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Connect (Formerly Ameriprise) Insurance Review 2024
Lead Writer | Auto insurance
Drew Gula is a NerdWallet authority on auto insurance. He previously worked as the senior content editor at Soundstripe and as the senior writer in Liberty University's marketing department. Drew is also a published author. He is based in Nashville, Tenn.
Assigning Editor | Auto insurance, home insurance, other insurance
Lacie Glover spent more than five years covering health care costs and all types of insurance as a NerdWallet writer before becoming an assistant assigning editor in 2019 and later an assigning editor on the insurance team. As a writer, her work was featured in The Associated Press, The Motley Fool and U.S. News & World Report. Lacie is a NerdWallet authority on insurance products and loves data, analytics and solving SEO mysteries.
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.
Connect
4.0
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
- Offers a wide variety of discounts.
- Guaranteed lifetime renewability for auto policies purchased through Costco as an executive member. (This isn’t available for everyone.)
- Lets you pay your insurance bill all at once or in monthly installments.
Cons
- More than the expected number of complaints to state regulators for auto insurance.
- Some auto insurance policy perks require Costco membership fee.
Connect
4.0
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
- Offers a wide variety of discounts.
- Guaranteed lifetime renewability for auto policies purchased through Costco as an executive member. (This isn’t available for everyone.)
- Lets you pay your insurance bill all at once or in monthly installments.
Cons
- More than the expected number of complaints to state regulators for auto insurance.
- Some auto insurance policy perks require Costco membership fee.
Connect earned 4 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.
You might not immediately recognize the Connect brand, but if you’ve ever considered buying Costco insurance or getting a policy through Ameriprise Financial, you’ve likely encountered its products. Formerly known as Ameriprise Auto and Home Insurance, the Wisconsin-based company was acquired by American Family Insurance in 2019 and renamed Connect in 2020.
Connect sells auto, homeowners, renters, condo and umbrella policies directly to customers, primarily through its partnerships with Costco Wholesale and Ameriprise Financial. The company offers insurance in 44 states and Washington, D.C.
» 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
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NerdWallet rating NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more. 4.0 /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. 3.5 /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. 3.5 /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. 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. Close to 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. 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. 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. 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 | Discounts Ratings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers. Average set of discounts |
Bottom line Connect offers a variety of discounts for home and auto policies, but with more than the expected number of complaints, you may find better options elsewhere. | Bottom line The Hartford primarily caters to customers 50 and older, offering policies through a partnership with AARP. | Bottom line Safeco auto policies offer some unique features, such as accident forgiveness, but falls short in customer service. |
Connect auto 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.
In addition to the usual car insurance coverages, Connect sells:
Gap insurance, which pays the difference between the actual cash value of your car and the amount you owe on your car loan if your vehicle is totaled. Connect offers gap coverage for the first three years you own your vehicle, capped at 120% of the car’s value.
New car replacement insurance, which covers the cost of a brand-new car in the same make and model if yours is totaled in a covered loss. Connect provides coverage for the first year or the first 15,000 miles after you buy a new car.
If you’re an executive Costco member, you may also qualify for the following coverage benefits:
Roadside assistance, which generally covers up to $75 of your expenses if you get a flat tire, run out of gas or have a dead battery.
Lifetime renewability, which guarantees Connect won’t cancel your car insurance policy, even if you have multiple accidents. (Some exceptions apply, and this benefit isn’t available in all states.)
» MORE: Compare car insurance rates
Auto insurance discounts
Costco members receive a discount on Connect auto or home insurance policies in most states.
You may also be able to save on your auto policy by:
Meeting Connect’s standards for being a safe driver.
Completing an approved defensive driving course.
Having vehicle safety features such as anti-lock brakes, air bags, automatic seat belts or anti-theft devices.
Insuring more than one vehicle.
Buying multiple insurance products from Connect.
Parking your car overnight in a garage (in certain areas).
Meeting Connect's standards for being a good student.
Having a student on your policy who is away at school and keeps their car at home.
Having continuous auto insurance coverage through Connect.
First time shopping for auto insurance? Unsure of where to start? Check out our guide on how to shop for car insurance.
Complaints
Connect 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 Connect insurance
Website: Connect lets you report a claim, access your policy or get a quote online.
App: Connect does not have a smartphone app at this time.
Homeowners insurance from Connect
Connect also offers home insurance policies. To learn more about the coverage options available, read our Connect homeowners insurance review.
Other insurance from Connect
All-terrain vehicle insurance.
Motorcycle insurance.
Boat insurance.
Recreational vehicle insurance.
Classic car insurance.
Rental property insurance.
You can get a quote online, and Connect has a customer support email if you have questions about your quote.
Connect sells insurance in Washington, D.C., and all states except Alaska, Louisiana, Maine, North Dakota, Rhode Island and Wyoming.
You can file an auto claim online or over the phone.
You can get a quote online, and Connect has a customer support email if you have questions about your quote.
Connect sells insurance in Washington, D.C., and all states except Alaska, Louisiana, Maine, North Dakota, Rhode Island and Wyoming.
You can file an auto claim online or over the phone.
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 . . .
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