Editors’ take: Wawanesa auto insurance could be a suitable choice for California residents looking for a top-rated insurance company with standard coverage options. Wawanesa has been ranked atop J.D. Power’s auto insurance customer satisfaction rankings for two consecutive years in California.
Wawanesa auto insurance at a glance
| Availability | Available in California (current and new customers) and Oregon (current customers only) |
| J.D. Power customer satisfaction ratings | Top marks in California |
| Complaint ratio in 2023 | Higher than industry average |
| How to get an insurance quote | Online |
| How to submit a claim | Online or by phone |
Pros
- Highest-rated auto insurer for customer satisfaction in California by J.D. Power
- Offers discounts on insurance premiums
Cons
- Only available in California
- Higher-than-average complaint ratio
- No mobile app
What you need to know about Wawanesa auto insurance
Wawanesa Insurance offers new auto insurance coverage plans in California. The insurer is not offering coverage in Oregon but can help those with an existing auto policy. This can be frustrating for new potential customers. If you’re considering Wawanesa for your auto insurance needs, here are a few key factors you should be aware of.
Top-rated auto insurer for customer satisfaction in California
J.D. Power named Wawanesa as the top-rated auto insurer for customer satisfaction in California — with a score of 853 out of 1,000 in its 2021 U.S. Auto Insurance Study. This was the second consecutive year Wawanesa topped this list in California.
Above-average ratio of consumer complaints
Despite ranking as the highest auto insurance provider in California in J.D. Power’s study for customer satisfaction, the insurer has an above-average complaint ratio based on National Association of Insurance Commissioners data for auto insurance.
Limited availability
Despite being licensed to write business in California and Oregon, website disclaimers state Wawanesa is not currently offering policies to new drivers in Oregon.
Quote process
Photos of the vehicle’s odometer, registration, vehicle identification number and exterior are required for all vehicles on the policy.
Auto coverage offered by Wawanesa
Wawanesa offers relatively standard auto insurance options and some optional add-ins for customers in California.
Coverage includes …
- Bodily injury liability
- Property damage liability
Coverage options include …
- Comprehensive
- Collision
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist property damage
- Personal injury protection
- Auto medical payments
California state law requires drivers to carry insurance. Keep in mind, the minimum liability insurance requirement in the state is …
- $15,000 for the death or injury of any one person in an accident
- $30,000 for the death or injury of more than one person in an accident
- $5,000 for property damage per accident
Auto insurance discounts offered by Wawanesa
Wawanesa offers discounts that may help you save on insurance coverage. Customers in California may be eligible to receive the following discounts:
- Good driver discount — A discount for having a driver’s license for at least three years, no DUIs in the last 10 years, and a maximum of one violation point or at-fault accident in the last three years.
- Multi-car discount — A discount for insuring more than one vehicle
- Loyalty discount — Get a discount after being insured for one full year with the company.
- Multipolicy discount — This discount is available if you have multiple Wawanesa insurance policies.
- Affinity discount — A discount for being a member of a group that Wawanesa partners with.
Common question: How long has Wawanesa Insurance been in business?
Wawanesa Insurance was created in 1896 in Wawanesa, Manitoba, Canada, as a farmer’s mutual insurance carrier. Wawanesa started offering insurance in the United States in California in 1974.
Common question: How do I get in contact with Wawanesa Insurance?
You can reach Wawanesa’s customer service department by calling 1-800-640-2920. New customers can email insure.us@wawanesa.com. Existing customers can email service.us@wawanesa.com. If you need to make a claim, call 1-888-929-2252.
Not sure if Wawanesa auto insurance is right for you? Consider these alternatives.
- Allstate auto insurance: This company offers rewards and discounts for safe drivers.
- Geico auto insurance: This company may provide an affordable rate if your driving record is less than perfect.