Collision Repairers Select State Farm Insurance as Nebraska's Best Automobile Insurer for 2003

June 1, 2004 - A survey of collision repair shops throughout Nebraska identified Nebraska’s best insurance companies based on their claims handling practices. Surveys were sent to Nebraska collision repair shops asking them to rate major insurance companies based on the types of repairs insurance companies authorized and on how insurance companies treated their customers. Based on survey responses, the top insurer in Nebraska during the year 2003 for claims handling of collision-damaged vehicles was State Farm Insurance.

The analysis of returned surveys, though based on a relatively small sample, may indicate trends that reflect overall conditions. Based on analysis of survey respondents, the study showed major variances between insurer ratings. “The range is surprising. We would not expect to find such dramatic variance in a government regulated industry,” said Norbert Zaenglein, Executive Director of the Nebraska Autobody Association.

1. State Farm 9.19
2. Farmers Mutual 7.57
3. National Farmers Union 6.93
4. AAA/Motor Club Insurance 6.25
5. American Family 6.10
6. Union Insurance 5.83
7. Safeco 5.82
8. Farm Bureau Insurance 5.74
9. Continental Western 5.33
9. Ohio Casualty 5.33
10. United Fire & Casualty 5.20
11. Battlecreek 5.10
12. Columbia National 4.89
13. Employers Mutual 4.80
14. General Casualty 4.67
14. Grinell 4.67
15. Travelers 4.50
16. USAA 4.37
17. Cincinnati 4.36
18. Auto Owners 4.33
19. Allstate 4.29
20. Metropolitan 4.00
21. Omaha Property & Casualty 3.86
22. Iowa Mutual 3.86
23. EMCASCO 3.85
24. AMCO 3.60
25. Guidant 3.17
26. Allied 3.15
26. GEICO 3.15
27. Liberty Mutual 3.11
28. Shelter 3.05
29. Prudential General 3.00
30. Nationwide 3.00
31. Hartford 2.63
32. Farmers Insurance Group 2.40
33. Serenity 2.33
34. Progressive 1.62

An automobile is a major investment and insurance protects consumers against unexpected expenses, such as repairing an automobile after an accident. Consumers should realize that each insurance company has its own claims handling practices and procedures. Some insurance companies also specify how the vehicle will be repaired and which collision replacement parts will be used. Consumers should select an insurance company that allows for damage repair using quality parts and materials. The insurance company should also expedite the claim in a timely manner.

Nebraska consumers have the right to select their own collision repair shop. Consumers should choose a shop that is staffed with trained technicians and outfitted with the tools and equipment necessary to perform a quality repair. Consumers should ask about technician training and certification. Repairing today’s vehicles requires sophisticated measuring equipment, state of the art tools, and a dust free paint environment.

The Nebraska Autobody Association is a statewide trade association dedicated to promoting professionalism in the art of collision repair. The association represents over 400 members throughout Nebraska. Additional information can be found on the association’s web site at http:// www.nebraskaautobody.com or consumers can send for a free Insured Motorist Rights Brochure by writing to the Nebraska Autobody Association, P0 Box 145, Clay Center, NE 68933.

June 2004, Surgeons of Steel, Page 9