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Ben Luthi has been writing about personal finance for over a decade with the intent to help people improve their finances and lifestyle. He’s covered just about every personal finance topic under the sun for a variety of publications, including the Wall Street Journal, Fortune Recommends, Yahoo Finance, Experian, Credit Karma, NerdWallet, and many more. Ben lives near Salt Lake City with his two kids and two cats.
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Becky Helzer is an editor at Insurify. She loves helping writers express their ideas clearly and authentically. With a diverse background in editing everything from curriculum and books to magazine articles and blog posts, she’s worked on topics ranging from home finance, insurance, and cloud computing to the best tools for home improvement.
A proud graduate of Colorado State University with a degree in technical journalism, Becky lives in Fort Collins, CO, with her husband and their two spoiled rescue dogs.
Updated
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Table of contents
American Alliance Casualty Company specializes in car insurance for high-risk drivers with a poor driving record or credit history. The small insurer operates in Illinois, working primarily through independent agents rather than offering direct quotes and coverage to customers online.[1]
A high-risk driving history limits your insurance options. But you’ll want to use caution when considering coverage from American Alliance — the company has a poor track record for customer satisfaction.
Here’s how American Alliance stacks up in terms of coverage, discounts, and overall customer satisfaction based on customer reviews and our expert analysis.
American Alliance has very little information online.
This small regional insurer doesn’t have J.D. Power or AM Best ratings.
The company is best for high-risk Illinois drivers who may struggle to find other insurance.
Our take on American Alliance car insurance
American Alliance fills a necessary niche in the Illinois insurance market by insuring high-risk drivers who may struggle to find policies elsewhere. For people who need SR-22 filings or have past violations on their record, the company can be a practical option when other insurers decline coverage.
The insurance company offers 24/7 online claims filing and a handful of discounts to help you save on your premiums. But the trade-off comes in the form of significant customer service challenges.
On the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, the insurer has a 1-star customer review rating and 153 reviews. Many customer complaints allege prolonged claims processing, insufficient payouts, and poor communication.
Additionally, American Alliance doesn’t offer coverage directly to consumers. Since you’ll need to contact an independent agent for a quote, comparing coverage with online quotes may take more effort.
| User Reviews | 3.2 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | NR |
Customers appreciate the low costs but are disappointed with the poor customer service and handling of claims. Some also report non-renewal despite a clean record.
Customers appreciate the low costs but are disappointed with the poor customer service and handling of claims. Some also report non-renewal despite a clean record.
Headquartered in Chicago, American Alliance claims to have an executive team with more than 70 years of combined experience in the non-standard insurance industry.[2] High-risk car insurance provides coverage for drivers with a less-than-ideal driving record or other factors that make them a higher risk for companies to insure.
American Alliance sells coverage to policyholders through independent agents. Because it sells coverage to high-risk drivers, premiums from the company are often more expensive than from other insurers.
High-risk coverage: Coverage for people who may struggle to find it elsewhere
Online access: Manage your policy and claims online
Customer support: Customer service connects you to an actual human
High costs: High-risk coverage often comes with a higher price tag
Few discounts: Limited discount options can make policies more expensive
Limited online info: A lack of information about available coverage on its website
How real customers feel about American Alliance car insurance
As a small, single-state insurer, American Alliance has a limited online presence. It’s not rated by organizations like J.D. Power or AM Best, and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) has no complaints for it, making it more difficult to predict what your experience might look like.
But among the 153 BBB customer reviews, there’s not a single one above one star. Complaints mention a lack of communication from adjusters, unfair claim denials, and prolonged processing times for claims.
We collected reviews from several verified American Alliance customers. The table below shows how they rated their experience across several categories.
Category | Average Score |
|---|---|
| Overall experience rating | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 2 |
| Value | 2.5 |
| Claims handling | 2.4 |
| Discounts | 2 |
| Policy transparency | 2 |
| Coverage options | 2.7 |
American Alliance car insurance user reviews
The following reviews come from verified drivers who submitted feedback while switching to a new insurance company. These reviews provide insight into real customer experiences with American Alliance insurance rates, customer service, and claims handling.
American Alliance industry ratings
Industry ratings can tell you a lot about an insurance company, including its financial strength and how well it’s able to handle claim payouts and overall customer satisfaction.
But as a small insurance company, American Alliance doesn’t get the same attention as regional and nationwide insurers, making it more difficult to compare with others.
Here’s a look at what we did find:
Rating | Score | What This Means |
|---|---|---|
| AM Best | N/A | The credit rating agency hasn’t assigned a rating for the insurer |
| J.D. Power | Not rated | The insurer doesn’t meet the study criteria |
| NAIC Complaint Index | N/A | The NAIC has not received any complaints about the insurer |
| BBB customer review ratings | 1 out of 5 stars | Customers are generally unhappy with the company |
How American Alliance compares to similar insurance companies
Average price Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance $153/mo* | Average price Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance $135/mo* | Average price Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance $0/mo* |
Overall rating 3.2 | Overall rating 3.7 | Overall rating 3.7 |
Value for money 3.0/5 | Value for money 3.0/5 | Value for money 3.1/5 |
Customer service 3.0/5 | Customer service 2.6/5 | Customer service 2.6/5 |
Claims handling 3.0/5 | Claims handling 2.9/5 | Claims handling 2.9/5 |
Special highlight High-risk driversAI-generated from 195 user reviews | Special highlight SR-22 insuranceAI-generated from 330 user reviews | Special highlight Hard-to-insure driversAI-generated from 165 user reviews |
Is American Alliance car insurance cheaper than competitors?
Since you have to work with an independent agent to get a quote, it’s hard to say how American Alliance stacks up to competitors. But because the company specializes in working with high-risk drivers, you can generally expect to pay higher rates than someone with a clean driving record.
If the American Alliance agent you work with represents multiple insurers, ask for them to provide quotes from other insurers for similar coverage. This will help you compare rates, coverage, and discounts so you can get the cheapest insurance possible.
American Alliance car insurance discounts
Qualifying for car insurance discounts can help lower your car insurance premium. American Alliance offers the following discounts:[3]
Multi-car: Insure more than one vehicle, manage your policies in one place, and get lower rates.
Prior coverage: Show proof of previous insurance coverage to qualify for a discount.
Renewal: American Alliance rewards customer loyalty with cheaper premiums.
Defensive driver: Complete a defensive driving course to be eligible for a discount.
Non-owners: Drivers who don’t own a car can get reduced rates on coverage.
The insurance company doesn’t publicly list its coverage offerings, but as an Illinois-based insurer, it provides at least these standard options:[4]
Bodily injury liability: Pays for the other driver’s medical expenses if you cause a car accident. Also pays your legal fees if they sue you.
Property damage liability: This liability insurance covers property damage you cause in an at-fault accident, like vehicle repairs or a damaged fence.
SR-22 coverage: Documentation that an insurance company submits to the state DMV. This proves drivers meet state-mandated minimum insurance requirements.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage: Protects you if an at-fault driver with insufficient insurance hits you.
Customer reviews imply that the insurer also offers the following coverages:
Collision coverage: Pays to repair your vehicle if you’re in an accident that’s your fault.
Comprehensive coverage: Covers theft, hail, vandalism, and other non-collision events.[5]
For a full picture of what American Alliance offers, though, you’ll need to speak with an independent insurance agent who works with the insurance company.
Other options for American Alliance customers
American Alliance Casualty Company specializes in car insurance for high-risk drivers and doesn’t offer any other types of coverage. This means you can’t get a discount for bundling your auto policy with homeowners insurance, renters insurance, life insurance, or any other type of policy.
How to file a claim with American Alliance
American Alliance requires that you report a loss within 30 days of the occurrence, accident, or loss.
When you’re ready to file a claim, follow these steps:
1. Get started
You can file a claim in writing, by calling 1 (847) 916-3200, or by visiting the insurance company’s website and using the online form.
2. Verify your coverage
Check your insurance policy documents to verify the coverage you have and your deductibles.
3. Gather necessary information
Collect details, including the date, time, location, other parties involved, witnesses, photos, and a police report, if applicable.
4. Work with the adjuster
American Alliance will assign an insurance claims adjuster to your case to collect additional information and review the claim.
5. Arrange repairs or settlement
Depending on the situation and your vehicle’s condition, the insurer will pay repair costs or issue a check for its value if it’s a total loss.
If you have trouble with the claims process, you can contact the Illinois Department of Insurance or the NAIC.
American Alliance insurance FAQs
For more information about American Alliance, see the answers to frequently asked questions below.
Is American Alliance legitimate?
Yes. American Alliance is a legitimate company that specializes in high-risk auto insurance coverage. But online reviews suggest the insurance company falls short of expectations. These lower ratings suggest you should proceed with caution due to potential customer service challenges.
Is American Alliance car insurance worth it?
The value of American Alliance car insurance depends on your situation. While the company offers high-risk coverage in Illinois that other insurers won’t provide, it comes with a potential trade-off: poor customer service and inefficient claim processing.
Who owns American Alliance insurance?
American Alliance Holding Company, Inc. owns American Alliance Casualty Company as a subsidiary. The company has its headquarters in Chicago, Illinois.
Who should get American Alliance insurance?
American Alliance provides high-risk car insurance to drivers in Illinois who may have struggled to find coverage from other insurers. If you’re in this category, American Alliance may be able to offer you car insurance coverage. But the company’s low BBB ratings and online reviews suggest that customer service could be better.
How do you file a claim with American Alliance?
You can file a claim in three ways: online, by calling 1 (847) 916-3200, or by submitting a written loss report. All losses must be reported within 30 days of the incident. After you file your claim, an adjuster will be assigned to review your claim and gather additional information.
How can you cancel American Alliance insurance?
You may be able to cancel your policy by calling the insurer’s customer support team at 1 (847) 916-3200. But because American Alliance sells insurance exclusively through independent agents, you may need to contact the insurance agency that sold you the policy to cancel your policy.
What is the best car insurance company?
The best car insurance company depends on your individual needs, driving record, and location. High-risk drivers in Illinois may have limited options, but comparing quotes from multiple insurers — including both standard and non-standard insurance companies — ensures you find the right balance of price, coverage, and customer service quality.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 90 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 500+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
- Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
- No additional coverage
- Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
- Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
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Sources
- American Alliance Casualty Company. "About American Alliance."
- American Alliance Casualty Company. "About American Alliance."
- Insurance Information Institute. "Nine ways to lower your auto insurance costs."
- Illinois Department of Insurance. "Mandatory Vehicle Insurance."
- Insurance Information Institute. "Auto insurance basics—understanding your coverage."
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Ben Luthi has been writing about personal finance for over a decade with the intent to help people improve their finances and lifestyle. He’s covered just about every personal finance topic under the sun for a variety of publications, including the Wall Street Journal, Fortune Recommends, Yahoo Finance, Experian, Credit Karma, NerdWallet, and many more. Ben lives near Salt Lake City with his two kids and two cats.
)
Becky Helzer is an editor at Insurify. She loves helping writers express their ideas clearly and authentically. With a diverse background in editing everything from curriculum and books to magazine articles and blog posts, she’s worked on topics ranging from home finance, insurance, and cloud computing to the best tools for home improvement.
A proud graduate of Colorado State University with a degree in technical journalism, Becky lives in Fort Collins, CO, with her husband and their two spoiled rescue dogs.
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