American Family KnowYourDrive Review: Pros, Cons, & Alternatives (2024)

Offset rising car insurance rates by taking advantage of technology: Usage-based car insurance can help you lower your rate. American Family's program, KnowYourDrive, can provide a discount ranging from 2% to 20%. Our American Family KnowYourDrive review notes requirements, availability, and potential drawbacks.

UPDATED: Jun 17, 2024Fact Checked

Michael Leotta

Insurance Operations Specialist

Michael earned a degree in Business Management degree with an insurance focus, which led to a successful 25-year career in insurance claims operations and support. He possesses a high-level of business acumen across multiple areas of the insurance industry. Over the course of his career, he served in multiple roles supporting claims operations including: Claims Specialist, Claims Trainer, Claim Au...

Insurance Operations Specialist

Tracey L. Wells

Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner

Tracey L. Wells is a licensed insurance agent and Farmers insurance agency owner with 23 years of experience. He is proud to be a local Farmers agent serving Grayson, Georgia and surrounding areas. With experience as both an underwriter and agent, he provides his customers with insight that others agents may not have. His agency offers all lines of insurance including home, life, auto, RV, busi...

Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner

UPDATED: Jun 17, 2024

Advertiser Disclosure

It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.

Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single insurance company.

Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.

Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.

UPDATED: Jun 17, 2024

Advertiser Disclosure

It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.

Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single insurance company.

Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.

UPDATED: Jun 17, 2024Fact Checked
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American Family Insurance

Average monthly rate for good drivers:

$154

A.M. Best rating:

A (Excellent)

Complaint level:

Low

Pros

  • Potential for discounts based on safe driving habits.
  • Convenient ways to file claims, including online, over the phone, and through mobile apps.
  • Emphasis on swift claims processing time.
  • Positive customer feedback on claim resolutions and payouts.
  • Range of digital tools and resources for informed decision-making.

Cons

  • Privacy concerns associated with data collection for rate adjustments.
  • Lack of specific details on potential savings and average annual rates in the article.
  • Potential variations in discount percentages based on individual driving habits.
  • The need for transparency regarding data collection in certain states.

The American Family Know Your Drive car insurance discount is a great way to save money on your premium while improving your driving skills. By enrolling in the Know Your Drive program, you can receive a personalized discount based on your driving behavior.

The American Family KnowYourDrive usage-based insurance program can save you an initial 10% on your rates for signing up, but there’s potential to save up to 20% on your monthly rates, depending on how safely you drive.

Plus, American Family Insurance offers several other discounts that can help you save even more on your car insurance premiums. To help you decide if American Family insurance is the right insurance provider for you, we have an American Family auto insurance review you can read.

Before you leave our American Family KnowYourDrive review, take a minute to enter your ZIP code in our free comparison tool to get a free quote from an insurance company in your area today.

What You Should Know About American Family Insurance

Welcome to our comprehensive article on American Family KnowYourDrive, a usage-based insurance program designed to help you save on your car insurance rates.

In this article, we will delve into the key topics surrounding American Family KnowYourDrive, including how it works, the potential savings it offers, the requirements to participate, and the benefits you can enjoy.

We will also address any potential drawbacks and provide insights into the availability of KnowYourDrive in different states.

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What American Family KnowYourDrive Is and How It Works

KnowYourDrive is the usage-based insurance program offered by American Family. Similar to Allstate Drivewise, Liberty Mutual’s Right Track, Esurance’s DriveSense, and others, KnowYourDrive is a way to save on your rates by qualifying for discounts that are determined by your driving habits.

The program Know Your Drive from American Family tracks various information to determine how safely you drive and provide you with American Family car insurance discounts accordingly. (However, poor driving should not mean higher rates, according to the company.)

If you want to give KnowYourDrive a shot, all you need to do is download the free app and sign up. Once it’s active, KnowYourDrive will track your:

  • Driving speed
  • Braking habits
  • Driving times
  • Driving duration
  • Distracted driving (not included in your discount calculation)

Here’s a Know Your Drive review of how to set up the app for iPhone:

And for Android:

Keep reading for potential savings and other pros and cons.

KnowYourDrive Eligibility

To be eligible for the American Family Know Your Drive discount, you must meet the following criteria:

  • You must be an American Family Insurance customer
  • You must have a qualifying vehicle that is compatible with the American Family app
  • You must download and enroll in the Know Your Drive program through the app

The app is compatible with both Android and Apple devices, and it’s free to download.

American Family Insurance Coverage Options

The specific coverage options offered by American Family Insurance can vary depending on the state and individual policy. However, here are some common coverage options that are often available through American Family Insurance:

  • Liability Coverage: Bodily Injury Liability which covers medical expenses for injuries to others in an at-fault accident and Property Damage Liability which covers damage to someone else’s property in an at-fault accident.
  • Collision Coverage: Pays for damage to your vehicle in case of a collision with another vehicle or object.
  • Comprehensive Coverage: Covers non-collision events such as theft, vandalism, natural disasters, and other incidents.
  • Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Protects you if you’re in an accident with a driver who has insufficient or no insurance.
  • Medical Payments Coverage: Covers medical expenses for you and your passengers regardless of fault in an accident.
  • Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Similar to medical payments coverage, PIP may cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other expenses resulting from an accident.
  • Rental Reimbursement Coverage: Pays for the cost of a rental car if your vehicle is in the shop for covered repairs.
  • Roadside Assistance: Provides assistance for common roadside issues, such as towing, flat tire changes, and lockouts.
  • Accident Forgiveness: Some policies offer forgiveness for an at-fault accident, preventing a rate increase.
  • Gap Insurance: Covers the difference between the actual cash value of your vehicle and the amount you owe on your loan or lease in the event of a total loss.

It’s important for individuals to consult with an American Family Insurance agent to discuss their specific needs and tailor coverage options accordingly. Additionally, coverage options may be subject to state regulations, so availability can vary.

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American Family Insurance Rates Breakdown

These are the general breakdown of factors that commonly influence auto insurance rates, and these are considerations that would be taken into account for American Family auto insurance quotes:

  • Personal Information: Age, Historically, rates may vary between male and female drivers; and Marital Status.
  • Driving History: Accident History and Traffic violations can impact insurance rates negatively.
  • Vehicle Information: The type of car can affect insurance costs and Year of Manufacture.
  • Coverage Options: The extent and types of coverage selected influence overall costs and Higher deductibles may result in lower premiums.
  • Location: Geographic location, including ZIP code, affects rates due to local risk factors.
  • Credit History: In some states, credit history may be considered when determining rates.
  • Discounts: Eligibility for discounts, such as safe driver discounts or bundling with other policies.
  • Usage: Annual mileage and whether the vehicle is used for commuting impact rates.
  • Insurance Score: An insurance score, based on credit and other factors, may influence rates.

It’s crucial for individuals seeking insurance coverage to directly contact American Family Insurance or their local agent to obtain accurate and personalized rate quotes. Insurers often provide online tools or agents who can assist in understanding how specific factors may affect individual rates.

Read more: How does the insurance company determine my premium?

American Family Insurance Discounts Available

If you want to avail the American Family KnowYourDrive car insurance discount, you probably won’t find American Family car insurance quotes or discount rates published on the internet.

Why? Because quotes and rates are based on individual driving habits. After the initial 10% discount for signing up for KnowYourDrive, you can save up to 20% on your monthly rates if you drive carefully. The best way to ensure you’re getting a good discount is to:

  • Follow all posted speed limits and avoid quick accelerations or hard braking
  • Avoid driving after dark whenever possible
  • Decrease the amount of time you spend on the road

Another benefit to KnowYourDrive is that you may qualify for free enrollment in American Family’s Travel Peace of Mind when you sign up, which provides you with free roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, and other benefits. Speak to your insurance agent to find out more.

Participating in KnowYourDrive could also help you quality for other discounts, like the claims-free discount. You may be eligible for that since the program can help you drive safer and avoid accidents.

Daniel Walker Licensed Insurance Agent

So what are the cons associated with KnowYourDrive? Like most telematics-based insurance programs, privacy concerns are associated with the data collection necessary to adjust rates.

The Insurance Information Institute reports that these concerns have resulted in some states enacting laws requiring companies to specifically indicate what data is being collected, how it’s used, and more.

The American Family Insurance KnowYourDrive Claims Advantage

Ease of Filing a Claim (Online, Over the Phone, Mobile Apps)

American Family Insurance offers multiple convenient ways for policyholders to file a claim. Whether you prefer the ease of online submission, a quick phone call, or utilizing their mobile app, they’ve got you covered. The flexibility in claim reporting ensures that customers can choose the method that suits them best, making the claims process hassle-free.

Average Claim Processing Time

One crucial aspect of any insurance provider is the speed at which they process claims. American Family Insurance understands the importance of a swift response during difficult times. While the exact processing time may vary depending on the nature of the claim, they aim to streamline the process to provide customers with timely resolutions and support when they need it most.

Read more: How can I track the progress of my car insurance claim with American Family Insurance?

Customer Feedback on Claim Resolutions and Payouts

Customer feedback is a valuable indicator of an insurance company’s reliability. American Family Insurance strives to maintain high standards when it comes to claim resolutions and payouts. Customer reviews and testimonials often highlight their commitment to ensuring that policyholders receive fair and satisfactory settlements.

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Elevate Your Coverage With American Family Insurance KnowYourDrive Technology

Mobile App Features and Functionality

American Family Insurance’s mobile app offers a range of features and functionalities designed to enhance the policyholder experience. From easy access to policy information to tracking the KnowYourDrive program, the app empowers customers with the tools they need to manage their insurance conveniently and efficiently while on the go.

Online Account Management Capabilities

The insurer’s online account management capabilities provide policyholders with a user-friendly platform to access and update their insurance information. Whether you need to view policy documents, make payments, or track your driving behavior through KnowYourDrive, the online portal ensures that managing your insurance account is a seamless process.

Digital Tools and Resources

American Family Insurance provides a suite of digital tools and resources to help policyholders make informed decisions about their coverage. These resources include educational materials, calculators, and interactive features that assist customers in understanding their insurance options and maximizing the benefits of their policies.

This commitment to digital empowerment reflects their dedication to customer satisfaction in the modern age.

How American Family Insurance Ranks Among Providers

How does American Family KnowYourDrive and American Family in general fare in the insurance industry? American Family insurance reviews find the company is a solid choice for consumers.

  • Financial Strength: American Family’s A (Excellent) rating from A.M. Best should give consumers a boost of confidence, especially in light of A.M. Best recently downgrading some of the ratings of American Family’s competitors. American Family also had its Standard and Poor’s (S&P) rating recently upgraded from negative to stable, thanks to its improvement in capital adequacy. The company also has an Aa3 from Moody’s and an A- from the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
  • Customer Satisfaction: While J.D. Power finds American Family about average — but better than most in the Northwest sector — Consumer Reports results for various aspects of the company are either excellent or very good. And as far as American Family complaints, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) found a low complaint level.

American Family also fares well regarding KnowYourDrive.

KnowYourDrive is USInsuranceAgent.com’s runner-up for best car insurance for UBI/pay-per-mile, topped by Progressive, with USAA following those two companies.

Dani Best Licensed Insurance Producer

Read more: Best Car Insurance for UBI/Pay-Per-Mile

Here’s an overview of the telematics programs created by the most well-known companies for car insurance.

Usage-Based Insurance Programs by Top Providers
CompanyDiscountRequirements
Allstate DrivewiseUp to 30%- Limited sharp changes in speed
- Drive during peak hours
- Don't use your phone while driving
American Family KnowYourDriveDependent on driver- Must drive at least 50 trips during policy
DriveSense by EsuranceDependent on driver- Must drive at least 50 trips during policy
Farmers SignalUp to 10% when signing up, and up to 40% after that- Keep miles low
- Drive during peak hours
- Avoid sharp speed changes
Geico DriveEasyUp to 20% for signing up only- All drivers signed up on policy
- Don't use your phone while driving
- Avoid sharp changes in speed
Liberty Mutual RightTrackUp to 35%- Drive during peak times
- All drivers on policy must be signed up
- Avoid sharp changes in speed
Nationwide SmartRide10% when signing up, and up to 40% after that- Keep miles low
- Drive during peak hours
- Avoid sharp speed changes
Progressive SnapshotDependent on driver- Must drive at least 50 trips during policy creation
Safeco RightTrackUp to 35%- Drive during peak times
- All drivers on policy must be signed up
- Avoid sharp changes in speed
State Farm Drive Safe & SaveUp to 30%- Limited sharp changes in speed
- Drive during peak hours
- Don't use your phone while driving
Travellers IntelliDriveDependent on driver- Must drive at least 50 trips during policy creation
TrueLane by The HartfordDependent on driver- Must drive at least 50 trips during policy creation
USAA SafePilotUp to 30%- Limited sharp changes in speed
- Drive during peak hours
- Don't use your phone while driving

Compare RatesStart Now →

Read more: Allstate Drivewise vs. American Family KnowYourDrive: Which Service Is the Best

American Family KnowYourDrive: The Bottom Line

The American Family KnowYourDrive usage-based insurance program can save you an initial 10% on your rates for signing up, but there’s potential to save up to 20% on your monthly rates, depending on how safely you drive.

To help you decide if American Family insurance is the right insurance provider for you, we have an American Family auto insurance review you can read.

Before you leave our American Family KnowYourDrive review, take a minute to enter your ZIP code in our free comparison tool to get a free quote from an insurance company in your area today.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is American Family KnowYourDrive?

American Family KnowYourDrive is a usage-based insurance program offered by American Family Insurance that uses telematics technology to track your driving behavior and offer discounts based on your safe driving habits.

How does American Family KnowYourDrive work?

American Family KnowYourDrive uses a mobile app or a device installed in your car to track your driving behavior, such as speed, braking, and acceleration. The program then uses this data to calculate a discount on your auto insurance premium.

Is my personal driving data secure in the Know Your Drive program?

Yes, American Family takes the security and privacy of your driving data very seriously. The data collected by the Know Your Drive device is encrypted and transmitted securely to American Family’s servers. The company uses the data solely to calculate your discount and does not share it with any third parties.

What are the benefits of using American Family KnowYourDrive?

Our American Family insurance review found that the benefits of using American Family KnowYourDrive include potential discounts on your auto insurance premium, the ability to improve your driving habits, and access to personalized feedback on your driving behavior.

What are the requirements to participate in American Family KnowYourDrive?

American Family car insurance reviews note that to participate in American Family KnowYourDrive, you must have an active auto insurance policy with American Family Insurance and use the American Family Insurance app or device to track your driving behavior.

Is the American Family app easy to use?

Yes, our Know Your Drive app review found that the app is user-friendly and easy to navigate. You can enroll in the Know Your Drive program and track your driving behavior in just a few simple steps.

Is American Family KnowYourDrive available in all states?

American Family KnowYourDrive is currently available in 19 states, including Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin.

What are the potential drawbacks of using American Family KnowYourDrive?

The potential drawbacks of using American Family KnowYourDrive include privacy concerns related to the collection and use of personal driving data, limitations on the discount available, and potential technical issues with the mobile app or device.

Does KnowYourDrive drain battery?

American Family Know Your Drive reviews did reveal the American Family Know Your Drive does not specifically drain your battery as it runs in the background, but it can while you drive since usage increases. That translates to significant use of your battery when you go on a long trip.

Is the Know Your Drive program mandatory for American Family policyholders?

No, participation in the Know Your Drive program is completely optional. American Family policyholders can choose whether or not to participate in the program and earn the associated discount.

Esurance vs. American Family: Which is better?

When it comes to usage-based programs, our article Cheapest Car Insurance for 20-Year-Old Drivers notes in the American Family review that the AmFam Know Your Drive tops the Esurance DriveSense program by having a lower rate and a higher low-mileage discount.

You can also learn more in our article, Esurance Insurance Review & Ratings.

Can I opt out of American Family KnowYourDrive at any time?

Yes, you can opt out of American Family KnowYourDrive at any time by contacting your local agent or customer service.

If you want to look for a new car insurance provider, get multiple quotes from top-rated companies by entering your ZIP code into our free online quote tool.

Does drive safe track you?

Yes, as with other car insurance telematics programs, such as the Know Your Drive app, State Farm’s Drive Safe & Save app tracks your driving habits. It also tracks unsafe driving behaviors, such as picking up your phone when you’re behind the wheel.

What are American Family renters insurance reviews?

Our American Family renters insurance review found the company is a frontrunner for its comprehensive standard coverage, flexibility of add-ons, and exceptional customer service.

Read more:

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Michael Leotta

Insurance Operations Specialist

Michael earned a degree in Business Management degree with an insurance focus, which led to a successful 25-year career in insurance claims operations and support. He possesses a high-level of business acumen across multiple areas of the insurance industry. Over the course of his career, he served in multiple roles supporting claims operations including: Claims Specialist, Claims Trainer, Claim Au...

Insurance Operations Specialist

Tracey L. Wells

Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner

Tracey L. Wells is a licensed insurance agent and Farmers insurance agency owner with 23 years of experience. He is proud to be a local Farmers agent serving Grayson, Georgia and surrounding areas. With experience as both an underwriter and agent, he provides his customers with insight that others agents may not have. His agency offers all lines of insurance including home, life, auto, RV, busi...

Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner

Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.

Reviews
for American Family Insurance

4.04 (2,180 reviews)
5
September 6, 2022

TammyNelson

Great auto insurance for Costco Members through Connect

I like working direct with insurance companies for simple coverage like auto insurance. They make it easy. They're professional and knowledgeable and fast. Great discounts for Costco members too.
5
January 15, 2021

Doggy

Awesome

Awesome, highly recommend using this company. Best I’ve ever dealt with thus far, great costumer service
4
January 14, 2021

flip2score7

am fam review

for the most part, there have been no issues in the years I have been on their insurance with family and then subsequently purchasing my own with them. however, they are sometimes slow to send things out.
2
October 15, 2020

timtone

Unexpected charges

They charged me a fee to use my card instead of a check what is this 1965? I left for a more 2020 provider esurance!
5
October 15, 2020

ely135

American Family tops any other insurance company

This insurance company really goes the extra mile. They are always willing to walk you through anything you need help with and explain things you may not quite understand. They even have check-ins every 6 months or so to make sure your policy is still suited for your current needs and that you aren't missing out on any applicable discounts. Moreover, American Family offers an incredible amount of discounts. I would be shocked if any individuals a...
This insurance company really goes the extra mile. They are always willing to walk you through anything you need help with and explain things you may not quite understand. They even have check-ins every 6 months or so to make sure your policy is still suited for your current needs and that you aren't missing out on any applicable discounts. Moreover, American Family offers an incredible amount of discounts. I would be shocked if any individuals actually received a quote that did not have at least one discount on it! When a company has amazing customer service and really cares about saving you money, it's hard to believe that the coverage you are provided could really be anything other than terrible. American Family strives to leave you flabbergasted. My auto insurance is everything I want/need, and I'm paying a premium that is $200 below what any and all other companies quoted me!
5
October 12, 2020

snoopyhugs18

When a 90-minute Meeting Saved Us $596!

Because we have our Condo Insurance with American Family, our local agent reached out to my husband and me to review that policy at the time of its annual renewal. I appreciated the ability to do this--in person (with proper precautions taken) even in spite of COVID-19. During this meeting, we requested an Auto Insurance quote, and we were thrilled to discover that American Family could save us approx. $596 annually for identical coverage if we s...
Because we have our Condo Insurance with American Family, our local agent reached out to my husband and me to review that policy at the time of its annual renewal. I appreciated the ability to do this--in person (with proper precautions taken) even in spite of COVID-19. During this meeting, we requested an Auto Insurance quote, and we were thrilled to discover that American Family could save us approx. $596 annually for identical coverage if we switched from our former insurer! The new policy was underwritten and ready for us to sign in less than 24 hours. American Family's online tools are easy and efficient to use, yet they look and feel secure. After a 6-year break from American Family because there was no local agent where we previously lived, I am so glad to be back!
5
October 2, 2020

DomMar35

Boss

American Family Insurance is an amazing company that acts quickly on claims and works to ensure customer satisfaction
5
October 2, 2020

ruthjahncoz

a bright point in a dark time

We were in a bad car crash. The other car was at fault, but we had car replacement coverage. We had the money to buy a new to us car in less than three weeks. We covered our new to us car with them. We had to talk to several departments during this time and everyone was helpful.
5
June 12, 2020

LillyM

Young but excited about Insurance!

I think they are good so far, I can't wait to get the decrease in insurance payment at the age of 25. Just 6 more years to go!
5
May 5, 2020

KatieM

My AMFAM experience

Good service always! very friendly, easy to work with, available to anser all my quesitions, very profesional .
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