Executive Summary: Travelers Insurance offers robust auto coverage with strong financial ratings (A++ from A.M. Best), competitive rates for safe drivers, and numerous discount opportunities. However, customer satisfaction ratings fall slightly below industry averages, and coverage isn’t available in all states. Its comprehensive policy options and unique endorsements make it particularly suitable for homeowners seeking bundled policies and drivers who value financial stability.
Travelers Auto Insurance: Overview
Founded in 1864, Travelers Insurance has established itself as one of America’s oldest and most respected insurance providers. What began as a company offering travel insurance to railroad passengers has evolved into a Fortune 500 company offering a wide range of insurance products, including their robust auto insurance offerings.
History of the Company
Travelers’ long-standing history speaks to its resilience and adaptability in the insurance marketplace. The company has weathered economic downturns, natural disasters, and market shifts while maintaining its position as a leading insurance provider. This historical perspective provides context for understanding the company’s current approach to auto insurance coverage.
Financial Strength and Stability
Travelers consistently earns top marks for financial stability:
- A.M. Best Rating: A++ (Superior)
- Standard & Poor’s Rating: AA (Very Strong)
- Moody’s Rating: Aa2 (Excellent)
These ratings indicate Travelers’ strong ability to meet policyholder obligations and claims, a crucial factor when selecting an auto insurance provider.
States Where Travelers is Available
Travelers auto insurance is available in 43 states and Washington D.C. Notable exclusions include Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. If you live in one of these states, you’ll need to explore alternative insurance providers.
Coverage Options: A Detailed Breakdown
Liability Coverage
Travelers offers both bodily injury and property damage liability coverage that meets or exceeds state minimum requirements. This essential coverage protects you if you’re at fault in an accident that injures others or damages their property.
Collision Coverage
This coverage pays for repairs to your vehicle after an accident, regardless of fault. Travelers’ collision coverage includes options for various deductible levels to help you balance premium costs with out-of-pocket expenses.
Comprehensive Coverage
Travelers comprehensive coverage protects against non-collision incidents including theft, vandalism, weather damage, and animal strikes. Like collision coverage, you can select from various deductible options.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
This important protection covers you if you’re in an accident with a driver who either has no insurance or insufficient coverage to pay for your damages and injuries. In states with high uninsured driver rates, this coverage is particularly valuable.
Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)
MedPay covers medical expenses for you and your passengers regardless of who caused the accident. Coverage limits typically range from $1,000 to $10,000.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Available and required in no-fault states like Florida, New York, and New Jersey, PIP covers medical expenses, lost wages, and essential services regardless of fault. Travelers offers competitive PIP options that meet state-specific requirements.
Unique Riders and Endorsements
Accident Forgiveness
Travelers offers accident forgiveness that prevents your rates from increasing after your first accident. Unlike some competitors who offer this immediately, Travelers typically requires five years of clean driving history to qualify.
New Car Replacement
If your new car is totaled within five years of purchase, Travelers will replace it with a brand new car of the same make and model—not just pay the depreciated value.
Loan/Lease Gap Coverage
This coverage pays the difference between what you owe on your financed or leased vehicle and its actual cash value if it’s totaled in a covered accident.
Rental Reimbursement
Travelers will cover rental car costs while your vehicle is being repaired due to a covered claim, with daily and maximum limits based on your policy selection.
Ridesharing Insurance
For Uber or Lyft drivers, Travelers offers rideshare coverage to fill the gaps between your personal auto policy and the coverage provided by rideshare companies.
Important Considerations
Policy Exclusions
Travelers auto insurance typically excludes:
- Intentional damage
- Using your vehicle for business purposes (without appropriate coverage)
- Damage from racing or speed contests
- Mechanical breakdowns (unless you have specific mechanical breakdown coverage)
Coverage Limits
Travelers allows customization of coverage limits based on your needs and state requirements. Higher limits provide better protection but increase premium costs. Experts generally recommend liability limits of at least 100/300/100 ($100,000 bodily injury per person, $300,000 bodily injury per accident, $100,000 property damage).
Travelers Auto Insurance Discounts
Multi-policy Discount
Save up to 13% by bundling your auto and home insurance with Travelers.
Safe Driver Discount
Maintain a clean driving record for 3-5 years to qualify for significant premium reductions.
Good Student Discount
Full-time students who maintain a “B” average or better can save up to 8% on their premiums.
Homeownership Discount
Even if you don’t insure your home with Travelers, simply owning a home can qualify you for reduced auto insurance rates.
Affinity Group Discounts
Travelers partners with numerous employers, alumni associations, and professional groups to offer special rates to members. Check if your affiliations qualify for additional savings.
Travelers Auto Insurance Prices & Rates
Factors Affecting Travelers Auto Insurance Rates
- Driving history
- Vehicle make, model, and year
- Annual mileage
- Credit score (in states where permitted)
- Location and garaging address
- Age and driving experience
- Selected coverage levels and deductibles
Average Rates by Driver Profile
| Driver Profile | Average 6-Month Premium |
|---|---|
| Safe Driver, Age 30-50 | $750 |
| Young Driver, Age 18-22 | $1,600 |
| Driver with One Accident | $1,100 |
| Senior Driver, Age 65+ | $800 |
Rates are estimates based on national averages. Your rates may vary significantly based on location and individual factors.
How Travelers Rates Compare to Competitors
Travelers typically offers competitive rates for good drivers with clean records, especially when bundling with homeowners insurance. Their rates for drivers with accidents or violations tend to be higher than some competitors.
Tips for Lowering Your Travelers Auto Insurance Premium
- Increase your deductibles (if you can afford higher out-of-pocket costs)
- Take advantage of all applicable discounts
- Consider usage-based insurance through their IntelliDrive program
- Maintain good credit (where legally permitted as a rating factor)
- Choose a vehicle with strong safety ratings and lower repair costs
Customer Service and Claims Experience
Contact Options
- 24/7 Phone Support: 1-800-252-4633
- Online Claims Filing: www.travelers.com
- Mobile App: Available for iOS and Android
- Local Agents: Available in most service areas
Claims Process
- Report your claim via phone, online, or mobile app
- A claims professional will contact you within 24 hours
- Schedule vehicle inspection and damage assessment
- Review and approve repair options
- Complete repairs and close claim
Customer Service Ratings
Travelers receives mixed customer service reviews:
- J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study: 3 out of 5 stars (slightly below industry average)
- Better Business Bureau: A+ rating
“Their claims process was straightforward and my representative kept me updated throughout the repair process.” – Maria T., Travelers customer since 2018
“While the initial quote process was smooth, I found their premium increases after renewal to be higher than expected.” – James L., former Travelers customer
Common Complaints and How to Resolve Them
The most frequent complaints involve premium increases and claim settlement disputes. To address these:
- Request a policy review annually to ensure you’re receiving all applicable discounts
- Document all damage thoroughly when filing claims
- Consider working with a dedicated Travelers agent rather than managing your policy entirely online
Financial Stability
Travelers’ exceptional financial strength ratings reflect its ability to pay claims even during widespread disasters:
- $110+ billion in total assets
- Consistently profitable operations
- Member of the Dow Jones Industrial Average
- Fortune 100 company
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Superior financial strength ratings
- Extensive coverage options and endorsements
- Numerous discount opportunities
- Strong bundling discounts with home insurance
- User-friendly mobile app and online tools
- Available in most states
Cons:
- Customer satisfaction ratings slightly below industry average
- Rates can increase significantly after accidents
- Not available in seven states
- Higher than average premiums for drivers with imperfect records
- Stricter requirements for accident forgiveness than some competitors
Alternatives to Travelers Auto Insurance
GEICO
Offers lower base rates than Travelers but fewer coverage customization options and less robust bundling discounts.
State Farm
Provides stronger customer service ratings and wider availability but typically higher premiums for most driver profiles.
Progressive
Features more forgiving policies for drivers with accidents and violations but slightly lower financial strength ratings.
Allstate
Offers more immediate access to accident forgiveness but generally higher premium costs across most driver categories.
Travelers Auto Insurance FAQ
Does Travelers offer roadside assistance? Yes, Travelers offers 24/7 roadside assistance that can be added to your policy for services including towing, battery jump-starts, flat tire changes, lockout assistance, and fuel delivery.
What is Travelers’ accident forgiveness program? Travelers offers accident forgiveness that prevents rate increases after your first qualifying accident. However, you must typically maintain a clean driving record for five consecutive years to qualify.
Can I manage my Travelers auto policy online? Yes, Travelers provides comprehensive online account management through both their website and mobile app, allowing you to view policy details, make payments, file claims, and request policy changes.
Does Travelers offer any unique discounts not available from other insurers? Yes, Travelers offers several unique discount programs including their IntelliDrive program (usage-based insurance), affinity group discounts through hundreds of organizations, and their distinctive early quote discount for switching to Travelers before your current policy expires.
Conclusion
Travelers auto insurance stands out for its exceptional financial stability, comprehensive coverage options, and attractive discounts—particularly for homeowners and safe drivers. While customer service ratings indicate room for improvement, the company’s strong financial foundation and extensive policy customization options make it worthy of consideration.
Travelers is best suited for homeowners seeking bundled policies, financially conservative consumers who prioritize insurer stability, and drivers with clean records. Those with accident history or who prioritize customer service above all else might want to compare options with other major insurers.
For an accurate assessment of how Travelers would price your specific situation, request a personalized quote and compare it with at least two competitors before making your decision.