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Bristol West Auto Insurance Review 2024
Assigning Editor | Insurance, data journalism
Lisa Green leads the life insurance team and oversees insurance-focused data journalism at NerdWallet. A professional journalist since high school, she was an insurance writer at NerdWallet before becoming an assigning editor. Previously, Lisa spent more than 20 years as an editor at The Tennessean in Nashville, where she led business and consumer coverage for several years. At The Tennessean, she was part of a 2011 Pulitzer Prize finalist team for coverage of devastating floods in Middle Tennessee. Her work has also won awards from the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing, Investigative Reporters and Editors, and the Society of Professional Journalists. Lisa is an alumna of the Wharton Seminars for Business Journalists at the University of Pennsylvania. She has also studied data journalism with the National Institute for Computer-Assisted Reporting, business editing with the American Press Institute and writing, editing and news research with the Poynter Institute. In addition to her work at NerdWallet, Lisa is a real estate investor and has taught a seminar on how to earn college scholarships. She is based in Nashville.
Assistant Assigning Editor | Auto insurance
Ben Moore is an assistant assigning editor and spokesperson who joined NerdWallet as a writer in 2020. An auto insurance authority, his past work has been featured in The Associated Press, The Chicago Sun-Times, MarketWatch, Nasdaq and Yahoo News. Ben has been quoted in Martha Stewart and Real Simple magazine, and he has appeared on local broadcast television. He is based in Nashville, Tennessee.
Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.
Bristol West
2.5
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Ease of useRatings are determined by our editorial team. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim.
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Pros
- Can get an SR-22 if you need one.
- Many payment options.
- Available in most states.
Cons
- More than the expected number of complaints about auto insurance to state regulators.
- Likely not the best option for drivers who aren’t high risk.
Bristol West
2.5
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Ease of useRatings are determined by our editorial team. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim.
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Pros
- Can get an SR-22 if you need one.
- Many payment options.
- Available in most states.
Cons
- More than the expected number of complaints about auto insurance to state regulators.
- Likely not the best option for drivers who aren’t high risk.
Bristol West earned 2.5 stars out of 5 for overall performance. NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer experience, complaint data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and financial strength ratings.
Bristol West provides auto insurance for high-risk drivers through a network of agents and brokers in most states. The Farmers Insurance subsidiary offers SR-22s and FR-44s to drivers with major violations on their record.
Bristol West’s auto insurance policies are also available through Foremost Insurance, another Farmers brand.
» MORE: The best car insurance companies
In our auto insurance reviews, our editorial team considers both the customer and the insurer. These are some of the factors we take into account:
Financial strength. We use A.M. Best ratings to confirm an insurer’s long-term financial stability and ability to pay claims. NerdWallet does not recommend companies with a rating lower than a B.
Complaints. These ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. The best auto insurance companies have fewer than the expected number of complaints.
Ease of use. This category looks at how easily consumers can interact with an insurer through its mobile app and website. This includes how much coverage information is offered online, whether a user can start and track a claim online and get a quote and mobile app scores based on the Apple and Google Play store ratings.
Discounts. We look at both the kind of discounts a company offers and the total number of discounts available.
Compare to other insurers
Current Product
NerdWallet rating NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more. 2.5 /5 | NerdWallet rating NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more. 2.5 /5 | |
Complaints to NAIC Ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company's size, according to three years' worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. More than expected | Complaints to NAIC Ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company's size, according to three years' worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. Far more than expected | Complaints to NAIC Ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company's size, according to three years' worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. Far more than expected |
Ease of use Ratings are determined by our editorial team. Our "ease of use" category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim. Below average | Ease of use Ratings are determined by our editorial team. Our "ease of use" category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim. Above average | Ease of use Ratings are determined by our editorial team. Our "ease of use" category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim. Above average |
Discounts Ratings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers. Very few discounts | Discounts Ratings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers. Great set of discounts | Discounts Ratings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers. Average set of discounts |
Bottom line This insurer offers coverage for high-risk drivers and can help you out with an SR-22, but it has a high volume of customer complaints. | Bottom line Infinity caters to high-risk drivers, although availability is unclear. | Bottom line Kemper sells insurance to high-risk drivers, but has far more complaints than similar-sized companies. |
Bristol West insurance coverage
When you're shopping for car insurance coverage, it's important to understand what car insurance coverage you want and what you’re required to buy. For instance, most states require a minimum amount of car insurance to drive a vehicle. Alternatively, if you want extra protection, you may be interested in full coverage insurance. Read about the most common types of car insurance coverage to see how they work.
Depending on the state you live in, Bristol West also offers:
SR-22 and FR-44 availability. Many states require an SR-22 form to prove you have car insurance after a DUI or other serious violation. In Florida and Virginia, you may need an FR-44 form to show you have enough coverage.
Gap insurance. If you owe more on your loan or lease than your policy will pay when your car is totaled or stolen, Bristol West’s gap insurance will cover the difference, minus your deductible.
Rideshare coverage. If you drive for a service such as Uber or Lyft, Bristol West’s rideshare insurance covers you while you’re waiting for ride requests. For context, rideshare companies’ policies typically only cover you while you’re en route to pick up passengers or while passengers are in your car, leaving a coverage gap between rides.
Rental reimbursement coverage. If your car is in the shop due to a covered loss, this coverage will pay for a rental car.
» MORE: Compare car insurance rates
See what you could save on car insurance
Easily compare personalized rates to see how much switching car insurance could save you.Auto insurance discounts
Car insurance discounts from Bristol West vary by state. Depending on where you live, you may be able to save by:
Insuring more than one car with Bristol West.
Having an additional policy, such as a motorcycle or RV policy, from Foremost or Farmers Insurance.
Paying for your policy in full, upfront.
Making automatic payments.
Owning a home.
Avoiding accidents and traffic violations.
Being covered for at least six months with a previous insurer.
Having had continuous insurance coverage in the past.
Getting policy documents electronically.
First time shopping for auto insurance? Unsure of where to start? Check out our guide on how to shop for car insurance.
Complaints
Bristol West had more than the expected number of complaints about auto insurance to state regulators relative to its size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
More about Bristol West auto insurance
Website: Bristol West’s website has minimal details about coverage options, but it does let you take action. You can request a quote, find an agent, see your insurance ID card, make a payment, and report or check on a claim directly from the homepage. There’s also a useful FAQ section that answers payment-related questions, including how to get text alerts when payments are due or overdue.
Mobile app: On Bristol West’s mobile app, you can pay premiums, view your ID card and see policy details. It’s compatible with Apple and Android devices.
Payment options: If you pay online, you can use a bank account, debit card or credit card at no extra cost. You can also set up automatic monthly payments or pay by phone, mail, Western Union or MoneyGram.
Other insurance from Bristol West
Besides personal car insurance, Bristol West also sells commercial auto insurance.
The quickest way to get a quote is online. Enter your ZIP code on Bristol West’s homepage, and then follow the prompts to provide details about your car and who will be driving it. If you need help, you can search for a local agent or broker, or call 888-888-0080.
Bristol West sells car insurance in all states except Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Vermont and West Virginia. It doesn't sell policies in Washington, D.C. either.
You can file a claim online at any time, or by calling the claims department at 800-274-7865. Reps are available on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET.
The quickest way to get a quote is online. Enter your ZIP code on Bristol West’s homepage, and then follow the prompts to provide details about your car and who will be driving it. If you need help, you can search for a local agent or broker, or call 888-888-0080.
Bristol West sells car insurance in all states except Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Vermont and West Virginia. It doesn't sell policies in Washington, D.C. either.
You can file a claim online at any time, or by calling the claims department at 800-274-7865. Reps are available on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET.
Methodology
Insurer complaints methodology
NerdWallet examined complaints received by state insurance regulators and reported to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in 2021-2023. To assess how insurers compare to one another, the NAIC calculates a complaint index each year for each subsidiary, measuring its share of total complaints relative to its size, or share of total premiums in the industry. To evaluate a company’s complaint history, NerdWallet calculated a similar index for each insurer, weighted by market shares of each subsidiary, over the three-year period. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. Ratios are determined separately for auto, home (including renters and condo) and life insurance.
Auto insurance ratings methodology
NerdWallet’s auto insurance ratings reward companies for customer-first features and practices. Ratings are based on weighted averages of scores in several categories, including financial strength, consumer complaints and discounts. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim. Using our editorial discretion, we also consider customer satisfaction surveys. These ratings are a guide, but we encourage you to shop around and compare several insurance quotes to find the best rate for you. NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our editorial guidelines and full ratings methodology for auto insurance.
In this review . . .