American Family Renters Insurance Review


American Family Insurance

American Family Insurance

MoneyGeek Rating
4.7/ 5
4.9/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
3.9/5Coverage Points
  • Average Annual Premium

    $199
  • Number of Endorsements

    9
  • Number of Discounts

    7
Key Takeaways
blueCheck icon

American Family renters insurance costs $17 a month for $20,000 in personal property coverage, which is 1% above the national average. At $100,000 in coverage, it’s 32% cheaper than average.

blueCheck icon

 We rate American Family 4.76 out of 5 for customer experience. It ranks 10th among the renters insurance providers we analyzed nationally.

blueCheck icon

American Family has nine optional add-on coverages. Flash flood and pet insurance are two that aren’t common on standard renters policies.

Compare Insurance Rates

Ensure you are getting the best rate for your insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.

Is American Family Renters Insurance Worth It?

Our analysis of the best renters insurance providers placed American Family at 23rd nationally, determined by weighing affordability, customer service and coverage together. The company's performance varies across these categories. The table below shows American Family's MoneyGeek score out of 5 for each category and corresponding national rank based on a sample renter profile.

Overall4.5123
Customer Experience4.7610
Affordability4.4841
Coverage3.6435

AmFam's customer experience score is the most decisive result in our analysis. A 4.76 score and 10th-place ranking mean AmFam generates fewer complaints with state regulators than most providers we reviewed. The 41st-place affordability ranking needs context. AmFam's $380 annual rate for $100,000 in personal property coverage runs 32% below the national average. That's the coverage tier where the pricing advantage is clearest. If that level fits your situation, request a quote from AmFam before you look elsewhere.

The coverage score of 3.64 is the lowest in AmFam's scorecard. Its nine add-ons close some gaps that standard renters policies leave open: flash flood coverage extends to renters outside designated flood zones, and pet insurance is folded into the policy rather than sold as a separate product. 

Identity coverage reimburses up to $25,000 for restoration costs after theft. Providers ranked higher in our analysis offer coverages AmFam doesn't carry, including earthquake endorsements and scheduled personal property for high-value collections. If either of those matters to your situation, compare AmFam's full add-on list against other providers before you decide.

How Much Does American Family Renters Insurance Cost?

American Family’s renters insurance costs vary by coverage level. For $20,000 in personal property coverage, the average annual premium is $199. At $100,000 in coverage, the annual cost drops to $380, which is 32% below the national average. Compare those rates against our full breakdown of the average cost of renters insurance to see where AmFam lands nationally.

$20K Personal Property / $100K Liability$17$1991%
$50K Personal Property / $100K Liability$24$285-15%
$100K Personal Property / $100K Liability$32$380-32%
$250K Personal Property / $300K Liability$106$1,2719%

AmFam's customer experience score is the most decisive result in our analysis. A 4.76 score and 10th-place ranking mean AmFam generates fewer complaints with state regulators than most providers we reviewed. The 41st-place affordability ranking needs context. AmFam's $380 annual rate for $100,000 in personal property coverage runs 32% below the national average. That's the coverage tier where the pricing advantage is clearest. If that level fits your situation, request a quote from AmFam before you look elsewhere.

The coverage score of 3.64 is the lowest in AmFam's scorecard. Its nine add-ons close some gaps that standard renters policies leave open: flash flood coverage extends to renters outside designated flood zones, and pet insurance is folded into the policy rather than sold as a separate product. Identity coverage reimburses up to $25,000 for restoration costs after theft. Providers ranked higher in our analysis offer coverages AmFam doesn't carry, including earthquake endorsements and scheduled personal property for high-value collections. If either of those matters to your situation, compare AmFam's full add-on list against other providers before you decide.

American Family Renters Insurance Cost by State

Where you live affects your renters insurance rate. Local theft rates and weather history are two of the main factors. The table below shows how American Family’s rates change by state and coverage level.

Data filtered by:
Arizona
$20K Personal Property / $100K Liability$17$205-14%
$50K Personal Property / $100K Liability$21$246-39%
$100K Personal Property / $100K Liability$25$297-52%
$250K Personal Property / $300K Liability$106$1,27518%

Note: Data above is for states where American Family operates. It isn’t reflective of the company’s availability in every state.

American Family Renters Insurance Discounts

American Family offers seven discounts that can reduce your renters insurance rate. Availability varies by state, so confirm which apply in your area when you request a quote.

Multi-Product

Save by bundling multiple policies beyond auto and renters, with more savings added for each additional policy.

Smart Home

Cut your rate when your rental has qualifying smart home protection devices.

Auto Pay 

Lower your premium by setting up automatic monthly payments.

Full Pay

Pay your annual premium in one lump sum instead of monthly installments and pay less overall.

Paperless Billing

Get a discount for receiving your policy documents and bills electronically.

Loyalty

Get a lower premium after keeping coverage with American Family for one full year.

Generational

Save on your policy if you're between 18 and 30 and your parents are American Family customers.

We’d start with auto pay and paperless billing if you’re a new policyholder. Both take minutes to set up and require no ongoing effort. Ask your agent about the generational discount if you qualify. Most agents won’t bring it up unprompted.

What Does American Family Renters Insurance Cover?

Standard renters insurance from American Family doesn’t cover floods, earthquakes, intentional damage or business-related losses. Some of these gaps can be addressed with optional endorsements.

  • sofa icon

    Personal Property Coverage

    Personal property coverage pays to replace your belongings after a covered event like theft or fire. AmFam’s standard policies use replacement cost, not actual cash value. That means you’re reimbursed based on what your items cost to replace today. Theft is a named covered peril under standard AmFam policies, as is fire.

  • scale icon

    Personal Liability Coverage

    Liability coverage pays your legal costs and damages if someone gets injured in your rental or you accidentally damage someone else’s property. It covers legal fees and medical payments up to the policy limit when you’re found legally responsible. If you have pets, note that pet liability operates within this coverage and may have breed or dollar-limit conditions depending on your state. Our guide to pet liability coverage for renters walks through how these limits work.

  • hotel icon

    Loss of Use Coverage

    Loss of use coverage pays for temporary housing and meal expenses if your rental becomes uninhabitable after a covered event. Pet boarding and transportation costs are also covered while repairs are completed.

What American Family Renters Insurance Doesn’t Cover

Standard renters insurance from American Family does not cover floods, earthquakes, intentional damage or business-related losses. Some of these gaps can be addressed with optional endorsements.

  • hammer icon

    Intentional or Criminal Acts

    The policy will not pay for damage caused deliberately or through gross negligence. This includes self-inflicted losses and damage resulting from failure to maintain the rental.

  • smallBusiness icon

    Business Property and Liability

    Standard policies do not cover business inventory or commercial equipment. Liability from business operations is not covered either. AmFam's home business endorsement adds limited coverage, but high-revenue or client-facing operations require a separate commercial policy.

  • flood icon

    Natural Disasters

    Floods and earthquakes are not covered under AmFam's standard renters policy. Separate flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private carrier. Earthquake coverage requires an endorsement or standalone policy.

  • The standard policy caps coverage at $2,000 for jewelry and watches combined. Items above that limit require the itemized personal property endorsement to receive full replacement cost coverage.

mglogo icon
MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

If you’re between 18 and 30 and a parent is already an American Family customer, ask your agent about the generational discount before you finalize your quote. Most agents won’t bring it up unprompted. Add auto pay and paperless billing on top of that, and you have three discounts active before the loyalty discount even kicks in after your first year.

How to Buy American Family’s Renters Insurance

You can buy American Family renters insurance online or through a local agent.

  1. 1
    Determine Your Coverage Needs

    An inventory of owned items should be created with estimated replacement costs, including furniture, electronics and clothing. Those totals should be used to set a personal property coverage limit that reflects the actual exposure. Liability coverage and loss of use protection levels can then be determined based on assets and living situation.

  2. 2
    Request a Quote From American Family

    A quote can be pulled online or through a local American Family agent to establish pricing. Information about the rental, the desired coverage amounts and basic personal details will be required to produce an estimate.

  3. 3
    Review Your Policy Options

    The available coverage levels, deductibles and optional endorsements should be reviewed. Whether add-ons such as equipment breakdown or water backup coverage align with the risks in the rental is worth considering.

  4. 4
    Apply Available Discounts

    Available discounts should be confirmed, either online or with an agent. Savings may apply for paperless billing, automatic payments or generational discounts, depending on eligibility and location.

  5. 5
    Finalize and Activate Your Policy

    The policy details should be reviewed to confirm coverage limits and deductibles match what was selected. Once payment is submitted, American Family issues a policy number and proof of insurance.

How to File a Renters Insurance Claim with American Family

A claim with American Family can be filed online, through its app or by phone. Once filed, American Family assigns an adjuster to assess the damage and guide the policyholder through the process.

  1. 1
    Contact American Family to Report Your Claim

    A claim should be reported to American Family immediately after discovering damage or loss by calling the claims hotline, using the mobile app or filing online. Details about what happened, when it occurred and the extent of damage to the property should be provided.

  2. 2
    Document All Damage and Losses

    Record videos or take photos of damaged items of your rental. Create a detailed list of lost or damaged belongings with descriptions, purchase dates and estimated values to support your claim.

  3. 3
    Meet With American Family's Adjuster

    Schedule an inspection with the claims adjuster American Family assigns to your case. Explain to them the damage, answer their questions and provide any documentation they request to evaluate your claim.

  4. 4
    Review Your Settlement and Complete Repairs

    American Family issues a settlement offer after reviewing the claim and adjuster's assessment. The offer should be reviewed carefully, questions raised about coverage decisions and the funds used to replace belongings or repair damage once the settlement is accepted.

Compare Insurance Rates

Ensure you are getting the best rate for your insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.

American Family Renters Insurance Review: Bottom Line

We recommend American Family for renters who put customer service first. It ranks 10th nationally in our customer experience analysis and generates fewer complaints with state regulators than most providers we reviewed. At $199 a year for $20,000 in personal property coverage, the entry-level cost is competitive.

American Family isn't available in every state, and its coverage selection ranks 35th nationally. Renters who need add-ons beyond AmFam's nine options should compare other providers. AmFam's pricing is most competitive in the $50,000 to $100,000 coverage tier, where it runs 15% to 32% below the national average. At the lowest and highest coverage levels, it's close to or above average.

If American Family operates in your state and customer service is your top priority, get a quote and compare it against one or two other providers before you decide.

American Family Renters Insurance: FAQ

The following base profile was used to determine rates for American Family and assess affordability:
• Adult renters aged 26 to 64
• Good credit rating
• No claims history in the last five years
• Apartment or condo rental

The following base policy was used to calculate American Family's average premiums unless otherwise stated:
• $20,000 personal property coverage
• $500 deductible
• Replacement cost

MoneyGeek's ratings for American Family used the following scoring:

• Affordability (55%): American Family's costs were compared with the national average and competitors' costs.

• Customer experience (35%): Ratings from J.D. Power industry studies and AM Best financial strength scores were analyzed.

• Coverage (10%): This score reflects American Family's add-on coverage options relative to the average and the variety it offers.

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick, Licensed P&C Insurance Expert, MoneyGeek

Mark Fitzpatrick is a licensed Property and Casualty (P&C) Insurance Producer in Connecticut and MoneyGeek's resident expert in insurance and economics. In nearly a decade covering the insurance market at LendingTree and MoneyGeek, he's analyzed 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 and later earned a master's in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University. He worked in financial risk management at State Street before joining MoneyGeek. He's also a five-time “Jeopardy!” champion.


Sources