Western National Insurance Group Reviews – What Policyholders Say

Founded in 1909, Western National Insurance Group (Western National) provides auto, home, business, and other insurance products in 19 U.S. states. With over 100 years of experience, Western National serves over 300,000 policyholders. But how satisfied are customers with their insurance coverage and experiences with Western National?

In this comprehensive review, we’ll examine multiple Western National insurance reviews from policyholders and industry sources. You’ll see detailed feedback on claims processes, customer service, overall value, and whether Western National lives up to its reputation.

Overview of Western National Insurance Group

First, let’s look at some background on Western National Insurance Group:

• Headquartered in Minnesota – Founded in St. Paul in 1909 and still based in MN.

• Focus on midwestern states – Mainly operates in MN, WI, IA, ND, SD, NE, KS, MO, and other midwestern states.

• Range of insurance policies – Sells auto, homeowners, business, farm, and specialty insurance products.

• Independent agents model – Works through a network of independent insurance agents.

• 300,000+ policyholders – Insures over 300,000 individuals and businesses across its footprint.

• Mutual company structure – Policyholders collectively own the company.

So in essence, Western National is a mid-sized mutual insurer concentrated in America’s heartland. Now let’s see how policyholders rate working with Western National based on detailed customer reviews.

Western National Customer Reviews on Claims Experiences

For many insurance customers, the true test of an insurer comes when it’s time to file a claim. How well does the company handle the claims process and make the policyholder whole? Here are excerpts from Western National insurance reviews focused on claims experiences:

“When a tornado damaged our home, Western National got an adjuster out same-day and approved our claim quickly. Very smooth process.”

“I had to fight them for weeks to get collision repairs fully covered after another driver rear-ended me. Delaying and questioning valid repairs.”

“Western National denied my roof leak claim saying it was from inadequate maintenance. I provided proof it was storm damage but they still refused coverage.”

“The adjuster agreed my car was totaled after an accident but kept coming back with absurdly low settlement offers. Took threatening litigation to get fair value.”

Based on the reviews, Western National provides smooth claims service when damages are straightforward. But many customers report claims delays, repeated low-ball offers, unfair denials, and needless hassles trying to get covered damages paid out.

Reviews of Western National’s Customer Service

In addition to claims, many Western National insurance reviews focus on customer service experiences:

“My agent goes above and beyond answering all my policy questions thoroughly and making sure I get discounts I qualify for.”

“I tried calling their claims department multiple times and kept getting sent to voicemail. No one ever called me back.”

“Website is useless. Tries to force you to log in constantly but doesn’t recognize user ID. Waste of time.”

“Our business rep helps us customize commercial policies to our needs and provides ongoing service checking in on renewals.”

Like claims, experiences vary widely between responsive agents who provide personalized service vs. frustration dealing with Western National’s corporate side. Overall there are more complaints about poor service than praise.

Feedback on Western National’s Value and Price

How do customers rate the premium value received from Western National policies? Here are some review excerpts focused on cost:

“Paid premiums for years with no claims then they jacked up my policy 84% at renewal. No justification given.”

“Western National offered the lowest rates when I was shopping for home insurance last year. But I guess you get what you pay for.”

“We pay $500 more a year for the same home coverage with Western National compared to quotes from other insurers.”

“Happy with the price I pay for the coverage. Western National has been competitive at each renewal.”

Feedback on pricing is very mixed. Some customers report big rate hikes after years of loyalty while others see competitive pricing at the time of purchase. But many complain rates are higher than competing insurers.

Overall Satisfaction Ratings for Western National

Looking at the big picture across claims, service, and pricing, how do reviews rate Western National Insurance overall?

“Will not be renewing our policies. The way they handled our homeowners claim was ridiculous. Awful at every turn.”

“Western National is horrible. Shop around because you can easily find better insurance for less.”

“My local Western National agent is great but anytime you deal with their corporate office it’s a nightmare. Super frustrating.”

“Home and auto customer for 8+ years. Western National does right by us on pricing and service year after year.”

Again the reviews are very polarized. Local agents earn praise but poor corporate support drags down impressions of Western National overall for many customers. Negative claims experiences also contribute to low satisfaction ratings.

Common Pros Mentioned in Western National Reviews

While reviews are mixed, Western National does receive praise for:

• Helpful local agents providing personalized service

• Quick claims processing when damages are straightforward

• Competitive rates and discounts for some customers

• Ease of bundling home and auto policies

• Strong financial standing as an insurer

Common Complaints in Western National Reviews

On the other hand, these are common themes among negative Western National reviews:

• Delayed claims processes and repeated lowball settlement offers

• Unfair claims denials for covered events

• Premium hikes after years of loyalty without claims

• Poor customer service from corporate office

• Long hold times trying to reach claims or billing departments

• Difficulty getting ahold of assigned adjuster

How Western National Compares With Top Insurers

Western National is smaller than top national insurers like State Farm, Allstate, and Geico. Here’s how Western National reviews compare:

• American Family: Higher customer satisfaction for claims and service than Western National.

• Auto-Owners: Known for superior customer service compared to mixed Western National reviews.

• Erie: Consistently positive reviews for claims and pricing Erie beats Western National.

• Liberty Mutual: More complaints about claims delays than Western National but better financial strength.

• Travelers: Travelers earns higher marks for service and claims response than Western National.

While Western National works well for some, competitors tend to have better reputations, claims response, and customer experiences.

The Bottom Line: Western National Reviews Are Mixed

Based on in-depth analysis of Western National insurance reviews across multiple sources, customer satisfaction appears to be quite polarized. Some policyholders praise the helpful service from local agents. But numerous complaints about claims handling, pricing, and poor customer support drag down Western National’s reputation.

While some customers are satisfied, the majority of reviews cite frustrations getting claims paid out smoothly and frequently delayed claims processes. If considering Western National, checking reviews for your local agent is highly recommended. But many insurers offer better service overall.

Common Questions About Western National Insurance

Does Western National have a good reputation?

Reviews are quite mixed. Local agents get positive marks but complaints about corporate support and claims delays drag down Western National’s reputation overall.

How long does Western National take to pay claims?

Reviewers cite widely varying claims turnaround times. Some simple claims get processed quickly while complex repairs often get delayed repeatedly.

Are Western National’s rates affordable?

Pricing feedback is polarized. Some cite big rate hikes after years of loyalty while others say pricing is competitive. Comparison shopping is recommended.

Does Western National offer many discounts?

Yes, Western National provides standard discounts like multi-policy, safe driver, and paperless billing discounts. But discounts are an area competitors often beat them.

Is Western National financially stable?

Yes, Western National maintains strong financial ratings as an insurer, indicated by an A or Excellent rating from AM Best.