American Family vs. American National: Which Company is the Best Fit for You?

Wondering if American Family or American National is the best car insurance company for you, your vehicle, and your wallet? We've broken down all the rates and discounts for both companies to help you make a more informed decision. Read on to learn more.
Newly insured car driving down the road
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Quick Facts

  • In general, American National offers significantly less expensive premiums than American Family
  • American Family offers more discounts than American National Insurance Company
  • American National offers more affordable prices for residents in Colorado, Idaho, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Wyoming


American Family vs. American National: Which Company has the Cheapest Car Insurance?

Are you considering a new insurance policy? After all, you've seen ads from all sorts of companies offering huge discounts. But exactly how much can you save by switching?

You might be considering American Family or American National as potential options, but which one has cheaper premiums for auto insurance?

American Family American National
$140$87

Looking at nationwide averages, American National has average rates that are about 40% per month more affordable than those from American Family.

However, American National may not be the most affordable or best option for every driver out there. Insurance companies use a ton of complex algorithms to calculate rates, so depending on where you live or how old you are (among lots of other factors), you could see wildly different prices from the ones above.

Luckily, we've broken down average premiums from both American Family and American National by many different rate factors, so read on to find out which carrier is the best for you.

American Family or American National: Average Car Insurance Rates by State

State American Family American National
CO$144$87
ID$88$57

American Family and American National only compete against each other in two states, with American National offering less expensive prices to the average driver in all of them. Colorado has the most noticable difference, where American National rates are over 60% cheaper than car insurance premiums at American Family.

There are plenty of other factors that go into your insurance payment than just where you call home. Keep reading to find out more.


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Which is the Best Company For Young Drivers?

American Family American National
18-year-old drivers$311$197
25-year-old drivers$121$74

Teen drivers will almost always have the most expensive auto insurance prices of any group out there on the road. That's because young, inexperienced drivers are statistically much more likely to get into an accident that results in an auto insurance claim, making them much riskier to insure.

But still, even with seemingly sky-high rates, teen drivers can still find ways to save money. For example, 18-year-old drivers pay an average of more than $100 less a month by choosing American National over American Family.

Even so, with both carriers, you'll see your premiums reduce significantly by the time you turn 25. For example, average prices for American Family policyholders lower over 60% and American National's rates decrease more than 60% over that time.

Which is the Best Company for Retired Drivers?

American Family American National
65+-year-old drivers$107$66

Once you approach retirement age, you'll normally enjoy the cheapest car insurance premiums you can find. You've been on the road for years, and all that experience pays off when it comes to your monthly prices for auto insurance.

But who has the best rates for retired drivers between American Family and American National? American National gets the edge, with premiums for drivers 65 and older $41 more affordable than the national average for American Family.

Which is the Best Company for Married Drivers?

American Family American National
Single$166$105
Married$106$64

Those who are single tend to get offered slightly more expensive insurance rates than married couples. That's generally because married policyholders tend to own and insure more than one car, which can often earn you a discount.

When it comes to relationship status, American National is the clear winner for single drivers, with prices around $61 per month less expensive than American Family, on average. The advantage for married drivers with American National is also obvious, where drivers save over $40 a month.

American Family vs. American National: Average Rates by Gender

American Family American National
Male$143$88
Female$138$87

Women usually to pay less for auto insurance than men. This is because men are more likely to get speeding tickets and get into accidents, which raises the chances of an insurance claim.

Generally, men see premiums about 3% per month higher with American Family, and around 1% with American National.

Looking at the data for each company specifically, American National comes out as the lowest option for both genders. On average, male drivers save about $55 a month and women save about $51 with American National compared to the average American Family policyholder.


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American Family or American National: Compare State Minimum vs. Full Coverage Rates

American Family American National
State Minimum*$96$52
Full Coverage**$185$123

*State minimum value indicates liability-only policies at each state's minimum bodily injury and property damage (BI/PD) limits

**Full coverage indicates state minimum BI/PD limits with collision and comprehensive coverages added to policy.

For most people, car insurance can be pretty complicated. There are so many different terms and limits that it can make it pretty confusing to find the right policy.

The two most common policies that many drivers look at fall into two categories -- liability only (that covers property damage and bodily injury for other drivers if you cause an accident) and full coverage (which typically refers to having comprehensive and collision coverages alongside what you get with a liability policy).

If you're looking for state minimum liability insurance, American National normally offers significantly cheaper prices of $52 compared to American Family's $96. When it comes to full coverage policies with similar limits, American National again has the edge, with policies around $60 per month more affordable than American Family, on average.

Is American Family or American National Better for Drivers with Spotty Records?

It's no big secret that drivers who are accident-free get better deals on their insurance. But even if you have a spotty record, you can still find plenty of ways to save some cash on your monthly bill.

You'll probably end up paying more with at-fault accidents and tickets on your record, but which of these two companies offers the cheapest rates to drivers with less-than-perfect records?

Which Company is Best for Drivers with Speeding Tickets?

American Family American National
Clean Record$118$67
1 Speeding Ticket$147$84

American Family policyholders can expect their prices to go up an average of $29 a month if they get a ticket, while American National usually raises rates about $17 per month, on average.

But American National is generally the cheaper option for both drivers who have clean records and those with a recent speeding ticket, offering premiums that are 43% and 43% less expensive, respectively, compared to American Family Insurance.

Which Company is Best for Drivers After an Accident?

American Family American National
Clean Record$118$67
1 At-Fault Accident$138$95

After an accident, drivers who have their auto insurance through American Family can expect to see around an $20 -- or about 14% -- increase in their insurance rates. Drivers who use American National for their car insurance will see a monthly bill around $28 (or 29%) more expensive after reporting a collision to their auto insurance carrier.

Overall, American National offers the most affordable prices for drivers with an at-fault accident on their records, with monthly premiums averaging $95 compared to American Family Insurance's $138.

Which Company is Best for Drivers with a DUI?

American Family American National
Clean Record$118$67
1 DUI$158$104

If you get a DUI charge, you can expect some pretty significant increases in your monthly insurance bill -- typically a lot more than an accident or ticket. For example, American Family increases average rates by $40 a month -- that's over a 25% increase.

If you have a DUI on your record and are looking for more affordable premiums, American National tends to be the much more affordable option with average prices of $104 a month compared to $158 from American Family.


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How does Credit Score Impact American Family and American National Rates?

Did you know that many car insurance carriers take your credit score into account when calculating rates? Certain states and companies do not allow for credit score to be used as a rating factor, but it might come into play for several drivers.

Auto insurance carriers argue that those with poor credit scores are less likely to pay their bills on time each month, which increases the risk involved on their end, while the opposite is true for those with good credit.

Looking specifically at American Family and American National, which carrier has the best prices for policyholders at different credit levels?

Which Company is Best for Drivers with Good Credit?

American Family American National
Excellent Credit Score$100$51
Good Credit Score$120$66

If you have a great credit score, you'll usually find a better deal with American National. Drivers with "excellent" credit can save just under 50% compared to American Family, and those with "good" scores can also expect to see savings -- about $54 or 45% less expensive every month.

Which Company is Best for Drivers with Bad Credit?

American Family American National
Fair Credit Score$141$86
Poor Credit Score$201$147

American National typically offers lower premiums than American Family when it comes to drivers with less-than-stellar credit. Drivers with "fair" credit pay around $55 per month less with American National compared to American Family, and those with "poor" scores usually save an average of about $54 monthly.


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Is American Family or American National Better for Drivers who Work from Home or Have Short Commutes?

American Family American National
6,000 Annual Miles$138$83
12,000 Annual Miles$143$92

The amount of time you spend behind the wheel of your car plays a big role in your monthly insurance cost. Generally, the more miles you put on your vehicle each year, the more you can expect to pay for car insurance.

American National tends to be the cheaper option for both drivers who put 6,000 miles on their vehicles annually, as well as those who average twice that figure. American National's average rates for drivers with 6,000 annual miles come in around $55 less expensive than American Family. Those who drive 12,000 miles yearly can expect to pay about $51 less with American National over American Family.

American Family vs. American National: Compare Rates for Urban, Suburban, and Rural Drivers

Where you live can play a considerable role in how much you pay for auto insurance. Typically, if you live in a rural area with fewer cars on the road, you'll pay a little less for insurance, while the opposite is true for people in urban areas.

American Family American National
Urban Areas$166$104
Suburban Areas$134$85
Rural Areas$121$73

When comparing these two companies side-by-side, American National normally comes out as the lowest option for drivers in every type of area, no matter if it's urban, suburban, or rural.

Policyholders in rural ZIP codes see the cheapest premiums from both carriers, but American National comes out on top with average prices around $73 per month. American National also has cheaper average premiums for drivers in urban and suburban ZIP codes -- a 37% and 37% a month respective difference when compared to American Family policyholders in similar areas.

American Family vs. American National Discounts

Regardless of why you might be in the market for a new car insurance policy, you're always going to want to save as much money as possible, and the best way to do that is by taking advantage of as many auto insurance discounts as you can.

But where do you even start? With so many discounts out there, it may seem difficult to find all the of the ones you're eligible for.

In the section below, we've taken a look at all of the different discounts American Family and American National offer their customers so that you can easily see which company offers the most discounts and see which ones you might be able to take advantage of.

American Family American National
Advance Quote Discount 
Anti-Theft Discount
Claim Free Discount 
Connect Partner Discount 
Covid-19 Relief Discount
Defensive Driver Discount
Distant Student Discount
Driver Training Discount 
DRL Discount 
EFT Discount 
ESC Discount 
Excess Vehicle Discount 
Generational Discount 
Good Student Discount
Group Discount
Homeowner Discount 
Mature Driver Discount 
Multi-Car Discount
Multi-Policy Discount
New Business Discount 

American Family blows American National away when it comes to the sheer amount of discounts available, offering seven more discounts than American National.

There are a couple discounts both companies offer, but American Family also offers advance quote discounts, connect partner discounts, DRL discounts, and more that American National does not.

On the flip side, American National has a couple unique discounts of its own -- claim free discounts, discounts for getting driver training, excess vehicle discounts, and more.


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Final Thoughts: Is American Family or American National Best for You?

You've seen the effect certain factors have on your car insurance and the different discounts carriers offer. That's all well and good, but at the end of the day, which insurance company is the right fit for you?

American National might be best for you if....

  • You have an at-fault collision on your record.
  • You already have a great credit score.
  • You drive often but have a short commute.


American Family might be best for you if...

  • You value the experience that comes with a large national insurance carrier.
  • You're looking for the company with the most discounts.

We hope this guide helps you get a better idea of the difference between American Family and American National. We also hope we've given you the information you need to make the best decision when it comes to your auto insurance.

At the end of the day, the sure-fire way to make sure you're getting the best deal on your insurance policy is to compare quotes from multiple companies, not just American Family and American National. Luckily, sites like Compare.com make it easy for you to do just that. Simply enter your ZIP codes below and get multiple free quotes from some of the best car insurance carriers in your area, all in just a few minutes.


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American Family vs. American National FAQs

Is American Family or American National cheaper?

Looking just at the national average rates, American National is the more affordable of the two companies, offering average rates of $87 per month compared to $140 for American Family. That being said, American National won't necessarily be the lowest carrier for each driver, since there are a variety of different variables (things like age, gender, driving record, etc.) that play a role in how much you pay.

Who is better, American Family or American National?

Sadly, the real answer is "it depends.". No single company is "better" for everyone -- it all boils down to your unique insurance profile.

Why do American Family and American National offer me different rates?

Car insurance carriers take a look at lots of different factors when determining the prices they charge drivers. Variables like age, your driving record, where you call home, gender, and sometimes even things like your credit score can all come into play. Both American Family and American National calculate premiums using different formulas, so each one will most likely offer different prices. The only real way to see which carrier is the most affordable for you is by comparing personalized quotes from several different companies.

How do I know if American Family or American National is right for me?

The only way to find the auto insurance company that's right for you is by getting quotes from a handful of carriers and finding the one best suited for your individual budget. Luckily, Compare.com does all the hard work for you. Just enter your area information and you'll get free quotes from dozens of the best car insurance companies in your area. That way, you can guarantee you're getting the cheapest rate. And who knows, the best carrier for you might not be American Family or American National at all!


Methodology

All of the data referenced in this article has been gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. We analyzed more than 2.5 million rows of carrier-reported data to calculate the average rates referenced above. All rates are based on an insurance profile of a single-vehicle policy for a driver that owns a 2016 Honda Accord. For more information on how we calculate rates, please reference our data methodology.

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