Encompass Insurance Company offers a variety of auto insurance policies designed to meet the diverse needs of drivers. Despite not being as large as some of its competitors, Encompass provides many policy options and strong customer service, though its premiums can be higher than average. In this comprehensive review, we'll delve into the details of Encompass auto insurance, including its coverage options, customer satisfaction, pricing, discounts, and more.

Overview of Encompass Insurance

Encompass Insurance, a subsidiary of Allstate, has been serving customers with a wide range of insurance products, including auto, home, and umbrella insurance. Established in 1897, Encompass aims to provide comprehensive coverage options tailored to individual needs. The company's unique selling proposition lies in its tiered policy packages and bundled coverage options, which offer single deductibles and premiums for combined policies.

Customer Satisfaction and Reviews

Customer reviews play a crucial role in evaluating an insurance provider. According to a survey conducted by Jerry, which collected data from over 18,000 policyholders across the United States, Encompass received a mixed but generally positive reception:

• Overall Rating: 3.9 out of 5 stars
• Customer Service: 3.9 out of 5 stars
• Claim Experience: 3.5 out of 5 stars
• Renewal Experience: 5 out of 5 stars

The survey revealed that 80% of Encompass customers had positive experiences, highlighting affordable policies, excellent communication, and efficient service as key strengths. However, some negative reviews mentioned difficulties with claims processing. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) gave Encompass a complaint index score of 0.42, indicating fewer complaints than the industry average.

Coverage Options

Encompass offers three main tiers of auto insurance coverage: Special, Deluxe, and Elite. Each tier provides different levels of protection and additional benefits:

Special Coverage

• Basic Coverages: Liability, comprehensive, and collision insurance.
• Optional Add-Ons: New car replacement, electronic equipment coverage, and gap coverage.

Deluxe Coverage

• Included Benefits: Electronic equipment coverage, windshield repair with no deductible, and first-time accident forgiveness.
• Optional Add-Ons: Rental reimbursement, new car replacement, gap coverage, and auto trip interruption.

Elite Coverage

• Included Benefits: All Deluxe benefits plus unlimited accident forgiveness, company car protection, and a safe driving bonus.
• Optional Add-Ons: New car replacement and gap coverage.

These packages allow policyholders to customize their coverage to suit their needs, with the Elite package offering the most comprehensive protection.

Pricing and Premiums

One of the primary concerns for any insurance customer is the cost of premiums. Encompass is known for its higher-than-average rates, but these premiums can vary significantly based on factors such as location, driving history, age, and the type of coverage selected.

Average Premiums

• Minimum Coverage: $1,016 per year
• Full Coverage: $2,632 per year

When compared to national averages, Encompass's rates are relatively high. For instance, the average annual cost of full coverage insurance in the U.S. is $1,674. However, Encompass's comprehensive coverage options and bundled policies may justify the higher premiums for some customers.

Discounts

Encompass offers several discounts to help policyholders reduce their premiums. Some of the available discounts include:

• Safe Driving Discount: Up to 5% off for maintaining a clean driving record.
• Defensive Driver Discount: Available for completing an approved defensive driving course.
• Good Student Discount: For students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Multi-Policy Discount: Savings for bundling auto and home insurance.
• Anti-Theft Discount: For vehicles equipped with anti-theft devices.
• New Car Discount: For the first owner of a new vehicle.

These discounts can significantly lower the cost of premiums, making Encompass more affordable for eligible policyholders.

Claims Processing

Encompass has a structured claims process, although it lacks online claims filing capabilities. Policyholders must call the Encompass claims center to report a loss and speak with a claims representative. The process involves:

1. Reporting the Loss: Contact the claims center within 24 hours of the incident.
2. Damage Assessment: An inspector evaluates the damage.
3. Claim Adjustment: An adjuster reviews the estimate and finalizes the claim.

The time it takes to resolve a claim can vary based on the severity of the incident and the efficiency of the claims team. While some customers have reported satisfaction with the claims process, others have experienced delays and difficulties.

Customer Service

Customer service is a critical aspect of any insurance provider's reputation. Encompass scores an average of 3.88 out of 5 for customer service, indicating a mixed response from policyholders. Positive reviews often cite quick and efficient assistance with questions and problems, while negative reviews highlight issues with support and responsiveness.

Bundled Policies: EncompassOne

One of the standout features of Encompass is its EncompassOne policy, which allows customers to bundle their auto, home, and other insurance products into a single policy with one premium and deductible. This bundled approach simplifies the insurance process and can provide significant savings and added convenience.

Additional Insurance Products

In addition to auto insurance, Encompass offers a range of other insurance products:

• Homeowners Insurance: Includes dwelling coverage, personal belongings, liability, and additional living expenses.
• Umbrella Insurance: Provides extra liability coverage beyond auto and home policies.
• Identity Theft Insurance: Covers expenses related to identity theft, including lost wages and attorney fees.
• Business Insurance: Covers business property and liability for home-based businesses.

These products can be combined with auto insurance under the EncompassOne policy, offering comprehensive protection for various aspects of a policyholder's life.

Conclusion

Encompass Insurance Company provides a robust selection of auto insurance policies with extensive customization options and the convenience of bundled coverage. While its premiums are higher than average, the comprehensive coverage and additional benefits offered by Encompass may justify the cost for many drivers. However, potential customers should consider the mixed reviews regarding claims processing and customer service when making their decision.

For those looking for a versatile insurance provider with the added convenience of bundling multiple policies, Encompass is worth considering. By taking advantage of available discounts and carefully selecting the appropriate coverage tier, policyholders can find a balance between cost and coverage that suits their needs.