Wawanesa Insurance has been around for a while — since 1896, actually. They’ve got a long history in the property and casualty insurance world and have grown to serve folks in both Canada and the US.
This article will give you the rundown on Wawanesa car insurance. We’ll cover what they offer, what customers think, and how they stack up against other insurance companies.
It’s worth noting that A.M. Best, a well-known credit rating agency, gives Wawanesa an A+ (Superior) rating, which speaks to their financial strength and ability to pay out claims.
Keep in mind that Wawanesa is a regional insurer. While they operate in several states, they have a particularly strong presence in California, so this review will be most relevant if you live there. If you’re looking for car insurance, Wawanesa is a decent option to consider.
Wawanesa: Company Overview and History
Wawanesa is an insurance company with a long history. Here’s a quick look at the company’s background.
Founding and Expansion
Wawanesa was founded in 1896 in Manitoba, Canada. In the early days, the company focused on providing fire insurance for farmers.
In 1928, Wawanesa expanded its offerings to include auto insurance. Over the years, the company has grown across Canada and into the United States.
Ownership Structure and Philosophy
Wawanesa is a mutual insurance company, which means it’s owned by its policyholders. Instead of going to outside shareholders, profits are reinvested in the company or returned to policyholders through dividends or lower premiums.
The company says it’s committed to building safer, more sustainable communities. It donates resources to address climate change and other social issues.
Current Operations
In most of Canada (except Quebec), Wawanesa operates through a network of independent insurance brokers. In Quebec, the company uses its own agents.
In the U.S., Wawanesa has a significant presence in California. The company is considered a super-regional carrier. In California, Wawanesa is a subsidiary of the Automobile Club of Southern California (AAA).
Wawanesa Car Insurance: Coverage and Features
Like most car insurance companies, Wawanesa offers a range of coverage options, from the standard protections required by law to optional add-ons that can give you extra peace of mind.
Types of Coverage Offered
Wawanesa offers standard coverage options, including:
- Liability coverage. This pays for damages you cause to others if you’re at fault in an accident. It covers bodily injury and property damage.
- Collision coverage. This pays for damage to your car if you hit another vehicle or object, regardless of who is at fault.
- Comprehensive coverage. This covers damage to your car from things like theft, vandalism, fire, or natural disasters.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This protects you if you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your damages.
Wawanesa also offers add-on coverage options, such as:
- Special limits enhancements. These can increase the amount of coverage you have for certain types of losses, like theft of personal belongings from your car.
- Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts. This ensures that if your car needs to be repaired after an accident, it will be repaired with parts made by the original manufacturer.
Unique Features and Benefits
As a mutual company, Wawanesa has a few unique features:
- Mutual ownership benefits. As a policyholder, you’re essentially a part-owner of the company, which means you may be eligible for dividends or reduced premiums.
- Commitment to community and sustainability. Wawanesa is known for its involvement in local communities and its efforts to promote sustainability.
Wawanesa also offers a variety of discounts, including:
- Multi-policy discount
- Safe driver discount
- Good student discount
Wawanesa Car Insurance: Cost and Quotes
Like any car insurance company, Wawanesa considers many factors when determining your premium. Here’s a look at some of the things that can raise or lower your rates.
Factors Affecting Car Insurance Rates
- Driving history. If you have a history of accidents or tickets, your rates will likely be higher. Insurers see you as a higher risk if you’ve had accidents or moving violations.
- Age and experience. Younger drivers, particularly teens, tend to pay more for insurance. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has found that teen drivers are involved in more accidents than older, more experienced drivers.
- Vehicle type and usage. The type of car you drive and how you use it (commuting, pleasure driving) can affect your rates.
- Location. Where you live also matters. Urban areas with higher traffic density often have higher insurance costs.
Average Wawanesa Car Insurance Costs
Keep in mind that these are just averages and your actual rate could be different. As of December 2023, here’s how Wawanesa’s average costs compare to the national average:
- Wawanesa average full coverage: $3,007 per year
- National average full coverage: $2,677 per year
- Wawanesa average minimum coverage: $936 per year
- National average minimum coverage: $807 per year
How to Get a Quote
Getting a quote from Wawanesa depends on where you live. In most of Canada, you’ll need to go through an independent insurance broker. In some specific regions, you may be able to contact Wawanesa directly. You can also use online quoting tools like RATESDOTCA to compare rates from different companies, including Wawanesa.
Wawanesa Car Insurance: Customer Satisfaction and Reviews
It’s always wise to check out a car insurance company’s customer satisfaction ratings and reviews before you sign up for a policy. Here’s what customers are saying about Wawanesa.
J.D. Power Ratings
In the past, Wawanesa has scored well in J.D. Power customer satisfaction surveys. However, it’s important to remember that these ratings can vary quite a bit depending on where you live and which year’s ratings you’re checking.
Online Reviews and Complaints
Customer reviews on sites like Reddit and Trustpilot provide a mixed bag of opinions about Wawanesa. Some customers praise the company’s helpful and friendly service. However, it’s not uncommon to see complaints about rising premiums and difficulties with the claims process.
Keep in mind that online reviews can sometimes be skewed. People who’ve had a negative experience may be more likely to post a review than those who’ve had a positive one.
Bankrate Score
Bankrate gives Wawanesa Auto a score of 3.2 out of 5.0. The Bankrate score takes into account a company’s cost, coverage options, and customer support.
Wawanesa Car Insurance: Claims Process and Customer Service
No one wants to file an insurance claim, but knowing how the process works can make it a little less painful.
Filing a Claim
Wawanesa offers both phone and online options for filing a claim. They also advertise a 24/7 hotline you can call anytime.
Customer Service Channels
If you need to contact customer service, you can reach them by phone or email. Keep in mind that 24/7 support isn’t available in all locations. Roadside assistance is also available.
Tips for a Smooth Claims Experience
Here are a few tips that may help you have a better experience when you file a claim:
- Document the accident thoroughly. Take photos of the damage, get the other driver’s information, and write down everything you remember about the accident.
- Communicate clearly with the claims adjuster. Be honest and provide all the information they need in a timely manner.
- Understand your policy coverage. Before you even file a claim, make sure you know what your policy covers (and what it doesn’t). This will help you avoid surprises later on.
Wawanesa Car Insurance: How it stacks up against the competition
Car insurance rates and coverage options vary widely, so it’s wise to shop around and compare rates. Here’s how Wawanesa compares to some other well-known insurance companies:
Wawanesa vs. AAA
AAA earned a Bankrate score of 4.0 out of 5.0. When you’re shopping for car insurance, it’s a good idea to compare not only the costs but also the coverage options and the level of customer service you can expect.
Wawanesa vs. American Family
American Family earned a Bankrate score of 3.9 out of 5.0. With American Family, you may find a wider range of policy options than you’d find with Wawanesa. Keep in mind that American Family is only available in 19 states.
Factors to consider when choosing an insurer
When you’re trying to decide which car insurance company is the best fit for you, there are several factors to keep in mind:
- Coverage needs. Be sure the policy you choose offers enough coverage to protect you in the event of an accident.
- Budget. It’s important to find a policy that fits your budget, but don’t skimp on coverage to save a few dollars.
- Customer service preferences. Read reviews to get a sense of the customer service experience you can expect from each company.
- Regional availability. Some insurers are only available in certain states, so make sure the company you’re considering is available in your area.
Putting It All Together
Wawanesa car insurance offers some significant advantages, primarily its superb financial strength rating of A+ from A.M. Best, indicating a very high likelihood that the company will be able to pay out claims. This can provide peace of mind, especially during stressful times after an accident.
However, Wawanesa’s regional limitations are a significant drawback; it’s not available everywhere. The company also lacks some of the modern conveniences offered by larger, national insurers, such as a sophisticated mobile app. So, if you prefer managing your policy online or need 24/7 customer service, Wawanesa may not be the best fit.
Remember, it’s always important to compare quotes from multiple insurance companies and carefully consider your individual needs before making a decision. Factors such as your driving history, the type of vehicle you drive, and the coverage options you require will all influence which insurer offers the best value for you.
Finally, keep an eye on how the recent acquisition by AAA impacts Wawanesa’s future operations and policies. This could lead to changes in coverage options, pricing, and customer service.
In conclusion, Wawanesa could be a solid choice if you live in California or Canada and value financial stability and a community-focused approach. However, be sure to weigh its limitations against your individual needs and compare it with other insurers before making a final decision.