Donegal ranks 34th overall nationally, placing it outside the top tier of best car insurance companies. The provider shows strength in coverage options and customer service, ranking 12th and 14th respectively in these areas. However, this ranking reflects data for a 40-year-old male driver with good credit and no driving violations, so the company's performance for your specific situation will depend on your individual profile and coverage requirements.
Donegal Mutual Car Insurance Review
Updated: October 6, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Key Takeaways
Donegal earns 32nd place for full coverage affordability and 34th for minimum liability coverage with monthly rates of $170 and $99, respectively.
The company is in 14th place nationwide for customer satisfaction because of its responsive agent service and positive forum reviews from policyholders.
Donegal secures 12th position for coverage variety, providing specialized options like farm equipment protection and classic car restoration coverage for niche needs.
Donegal Mutual Car Insurance Ratings
| Overall Score | 3.63 | 34 |
| Customer Experience | 4.42 | 14 |
| Coverage | 2.50 | 12 |
| Affordability | 3.43 | 33 |
Who Is Donegal Mutual Car Insurance Best and Worst For?
Donegal works best for adult drivers, senior drivers, drivers with accidents and those with speeding tickets seeking affordable coverage options. However, young drivers and drivers with DUIs shouldn't consider this regional insurer due to significantly higher premiums.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
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Age Group:Adult Drivers
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Gender:Female
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Coverage Level:100/300/100,000 - 1000 comp_coll
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Credit Alignment:Below Fair
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Driving Record:At Fault Accident ($1000-$1999 Prop Dmg)
| Overall Score | 3.95 | 28 |
How Much Does Donegal Mutual Car Insurance Cost?
Your Donegal car insurance costs could range from $75 to $10,271 monthly, depending on your profile and coverage choices. To help you make the best decision, we've broken down national costs by age group, gender, coverage, credit score and driving record.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
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Age Group:Adult Drivers
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Gender:Female
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Credit Alignment:Below Fair
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Driving Record:At Fault Accident ($1000-$1999 Prop Dmg)
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Coverage Level:100/300/100,000 - 1000 comp_coll
| $281 | $3,370 | 2% | 23 |
Donegal Mutual Car Insurance Rates by Driver Category
Donegal ranks as more expensive than average across most driver categories. Young drivers, seniors, and those with accidents or violations will find coverage much more expensive compared to other companies. Review how affordable Donegal is for your specific driving profile below.
| Adult Drivers | $100 | $172 | 60% | 33 |
| Drivers With a DUI | $300 | $606 | 183% | 34 |
| Drivers With an Accident | $115 | $214 | 37% | 30 |
| Drivers With a Speeding Ticket | $110 | $198 | 49% | 31 |
| Drivers With Bad Credit | $214 | $417 | 84% | 34 |
| Drivers With Low Income | $115 | $208 | 49% | 33 |
| Drivers With Newer Cars | $113 | $196 | 36% | 30 |
| Drivers With Old Cars | $104 | $177 | 87% | 33 |
| Senior Drivers | $102 | $193 | 40% | 32 |
| Young Drivers | $237 | $459 | 82% | 33 |
*We modified all profiles based on a 40-year-old male driver with good credit and no driving violations, driving a 2012 Toyota Camry. Young drivers are 25 and under, adults 26 to 64 and seniors 65+. We changed the vehicle age to 2007 for older cars and 2025 for newer ones.
Donegal Mutual Car Insurance Discounts
Donegal Mutual offers 10 car insurance discounts, with savings depending on your driving profile, involvement in programs and your area. Check out its offerings:
Multi-Policy | Variable | Bundle auto with home or other insurance policies | Available in states served |
Multi-Car | Variable | Insure multiple vehicles on same policy | Available in states served |
Good Student | Variable | Student with qualifying academic performance | Available in states served |
Extra Edge for Superior Drivers | Variable | Superior driving record and safety practices | Available in states served |
Safety Features | Variable | Vehicle equipped with airbags, anti-lock brakes, anti-theft devices, passive restraints | Available in states served |
Driver Education Course | Variable | Complete approved driver education or safety course | Available in states served |
First Accident Forgiveness | Variable | No rate increase for first at-fault accident (program qualification required) | Available in states served |
High Chargeable Accident Thresholds | Variable | Higher threshold before accidents affect rates | Available in states served |
Carpool | Variable | Participate in carpooling to reduce mileage | Available in states served |
Payment Method | Variable | Pay premium in full or set up automatic payments | Available in states served |
Donegal Mutual Car Insurance Customer Reviews and Reputation
Donegal earned 14th place in customer satisfaction in MoneyGeek's comprehensive customer experience study. Customer reviews highlight the company's responsive agent service and user-friendly digital tools, though claim handling generates more complaints than other areas. Below, we break down the buying, policy management and claims process experiences based on our research.
Buying Process Experience
Donegal operates exclusively through independent agents, with no online quoting or direct purchasing options available. While this provides personalized service, the process lacks the convenience of digital-first competitors.
Some customers report competitive rates, often $1,000+ lower than current coverage, though the dated website and limited digital presence may feel restrictive compared to modern alternatives.
Policy Management
The Donegal mobile app provides basic policy management, including digital ID cards, policy information, billing, and payments. But customer reviews indicate limitations: the app is rarely updated, has broken features like "Add to Wallet" for insurance cards and requires full electronic billing to access.
The company's website is described as dated and restrictive, with customers preferring to work directly with agents for policy changes.
Claims Experience
Donegal offers 24/7 claims reporting by phone or online, with emergency claims receiving a response within one hour. Customer experiences vary. Positive reviews mention responsive service and good turnaround times.
At the same time, negative experiences include customers avoiding claims due to fear of rate increases or cancellation, poor communication, delayed refunds and adversarial claim handling. BBB complaints include issues with unresponsive adjusters and disputed settlements.
Donegal Mutual Car Insurance Industry Customer Satisfaction Ratings
Donegal Mutual ranks well for financial strength from all industry rating agencies, but in J.D. Power studies, the company finishes average or below average in most areas. Here are Donegal Mutual's scores from industry agencies.
AM Best Financial Strength | A (Excellent) | A++ to D- | Strong ability to meet financial obligations and pay claims |
AM Best Long-Term Credit Standing | a (Excellent) | aaa to d | Strong capacity to meet financial commitments |
S&P Global Financial Strength | Not Rated | AAA to D | No current S&P Global rating available |
Moody's Financial Strength | Not Rated | Aaa to C | No current Moody's rating available |
J.D. Power Auto Claims Satisfaction | Not Ranked | 1,000-point scale | Not included in major J.D. Power studies (regional/smaller insurer) |
J.D. Power Digital Service Experience | Not Ranked | 1,000-point scale | Not included in major J.D. Power studies (regional/smaller insurer) |
J.D. Power Auto Insurance Shopping Study | Not Ranked | Out of 1,000 | Not included in major J.D. Power studies (regional/smaller insurer) |
J.D. Power Overall Customer Satisfaction | Not Ranked | Out of 1,000 | Not included in major J.D. Power studies (regional/smaller insurer) |
NAIC Auto Complaints | Low Complaint Volume | 1.00 is average | Limited data available due to smaller market presence |
Donegal Mutual Car Insurance Reddit and Forum Customer Satisfaction
Reddit users and forum members appreciate Donegal's competitive rates, local presence, and personal agent relationships. Many drivers value speaking with agents face-to-face and the company's 130+ year history in the insurance business.
Common complaints include slow claims processing, inadequate settlement offers, and communication issues during complex claims. Some customers report frustrations with outdated technology and difficulties reaching customer service representatives.
Here's what real customers are saying about their experiences on forums:
Pricing and Value
Initial competitive rates attract customers seeking lower premiums, though some face significant issues when claims arise:
"I have an independent agent that's quoting Donegal for home and auto coverage. I'd never heard of them prior to receiving the quotes, which are about $1,000/year lower than I'm currently paying for the same coverage."
"We were advised by our insurance agency to pick donegal insurance co because of their rates and we have several cars and truck and van. They are good rate until you NEED THEM AND THEY ARE AWFUL AND I MEAN AWFUL."
Claims Processing
Mixed experiences with claims handling, ranging from satisfactory for simple claims to frustration with complex or major losses:
"My family uses them in PA and we've never had an issue. I've had a few no fault fender benders over the last 10 years and never had any issues when dealing with them though I cannot speak to an at fault accident."
"Our roof was damaged in a wind storm. Took Donegal 4 months to pay the claim and they fought us every step of the way. In the end, they shorted us what was owed, but we were tired of fighting. This is a bad outfit. Steer clear of them when buying homeowner's insurance."
Customer Service
Local agent relationships receive praise, but corporate customer service shows significant gaps in responsiveness and professionalism:
"I had my car insurance with Donegal insurance. It is nice to have a company that is local and you can go talk to a real person about your policy. So many companies you can only get a person on the phone and it is not personable. They are also pretty reasonably priced and they explain things very well."
"Since the beginning of this process, we have had difficulty with Donegal and the agent not answering our phone calls or emails. At one point, the only way we could reach him was to call from an alternative number he did not know."
Digital Experience
Donegal's website and digital tools lag behind modern insurance companies, though they offer basic online services:
"Donegal Group's official website feels a bit dated and restrictive, and certain important information is not filled out as thoroughly as for many other modern carriers."
Trust and Reputation
Despite an A.M. Best "A" (Excellent) rating, customer trust varies significantly based on claims experiences, with a Net Promoter Score of -50:
"Just plain awful. Cancel after one accident it been almost 20 years since my last accident. The guy I was in an accident with didn't even have the proper license to be operating a motorcycle. Should have never left Farm Bureau."
"Relatively easy company to work. Was very responsive when I was in an accident. Turnaround time was good."
Coverage Options
Customers appreciate the variety of coverage options available through independent agents, though execution during claims can be problematic:
"We had a minor accident about six months ago, and let me say we have been great customers and all the money we have paid them for years far exceeds the money they had to pay out by leaps and bounds well another fender bender six months later ugh we had to pay out of our pocket 2300 because of fear they would drop us or raise our rates unbelievable."
REVIEWS ON FORUMS AREN’T A PERFECT GAUGE
Negative reviews dominate forums and don't reflect overall service quality. For a complete picture, combine user reviews with industry resources like J.D. Power, independent agents, National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and the Insurance Information Institute.
Donegal Mutual Car Insurance Coverage Options
Donegal provides standard coverage options like other top insurers, including liability, comprehensive and collision protection. The company also offers additional add-ons such as:
PACE (Personal Auto Coverage Enhancement) Protector Endorsement | Comprehensive enhancement package for personal auto coverage | Enhances standard auto policy with additional protections and higher limits |
Towing and Labor Coverage | Professional towing and roadside assistance services during breakdowns | Reimburses costs for towing and emergency roadside services when vehicle is disabled |
Rental Reimbursement Coverage | Rental car costs when your vehicle needs repairs after a covered incident | Pays for rental vehicle while your car undergoes repairs from covered loss |
Other Donegal Mutual Insurance Coverage Options to Consider
Here are other insurance types you can bundle with auto coverage or buy on their own:
Who Offers It? | Insurance Products |
|---|---|
Donegal (Directly Offered) | Auto insurance, homeowners insurance, umbrella insurance, boat/watercraft insurance, farm insurance, business insurance and title insurance |
Third-Party Partner | Atlantic States Insurance Company (subsidiary offering workers compensation and preferred tier personal auto and commercial products), Mountain States Insurance Group (commercial products in Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Utah through partnership with Mountain States Mutual Casualty Company) |
Donegal Mutual Auto Insurance Review: Bottom Line
Donegal ranks 34th overall nationally, making it a below-average choice for most drivers. The company performs best in coverage options (12th place) and customer experience (14th place), but faces significant challenges with affordability (33rd place).
Donegal ranks 32nd for full coverage and 34th for minimum coverage. While the company offers solid service through local agents, most drivers will find more competitive rates elsewhere. We recommend you compare quotes, do your own research and decide on coverage needs before buying.
Donegal Mutual Car Insurance Reviews: FAQ
Below are MoneyGeek's expert answers to frequently asked questions about Donegal car insurance:
Does Donegal insurance have a good reputation?
Yes, Donegal is a legitimate car insurance company that secured 34th place in our comprehensive car insurance provider rankings. The insurer particularly excels in coverage options, where it earned an impressive 12th place ranking among all providers.
Where is Donegal the best car insurance company?
Based on our comprehensive analysis, Donegal does not rank as the number one car insurance provider in any state. The company ranks 34th overall nationally and operates primarily as a regional insurer in the Mid-Atlantic and surrounding states.
Donegal achieves its strongest performance in coverage options (12th place nationally) and customer experience (14th place), demonstrating competitive service quality despite not holding top affordability rankings in any specific state.
How much does Donegal car insurance cost on average?
Donegal's average annual cost for adults is $1,147 for state minimum coverage and $1,963 for full coverage. Coverage from Donegal ranges from $899 to $19,074 for minimum and from $1,470 to $51,570 for full.
Is Donegal known for denying claims?
Customer feedback suggests Donegal faces criticism for claim denials, with policyholders reporting disputes over coverage interpretations and settlement amounts. Some customers describe frustrating experiences with lengthy claim processes and denied payouts they believed were covered. However, comprehensive data on their claim denial patterns remains limited beyond individual customer testimonials.
Is Donegal a good option for high-risk drivers?
Donegal isn't a strong choice for high-risk drivers, ranking 34th overall for drivers with bad credit and drivers with a DUI.
Does Donegal raise car insurance rates over time?
Yes, Donegal raises rates over time due to inflation impacting repair and medical expenses, increased claims from distracted driving and severe weather, plus higher vehicle technology costs. Rate adjustments also reflect updated area risk assessments, regulatory changes, and personal factors like credit score shifts or age-related risk categories.
Is Donegal good for young drivers?
No, Donegal isn't ideal for young drivers, ranking 33rd for overall affordability with rates significantly higher than most competitors nationwide.
How We Rated Donegal Mutual Car Insurance
MoneyGeek pulled auto insurance rate data from Quadrant Information Services and compared prices from 79 insurers in every U.S. ZIP code.
Standard Driver Profile Used for Analysis
We used a baseline driver profile to ensure consistent rate comparisons. Our standard driver has these characteristics:
- Age: 40 years old, male
- Vehicle: 2012 Toyota Camry LE
- Driving history: Clean record
- Annual mileage: 12,000 miles
- Credit rating: Good
- License status: Valid and active
- Insurance history: Currently covered with no previous claims
We then modified specific variables, including age, driving record, credit score and military status, to determine which insurers offer the best rates for different driver categories. Our minimum coverage rates represent policies meeting state-required minimums. Full coverage includes 100/300/100 liability limits plus comprehensive and collision coverage with $1,000 deductibles.
Company Rating System
Our evaluation process weighted three key factors:
- Cost (60% weight): We compared quotes across multiple driver profiles within each city, measuring how competitively each insurer prices its policies against local competitors.
- Customer satisfaction (30% weight): We analyzed customer feedback from multiple sources, including Google reviews, J.D. Power ratings, AM Best scores and online forums like Reddit, to assess overall service quality and customer experience.
- Coverage variety (10% weight): We evaluated each provider's coverage options, considering the breadth of available policies and any unique benefits or features.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.