Updated: October 8, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
PEMCO earns 1fourth place for full coverage affordability and 15th for minimum liability coverage with monthly rates of $116 and $55, respectively.
PEMCO ranks fourth nationwide for customer satisfaction, standing out due to strong agent service and positive forum reviews from policyholders.
PEMCO secures 11th place for coverage options, offering specialized features like accident forgiveness programs and new car replacement coverage for total losses.
For drivers nationwide, PEMCO ranks 13th overall, placing it as a moderately strong car insurance provider. The company excels in affordability and coverage options.
This ranking represents a 40-year-old male driver with good credit and no driving violations, and PEMCO's ranking for you will vary based on your specific profile and coverage needs. To compare PEMCO with other best car insurance companies, consider getting quotes from multiple providers to find the right fit for your situation.
| Overall Score | 4.08 | 13 |
| Customer Experience | 4.80 | 4 |
| Coverage | 2.50 | 11 |
| Affordability | 3.99 | 13 |
PEMCO is best for drivers with a DUI. Due to its higher rates, drivers should avoid this insurer in most other categories.
| Overall Score | 3.76 | 14 |
PEMCO car insurance costs range from $40 to $1,463 monthly based on your profile and coverage choices. We've broken down national costs by age group, gender, coverage level, credit score and driving record to help you make the best decision for your situation.
| $229 | $2,748 | 23% | 14 |
This insurer will be much more expensive for most drivers, including adults, young drivers, seniors and those with accidents or tickets. It is quite affordable if you have a DUI. You can review how affordable PEMCO is for your specific driving category below.
| Adult Drivers | $47 | $101 | 4% | 13 |
| Drivers With a DUI | $87 | $170 | -28% | 6 |
| Drivers With an Accident | $75 | $148 | 21% | 16 |
| Drivers With a Speeding Ticket | $64 | $131 | 10% | 13 |
| Drivers With Bad Credit | $80 | $165 | -13% | 9 |
| Drivers With Low Income | $60 | $127 | 5% | 9 |
| Drivers With Newer Cars | $61 | $130 | -2% | 12 |
| Drivers With Old Cars | $41 | $87 | 2% | 10 |
| Senior Drivers | $101 | $186 | 78% | 20 |
| Young Drivers | $212 | $383 | 95% | 20 |
*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.
This insurer offers 18 car insurance discounts, with average savings of up to 20% depending on your driving profile, involvement in programs and your area. Check out its offerings:
Multi-Policy/Bundle (Auto Plus Home) | Varies | Insure both auto and home (or renters) with PEMCO - save on both policies | Available in Washington & Oregon |
Auto Plus Mariner | Varies | Insure both auto and boat with PEMCO - save on both policies | Currently available in Washington only |
Auto Plus Umbrella | Varies | Add umbrella policy to auto and home coverage for extra liability protection | Currently available in Washington only |
PEMCODOMETER My Driving | Average 10% Up to 20% | Safe driving habits monitored via smartphone app for 91 days - smooth stops, speed limit compliance, no phone use while driving | Available in Washington & Oregon |
Educator Discount | Varies | Work for school (public or private), community college, or university - not just teachers qualify, keep discount when you retire | Available in Washington & Oregon |
Good Student | Varies | Full-time students ages 16-24 with GPA of 3.0 or higher | Available in Washington & Oregon |
Away At School | Varies | Student attends school 75+ miles from home and does not have a car at school | Available in Washington & Oregon |
Defensive Driver | Varies | Drivers ages 55 and above who complete a certified defensive driving course | Available in Washington & Oregon |
Homeownership | Varies | Own your home, mobile home, or condo (regardless of insurer) | Available in Washington & Oregon |
Low Mileage | Varies | Drive your vehicle fewer than 8,000 miles annually | Available in Washington & Oregon |
New Vehicle | Varies | Vehicle is fewer than five model years old when policy becomes effective | Available in Washington & Oregon |
Leased Auto | Varies | Lease your car - discount applies to both comprehensive and collision coverage | Currently available in Washington only |
Loyal Auto Customer | Varies | Start getting this discount after one year with PEMCO | Available in Washington & Oregon |
Paid in Full | Varies | Pay bill in one annual payment or two six-month payments | Available in Washington & Oregon |
Spin-off | Varies | Already covered on someone else's PEMCO policy - save when you start your own new PEMCO policy | Available in Washington & Oregon |
Advance Purchase | Varies | Buy PEMCO policy seven or more days before coverage starts | Currently available for new policies in Washington only |
Advance Quote | Varies | Get a quote at least one day before your coverage starts | Available in Washington & Oregon |
Paperless | Varies | Choose paperless options for policy documents delivered online with email alerts | Currently available in Washington only |
PEMCO earned fourth place in overall customer satisfaction in MoneyGeek's comprehensive customer experience study. Customer reviews from various forums and the company's website reveal strong performance in agent service and digital platform functionality.
Claims processing generated more complaints than other service areas. Based on our research, we break down the buying, policy management and claims process experiences.
Customers praise PEMCO's competitive rates, describing them as "one of the least expensive" options available in the Pacific Northwest.
But some customers discover after signing up that they were given low initial quotes that increased substantially with additional state-required coverages being added weeks later via email, which they describe as feeling like a "trap" for customers wanting basic coverage.
Customer experiences with policy management reveal frustrations. Many report rate increases without clear explanations, with one customer seeing their annual premium jump from $1,876 to $2,700 despite having no significant claims. Customers describe billing errors where forms are mailed to wrong addresses.
Privacy issues emerge in reviews, with customers reporting that PEMCO called family members who weren't authorized contacts on their accounts, leading to breach of confidentiality concerns.
Claims experiences with PEMCO show variation. Some customers praise quick response times and helpful adjusters who guide them through the process smoothly, describing experiences as "outstanding" and appreciating timely claim processing.
Customers report serious problems, including adjusters refusing to pay claims despite clear evidence, month-long delays with no communication and defensive attitudes that become accusatory when challenged.
PEMCO 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 its scores from industry agencies.
AM Best Financial Strength | B++ (Good) | A++ to D- | Good ability to meet financial obligations and pay claims |
AM Best Long-Term Credit Standing | bbb (Good) | aaa to d | Good credit quality (downgraded from bbb+ in March 2025) |
S&P Global Financial Strength | Not Rated | AAA to D | Strong financial security characteristics |
Moody's Financial Strength | Not Rated | Aaa to C | Upper-medium grade with low credit risk |
J.D. Power Auto Claims Satisfaction | Not Available | 1,000-point scale | Not included in national auto claims satisfaction studies |
J.D. Power Digital Service Experience | Not Available | 1,000-point scale | Not available as separate rating |
J.D. Power Auto Insurance Shopping Study | Not Available | Out of 1,000 | Not included in national shopping studies |
J.D. Power Overall Customer Satisfaction | 666/1,000 (#1 in Northwest) | Out of 1,000 | #1 in Customer Satisfaction among Auto Insurers in Northwest Region |
NAIC Auto Complaints | 0.17 | 1.00 is average | 83% fewer complaints than expected for company size |
Reddit users and forum members appreciate the company's competitive rates, mutual company structure, and regional Pacific Northwest focus. Many drivers value features like accident forgiveness and multi-policy discounts. Some customers report concerns about rate increases over time, claims handling inconsistencies, and policy cancellations after incidents.
Common complaints include rate increases for long-term customers, claims processing delays and disputes, and policy cancellations after minor infractions. Customers report mixed experiences with claims adjusters and customer service responsiveness.
Here's what real customers are saying about their experiences on forums:
General thoughts on pricing initially are positive, with PEMCO offering competitive rates in the Pacific Northwest, but rate increases over time affect long-term value:
"Any WA people have input on PEMCO? Good, bad, ugly? I moved here from FL about six months ago, and my auto insurance went up . I've been casually shopping around for new insurance, and PEMCO quoted me a very attractive rate."
"As a loyal customer (auto, house) of 11 years, I just got my 1/2 yearly auto insurance. It was $325 for a 15-year-old Subaru, less than 1000 miles driven a year, no claims ever, insurance premium. Why? What have I ever done to warrant this absurd price increase?"
Most customers have mixed experiences with claims handling, with some praising efficiency while others report disputes and delays:
"I've had PEMCO for five years and very happy with them. Used to have State Farm, and rates were lower with PEMCO. Had one car claim (hit a deer) and one homeowners and both handled quickly and professionally."
"PEMCO was at fault, and they did everything possible not to pay a penny. It's been weeks, and I'm getting an attorney to fix that. Their adjusters are not human as they were trying to inhumanely scare me and me from seeking medical assistance and getting my car fixed."
Agent service receives praise, but customer service experiences vary widely, with some customers reporting excellent service while others face challenges:
"Customer service is top-notch. Agents are always helpful and pleasant. They make changes and updates easy. They also made my experience filing a claim when my car was damaged very easy."
"They're quick to respond to accidents, slower to return calls, professional, and helpful."
"When you call their customer service, they will simply tell you it is what it is in a rude way!"
PEMCO's online resources and mobile app are generally well-regarded by customers who use them:
"PEMCO's mobile app offers an array of features and functionalities designed to enhance the customer experience. The app provides convenient access to policy information, allowing customers to view their coverage details, premiums, and even request policy changes."
As a mutual insurance company, PEMCO has a generally positive reputation, though some customers report disappointment after claims or policy changes:
"Hmm, been with PEMCO for nearly twenty years. They cover our home as well. No problems at all in insuring the Corvette. We've only had a couple of claims, all pretty major ones... They treated us with exemplary service at that time."
"PEMCO was fine until I had an accident, after over 30+ years of no accidents.. Poor customer service and refusal to continue coverage, despite excellent driving history!"
"Involved in a minor fender bender in early 2023, and my wife got a ticket for 5 miles over the speed limit outside, and our auto coverage got cancelled. We have spent hundreds of thousands of premium dollars with them over the years, only to discover they are not the partner we thought they were."
People appreciate PEMCO's coverage options and unique Pacific Northwest focus, along with good discounts for bundling:
"Thanks for the input, everyone. After some additional shopping around, I went ahead and made the switch to PEMCO today. I was able to bundle my home insurance with the auto insurance, and long story short, I'm saving almost $700/year - and that's with much higher coverage all the way around."
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.
It provides standard coverages like other major insurers, including liability, comprehensive and collision protection. The company also offers these additional add-ons:
Rideshare Endorsement | Protects you when driving for rideshare companies like Uber or Lyft, covering gaps in rideshare company insurance and reducing deductibles | Gap coverage protection; regular PEMCO deductible applies; additional protection when rideshare coverage is primary |
Auto Loan Coverage | Often called gap insurance, pays the difference between what you owe on your car loan and what the car is worth if it's totaled | Loan payoff protection; covers negative equity situations |
Rental Car Reimbursement | Helps pay for a rental car while your car is in the shop due to an eligible claim or covered accident | Transportation continuity; daily rental allowance; covers repair period |
Custom Parts and Equipment Coverage | Covers aftermarket parts and equipment added to your vehicle, such as custom wheels, stereo systems, or other modifications | Up to $500 coverage; Washington residents only; covers custom modifications |
Key Replacement Coverage | Covers the cost of replacing or recoding electronic lock and key parts if your car keys are lost, stolen, or damaged | Up to $500 coverage; Washington residents only; electronic key protection |
Pet Injury Coverage | Pays up to $1,000 if your dog or cat is injured or killed in a covered collision while being transported in your vehicle | Up to $1,000 benefit; covers dogs and cats; collision-related injuries only |
Towing Coverage | Provides assistance if your car breaks down and needs work on the spot or must be towed to a repair shop | Roadside assistance; emergency towing; on-site repair services |
First Accident Forgiveness | If you've been insured with PEMCO for five or more years, your rate won't increase after your first minor accident | Rate protection; requires 5+ years with PEMCO; first minor accident only |
Here are other insurance types you can bundle with auto coverage or buy separately:
Who Offers It? | Insurance Products |
|---|---|
PEMCO (Directly Offered) | Auto Insurance, home insurance, renters insurance, condo insurance, boat insurance, umbrella insurance |
Third-Party Partner | Life insurance (Ladder), pet insurance (Pets Best), motorcycle insurance (PEMCO Agency), manufactured homes, collector vehicles, earthquake insurance, environmental flooding, home warranty coverage |
PEMCO excels in customer experience, earning 13th place overall for full coverage and 15th for minimum coverage. We recommend you compare quotes and decide on coverage needs before buying to get the best deal.
Below are MoneyGeek's expert answers to frequently asked questions about the company's car insurance:
Yes, PEMCO is a legitimate car insurance company that secured 13th place in our comprehensive car insurance provider rankings. The insurer particularly excels in customer experience, where it achieved an impressive fourth place ranking among all providers we evaluated.
Based on our analysis, PEMCO does not rank first in any state or territory.
PEMCO charges adults an average of $641 annually for state minimum coverage and $1,333 for full coverage. Annual rates span $485 to $8,299 for minimum and $996 to $13,128 for full coverage.
Customer feedback indicates PEMCO maintains reasonable claim handling practices without widespread denial patterns. Limited online complaints suggest standard processing procedures, though comprehensive claim satisfaction data remains unavailable for thorough evaluation.
PEMCO offers competitive rates for drivers with a DUI, ranking 6th overall for affordability among high-risk driver categories.
Yes, PEMCO raises rates over time due to inflation driving up repair and medical costs, plus increased claims from distracted driving and severe weather. They also adjust rates based on area risk assessments, regulatory changes, and individual factors like credit score shifts.
No, PEMCO isn't ideal for young drivers, with expensive rates that place them 20th in our affordability rankings for this demographic.
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:
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:
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.
