Plymouth Rock Assurance has established itself as a notable player in the auto insurance industry, particularly in the northeastern United States. This comprehensive review will explore the company's offerings, customer experiences, coverage options, and competitive standing in the market. Drawing from a range of sources, we provide a detailed analysis to help you determine if Plymouth Rock is the right choice for your car insurance needs.

Company Overview

Founded in 1982 by Jim Stone, Plymouth Rock Assurance operates in six states: Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. The company is known for its customer-centric approach, community involvement, and innovative services designed to enhance the insurance experience .

Plymouth Rock's commitment to its customers is reflected in the Assurance package perks, which include unique benefits like child car seat replacement, pet injury coverage, and mobile device replacement . Additionally, the company manages over $1.8 billion in car and home insurance premiums and donates a percentage of its net income to the Plymouth Rock Assurance Foundation.

Coverage Options

Plymouth Rock offers a broad range of standard and optional coverage options, allowing policyholders to tailor their insurance to meet specific needs. Here’s a breakdown of the key coverages available:

Standard Coverages:

• Liability Insurance: Covers bodily injury and property damage for which the policyholder is legally responsible .
• Medical Payments (MedPay): Pays for medical expenses for the policyholder and passengers after an accident, regardless of fault .
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs for the policyholder and passengers after an accident .
• Comprehensive Coverage: Protects against damage to the policyholder's vehicle from non-collision events such as theft, vandalism, and natural disasters .
• Collision Coverage: Pays for repairs to the policyholder's vehicle after a collision with another vehicle or object .
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Covers injuries and damages caused by a driver who is uninsured or underinsured.

Optional Coverages

• Accident Forgiveness: Prevents a surcharge on the policyholder's premiums after their first at-fault accident .
• Full Glass Coverage: Pays for repairs to glass-only claims without requiring a deductible .
• Loan/Lease Gap Coverage: Pays the difference between the loan payoff and the vehicle’s actual cash value if it is totaled .
• New Car Replacement: Replaces the policyholder's car with a new one of the same make, model, and year if it is totaled within the first two years of ownership .
• $100 Glass Deductible: Offers a flat $100 deductible for glass-only claims.

Assurance Packages

Plymouth Rock's Assurance packages offer additional benefits that enhance the policyholder's experience. These packages include Essential Assurance, Assurance Plus, Assurance Preferred, and Assurance Premier. Below is a summary of what each package includes:

• Essential Assurance: Standard with every policy, includes Crashbusters mobile claims service, door-to-door valet claims service, Get Home Safe taxi ride reimbursement, guaranteed repairs, online services, and a pledge of assurance to donate to charity if customer service expectations are not met .
• Assurance Plus: Adds benefits like additional rental coverage, mobile device replacement, pet injury coverage, laptop replacement, and seatbelt/airbag benefits .
• Assurance Preferred: Includes all the benefits of Assurance Plus, plus roadside assistance, windshield replacement deductible waiver, additional towing and labor coverage, and airbag accidental discharge coverage .
• Assurance Premier: The most comprehensive package, offering deductible credits, trip interruption coverage, new car replacement, plus one car replacement, gap insurance, and electronic key replacement.

Customer Satisfaction and Complaints

Customer satisfaction is a crucial factor in evaluating any insurance provider. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), Plymouth Rock has a complaint index of 0.88, indicating it receives fewer complaints than the average insurer . However, it scored below average in the J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study for both the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions .

NAIC Complaint Index:

Despite these mixed reviews, Plymouth Rock excels in specific areas such as customer service and claims handling. The company has received positive feedback for its innovative services like Crashbusters and door-to-door valet claims service.

Pricing and Discounts

Plymouth Rock offers competitive pricing, with rates that are often lower than the national average. The average cost for full coverage with Plymouth Rock is $933 per year, compared to the national average of $2,014. For minimum coverage, the average cost is $295 per year, significantly lower than the national average of $622

Average Premium Comparison:

Plymouth Rock also offers several discounts to help policyholders save on their premiums. These include:

• Anti-theft Device Discount: For vehicles equipped with approved anti-theft devices
• Bundling Discount: For policyholders who bundle multiple policies, such as auto and home insurance .
• Paperless Discount: For opting to receive policy documents electronically.
• Multi-car Discount: For insuring more than one vehicle with Plymouth Rock.
• Safe Driving Discount: For drivers with a clean driving record.
• Group Discounts: For members of certain organizations or groups.
• Pay in Full Discount: For paying the entire premium upfront.

Claims Process

The claims process is a critical aspect of any insurance company. Plymouth Rock offers a streamlined claims process with several convenient options for filing and managing claims:

1. File a Claim: Policyholders can file a claim online, over the phone, in person with their agent, or through the mobile app .

2. Claims Evaluation: Plymouth Rock will evaluate the damage through its valet claims service or using photos submitted through the mobile app .

3. Repair and Settlement: Policyholders can get their car repaired at a participating body shop, and Plymouth Rock will handle the settlement process .

Plymouth Rock’s mobile claims service, Crashbusters, and door-to-door valet claims service are standout features that enhance the customer experience by providing convenience and efficiency.

Financial Strength and Stability

Plymouth Rock has an A- (Excellent) rating from A.M. Best, indicating its strong financial stability and ability to pay claims . This rating is crucial for policyholders who want assurance that their insurance company can meet its financial obligations, especially during times of high claim demand.

Comparison with Competitors

When comparing Plymouth Rock to other insurance companies, it is essential to consider both coverage options and pricing. Below is a comparison of Plymouth Rock's average premiums with those of other major insurers:

Comparison of Average Annual Premiums:

As the table shows, Plymouth Rock offers competitive rates, especially for full coverage policies . This affordability, combined with the range of benefits and discounts, makes Plymouth Rock an attractive option for many drivers.

Coverage Comparison

To better understand how Plymouth Rock's offerings stack up against the competition, here is a comparison of coverage options:

Additional Features and Benefits

Plymouth Rock offers a variety of unique features and benefits that enhance the policyholder's experience:

1. Crashbusters® Mobile Claims Service: This service allows a claims representative to come to the policyholder's location to inspect the damage and issue a check on the spot .
2. Door-to-Door Valet Claims Service: Plymouth Rock picks up the damaged vehicle, takes it to the repair shop, and returns it once the repairs are complete .
3. Get Home Safe®: Plymouth Rock reimburses policyholders for a taxi or rideshare fare if they need a safe ride home due to impaired driving.
4. Guaranteed Repairs: Repairs performed at participating shops are guaranteed for as long as the policyholder owns the vehicle.
5. Pet Injury Coverage: Covers veterinary expenses if the policyholder's pet is injured in a car accident.
6. Mobile Device Replacement: Provides coverage for mobile devices damaged in a car accident.

Technological Innovations

Plymouth Rock has invested in technology to improve customer experience and streamline processes:

• Online Account Management: Policyholders can manage their policies, make payments, and file claims through the online portal .
• Mobile App: The Plymouth Rock mobile app allows users to access their insurance information, file claims, and track the progress of repairs .
• Usage-Based Insurance (UBI): The Road Rewards® program rewards safe driving habits with discounts and perks.

Road Rewards® Program

The Road Rewards® program is a usage-based insurance program that rewards policyholders for safe driving. By using the Plymouth Rock mobile app, drivers can earn points for:

• Safe Driving Habits: Points are awarded for maintaining safe speeds, avoiding harsh braking, and not using a mobile phone while driving .
• Participation in Challenges: Policyholders can participate in driving challenges to earn additional points .
• Redeeming Points: Points can be redeemed for rewards such as gift cards, discounts on insurance premiums, and other perks.

Community Involvement

Plymouth Rock is dedicated to giving back to the communities it serves. The Plymouth Rock Assurance Foundation supports various charitable initiatives, including:

• Education Programs: Funding scholarships and educational programs for students .
• Community Development: Supporting local community development projects and organizations.
• Disaster Relief: Providing assistance to communities affected by natural disasters.

Conclusion

Plymouth Rock Assurance offers a compelling mix of affordable pricing, comprehensive coverage options, and unique benefits through its Assurance packages. While it may have received mixed reviews in customer satisfaction surveys, the company’s innovative services and strong financial stability make it a solid choice for drivers in the northeastern United States.

When considering Plymouth Rock, it is essential to evaluate your specific needs and compare quotes from multiple insurers to ensure you are getting the best coverage at the most competitive price. The combination of competitive pricing, a wide range of discounts, and exceptional customer service features makes Plymouth Rock a worthy contender in the auto insurance market.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What types of coverage does Plymouth Rock Assurance offer?

Plymouth Rock Assurance offers a variety of coverage options including standard coverages like Liability Insurance, Medical Payments (MedPay), Personal Injury Protection (PIP), Comprehensive Coverage, Collision Coverage, and Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage. They also provide optional coverages such as Accident Forgiveness, Full Glass Coverage, Loan/Lease Gap Coverage, New Car Replacement, and $100 Glass Deductible.

How does Plymouth Rock's pricing compare to the national average?

Plymouth Rock Assurance offers competitive pricing, with the average cost for full coverage being $933 per year compared to the national average of $2,014. For minimum coverage, the average cost is $295 per year, significantly lower than the national average of $622.

What are the unique benefits of Plymouth Rock's Assurance packages?

Plymouth Rock's Assurance packages offer additional perks to enhance the policyholder's experience. These include Crashbusters mobile claims service, door-to-door valet claims service, Get Home Safe taxi ride reimbursement, pet injury coverage, mobile device replacement, and deductible credits. The packages are tiered as Essential Assurance, Assurance Plus, Assurance Preferred, and Assurance Premier, each offering progressively more benefits.

How does Plymouth Rock handle customer claims?

Plymouth Rock provides a streamlined claims process with several convenient options. Policyholders can file a claim online, over the phone, in person with their agent, or through the mobile app. The company evaluates the damage through its valet claims service or photos submitted via the app, and policyholders can get their cars repaired at participating body shops with guaranteed repairs.

What discounts are available with Plymouth Rock Assurance?

Plymouth Rock offers several discounts to help policyholders save on their premiums, including Anti-theft Device Discount, Bundling Discount, Paperless Discount, Multi-car Discount, Safe Driving Discount, Group Discounts, and Pay in Full Discount. These discounts make their policies more affordable and competitive.