Foremost Auto Insurance Review

Founded in 1952, Foremost capitalized on the post-war economic boom by providing coverage for mobile homes and mobile home parks. Within a few years, the provider expanded its portfolio to include recreational vehicle insurance and by the 1970s offered policies for a host of sports equipment, including all-terrain vehicles, boats, motorcycles and snowmobiles.

AM Best gives Foremost an A (Excellent) financial rating and the Better Business Bureau rates the carrier A+ for customer care. In the last three years, around 670 Foremost customers have filed complaints with the BBB, most expressing common grievances about product and service issues.

While Foremost offers a wide range of property coverages, including homeowners, landlord and renters insurance, it’s best known for insuring motorcycles, RVs and sports vehicles. Bristol West, a division of Farmers Insurance Group, underwrites all Foremost auto policies. Although Foremost provides a few unexpected coverages in its standard policies, like roadside assistance and gap insurance, it falls short by not offering more critical coverages such as collision and comprehensive insurance.

Foremost also lags in technology, only offering online quotes for shoppers in some of its 39-state service area. Foremost policyholders can enjoy a few online tools to pay premiums or file a claim, but the carrier doesn’t offer customers a mobile app.

Foremost auto insurance at a glance

Foremost auto insurance rates 

We requested a quote from Foremost using the following profile:

Driver: Single male, age 40

Driving record: No offenses

Location: Memphis, Tennessee

Automobile: 2018 Toyota Camry LE, financed

Usage: Commute

Unfortunately, we weren’t impressed with the quote we received. Since Foremost doesn’t offer collision and comprehensive coverage, which our profile owner needs since his Toyota is financed, Foremost’s quote only included state minimum liability and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage for a rate of $ 548 for a six-month policy.

Using the same vehicle and driver profile, we also requested a quote from Geico. The Geico quote included state minimum liability and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, as well as collision and comprehensive coverages. Geico offered us a rate of $ 486 for a six-month policy, which included a discount for the vehicle’s standard safety features like anti theft devices and anti-lock brakes, along with a $ 66 good driver discount. So, Geico offered us all the coverage we needed, for $ 62 less than Foremost.

As you can see, Foremost isn’t a good choice for budget-minded automobile owners or folks with financed vehicles. Foremost is best known for its collectible car and motorcycle insurance. The carrier’s collectible car coverage stands out because policyholders can insure their treasured vehicles for an agreed-upon price in the event of a total loss. Foremost’s motorcycle insurance covers up to $ 5,000 in optional equipment and up to $ 2,500 for helmet and safety apparel replacement.

Foremost auto insurance coverage

Foremost’s standard auto insurance coverages include:

• Bodily injury liability
• Gap insurance
• Medical payments
• Property damage liability
• Rental car reimbursement
• Roadside assistance
• Uninsured and underinsured motorist

Coverages such as gap insurance, roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement are quite generous, because most car insurance companies only offer these as options. But, motorists with financed vehicles who need collision and comprehensive coverage are out of luck since Foremost doesn’t offer them.

We were also disappointed to find that Foremost doesn’t offer any discounts.

We were most impressed by Foremost’s “One Household, One Policy” feature, which allows your household to cover all your vehicles on a single policy. That’s great when the premium comes due because you’ll only need to worry about submitting one payment.

Foremost auto insurance vs. competition 

In the 2019 J.D. Power U.S. Auto Insurance Study, Foremost didn’t make the cut in any U.S. region. Top performers included:

Since Foremost doesn’t offer a broad range of coverage, and costs significantly more than many carriers, most drivers should turn to another provider to cover conventional automobiles.

What others are saying

In April 2020, Foremost and Bristol West earned praise within the insurance industry after announcing a $ 500,000 donation to the Trusted Choice COVID-19 Relief Fund. The Fund, created by the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America, provides economic relief to brokerages, independent agents and their employees who have suffered financial losses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Issued through grants, the funds will help recipients pay for expenses such as wages and office expenses not covered by government loan programs.

Agents and Brokers of America president and CEO, Bob Rusbuldt, said, “Foremost Insurance and Bristol West Insurance stepped up to the plate at a crucial time for independent insurance agents with a $ 500,000 contribution to the Trusted Choice COVID-19 Relief Fund. Last week, we had to halt acceptance of new applications to the fund due to an overwhelming need for assistance, but Foremost and Bristol West have provided essential funding for independent agents during their time of need. We applaud Foremost and Bristol West for their great collaboration with the Big ‘I’ and their independent agents.”

We welcome your feedback on this article and would love to hear about your experience with the auto insurance companies we recommend. Contact us at inquiries@thesimpledollar.com with comments or questions.

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