Utica Car Insurance Review

General thoughts on pricing initially are positive with notable savings, but rate increases and poor claims experiences destroy long-term value, according to forum users:

"The most advantage is that the insurance fee is at least one-third lower than some other insurance companies. The customer service was good for quick processing my claim of ice damage about two years ago."

"Our annual rate started at $678 and has only dramatically increased despite not having claims and making payments accordingly."

Most customers report extremely poor experiences with how Utica handles claims, with extensive delays and unresponsive adjusters being the primary concerns:

"There should be a minus five rating for companies like this. Our family vehicle was rear-ended more than 54 days ago in San Antonio, TX. They acknowledged the claim, accepted fault, and said they would follow up. We have been calling and sending emails, making all sorts of attempts to get our vehicle fixed or replaced. Well, 54 days have passed, and the half-destroyed vehicle is still in our driveway."

"It has taken 5 weeks for Utica to value the car - with us having to harass and do most of the work. Week 1 - didn't know the location of the car. Week 2 - we follow up - now they need permission from us to release the car from Progressive's lot. Week 3 - told delays in getting tow truck to pickup. Week 4 - finally get car to Utica."

"I have been waiting over a month for a check for my totaled snowmobile. I have had to call countless times and rarely get a call back. 1 week ago I was told that the check was going out that day. Called today and was told check still hasn't been issued and the problem is their 'new system'."

Agent service shows consistently poor responsiveness and communication, with customers reporting being ignored and receiving inadequate support:

"My Jeep got smashed by their driver. I called three days ago, made a claim, and they haven't responded to me yet. I called today, and they couldn't find any information on it."

"I got rear ended on July 12. We got in touch with Utica adjuster who at first seemed helpful then after several calls did not even call us back."

"I have sent countless emails asking for an update, no replies. I called Utica's customer department explaining my issue and I was transferred to Susan. I asked her the status and why I have not receive any replies to my email, she said her manager want more explanations and I'll receive an email on that date. I still have not heard from them."

Utica's digital resources and billing systems receive particularly negative feedback, with customers reporting major operational problems:

"Their billing system is BEYOND screwed up. Our client's are either not getting their bill or their bill is getting sent to random addresses across the country. I'm almost to the point of stopping placing business with them and rolling renewals with other markets!!"

"Utica National Redid their billing system... per the rep I talked to last time.... Real CLUSTER"

Customer experiences reveal concerning patterns regarding Utica's business practices and claim handling that damage trust and reputation:

"I let my business owner's policy lapse after finding a much better rate with a different carrier. Utica sent me several reminders, clearly stating that the policy would lapse if I didn't make a payment. Fine—that's what I wanted. But instead, they renewed it on their own and sent me a bill for a partial month's coverage until they got around to canceling it. Utica is now threatening to send the bill to a collection agency and affect my credit."

"WORST INSURANCE COMPANY EVER!! their insured rear ended me on the freeway in a rental car, turn the rental back in (didn't tell the rental car company) jumped on a plane back to NY and they never told Utica she hit someone! took 4 months for them to get things moving and my car fixed then had my personal medical records emailed to their personal Gmail account and went through 5 adjusters over a 19 month period."

People report issues with coverage understanding and policy terms, with customers finding that expected coverage is not honored during claims:

"We wanted to add water backup to our policy. Our agent said she added it. Our basement flooded and magically It's not in our insurance. My agent has been fighting with Utica national for over a month to coverage then damage and they refuse, even when she provided all of her old policies written with then all with water and magically somehow mine didn't have it."

"They contested the fact that I needed a rental car ASAP. They didn't cover the damage they should have from the accident. They are surly and seem to take joy in squeezing every cent out of their customers."

Utica is a legitimate car insurance company that ranks 18th in our car insurance provider study. The insurer achieves 12th place among competitors.

Utica is the ninth-rated car insurance provider overall in North Carolina.

Utica averages $786 annually for minimum coverage and $1,393 for full coverage among adults. Annual premiums range from $641 to $7,467 for minimum and $1,131 to $12,369 for full coverage.

Reviews of Utica’s claims service vary. Certain customers say the process was handled smoothly, but others report long waits or disagreements over what their policy should cover. Complaints about slow processing and confusing coverage terms come up, though results are not the same for every policyholder.

Some praise their responsive service, while others express concerns about claim investigation procedures and settlement offers.

Note: This represents limited information based primarily on forum reviews.

Utica offers affordable coverage for drivers with bad credit, ranking 3rd overall for affordability, but isn't ideal for drivers with a DUI due to higher costs.

Yes, Utica raises rates over time due to inflation, increased claims from distracted driving and severe weather, plus higher vehicle technology costs. They also adjust rates based on area risk assessments, regulatory changes, and personal factors like credit score shifts, regardless of your driving record.

Utica isn't the best choice for young drivers. The company ranks 14th for affordability among the insurers we reviewed, making it expensive for an age group that already pays high premiums.