Updated: July 30, 2026
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Wawanesa ranks 17th for both full coverage and minimum liability coverage affordability, with average monthly rates of $131 and $66.
The company places seventh nationwide for customer satisfaction, with strong agent service and positive forum reviews from policyholders.
Wawanesa ranks ninth for coverage variety with roadside assistance, lockout service and accident forgiveness programs.
Wawanesa ranks 18th overall nationally, placing it outside the top tier of best car insurance companies for most drivers. The company shines in customer experience (seventh place) and coverage options (ninth place), showing strong performance in service quality and policy features.
Rates shown are for a 40-year-old male driver with good credit and a clean driving record. Your rates will differ based on your profile and coverage needs.
| Overall Score | 3.73 | 18 |
| Customer Experience | 4.62 | 7 |
| Coverage | 3.21 | 9 |
| Affordability | 3.38 | 19 |
Wawanesa works best for adult drivers, seniors, drivers with accidents and those with DUIs. It's not ideal for drivers with newer cars or those with speeding tickets.
| Overall Score | 3.7 | 19 |
Your Wawanesa monthly costs range from $54 to $382, depending on your specific situation and coverage choices. To help you make the best decision, we've broken down national average auto insurance costs by age group, gender, coverage, credit score and driving record.
| $217 | $2,603 | 76% | 20 |
Most drivers will find Wawanesa much more expensive than other car insurance companies, including adults, seniors and those with violations or accidents. Below you can review how affordable Wawanesa is for your specific driving category.
| Adult Drivers | $69 | $137 | 52% | 19 |
| Drivers With a DUI | $170 | $315 | 37% | 17 |
| Drivers With an Accident | $149 | $277 | 131% | 20 |
| Drivers With a Speeding Ticket | $137 | $257 | 123% | 20 |
| Drivers With Newer Cars | $89 | $169 | 32% | 17 |
| Drivers With Old Cars | $61 | $114 | 40% | 18 |
| Senior Drivers | $71 | $137 | 29% | 16 |
| Young Drivers | $96 | $190 | -6% | 7 |
*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.
Wawanesa offers 14 car insurance discounts, with average savings of up to 12% depending on your driving profile, involvement in programs and your area. Check out its offerings:
Good Driver | Variable | All drivers licensed for 3+ years, no more than 1 violation/at-fault accident in 3 years, no DUIs in 10 years | Available in CA and OR |
Multi-Car | Variable | Insure more than one vehicle on the same policy (private passenger vehicles, vans, light trucks) | Available in CA and OR |
Loyalty Discount | Up to 22% | Automatically applied after 1 year with Wawanesa, increases annually up to maximum after 15 years | Available in CA and OR |
Multi-Policy/Bundle | Variable | Combine auto with homeowners, condo, or renters insurance policy | Available in CA and OR |
Mature Driver Course | Variable | Drivers 55+ who complete state-approved defensive driving course within 3 years (not court-ordered) | Available in CA and OR |
Affinity Group | Variable | Membership in partnering organizations (e.g., California Coast Credit Union members in CA) | Available in CA and OR |
Vehicle Recovery System | Variable | Anti-theft systems including LoJack, OnStar, OnGuard, Teletrac, or other factory/aftermarket devices | Primarily available in OR |
E-Collect/E-Distribute | Variable | Set up automatic payments and paperless billing | Primarily available in OR |
Military Discount | Variable | Active duty or retired military members | Primarily available in OR |
Driver Training | Variable | New drivers (under 2 years licensed) who complete both Driver Education and Driver Training courses | Primarily available in OR |
Persistency Discount | Variable | Automatic discount if you had car insurance prior to buying Wawanesa policy | Primarily available in OR |
Insurance Score Discount | Variable | Based on favorable insurance score derived from credit report and claim likelihood factors | Available where permitted by law |
Wawanesa ranked 7th for customer experience in MoneyGeek's study. Customers rate agent service and the digital platform highly, but claims processing draws more complaints than other service areas.
Wawanesa customers frequently cite lower rates compared to competitors, with reported savings reaching thousands of dollars annually. One long-term customer shared this experience:
"I've been a Wawanesa Oregon customer since March of 2017. I've not had any problem. Customer service is fabulous. Everyone is very friendly and professional! Out of all the insurance companies I've tried, they have been the best."
Policies must be purchased through a phone representative rather than online, and coverage is limited to California and Oregon. Some long-term customers report sudden rate increases without a clear explanation.
Long-term customers frequently praise individual representatives for helpfulness and professionalism. Communication problems are a recurring complaint, including unreturned calls and emails, difficulty reaching representatives, and wait times exceeding four hours.
One customer described the experience:
"Very bad service. Can not communicate with them. Leave as many messages as you want, but nobody will call back."
Some long-term customers praise the company's handling:
"Recently, I had an accident. Everyone from the person who took my report over the phone and helped me with a tow to the team of claims adjusters, both internal (repairs to my car) and external (to the other vehicle), was kind, gentle, sensitive, professional and helpful."
But other customers report severe problems with claims processing, including lengthy delays, poor communication and disputed settlements. Common complaints include:
"I was hit three times. Wawanesa never investigated the claims, and all resulted in fault on me," and experiences where customers feel the company "will stall, lie, not return emails, anything they can do to rip you off." Multiple customers describe waiting months for claim resolution.
Wawanesa holds strong financial strength ratings across all industry rating agencies, but finishes average or below average in most J.D. Power studies. Industry scores are listed below.
AM Best Financial Strength | A (Excellent) / A+ (Superior) | A++ to D- | Canadian parent: A (Excellent); US subsidiary: A+ (Superior) ability to meet financial obligations |
AM Best Long-Term Credit Standing | a | aaa to d | Good credit quality for both Canadian parent and US subsidiary |
S&P Global Financial Strength | Unavailable | AAA to D | No S&P rating |
Moody's Financial Strength | Not Available | Aaa to C | No Moody's rating |
J.D. Power Auto Claims Satisfaction | Not Available | 1,000-point scale | Not part of the 2024 study |
J.D. Power Digital Service Experience | Unavailable | 1,000-point scale | Not included in 2024 study |
J.D. Power Auto Insurance Shopping Study | Unavailable | Out of 1,000 | Not in shopping studies |
J.D. Power Overall Customer Satisfaction | 879-889/1,000 | Out of 1,000 | Top in California for customer satisfaction (2020-2023, multiple years) |
NAIC Auto Complaints | 1.58 | 1.00 is average | Above average complaints; improved from 2.04 in 2023 |
Wawanesa's Reddit and forum reputation divides along claims history and driving record. Policyholders with incidents report difficulties with claims processing and dropped coverage after accidents. Those with clean records cite competitive pricing and straightforward service.
Customers generally appreciate Wawanesa's competitive pricing, especially for drivers with clean records:
"Rates are very competitive. No one can beat them. I've made 2 claims in 20 years. Recently, they changed from annual to semi-annual premiums, which I don't like."
Claims handling experiences show significant polarization, with many customers reporting poor treatment during the claims process:
"Gave one star because can't give less than that. Worst claim handling ever by any insurance. I have been through other insurance claims, but Wawanesa was the worst. They ignored the key witness statement in my claim and denied without considering it. The adjuster and supervisor and the all staff lead in bad faith just think about the company not the insured."
"I have had wawanesa for the last 9 years. They have been great each time I have been rear-ended over the years with covering my repairs and going after the other person's insurance."
Customer service experiences varies, with many reporting unresponsive representatives:
"Wawanesa has failed to provide services paid for over the past 6 years, I've been a customer for over 10 years. I have had three claims while with Wawanesa, each one they have failed to provide services paid for, at a high premium I might add! They lie, they are very difficult to get ahold of, and they do not do their job."
"Yes 100% I will recommend WAWANESA . I never find nothing better than WAWANESA INSURANCE, they are reliable. They are consistently good all the times they use their best performance; to help them be trusted. After my friend recommended it to me I did recommend many of my friends."
Wawanesa's digital platforms get mixed feedback. Some praise its online functionality while others note limitations:
"Wawanesa's website clearly outlines coverage details and available auto insurance discounts. You can also pay your bills, view policy information and get your ID card."
"Wawanesa does not currently have a mobile app for California drivers."
Customer trust varies significantly based on individual claim experiences and the company's selective acceptance policies:
"They only insure good drivers, so if you have an incident, or... any claims that are deemed your fault, you are late on ONE payment, they will drop you like a bad habit."
"I've been with Wawanesa for over 26 years, added my wife to the policy after we were married. We have two PHEV, full coverage and the current rate is $1254 /6 months. We never had any major accident."
Customers generally appreciate Wawanesa's coverage options, though availability is limited geographically:
"Wawanesa offers competitive insurance rates, comprehensive coverage options and 24/7 claims services. You have to purchase policies over the phone, though the company provides free quotes online."
"I have Wawanesa. No complaints, good inexpensive insurance if you qualify. I have had a couple of bang-ups in other cars, and they have always come through. I have heard that they will drop you if your driving record isn't up to snuff."
Negative reviews make up forums and don't reflect overall service quality. To get 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.
Wawanesa provides standard coverages like other top insurers, including liability, comprehensive and collision protection. The company's additional add-ons include:
Roadside Assistance | Emergency roadside services including towing, battery jump-starts, flat tire changes, fuel delivery, and lockout assistance | Partners with AAA; up to $100 per incident, twice per policy period; 24/7 availability; no out-of-pocket costs |
Rental Car Reimbursement | Covers rental car fees while your vehicle is being repaired or replaced due to a covered claim | Requires comprehensive or collision coverage; available on all insured vehicles |
Special Vehicle Equipment Coverage | Pays for loss or damage to custom equipment and aftermarket modifications beyond standard coverage limits | Covers custom furnishings, electronic equipment, stereo systems, special wheels, and aftermarket parts |
Vehicle Manufacturer Replacement Parts | Ensures repairs use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts rather than aftermarket replacements | Guarantees OEM parts for repairs; maintains vehicle integrity and warranty compliance |
Uninsured Motorist Collision Waiver | Waives your collision deductible when hit by an uninsured driver | Available only in California; eliminates out-of-pocket deductible costs for uninsured motorist claims |
Windshield Coverage | Free windshield repair and replacement with no deductible | Included with comprehensive coverage; no rate increase for windshield claims; covers chips and cracks |
Here are other insurance types you can bundle with auto coverage or buy separately:
Who Offers It? | Insurance Products |
|---|---|
Wawanesa (Directly Offered) | Auto insurance, homeowners insurance, condominium insurance, renters insurance, personal umbrella insurance, business insurance |
Third-Party Partner | Not specified |
Wawanesa ranks seventh nationally for customer experience. It is in ninth place for coverage variety, but is 18th overall and ranks 19th for affordability. It's a strong fit for young drivers, ranking 7th in price. Compare quotes and confirm your coverage needs before buying.
Below are MoneyGeek's expert answers to frequently asked questions about Wawanesa car insurance:
Yes, Wawanesa is a legitimate car insurance company that secured 18th place in our comprehensive car insurance provider analysis. The insurer particularly excels in customer experience, where it earned an impressive seventh-place ranking.
Based on our comprehensive analysis, Wawanesa does not rank as the number one car insurance provider in any state. But it achieves strong performance in customer experience (seventh place nationally) and coverage options (ninth place nationally).
Wawanesa's average annual cost for adults is $719 for state minimum coverage and $1,497 for full coverage. Rates from Wawanesa span $647 to $2,341 for state minimum and $1,415 to $4,587 for full coverage.
Wawanesa doesn't have a widespread reputation for denying claims. Customer reviews do flag difficult claims processing, particularly after incidents that trigger coverage reviews, but that's common across most regional insurers. No consistent pattern of bad-faith denials appears in available customer feedback.
Wawanesa isn't ideal for most high-risk drivers, ranking poorly for those with accidents (20th overall) and speeding tickets (20th overall affordability).
Yes, Wawanesa raises rates over time due to inflation impacting repair costs, increased claims frequency and area risk assessments. Your personal rates also change based on credit score shifts, driving record updates and age-related risk factors.
Yes. Among young drivers, Wawanesa lands in the top 10 for affordability, with average rates running below the national benchmark.
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
Our baseline is a 40-year-old male driving a 2012 Toyota Camry LE with a clean record, good credit, 12,000 miles a year, a valid license and no prior claims.
We adjusted age, driving record, credit score and military status to identify the best rates for different driver categories.
Minimum coverage rates meet state-required minimums. Full coverage uses $100,000/$300,000/$100,000 liability limits with comprehensive and collision coverage and a $1,000 deductible.
Specific variables, including age, driving record, credit score and military status, were then modified to determine which insurers offer the best rates for different driver categories. 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
MoneyGeek's evaluation process weights three factors: cost (60%), customer satisfaction (30%) and coverage variety (10%). Cost is measured through quote comparisons across multiple driver profiles per city against local competitors. Customer satisfaction draws on Google reviews, J.D. Power ratings, AM Best scores and Reddit forums to assess service quality and claims experience. Coverage variety reflects the breadth of available policies and any features not commonly offered by competitors.
Mark Fitzpatrick, a licensed Property and Casualty (P&C) Insurance Producer in Connecticut, is MoneyGeek's resident expert in insurance and economics. He has spent nearly a decade covering the market, first at LendingTree and now at MoneyGeek, where he analyzes hundreds of carriers and millions of rates across auto, home, renters, health and life insurance.
His work has appeared in The Washington Post, The New York Times and NPR. He draws on independent cost and consumer experience data, and no insurance company partnerships affect his recommendations.
Mark studied at Boston College before earning a master's in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University. Before MoneyGeek, he worked in financial risk management at State Street. He's also a five-time “Jeopardy!” champion.
