What American Family Insurance Is

American Family Insurance is a regional insurance company based in Madison, Wisconsin, that sells auto, home, life, and business insurance policies. It operates in about 19 states, mostly in the Midwest and Mountain West, though the exact list changes. You buy a policy directly from American Family or through an independent agent who represents them, and you pay premiums in exchange for coverage if you have a claim.

The company has been operating since 1927 and is owned by American Family Mutual Holding Company, which means it is a mutual company — policyholders technically own a stake in it rather than outside shareholders. That structure does not change how you buy or use a policy, but it is part of how the company describes itself.

Key Takeaways

  • American Family sells auto, home, life, and business insurance in about 19 states, mostly in the Midwest and Mountain West, so you need to check whether it operates in your state before contacting them.
  • You can buy a policy by calling their phone line, visiting their website, or working with an independent insurance agent who represents American Family.
  • Like all insurance companies, American Family charges different premiums based on your personal risk profile — your driving record, home value, age, and claims history all affect what you pay.
  • If you have a claim, you report it to American Family and they assign an adjuster to investigate and determine whether the claim is covered under your policy.
  • American Family also offers discounts for bundling policies, maintaining a good driving record, completing safety courses, and other factors that vary by state and policy type.

Types of Insurance American Family Offers

Auto insurance through American Family covers liability (damage you cause to others), collision (damage to your car from a crash), comprehensive (damage from weather, theft, or vandalism), and uninsured motorist coverage (protection if hit by someone without insurance). You choose your deductible — the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in — and your coverage limits.

Homeowners insurance covers the structure of your home, your personal belongings inside it, liability if someone is injured on your property, and additional living expenses if you cannot stay in your home during repairs. Like auto insurance, you choose deductibles and limits. American Family also offers separate policies for renters, condo owners, and landlords.

Life insurance comes in two main forms through American Family: term life (coverage for a set number of years, usually cheaper) and whole life (coverage for your entire life, with a cash value component). The death benefit goes to whoever you name as beneficiary.

Business insurance includes general liability, property coverage, workers' compensation, and commercial auto policies for small to medium-sized businesses. The specifics depend on what type of business you run.

How to Get a Quote or Buy a Policy

You can start by visiting American Family's website and entering basic information — your address, driving history, home details, or business type — to receive an online quote. The website will show you estimated premiums for different coverage levels and deductibles. You do not have to buy online; the quote is just a starting point.

You can also call American Family's customer service line to speak with someone who will walk you through the quote process over the phone. This route is useful if you have questions about what different coverage options mean or if your situation is complex.

A third option is to find an independent insurance agent in your area who represents American Family. These agents work with multiple insurance companies and can compare American Family's rates and coverage to other options. You can search for agents on American Family's website or ask for referrals from friends or your bank.

What Affects Your Premium

American Family, like all insurance companies, sets your premium based on your individual risk profile. For auto insurance, that includes your age, driving record, the type of vehicle you drive, how much you drive annually, and whether you have had previous claims or traffic violations. A single accident or speeding ticket can raise your rate.

For homeowners insurance, the company looks at the age and condition of your home, the materials it is made from, its location (including local crime rates and weather risk), the replacement cost of the structure, and your claims history. A home in a flood zone or an area with frequent hail will cost more to insure than one in a low-risk area.

For life insurance, your age, health status, occupation, and whether you smoke all factor into your rate. Younger, healthier people pay less. You may be asked to complete a health questionnaire or undergo a medical exam for larger policies.

Discounts and How to Lower Your Rate

American Family offers several discounts that can reduce your premium. Bundling — buying multiple policies from American Family, such as auto and home together — typically saves 15 to 25 percent, though the exact amount varies by state and your specific situation. A good driving record discount rewards drivers with no accidents or violations over a set period. Completing a defensive driving course can also lower your auto rate.

For homeowners insurance, discounts are available for installing security systems, smoke detectors, or deadbolt locks. Some policies offer discounts if you have not filed a claim in several years. For life insurance, non-smokers receive lower rates than smokers.

Discounts change by state and are not may provide — American Family determines which ones explore to your specific policy. When you get a quote, ask which discounts you are may be able to access for and whether combining them would save you money compared to a competitor's rate.

Filing a Claim with American Family

If you have a loss — a car accident, home damage, or a death in your family — you report it to American Family as soon as possible. For auto claims, you can call their claims line, file online through their website, or use their mobile app. For home claims, the process is similar. American Family will ask you to describe what happened, provide your policy number, and answer questions about the damage or loss.

After you report a claim, American Family assigns an adjuster to your case. The adjuster will contact you to schedule an inspection (for home or auto damage) or to gather additional information. They will review your policy to determine whether the claim is covered and, if it is, what amount they will pay. This process typically takes days to weeks depending on the complexity of the claim.

If you disagree with the adjuster's decision or the amount offered, you have the right to appeal or request a review. American Family's policy documents explain the appeals process. You can also contact your state's insurance commissioner if you believe the company has treated you unfairly.

Checking If American Family Operates in Your State

American Family does not sell insurance in all 50 states. Before you spend time getting a quote, check their website or call their customer service line to confirm they operate where you live. The company is most widely available in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Colorado, and Idaho, but availability changes over time.

If American Family does not operate in your state, you will need to look at other regional or national insurers. Your state's insurance commissioner's office maintains a list of licensed insurers in your state, which you can use to find alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy American Family insurance online?

Yes, you can get a quote and purchase a policy online through American Family's website for auto, home, and life insurance. You can also call their phone line or work with an independent agent. The online process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes from quote to purchase.

What happens if I miss a premium payment?

If you miss a payment, American Family will send you a notice. You usually have a grace period — typically 10 to 30 days depending on your policy type and state — to pay before your coverage lapses. If your policy cancels, you will need to reapply and may face higher rates when you restart coverage.

Does American Family offer roadside information?

American Family offers roadside information as an add-on to auto policies in most states. This covers towing, lockout service, fuel delivery, and jump-starts. You can add it when you buy your policy or later. The cost and coverage details vary by state.

How do I cancel my American Family policy?

You can cancel by calling American Family's customer service line, logging into your online account, or contacting your agent. Most policies require written notice, and you may be charged a cancellation fee depending on your policy type and state. Ask about the cancellation process when you contact them.

What is American Family's financial rating?

American Family's financial strength is rated by agencies like A.M. Best and Standard & Poor's. You can check their current ratings on those agencies' websites or ask American Family directly. A strong financial rating means the company has the money to pay claims if many policyholders file at once.