American Family Renters Insurance Review: Cost & Service (2024)


Updated: October 29, 2024

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MoneyGeek Logo IconBadge ribbonscore90

5/5

satisfaction

5/5

affordability

4/5

stability


pros

checkmarkRelatively low rates for renters insurance
checkmarkWide range of discounts available
checkmarkHigh customer satisfaction ratings

cons

closeLimited optional coverages
closeOnly available in 28 states

Verdict

American Family renters insurance ranks among the top three renters insurance options, based on MoneyGeek’s review. This provider scores highly in customer satisfaction and has a high affordability score of four out of five. However, since optional coverages are limited, renters who need unique coverage options may need to look elsewhere.

Does American Family Have Good Customer Service?

With a MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100, American Family ranks third among renters insurance companies. MoneyGeek’s scoring system is based on a comprehensive assessment of the company’s J.D. Power satisfaction ratings, its financial stability ratings and how well the company scores in terms of affordability.

Customer Satisfaction Rating

MoneyGeek’s American Family renters insurance review found that American Family ranks second in customer satisfaction among renters insurance companies. A 2021 J.D. Power customer satisfaction survey ranked American Family fourth overall among renters insurance companies, with a score of 838 out of 1,000.

A company’s customer satisfaction rating is an important factor to consider when shopping for the best renters insurance. Insurers with good customer service records are more likely to handle your claim promptly and fairly.

American Family has a National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) complaint ratio of 0.37, which is lower than the median of 1.0. This score is an indication that the company has satisfied customers.

Financial Stability Rating

Founded in 1927, American Family is a reputable insurer offering multiple products — such as auto, property and casualty insurance — to businesses and individuals. The company’s financial strength is rated A (excellent) by AM Best. This rating means American Family has a sound financial base with a proven ability to fulfill its obligations to policyholders.

What to Expect From American Family Renters Insurance

You can sign up for American Family renters insurance and file claims in various ways — through local insurance agents, by calling the company’s 24/7 support line or by going online.

1
Getting a quote

Get a personalized American Family renters insurance quote on the company’s website, and use the insurance calculator to estimate your premium based on the value of your personal property.

2
Customer support

Reach the company 24/7 by phone, or chat online on the website or through the MyAmFam mobile app.

3
Filing a claim

File claims online, over the phone, using the MyAmFam mobile app or through an American Family local agent. 24/7 phone support is available during the claim filing process.

4
Canceling your policy

Submit a cancellation request to your local agent or call customer support, and a representative will contact your local agent to cancel on your behalf.

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STATE AVAILABILITY

American Family’s renters insurance is available in 28 states including Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

How Much Does American Family Renters Insurance Cost?

On average, renters insurance costs around $156 per year, or $13 monthly. An American Family renters insurance policy can cost between $10 and $20 monthly, but actual rates will depend on coverage level and the value of your personal property. You can get a personalized quote online or talk to an American Family agent near you.

American Family offers policyholders a wide range of discounts, including loyalty discounts, and discounts for remaining claim-free or for having protective devices in your home.

AVERAGE COST OF AMERICAN FAMILY RENTERS INSURANCE
Personal Property Coverage
Annual Rate

$20,000

$129.11

$50,000

$179.05

$100,000

$232.35

The cost of renters insurance largely depends on the coverage limit you select. Higher coverage limits come with higher premiums. On average, $20,000 in coverage is a good starting point, but you can get an accurate estimate of how much coverage you need using our personal property calculator.

Personal Property Coverage Calculator

When figuring out how much renters insurance you need, experts recommend the standard $100,000 in liability insurance and enough personal property protection to cover your possessions. Use MoneyGeek's calculator to estimate the value of your possessions so you know how much personal property coverage to buy.

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MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

Accurately assessing the value of your personal property is critical when selecting the coverage level for your renters insurance. You want to purchase sufficient coverage but not pay for more than you need.

What Discounts Does American Family Offer?

American Family offers seven types of renters insurance discounts, more than most insurers. These include generational discounts for policyholders whose parents are already covered by the company. You can also save on premiums if you have installed smart safety devices in your home.

Discount
Description

Multi-Policy Discount

Bundle other types of policies with your renters insurance and save money. The more policies you bundle, the bigger the savings.

Protective Device Discount

Install smart home devices such as smoke/fire alarm systems in your home to qualify for this discount.

Online Payment Discount

Pay online and get discounts.

AutoPay Discount

Automate your payments, and American Family will give you a discount on your renters insurance.

Annual Payment Discount

Pay your premiums annually, instead of monthly or quarterly, and get a discount.

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MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

If you have a car, bundling your auto insurance and renters insurance can save you up to 5% on the total cost of both policies if you purchase them from American Family. Bundling discounts can help you save on your premiums and make it easier to manage payments.

Which Coverage Types Does American Family Offer?

American Family renters insurance coverage includes three core coverages, less than most insurers offer on average. An American Family renters policy covers personal property, personal liability, medical expenses and loss of use.

Depending on your needs, you can customize your renters insurance with American Family’s optional coverages. These include scheduled personal property coverage and pet damage liability coverage. You can also purchase earthquake and flood insurance separately if you want coverage against those risks.

MoneyGeek’s review of American Family renters insurance found that the company offers limited optional coverages and add-ons, as listed below.

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    Scheduled personal property

    Covers high-value personal property, such as jewelry, for up to $1,500.

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    Pet Damage Liability Coverage

    Covers you in case your pet causes harm to another person on your property.

When shopping for renters insurance, it’s important to consider the core coverages included since these vary among companies. Opt for an insurer that offers all the core coverages listed below to ensure your policy provides sufficient protection.

If you live in a flood- or earthquake-prone area, check whether your policy includes these coverages or whether you need to purchase them separately. You can learn more about coverage in MoneyGeek’s renters insurance overview.

Renters Insurance Coverages: What to Expect

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Standard:
  • Personal Property Coverage
  • Personal Liability Coverage
  • Medical Payments Coverage
  • Additional Living Expenses (Loss of Use)
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Rarely Offered:
  • Flood Coverage
  • Earthquake Coverage
  • Insect or Bed Bug Coverage
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AVAILABLE COVERAGE LIMITS

Coverage limits for an American Family renters insurance policy will vary depending on your location. Contact an American Family local agent or a customer service representative for the most accurate information.

What Online Renters Insurance Tools Does American Family Offer?

It’s easy to access the American Family website and get a personalized renters insurance quote online. Policyholders can also conveniently file claims from anywhere by using the company’s online portal. American Family’s mobile app also enables policyholders to make payments and track claims.

Online Quote Tool
Personal Property Calculator
Online Portal
MyAmFam Mobile App

Other American Family Insurance Products

Apart from renters insurance, American Family also offers a host of other insurance products for businesses and individuals. These include life, business, agricultural, car, health, identity theft and travel insurance.

Type of Product
Description

Car insurance

American Family offers car insurance and recreational vehicle insurance that covers RVs, boats, ATVs and the like.

Travel insurance

Coverage for losses due to trip cancellations and for medical expenses incurred while traveling.

Health insurance

Health insurance policies and Medicare supplement plans.

Agricultural insurance

Coverage for farms and ranches, including dwellings, personal property and liability.

Business insurance

Coverage for business property, employees and rented spaces.

Methodology

To evaluate American Family’s renters insurance products, MoneyGeek analyzed American Family’s website, manually collected quotes and consulted consumer intelligence organizations, such as J.D. Power, the NAIC and AM Best.

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.


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