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Encompass Insurance Review

Encompass, part of Allstate, offers multiple levels of coverage with customizable add-ons and a wide selection of discounts for drivers in most states.

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Written by:
Dash Lewis , Writer
Written by: Dash Lewis Content Writer
03/22/2024 09:36 PM

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Key Points:

  • Encompass offers both standalone and tiered insurance policies to help you customize and get the most out of your coverage.
  • Encompass policies come with a wide selection of available discounts, particularly for students and safe drivers.
  • Encompass is a subsidiary of Allstate, but reviews for Encompass claims service are mixed.

We can help you decide whether an auto insurance policy from Encompass Insurance can meet your needs. In this article, we look into factors like coverage, the claims process, discounts, and Encompass Insurance reviews so you can make an informed decision about your car insurance policy. You can also read our review of the best auto insurance providers to narrow down the best possible coverage at the best price.

When shopping for car insurance, it’s wise to contact several providers and compare quotes. To get started, use the tool above to see free, personalized quotes from top recommended providers available in your area.

Encompass Insurance
Review: Overall Rating

4.1

The Bottom Line

Encompass has a strong industry reputation and a wide selection of policy add-ons.
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Encompass Car Insurance Reviews

Encompass, part of Allstate Insurance, offers several levels of insurance coverage with a considerable list of optional policy additions. The company has an outstanding industry reputation, but lacks online claims service and isn’t available for all drivers. See the benefits and drawbacks of working with Encompass below.

Pros And Cons Of Encompass Insurance

Pros Tiered coverage levels with a wide range of policy add-ons Easy online quotes process Excellent financial strength rating from AM Best
Cons Customers can’t file a claim online Not available in all 50 states

Encompass Auto Insurance Rating

Encompass earned an overall rating of 4.1 out of a possible 5.0 stars from our review team. This score reflects the company’s strong industry reputation. However, the company has a low score in our service review category due to poor customer reviews online. See how Encompass fared in each of our categories below: 

Rating FactorRating (Out of 5.0)
Cost4.1
Coverage4.0
Reliability4.3
Availability4.8
Service3.7
Overall Rating4.1

*Ratings are determined by our editorial review team. Learn more about our scoring methodology below.


Encompass Insurance Overview

State availability: 40 states and Washington, D.C. 
Founded in: 1897
Coverage policies: Home, Auto

Since 1999, Encompass Insurance has been a subsidiary of the Illinois-based Allstate Insurance Company. Encompass offers standalone home and auto insurance, as well as personal umbrella protection, lifestyle endorsement, home business insurance, motorcycle insurance, RV insurance, boat and watercraft insurance, and identity theft protection. According to its website, Encompass doesn’t provide coverage in the following states: 


Encompass Auto Insurance Coverage

If you’re looking for car insurance through Encompass, you have several options. First, you need to decide if you want a standalone auto policy, or if you want a comprehensive package that combines policies, called EncompassOne. 

Encompass Insurance Standalone Auto Policies

A standalone auto insurance policy is just that–an auto insurance policy. But even when just looking at one type of insurance product, you have choices. When buying your auto insurance policy from Encompass, you can choose from three coverage tiers–Special, Deluxe, and Elite, with Elite offering the most comprehensive coverage.

Let’s take a closer look at each of the standard types of car insurance:

CoverageDetails
Liability Insurance (BI/PD)Liability insurance can be broken down into bodily injury liability (BI) and property damage liability (PD). In an at-fault accident, liability insurance will cover the repair costs for the other driver’s car, their cost of medical treatment, and legal fees if needed.
Collision InsuranceCollision insurance covers the cost of any damages or injuries to you or your vehicle in the case you collide with another car or object, such as a telephone pole or guard rail. Generally, collision also protects against rollovers and similar accidents.
Comprehensive InsuranceComprehensive insurance covers damages that may have been caused to your car by something other than a collision, such as theft, vandalism, natural disasters, or civil disturbances.
Medical Payments Insurance (MedPay)Medical payment insurance covers the costs of vehicle-related medical treatments for both yourself and your passengers, regardless of whether you or another driver was at fault in an accident. This type of insurance isn’t available in all states.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)While MedPay only covers the cost of medical treatment, PIP pays for medical treatment as well as other injury-related losses, such as lost wages due to the inability to work while recovering from the accident.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Insurance (UM/UIM)Uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance protects you in the case that you get into an accident with a motorist who doesn’t have sufficient insurance and can’t cover your expenses.

In addition to standard auto insurance coverage options, you can also add the below optional coverages to further customize your policy. Some coverages are only available in the higher levels and/or in certain states.

  • Accident forgiveness insurance: This coverage, available with the Elite tier, protects you from premium increases because of an accident. It applies to multiple at-fault accidents–not just the first one. 
  • New car replacement: If your new car (four model years old or newer) is totaled in a covered loss, Encompass will pay to replace it with a new car of the same or similar make and model, minus your deductible.
  • Loan/lease gap coverage: If you have comprehensive and collision coverage on your Encompass Insurance policy, you can buy loan/lease gap insurance to bridge your auto loan and your car’s value.
  • Roadside assistance: This coverage provides 24/7 roadside assistance for services like a dead battery or flat tire. It’s included in the Elite package and can be purchased as an add-on for Special and Deluxe. It comes with a roadside assistance app that gives you on-the-go support from your smartphone. You can also access the customer portal through this mobile app.

We like how you can have unlimited accident forgiveness through the Elite auto coverage. The company recommends this upgrade if you’re adding a teen to your policy.

EncompassOne® Policy

Encompass Insurance also offers a comprehensive package called EncompassOne®, which allows you to bundle your auto insurance with other policies under one premium and one deductible.

Similar to the standalone auto insurance plans, the EncompassOne policy also has three levels of coverage and optional add-ons that allow you to personalize your plan to fit your needs. Each EncompassOne plan comes with a homeowners policy and an auto insurance policy. Below are the auto insurance details of each EncompassOne tier: 

CoverageAuto Insurance Details
EncompassOne Elite Insurance policyThe highest level of home and auto insurance coverage offered by the company. Under this policy, in addition to your standard coverages, your auto insurance will include benefits like: Unlimited accident forgiveness

• Safe driving bonus
• High-limit rental car reimbursement
• Trip interruption coverage
• Zero-deductible windshield repairs
• Roadside assistance
• Protection for electronic equipment in the car
• Protection for your company car

New car replacement and gap coverage can be purchased as optional add-ons.
EncompassOne Deluxe Insurance policyThe EncompassOne Deluxe Insurance policy offers high limits of protection for both your home and your vehicle. For auto coverage, it includes: First-time accident forgiveness

• Zero-deductible windshield repairs
• Protection for electronic equipment

You can also add the following to your plan:

• New car replacement
• Rental car reimbursement
• Roadside assistance
• Trip interruption coverage
• Gap coverage
EncompassOne Special Insurance policyThe EncompassOne Special Insurance policy offers customers a way to combine both their auto and home insurance policies for a smooth insurance experience.

Unlike the higher tiers of coverage, the Special policy doesn’t include special auto insurance benefits, though you can purchase new car replacement, roadside assistance, electronic equipment protection, and gap coverage as add-ons.

If more than one item under this policy suffers a covered loss in the same event, only the highest deductible will apply. However, if your policy has a wind/hail, tropical cyclone, or earthquake deductible, you’ll have to pay a deductible per property location. Also, if you buy optional coverages as add-ons along with this policy, there may be other deductibles as well.

EncompassOne policies aren’t available in Florida, Massachusetts, Texas, or North Carolina.


Encompass Auto Insurance Cost

Each car insurance quote is based on a driver’s individual circumstances and several other elements. Depending on the state, factors considered when calculating the cost of an insurance premium may include:

  • Driving record
  • Credit score
  • Years of experience driving
  • Where you live
  • Age
  • Mileage
  • Previous insurance coverage
  • Claims history
  • The gender listed on your driver’s license
  • Your car’s make, model, and year

Discounts With Encompass Insurance

Your payment method, driving habits, payment method, or car’s safety features can qualify you for one or more Encompass discounts on your auto policy. Since the availability and rate of discounts vary by state and are subject to terms and conditions, we recommend talking to an Encompass agent to determine your eligibility.

DiscountsDetails
Encompass Easy Pay®You can get a discount on your premium by using the Encompass Easy Pay plan for automatic payments.
Safe driving bonusSave up to 5% on your premium if none of the covered drivers on your policy have had a chargeable accident in the last 12 months. This is included in the Elite package in some states.
New car discountYou may be eligible for this discount if your car is new and not previously titled.
Future effective dateYou can get a discount on your premium if the policy is issued a week or before the effective date.
Homeowner’s discountIf you own a home, condo, townhome, or mobile home, you may be eligible for a homeowner’s discount.
Good payer discountThis discount is automatically applied every year you don’t receive a cancellation notice for non-payment.
Defensive driver discountDrivers may be eligible for this discount if they complete an approved defensive driving course.
Good student discountThis discount is available for students with a grade point average of 3.0 (“B”) or higher.
Driver training discountThis discount is available for drivers under age 21 who complete a driver’s training course and have several hours of actual driving experience.
Resident student discountThis discount is available for students who reside at a school at least 100 miles from home and don’t have a car at school.
Anti-lock brake discountThis discount is available for vehicles with factory-installed two or four-wheel anti-lock braking systems.
Anti-theft device discountYou can get a discount on comprehensive coverage if you have anti-theft devices in your vehicle.
Passive restraint system discountYou can get a discount on medical/personal injury protection coverage if your car has airbags or motorized automatic belt restraint systems.

How Do Encompass Insurance Quotes And Claims Work?

The Encompass website features an online quote tool. It also hosts a MyEncompass portal for existing customers to view policy information, pay bills, or retrieve insurance ID cards.

For the online quote tool, you submit your location information, and get connected with your nearest Encompass independent agent. That insurance agent will contact you to discuss your needs and provide you with a quote. You can also get free quotes from insurers in your area below.

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Encompass auto claims must be filed over the phone. To report a claim, call Encompass and provide your policy number. An Encompass Insurance claims specialist will then contact you by the end of the next business day to gather information about the claim. Once the claims adjuster gives you an initial estimate, you can contact your repair shop to schedule your repairs.

Encompass has a downloadable Accident Fact Kit that makes it easy to understand what information you need while filing a claim. It also has a virtual estimating service called MyClaimsPics to simplify the claims process. If you’re eligible, you can take photos of your damaged vehicle with your smartphone, then submit them to receive an initial estimate, usually within 48 hours.


Encompass Insurance Reviews And Ratings

To get a better idea of how Encompass operates, we also looked into the company’s online reputation, reviews, and customer service records. In general, Encompass appears to offer good customer service and has a low level of customer complaints for a provider its size.

Encompass Insurance Company has an A+ Superior rating from AM Best, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) page for its headquarters in Northbrook, Illinois has an A+ rating.

This BBB page’s almost 600 customer reviews only mention National General, which is another Allstate-owned company, and not Encompass. However, there’s a BBB page for another Encompass agency, located in Sacramento, California, with a rating of B-. It has one customer complaint for Encompass and no reviews. The Encompass customer complaint cites a lack of communication. 

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) calculates a complaint index score based on the number of customer complaints a provider receives relative to its market share. The average score is 1.0. For its private passenger department, Encompass has a national complaint index of 2.95, meaning it receives almost 3 times more complaints about its auto insurance products than other companies its size. 

We also found Encompass Insurance reviews on the company’s website, and these indicate a high level of customer satisfaction. In these reviews, policyholders praise Encompass for its prompt, empathetic, and professional customer service. They also mention efficient claims processes. 


Encompass Insurance: Our Take

Overall, Encompass appears to be a reasonable option for your auto insurance if you live in the serviced areas and don’t mind the lack of online claim filing. The tiered coverage levels, potential to bundle home and auto coverage, online account management, and wide range of policy add-ons and discounts are all things that work in its favor. Also, it’s a subsidiary of Allstate, which is one of the largest car insurance companies in the country, which indicates financial strength.

However, if you live in one of the states not serviced by Encompass or would like to explore more options before you make the all-important decision of buying car insurance, we recommend you read our recent review of the top auto insurance companies.

Other Recommended Car Insurance Providers

While Encompass is a good choice for some drivers, we recommend comparing quotes to make sure you’re getting the right coverage at the best price. Below are some insurers that we’ve identified as the best car insurance providers based on extensive research of over 60 companies.

Geico: Best For Basic Coverage

Geico is one of the most well-known and reputable insurance providers in the country. When researching insurance providers, our team liked Geico for the company’s wide selection of coverage options, including some unique coverages such as mechanical breakdown insurance. Geico also offers a wide selection of other insurance coverages, including homeowners insurance, renters insurance, and life insurance. 

Read more in our Geico auto insurance review.

Progressive: Best For Usage-Based Insurance

Progressive offers excellent usage-based coverage that helps drivers lower their car insurance rates. It’s also a solid choice for high-risk drivers. Progressive’s rates for drivers with a recent at-fault accident, speeding ticket, or DUI tend to be lower than most other providers. 

Read more in our Progressive auto insurance review.
Compare the two providers in our Geico vs. Progressive review.


Encompass Insurance Review: FAQ

Below are commonly asked questions about Encompass Insurance: 

Is Encompass the same as Allstate?

Encompass isn’t the same as Allstate. It’s a subsidiary of Allstate Insurance, but it offers its own set of coverages and insurance products

Is Encompass a good insurance company?

Encompass is a good insurance company. Our review team rated it 4.1 out of 5.0 stars for its cost, coverage, reliability, availability, and customer service. 

What insurance company owns Encompass?

Allstate Insurance owns Encompass. 

What is Encompass Insurance’s AM Best rating?

Encompass Insurance has a rating of A+, or Superior, from AM Best. 

What are the pros and cons of Encompass Insurance?

Here are some pros and cons of Encompass Insurance, according to our review team: 

Pros Tiered coverage levels with a wide range of policy add-ons Easy online quotes process Excellent financial strength rating from AM Best
Cons Customers can’t file a claim online Not available in all 50 states

How We Rated Encompass Insurance:

Our review team extensively researches auto insurance providers to deliver informed and unbiased assessments of leading companies. We evaluate several key rating factors that are important to consumers to determine which providers are the best in the industry:

  • Reliability: It’s important that an auto insurer is able to meet its claims obligations. Companies with a strong financial strength rating from AM Best score best in this category. Established insurers with a long history of reliable service also receive positive marks.
  • Availability: Insurance companies that offer wider availability to consumers in terms of state availability and few eligibility requirements are more likely to meet consumer needs.
  • Coverage: To determine our coverage score, we look at the number of coverage options available as well as coverage limits and deductible options. Our ratings also take into account additional services and benefits like roadside assistance.
  • Pricing: Cost can be difficult to compare between insurers because so many factors impact annual premiums. The cheapest insurer for one driver may not be the cheapest for another. To determine our cost score, we look at insurance rate estimates generated by Quadrant Information Services, discount opportunities, and consumer reports.
  • Service: We comb through customer reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn about customer experiences. Insurers with a low volume of complaints score well in this area. We also consider the claims process, giving higher ratings to car insurance providers that offer a smooth experience.
  • Technology: Providers with an online quote tool, easy-to-use claims app and a usage-based insurance app score best in this category.

*Data accurate at time of publication.