Central Mutual Insurance Review & Complaints: Home, Auto & Business Insurance (2024)

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In business for more than 140 years, Central Mutual is a homegrown insurance company with roots in small-town Ohio. They write both personal and commercial insurance policies in more than 20 states.

What is Central Mutual?

Central traces its roots back to the Van Wert Country Mutual Fire Insurance Company, which was founded in its namesake town in 1876. As the company expanded beyond its home county, a name change to Central Manufacturers’ Mutual took place. Shortly after an expansion that opened the first branch office in Boston, the company simplified the name to Central Mutual Insurance.

The 1950s saw further expansion, with branch offices opened in Dallas and Atlanta, and in 1961 a companion stock company, All American Insurance Company was created. The two companies operate as Central Insurance Companies, and they serve 23 states through local independent agents.

Central Mutual writes auto insurance policies and homeowners on the personal side as well as business insurance policies. The wide range of states covered are: Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Utah, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.

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What Central Mutual products are offered?

Central Mutual offers three basic product lines. Policy availability and coverage options vary from state to state.

Home Insurance

Home, condo, rental, and tenant insurance policies are all available under Central Mutual’s homeowners insurance line.

Their Homeowners policy is available as a base level policy or with one of several enhanced policies. The standard insurance policy covers replacement cost for the home, personal property, liability, and other basics, with the option to add on endorsements.

The Summit policy is an enhanced package that adds on additional coverage, such as higher limits for unscheduled personal property and guaranteed replacement cost coverage on the dwelling. Other added benefits include:

• Stolen key coverage
• Credit card and forgery protection
• Food spoilage
• Increased debris removal coverage
• Data recovery
• Water backup coverage

The Signature policy is the highest level of homeowner’s coverage, and it includes even more added benefits. In addition to guaranteed replacement cost for the home, it also includes replacement cost on personal property. Other benefits of the insurance program include:

• Replacement cost loss settlement paid even before repairs are complete
• Cash out settlement option
• Waiver of deductible for claims over $50,000
• First claim forgiveness
• Extended living expenses
• Tree removal and replacement
• Utility line protection
• Water backup
• Fraud protection
• Loss prevention device installation coverage

Most of the included items on the package policies can also be added a la carte to the base level policy for customization. A Plus Ten endorsement is offered that adds ten of the most popular endorsements to the policy in one.

In addition to traditional homeowners, Central Mutual also writes policies for condos and for rental units. Renters insurance coverage for personal property and liability is also available.

Auto Insurance

Like the home insurance products, auto insurance is also offered at several levels.

The base policy covers all of the basics, including liability with the option to add full coverage.

The Summit policy offers more comprehensive coverage, with added benefits like

• Loan/lease gap coverage
• Lockout coverage
• Increased medical payments limits
• Transportation expenses
• Airbag replacement
• Personal effects
• Towing coverage
• Waiver of deductible on specific types of loss
• Death benefit
• Pet protection
  Child car seat coverage

The top-level plan is again the Signature. In addition to everything above, this plan also includes OEM parts replacement, worldwide rental car coverage, and short-term replacement cost loss settlement.

Several individual endorsements are available, as well as a package endorsement called Auto Plus that includes several popular optional coverages.

Business Insurance

Central Mutual writes business package policies for a variety of industries, including light industrial, service industry, wholesalers, auto service/repair, builder’s risk, restaurants, retailers, and contractors. Professional offices can also obtain coverage.

The packages can be customized to each company’s needs based on the industry and include:

• Commercial property
• General Liability
• Commercial Auto
• Worker’s Compensation
• Specialized liability
• Cybersecurity protection

Does the company offer competitive rates?

Central Mutual does not have an online quoting option, in keeping with their long history of sales through independent insurance agents.

It is unlikely that they are competitive with the lowest priced of direct sales insurance companies, but they do offer very comprehensive policies with plenty of add-ons, it might be important to focus on value than the premium here.

Claims Process at Central Mutual Insurance Company

Ease of Filing a Claim

Central Mutual Insurance Company offers a convenient claims process designed to accommodate a range of customer preferences. Policyholders can file claims through various channels, including online, over the phone, or via mobile apps. This flexibility ensures that customers can choose the method that best suits their needs and preferences.

Average Claim Processing Time

While the specific processing time for claims may vary based on individual circumstances, Central Mutual Insurance is committed to expeditious claims handling. Customers can generally expect a timely response and efficient resolution, helping minimize any disruptions caused by unexpected events.

Customer Feedback on Claim Resolutions and Payouts

Central Mutual Insurance values customer feedback and continuously strives to provide fair and satisfactory claim resolutions and payouts. While their reputation is continually evolving, the insurer is dedicated to addressing customer needs promptly and improving their claims process based on valuable feedback.

Digital and Technological Features by Central Mutual Insurance Company

Mobile App Features and Functionality

Central Mutual Insurance enhances the customer experience with a comprehensive mobile app equipped with an array of features and functionalities. The app provides easy access to policy information, streamlined claims reporting, and efficient account management. Central Mutual Insurance ensures that policyholders can seamlessly interact with the company while on the go.

Online Account Management Capabilities

Central Mutual Insurance’s online account management platform empowers policyholders to take control of their insurance policies. Through a secure online portal, customers can review policy details, update personal information, make premium payments, and monitor claims status. These online capabilities simplify access to crucial information and contribute to a seamless insurance experience.

Digital Tools and Resources

In addition to their mobile app and online account management, Central Mutual Insurance offers a range of digital tools and resources.

These resources may include educational materials, cost calculators, and safety tips, ensuring that policyholders have access to valuable information when making insurance-related decisions. Central Mutual Insurance’s commitment to utilizing technology enhances customer engagement and support.

Are the ratings and consumer reviews positive?

Central Insurance Companies has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), with only 9 complaints from insurance consumers on file in the past three years. Only two complaints were filed in the past 12 months.

We found only 4 reviews on Yelp, for an overall 2.5-star rating. The complaints are split between billing issues and claims, but all four cite slow response time and lack of helpful customer service.

Overall, there are very few reviews of this company out there, and not a large enough complaint volume to raise any major red flags.

The Bottom Line

Central Mutual offers some very good personal insurance policies, with the option for a lot of bells and whistles as well as a more basic, budget plan. Without any rates, we can’t say just how much value is really offered with these policies, but we don’t see anything in the complaint volume that leads us to be worried about the customer service side. If you want the personal service of an agent and seek value over the lowest price, they might be worth a look.

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