Agency Insurance Company of Maryland Reviews: The Good, Bad and Bottom Line

When shopping for car insurance, it’s wise to research companies and read reviews before choosing a provider. Agency Insurance Company (AIC) is a regional insurer based in Maryland that sells auto, home, business and specialty insurance.

What do customers have to say about AIC’s pricing, customer service and claims handling? Here’s an in-depth look at reviews, complaints, ratings and overall reputation.

About Agency Insurance Company

Agency Insurance Company is headquartered in Hanover, MD and sells policies through a network of independent insurance agents. The company was founded in 1947 and provides coverage in:

• Maryland
• Washington D.C.
• Delaware
• Virginia
• West Virginia
• Pennsylvania

Products include:

• Auto insurance
• Homeowners insurance
• Renters insurance
• Condo insurance
• Umbrella insurance
• Business insurance
• Farm insurance
• Specialty insurance (classic cars, motorcycles, etc.)

AIC sells policies exclusively through local agents. This provides customers with a personal touch and advisors who know their local area. But it also means no direct online quotes or sales.

With an A- rating from A.M. Best, AIC has good financial strength to pay out claims. The insurer brought in over $250 million in annual revenue in 2021.

Agency Insurance Company Reviews on Clearsurance

On Clearsurance, an insurance review site, AIC has received 9 reviews and an overall 3.76 out of 5 star rating as of January 2023.

The most common positive themes in AIC reviews are:

• Good rates and discounts: Several customers mention getting affordable rates, especially with bundle discounts.

• Helpful local agents: Reviews highlight the friendly assistance provided by local AIC agents.

• Prompt claim payments: Positive reviews mention fast claim payouts, often within a week.

• Available add-ons: Reviewers like the variety of optional coverages offered.

Negative review themes cite:

• Poor customer service: Long holds and unresponsive staff are common complaints.

• Delayed claims: Some reviewers experienced claim delays of 30 days or longer.

• Rate hikes at renewal: A couple reviews mention large rate increases when policies renewed.

While a couple reviews are scathingly negative, most fall in the middle with both pros and cons noted. Overall, AIC earns an average 3.76 out of 5 stars, which is in the good to very good range.

Analysis of BBB Complaints

Checking the Better Business Bureau provides insight into common customer complaints against a company.

Agency Insurance Company currently has an A+ rating with BBB but also 12 complaints over the past 3 years. This volume of complaints is about average for a regional insurer of AIC’s size.

The most frequent complaints involve:

• Delayed claims payments
• Poor customer service
• Policy cancellation issues

According to BBB, it took the insurer an average of 30 days to respond to complaints. But ultimately 10 of the 12 complaints were resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

The pattern of complaints indicates claim delays and lack of responsiveness are the company’s biggest issue. But most problems do get resolved eventually if the customer persists.

Online Reviews Outside of Clearsurance

Elsewhere online, customer feedback on AIC is limited but largely positive. A few themes stand out:

• Local touch: Reviews highlight the personalized service from area agents.

• Affordability: Many customers mention lower rates than large national companies.

• Claims satisfaction: Positive reviews describe claims getting paid quickly and fairly.

• Policy options: Reviewers appreciate the array of specialized policies offered.

The most common complaints relate to poor communication and long claim delays for some.

While not abundant, the majority of reviews on other sites give Agency Insurance Company 3, 4 or 5 stars.

The Good: Advantages of Choosing AIC

Local expertise: Agents provide customized insurance based on insider knowledge of regional risks and laws.

Competitive pricing: As a smaller company, AIC offers affordable rates on par with top national brands.

Highly rated agents: Many agent reviews cite friendly service, quick quotes and policy expertise.

A range of policies: From classic cars to farms, AIC offers coverage for local niche needs.

Strong financials: An A- rating confirms the company’s ability to pay out claims.

The Bad: Potential Disadvantages

Limited availability: AIC only operates in 6 states, mainly in the Mid-Atlantic region.

No direct sales: You must use an agent, which makes comparing quotes inconvenient.

Mixed claims reviews: While many claims get promptly paid, some customers experienced significant delays.

Customer service gaps: Long call holds and unresponsiveness are consistent complaints.

Price hikes: Some renewals came with steep rate increases per negative reviews.

The Bottom Line on Agency Insurance Company

For drivers in the Mid-Atlantic region, especially Maryland, Agency Insurance Company delivers affordable rates and an array of specialized policies. Local agents provide customized insurance advice based on an understanding of regional customer needs. Many reviewers highlight great service from their AIC agents.

On the downside, poor customer service and claims delays occasionally happen. It’s wise to find an AIC agent with many 5-star reviews to avoid headaches. An agent who provides quality ongoing service can help overcome any company-level issues.

Overall, AIC makes a good choice for Maryland and Mid-Atlantic drivers seeking regional expertise and competitive pricing. Just be selective in choosing your local agent wisely.