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Frankenmuth Homeowners Insurance Review 2024
Lead Writer | Home insurance, renters insurance, pet insurance
Sarah Schlichter is a NerdWallet authority on homeowners, renters and pet insurance. Prior to joining NerdWallet, she spent more than 15 years in digital media as a writer, editor and spokesperson. Sarah enjoys delving into complicated topics and helping readers understand the ins and outs of their insurance coverage. She lives in the Washington, D.C., metro area.
Assigning Editor | Home insurance, renters insurance, pet insurance
Caitlin Constantine is an assigning editor at NerdWallet, focusing on homeowners, renters and pet insurance. She has more than 15 years of experience in digital media, including as the deputy managing editor at The Penny Hoarder and as a digital producer for a 24/7 news station based in the Tampa Bay area. Caitlin enjoys exploring the ways technology can help people become better informed about the world. She currently lives outside Asheville, North Carolina.
Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. 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.
Frankenmuth
4.5
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
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
- Various ways to customize your policy.
- Draws very few consumer complaints for an insurer of its size.
- Offers online claims filing.
Cons
- Doesn't offer online quotes.
- Not available in most states.
Frankenmuth
4.5
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
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
- Various ways to customize your policy.
- Draws very few consumer complaints for an insurer of its size.
- Offers online claims filing.
Cons
- Doesn't offer online quotes.
- Not available in most states.
About Frankenmuth home insurance
4.5
NerdWallet ratingNerdWallet rated Frankenmuth homeowners insurance 4.5 stars out of 5 for overall performance. Frankenmuth home insurance comes with the basic coverage you’d expect, plus optional extras you can add on and a couple of useful perks. The company sells homeowners policies through independent agents in Michigan and Ohio.
Our star ratings are based on consumer complaint data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners; financial strength grades from AM Best; coverage and discounts available; and the overall consumer experience. See our criteria for evaluating home insurance companies.
Our writers and editors follow strict editorial guidelines that ensure fairness and accuracy in order to help you choose the financial products that work best for you. Here is a list of our partners, and here’s how we make money.
Where Frankenmuth stands out
Low consumer complaints. Very few people file complaints about Frankenmuth with their state insurance departments, suggesting that the company keeps most of its policyholders happy.
Perks. Frankenmuth offers free access to experts who can help if you lose your passport or someone steals your identity.
Where Frankenmuth falls short
Availability. Frankenmuth sells homeowners insurance in two states only.
No online quotes. You’ll need to work with an independent agent to get a policy from Frankenmuth.
State availability
Frankenmuth sells homeowners policies in Michigan and Ohio.
Frankenmuth home insurance coverage
You can customize your homeowners policy with numerous add-ons, but below are the types of coverage that generally come standard:
Type of coverage | What it does |
---|---|
Pays to repair or rebuild the structure of your home. | |
Covers damage to unattached structures such as sheds or fences. | |
Pays to repair or replace personal belongings such as furniture or clothing. | |
Pays for hotel stays, restaurant meals or other expenses if you have to live elsewhere while your home undergoes covered repairs. | |
Covers legal expenses and damages if you're responsible for injuries to other people or their property. | |
Covers injuries to guests in your home, regardless of fault. |
For more details, see What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?
Frankenmuth offers the standard coverage above, plus access to expert assistance if your identity is stolen or you lose your travel documents on vacation.
You may also be able to add the following to your policy:
Replacement cost coverage for personal property, which ensures that you’ll receive enough of a payout to buy new replacements for damaged items after a covered claim. If you don’t choose this option, your stuff will have actual cash value coverage instead, meaning your items will be valued less due to depreciation.
Limited guaranteed replacement cost coverage, which gives you extra money to rebuild your home in case your dwelling coverage isn’t enough.
Ordinance or law coverage to bring your home up to current building codes after a covered claim.
Water backup coverage for damage after a sewer or drain backs up into your home.
Equipment breakdown coverage in case your water heater, HVAC system or other major appliances break down.
Owners of higher-value homes may be interested in Frankenmuth’s Ultra Home Guardian product. This policy includes extra coverage for things like water backup, debris removal, landscaping damage, identity theft recovery and lock replacement.
Frankenmuth home insurance rates
The average cost of Frankenmuth homeowners insurance in Ohio is $1,410 per year, according to NerdWallet’s rate analysis. That’s slightly more than the state average of $1,390.
In Michigan, Frankenmuth homeowners insurance costs an average of $1,560 per year, cheaper than the state average of $1,785.
Our sample rates are for 40-year-old homeowners with good credit, a $1,000 deductible, $300,000 in dwelling coverage and $300,000 in liability insurance. Your own rates will be different.
Discounts
You may be able to save money on Frankenmuth home insurance by:
Bundling auto or life insurance with your homeowners policy.
Getting a quote in advance.
Not having any recent claims.
Installing protective devices in your home.
Signing up for certain payment plans.
» MORE: The cheapest home insurance
Consumer complaints
Frankenmuth had far fewer than the expected number of complaints to state regulators relative to its size for home insurance, according to three years' worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
Consumer experience
Website: You can use Frankenmuth’s website to file claims, make payments, see policy information and sign up for electronic statements. However, you can’t get a homeowners insurance quote online, and coverage details on the site are limited.
App: Download the Frankenmuth app to view policy documents, pay your bill and contact your agent.
Claims: You can file a claim online on the Frankenmuth website, or by calling your agent or dialing the company directly at 800-234-4433. Learn more about how to file a home insurance claim.
Customer service: For help with your policy, reach out to your agent, send a message via Frankenmuth’s website or call 800-234-1133.
Bottom line
Frankenmuth might be a good fit if you prefer the personal service of a local agent and want to support a small regional insurer. But if you live outside of Michigan or Ohio, you’ll have to look elsewhere. (Note that a Frankenmuth subsidiary, Patriot Insurance, serves homeowners in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.)
Current Product
NerdWallet rating NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more. 4.5 /5 | NerdWallet rating NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more. 4.5 /5 | NerdWallet rating NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more. 4.0 /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. Far fewer 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. Fewer 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 |
Coverage Ratings are based on the types of coverage a company offers in comparison to other insurers. About average | Coverage Ratings are based on the types of coverage a company offers in comparison to other insurers. About average | Coverage Ratings are based on the types of coverage a company offers in comparison to other insurers. About average |
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. Great set of discounts | Discounts Ratings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers. Great set of discounts |
Bottom line Small regional insurer that sells homeowners insurance through independent agents in select states. | Bottom line Auto-Owners offers plenty of ways to customize your policy and save money on home insurance. | Bottom line Widely available across the U.S. with lots of ways to customize your policy, but receives more complaints than expected. |
Other home insurance companies to consider
Not ready to make a decision? You may be interested in these other homeowners insurance companies:
In addition to homeowners insurance, Frankenmuth sells auto, life, umbrella, renters and condo insurance, among other products.
Frankenmuth Insurance was founded in 1868 in Frankenmuth, Michigan.
Although Frankenmuth currently sells homeowners policies in only two states, it has a broader reach when it comes to business insurance and other policies. It operates in 15 states through its commercial lines of business and its subsidiary, Patriot Insurance.
In addition to homeowners insurance, Frankenmuth sells auto, life, umbrella, renters and condo insurance, among other products.
Frankenmuth Insurance was founded in 1868 in Frankenmuth, Michigan.
Although Frankenmuth currently sells homeowners policies in only two states, it has a broader reach when it comes to business insurance and other policies. It operates in 15 states through its commercial lines of business and its subsidiary, Patriot Insurance.
Methodology
Homeowners insurance star ratings methodology
NerdWallet’s homeowners 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, coverage, discounts and online experience. 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.
Here’s how we weighted each category to come up with our list of the best home insurance companies:
Consumer complaints (30%).
Financial strength (30%).
Coverage (20%).
Consumer experience (10%).
Discounts (10%).
Read our full ratings methodology for home insurance.
Insurer complaints methodology
NerdWallet examined complaints received by state insurance regulators and reported to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in 2020-2022. 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.
Homeowners insurance rates methodology
NerdWallet calculated median rates for 40-year-old homeowners from various insurance companies in every ZIP code across the U.S. All rates are rounded to the nearest $5.
Sample homeowners were nonsmokers with good credit living in a single-family, two-story home built in 1984. They had a $1,000 deductible and the following coverage limits:
$300,000 in dwelling coverage.
$30,000 in other structures coverage.
$150,000 in personal property coverage.
$60,000 in loss of use coverage.
$300,000 in liability coverage.
$1,000 in medical payments coverage.
We made minor changes to the sample policy in cases where rates for the above coverage limits or deductibles weren’t available.
These are sample rates generated through Quadrant Information Services. Your own rates will be different.
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