, including towing, jump starts, flat tire service, lockout service, fuel delivery, and winching. You can request service by calling 800-333-2860 or through the mobile app.
Is rental car coverage included with American National?
Yes, rental car reimbursement is included at no additional charge with comprehensive and collision coverage, a valuable perk that other insurers typically charge extra for.
How do I contact American National customer service?
Call 800-899-6519 (Monday-Friday 7:30am-6:30pm CST, Saturday 7am-7pm CST, Sunday 9am-7pm CST) or email ServiceCenter@AmericanNational.com. For claims questions, email Claims@AmericanNational.com.
Get Your Free American National Quote Today →
This comprehensive review was researched and written by finance experts specializing in auto insurance comparison and consumer advocacy. All data reflects rates and policies as of 2025 and should be verified with American National directly for the most current information.
Disclaimer: Insurance rates quoted are estimates based on industry data and may not reflect your actual premium. Always request personalized quotes and review policy documents carefully before purchasing coverage.
In another related article, Nationwide Auto Insurance: Complete Guide to Rates, Coverage & Savings
