Is Bristol West Good for Auto Insurance?

Last Updated on February 22, 2021

Bristol West is an auto insurance company that is part of the larger Farmers Insurance group. They provide insurance to customers in 42 states, and they specialize in insurance policies for high-risk drivers. Bristol West was previously known as Foremost Insurance. If you’re shopping for car insurance, you may be wondering if Bristol West can offer the insurance coverage you need. Here’s what you need to know about Bristol West and its car insurance offerings.

What Type of Coverage Does Bristol West Offer?

Bristol West offers the standard types of car insurance coverage that you would expect from a reputable brand. They offer the required liability coverage for the 42 states that they insure, as well as comprehensive, collision, medical payments, and more. They also offer towing and roadside assistance services to help you should you get stuck on the road. These coverage options can be combined to give you the amount of financial protection you are looking for. Bristol West also offers a few unique coverage options that differentiate it from its competitors. Here are some of the coverage options that Bristol West specializes in.

• SR-22 coverage: This is coverage for people who are required to carry an SR-22 form, which legally proves that they are carrying a certain amount of car insurance coverage. In many states, you are required to have an SR-22 form if you have had a DUI or if you have been found at fault in several car accidents. However, many car insurance companies won’t provide coverage for people who require SR-22s. This is because these drivers are statistically far more likely to get into an accident than those who don’t have to carry an SR-22. Bristol West actually specializes in providing reasonably priced policies to those who require SR-22s, making it a good choice for high-risk drivers.
• Rideshare coverage: Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are a very popular way to get around, particularly in big cities. Many drivers are joining these rideshare services as a way to earn some extra cash. However, not many companies offer car insurance specifically for rideshare drivers. Bristol West’s rideshare policies give you extra coverage on top of the basic insurance that rideshare companies provide for their drivers. Getting in an accident as a rideshare driver can be very costly, so it’s important to have the appropriate level of insurance for the situation.
• Gap coverage: This can protect you against a financial loss if your leased car is totaled. Say you owe $10,000 on your car lease when your vehicle is hit, rendering it unusable. Your car is no longer worth anything, but you still owe $10,000 on it. Bristol West’s gap insurance covers that difference (less your deductible).
• Non-owner coverage. If you don’t have your own car but frequently drive rentals or friends’ cars, non-owner car insurance can give you the coverage you need. You’ll get basic liability coverage at an affordable price without having to have your own car.

What Sort of Discounts Does Bristol West Offer?

Bristol West offers fairly standard discounts to their customers to help them save money on their car insurance. You can earn discounts for insuring more than one car with Bristol West, by paying your entire premium in full instead of making monthly payments, and by making your payments online. If you’ve been with another insurer for more than six months and you switch to Bristol West, they will give you a discount just for moving companies. You can also get discounts for driving safely and by avoiding traffic tickets, or even just for being a homeowner. Car insurance companies like Bristol West want to reward drivers who are less likely to get in accidents and more likely to make on-time payments. When signing up for a car insurance policy, be sure to ask for a full list of discounts to ensure you aren’t missing out on any potential savings.

Is Bristol West a Reputable Company?

Bristol West is part of Farmers, which is a very reliable insurance group. You can feel confident in the company’s ability to pay out any claims you might file. However, Bristol West gets a very high number of complaints when compared with other insurance companies. Many people complain about the company’s website and mobile app – there isn’t any way to file claims digitally, and you need to work with an independent agent just to get your policy set up.

How Affordable Is Bristol West?

Bristol West is not the most affordable company on the market, but it is not outrageously expensive either. When compared with other car insurance companies, they offer higher than average rates for most people. However, young and inexperienced drivers that might typically struggle to find good car insurance can find relatively affordable policies with Bristol West. Bristol West is also one of the only companies that offers reliable insurance for customers who require SR-22 forms.

Is Bristol West Right for Me?

If you’re considered a high-risk driver and you’re struggling to find car insurance, Bristol West may be a good option for you. While their rates aren’t the cheapest, they do offer reliable coverage for people who are considered high-risk. It also can be a very good option for rideshare drivers. However, if you like to make payments, file claims, and manage your car insurance policy online, Bristol West may not be the right fit for you. Most aspects of your policy will need to be managed through an insurance agent with Bristol West, which can be inconvenient.