Universal Auto Insurance Review (2024)

Universal Auto Insurance Company has a B+ rating with A.M. Best and an A+ rating with BBB. Universal auto insurance is affiliated with AAA and sells auto insurance primarily in Georgia and North Carolina. Universal Auto Insurance reviews are often mixed in with reviews of AAA due the company's affiliation with the larger insurer, and Universal auto insurance quotes are offered through that company.

UPDATED: Mar 18, 2024Fact Checked

Dorothea Hudson

Insurance and Finance Writer

Dorothea Hudson has been professionally writing in many spheres since 2013. She has written on entertainment, insurance, finance, travel, technology, AI, renewable energy, crypto, fundraising, and real estate for many websites. Her work has been published for British retailer Marks and Spencer, Kroger Magazine, the Vision Group, and more. Her passions include writing, music, running, travel, te...

Insurance and Finance Writer

Jimmy McMillan

Licensed Insurance Agent

Jimmy McMillan is an entrepreneur and the founder of HeartLifeInsurance.com, an independent insurance brokerage. His company specializes in insurance for people with heart problems. He knows personally how difficult it is to secure health and life insurance after a heart attack. Jimmy is a licensed insurance agent from coast to coast who has been featured on ValientCEO and the podcast Modern Li...

Licensed Insurance Agent

UPDATED: Mar 18, 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 auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page 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 auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.

UPDATED: Mar 18, 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 auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.

UPDATED: Mar 18, 2024Fact Checked
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Universal Auto Insurance

Average monthly rate for good drivers:

$67

A.M. Best rating:

B+

Complaint level:

Low

Pros

  • Universal Auto Insurance Company did well enough in the last few years to receive a B+ rating with A.M. Best and an A+ rating with BBB
  • Universal Auto Insurance Company operates its website through AAA’s web services

Cons

  • Universal Auto Insurance Company is available only in Georgia, some parts of South Carolina, and North Carolina
  • The website doesn’t list any resources that show the visitor how to receive a quote online

Final Verdict: Review of Universal Auto Insurance

Universal Auto Insurance is a regional auto insurance company located in North Carolina. Its parent company is the Seibels Bruce Group, Inc., which offers property and casualty insurance to individuals and commercial businesses including several types of auto insurance coverage.

Our Universal Auto Insurance review will cover all aspects of this company’s business, including their auto insurance affiliation with AAA and how to find affordable Universal auto insurance.

You’ll mainly see Universal Auto Insurance in NC, where its headquarters are located, but coverage is available in Georgia as well. Universal Auto Insurance Company’s property and casualty products cover your home, business, vehicles, and personal property.

If you’re not sure whether or not Universal is the right company for your needs, read on. We’ll cover everything you need to know.

Before you buy Universal auto insurance, make sure you shop around. To get cheap auto insurance rates today, enter your ZIP code above and compare multiple companies.

Universal Auto Insurance is a regional auto insurance company located in North Carolina. Its parent company is the Seibels Bruce Group, Inc., which offers property and casualty insurance to individuals and commercial businesses including several types of auto insurance coverage. Our Universal Auto Insurance review will cover all aspects of this company's business, including their auto insurance affiliation with AAA and how to find affordable Universal auto insurance. You'll mainly see Universal Auto Insurance in NC, where its headquarters are located, but coverage is available in Georgia as well. Universal Auto Insurance Company's property and casualty products cover your home, business, vehicles, and personal property. If you're not sure whether or not Universal is the right company for your needs, read on. We'll cover everything you need to know. Before you buy Universal auto insurance, make sure you shop around. To get cheap auto insurance rates today, enter your ZIP code above and compare multiple companies.  

What You Should Know About Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company

This company’s A.M. Best rating is B+ (good), which indicates that the company is solvent. Solvency gives customers the reassurance that their premiums are in financially stable hands.

It’s important to stay aware of your insurance company’s rating, especially if you’re about to renew your policy or sign a new one.

This insurer’s rating was recently downgraded, based on A.M. Best’s outlook for its future. Most recently, the company’s underwriting decisions have come into question. These decisions resulted in huge surplus losses for 2010.

Under the Better Business Bureau, Universal Auto Insurance Company has an A+ rating, despite some poor reviews on the site.

It’s important to note that this company’s reviews should not be confused with Universal Insurance company of North America reviews, or the Universal Insurance Company of North America BBB page, as that is a different company.

Universal Auto Insurance Company: Auto Insurance History

Universal Auto Insurance Company is an auto insurance company that serves as a private passenger and commercial firm. They offer auto and motorcycle insurance.

Universal Auto Insurance Company also provides accessory, liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured, and underinsured insurance coverages.

Universal Auto Insurance Company is available in Georgia, some parts of South Carolina, and North Carolina.

How is Universal Auto Insurance Company’s online presence?

There isn’t much information available on Universal Auto Insurance Company. The company appears to be an affiliate of AAA Insurance. Universal Auto Insurance Company operates its website through AAA’s web services.

Although AAA has several programs and services available to its clients, a policyholder under Universal Auto Insurance Company may find a limited amount of resources they can pull from regarding auto insurance.

Does Universal Auto Insurance Company have commercials?

Universal Auto Insurance Company does not have any commercials, but its parent company, AAA, does. Let’s look at one of AAA’s commercials.

This general commercial is something most would expect from an insurance provider — a brief description of the service available and the perks one might receive from doing business with this company.

Although it may be behind some of the biggest companies, AAA seems to be doing okay. As an affiliate, Universal Auto Insurance Company shares the benefits of its parent company.

The second commercial displayed below focuses on texting and driving. Watch the video to get an idea of what AAA has to say on this subject.

Distracted driving laws have been implemented across the U.S. and AAA and its affiliates, like Universal Auto Insurance Company, want to treat texting and driving like a DUI/DWI offense.

Is Universal Auto Insurance Company involved in the community?

Because the company is an affiliate of AAA, most likely all of its community involvement is done through its parent company. Universal Auto Insurance Company may do some philanthropy in communities where it operates; most smaller companies do.

What do Universal Auto Insurance Company employees have to say?

Universal Auto Insurance Company has offices in Georgia and North Carolina. You may be able to apply online. This insurer has positions in the following fields: administration, finance, customer service, legal, actuary, underwriting, and management.

Universal Auto Insurance Company representatives will help you navigate the career application process.

A person in an entry-level position with the company could further their career while maintaining their position with the company. Universal Auto Insurance may even offer tuition reimbursement.

Design of Universal Auto Insurance Company Auto Insurance Website/App

As mentioned before, Universal Auto Insurance Company’s online presence operates through AAA’s web interface. Here’s a screenshot of the design of Universal Auto Insurance Company’s webpage.

Universal Auto Insurance Company Webpage

The design of the website is simple and responsive, which means it can be easily accessed on any device that hosts a web browser.

Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company Insurance Coverage Options

Universal Auto Insurance’s basic policies for individuals vary from state to state. Business coverage is similar; different businesses will have different insurance requirements.

For example, a car dealership and an import/export business operating out of a dock would be looking for different types of coverage.

A business auto insurance policy for a car dealership requires general liability insurance, as well as the following:

  • Property damage liability
  • Comprehensive
  • Collision
  • Bodily injury liability
  • Multiple cars or fleet coverage
  • Worker’s compensation for policyholders
  • Medical Payment (Med Pay)

If the company is self-insured, it will require excess loss coverage. A car dealership will also require a huge comprehensive plan to cover weather conditions, theft, vandalism, and other incidents that may damage the inventory.

The car dealership must also be prepared for collisions that could result from a test drive.

Universal Auto Insurance Company may be able to help you save a few dollars with the multiple cars or fleet discounts offered to dealerships and other businesses with more than four or five vehicles.

A dealership usually has more than five employees that require worker’s compensation, and a healthcare plan as part of the company’s benefits package.

Liability is always necessary when you have a business because there are a variety of occurrences that could potentially land you in court.

What are Universal Auto Insurance Company’s bundling options?

Universal Auto Insurance Company only offers automobile and motorcycle insurance options, despite their connection to AAA, which offers auto, home, and life insurance policies.

Any policyholder hoping for a bundle with Universal Auto Insurance Company may be able to bundle their vehicle and motorcycle in one policy. When policyholders bundle two different insurance policies into one, auto insurance companies often give them a discount.

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Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company Insurance Rates Breakdown

When shopping for auto insurance, most people are looking for the most cost-effective option.

Sometimes, there isn’t a lot of readily available information about the smaller insurance providers, and potential customers have to rely on the quote process to get an idea of how much auto insurance will cost.

In this section, we’ll go over what auto insurance policyholders pay for coverage in Georgia and North Carolina, the states where Universal Auto Insurance Company is located.

Before we move onto the rest of the section, let’s look at average auto insurance rates for Georgia and North Carolina. The table below will compare the average rates in Georgia, North Carolina, and nationwide.

Average Annual Auto Insurance Rates by State
StateAverage Annual Liability Coverage RatesAverage Annual Collision Coverage RatesAverage Annual Comprehensive Coverage RatesAverage Annual Full Coverage Rates
Georgia$735$382$170$1,286
North Carolina$372$334$133$839
U.S.$611$363$160$1,134

This data comes from the National Association Of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).

Georgia has strict liability coverage requirements, which is why liability is more expensive there compared to North Carolina and the rest of the country. Collision and comprehensive coverage, on the other hand, are roughly the same price in the two states.

Overall, it’s worth noting that North Carolina has the cheapest auto insurance rates in the U.S.

Universal auto insurance rates are not currently offered online.

What is Universal Auto Insurance Company’s availability by state?

While Universal Auto Insurance Company is available in both Georgia and North Carolina, the main base of operations is in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Although insurance rates vary by person, everyone must have the minimum liability insurance required by their state in order to drive legally.

The video below will outline the requirements for the state of Georgia.

Liability coverage is essential for all motorists driving in the U.S, except for drivers in New Hampshire and Virginia, where auto insurance is not mandatory. Even if a state has lenient insurance laws, auto insurance companies will suggest policyholders enroll in the minimum requirements for auto insurance.

What about the minimum insurance requirements in North Carolina? Take a look at the video below for the details.

Minimum liability coverage, regardless of the state, comes at different levels. Each level carries a higher or lower coverage limit, referred to as coverage rules. You will have to pay a higher insurance rate for a greater level of coverage.

Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company Discounts Available

We couldn’t find any viable information regarding discounts at Universal Auto Insurance Company. So if you’re looking for a discount from this company, your best option is to contact one of its agents.

Although there’s little information available specific to Universal Auto Insurance Company, many providers offer discounts to policyholders who have good credit or a good driving record, and/or those who enroll in a policy with multiple vehicles.

Just about every provider offers discounts in some form or another, so make sure you ask about this when you talk to someone from Universal Auto Insurance to set up your policy.

What programs are available from Universal Auto Insurance Company?

Inland marine coverage is a commercial category of plans that cover several industries related to inland marine fisheries and import docks, as well as those that include exporting.

These types of businesses may or may not include dry dock transportation or water transport.

A business like this needs policy inclusions such as:

  • Cargo protection
  • Surety bonding management
  • Damage liability
  • General liability
  • Basic auto coverage
  • Boat coverage
  • Worker’s compensation

Depending on size, this type of business may or may not offer a group healthcare plan to its workers. Smaller businesses often do not.

Many insurance companies such as Universal Auto Insurance offer specialty coverage as well as standard coverage. Specialty coverage provides classic car auto insurance within a niche for antique vehicles, hot rods, and other similar vehicles.

Owners of specialty vehicles usually drive them infrequently, to trade shows or other special events, or on the occasional Sunday drive.

Therefore, they can opt for coverage intended for vehicles driven fewer than 25,000 miles per year. Insurance for these vehicles places emphasis on comprehensive coverage rather than liability coverage.

Canceling Your Universal Auto Insurance Company Auto Insurance Policy

Policyholders pursue cancellation for many reasons. Auto insurance companies will do what they can to keep you enrolled, such as informing you of any discounts you may be eligible for. Canceling your policy while under contract or while your policy is ongoing could be complicated.

What is Universal Auto Insurance Company’s policy on cancellations? Let’s take a closer look at the cancellation process.

Is there a cancellation fee with Universal Auto Insurance?

There’s always a possibility that you could be required to pay a cancellation fee when you cancel an auto insurance policy, and you may be bound by the terms of the contract you signed.

For example, if you agreed to a six-month policy, you may have to pay for the policy in full before you get another policy at another company.

Is there a refund after canceling a Universal Auto Insurance policy?

You may be entitled to a refund if you prepaid for an auto insurance policy. An auto insurance provider will have to refund you money for auto insurance that you didn’t use.

If you have questions to ask an agent, call the Universal Insurance Company phone number toll-free at 1-800-258-0143.

How do you cancel a Universal Auto Insurance Company policy?

Universal Auto Insurance Company customers may be able to cancel online by entering their policy number in the dialog box on the website. The best way to cancel with Universal Auto Insurance is by calling the Universal Insurance Company phone number above.

Be sure to have your policy number and vehicle information handy when you call. Keep in mind that some policies can’t be canceled right away, and if you are able to cancel immediately, it may take several days for a cancellation to finalize.

When can I cancel my Universal Auto Insurance Company policy?

Anyone can cancel their policy at any time; however, there may be penalties if you cancel before finishing the policy you agreed to.

There can be a lot of gray areas when canceling, so be sure to ask about the cancellation policy with any auto insurance company you consider doing business with.

What about canceling auto insurance after you’ve made a claim? This video will explain the details.

Every situation is different, and auto insurance providers are prepared to handle all eventualities. But if you’re going to cancel your policy, be sure to have another policy lined up to replace it.

How to Make a Universal Auto Insurance Company Auto Insurance Claim

Universal Auto Insurance Company claims can only be filed online by policyholders who are logged into the claims area. The only way to access the claims area is to have a policy number with AAA.

There are three ways Universal Auto Insurance Company policyholders can file a claim.

  • By phone: 1-800-258-0143
  • Online: File a Claim webpage
  • In person with an agent

The sooner you file your claim after an accident or other incident, the better.

Do you still want to reach the “file a claim” area on the website? Here’s how you can do it. First, navigate to the Universal Auto Insurance Company website.

Universal Insurance Company Auto Insurance web site navigation

Click on “File a Claim” to get to the Manage My Policy page.

Universal Insurance Company Auto Insurance online policy management

This is where you’ll need to enter your policy number so you can proceed to the next page and file your claim.

How to Get a Universal Auto Insurance Company Auto Insurance Quote Online

The website doesn’t list any resources that show the visitor how to receive a quote online. All quotes from the Universal Auto Insurance Company go through AAA Insurance’s quote generator. You may be able to buy Universal auto insurance online that way.

The best way to get Universal auto insurance quotes is to contact an agent by phone or meet them in person at their office. You can also use the Universal Insurance Company phone number found at the top of this page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find a Universal Auto Insurance agent in my area?

Whether you are looking for an agent for Universal Auto Insurance Company in Raleigh, NC, or in Atlanta, the main company contact number is your best bet. You may want to read some Universal Insurance agency reviews to decide which agent is best for you. There is no Universal Auto Insurance in Puerto Rico, at least not from this company.

Is AAA a good auto insurance company?

AAA has a lot of brand name recognition and is considered to be a solid company. They are among the largest insurance companies in some states, including California. Is Universal Direct a good insurance company? Well, they have solid ratings and are backed by a good company, which gives them a good reputation. The question of what makes a good insurance company depends on a lot of factors, including your needs and where you live.

Can Universal Auto Insurance Company bundle home insurance?

Based on what we’ve seen from Universal Auto Insurance Company, you will not be able to get home insurance through them. However, they are affiliated with AAA. They may be able to refer you to their parent company.

Does Universal Auto Insurance Company provide additional liability coverages?

It depends on the requirements of the state, but policyholders will likely have the option of additional liability coverages like personal injury protection and medical payment (Med Pay) coverage on their auto insurance.

What’s the difference between collision and comprehensive coverage?

There is a difference between collision and comprehensive auto insurance. Collision coverage pays for property damage regardless of who is at fault during an accident. Any damage done to a vehicle that does not involve a collision is covered by comprehensive coverage. Therefore, damage from vehicle theft, a falling object, fire, or storm would be considered comprehensive damage.

Should I be worried about Universal Property and Casualty denying claims?

Not if you’re a Universal Auto Insurance Company customer. The two are different companies.

What is the rating for auto owners insurance?

There are a multitude of auto insurance companies out there, all offering the best rates. Walmart auto insurance can even be found in some areas. Check out their website to see if Walmart insurance is available in your state. With all forms of auto insurance, including walmart car insurance, it is important to compare other rates before deciding on one company. There is no connection between Universal Auto Insurance and Walmart.

How do I file a claim with Universal Auto Insurance?

To file a claim with Universal Auto Insurance, you should contact their claims department directly. They will guide you through the process and provide you with the necessary forms and information required to file your claim. It’s important to have all the relevant details, such as the date, time, and location of the incident, as well as any relevant photos or documentation.

Can I manage my Universal Auto Insurance policy online?

Yes, Universal Auto Insurance typically offers an online platform or customer portal where you can manage your policy. Through this portal, you can make payments, view policy details, access digital ID cards, initiate changes to your coverage, and sometimes even file claims. Visit their website or contact their customer service to inquire about their online policy management options.

What factors can affect the cost of my auto insurance with Universal?

Several factors can influence the cost of your auto insurance policy with Universal Auto Insurance. Common factors include your driving record, the type of vehicle you drive, your age and gender, your location, your credit history, and the coverage options you select. Universal Auto Insurance utilizes its own rating system, so it’s best to contact them directly or obtain a quote to get accurate pricing based on your specific circumstances.

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Dorothea Hudson

Insurance and Finance Writer

Dorothea Hudson has been professionally writing in many spheres since 2013. She has written on entertainment, insurance, finance, travel, technology, AI, renewable energy, crypto, fundraising, and real estate for many websites. Her work has been published for British retailer Marks and Spencer, Kroger Magazine, the Vision Group, and more. Her passions include writing, music, running, travel, te...

Insurance and Finance Writer

Jimmy McMillan

Licensed Insurance Agent

Jimmy McMillan is an entrepreneur and the founder of HeartLifeInsurance.com, an independent insurance brokerage. His company specializes in insurance for people with heart problems. He knows personally how difficult it is to secure health and life insurance after a heart attack. Jimmy is a licensed insurance agent from coast to coast who has been featured on ValientCEO and the podcast Modern Li...

Licensed Insurance Agent

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

Reviews
for Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company

2.40 (86 reviews)
5
June 11, 2017

Yuliana

Best Insurance Ever

Last week I had an accident, hopefully everybody was ok. I had full coverage and they gave me the best costumer service. Thank you guys. 
5
June 9, 2017

Alex9753

Review Universal

Great Experience! I adore Universal, they have been a very good car insurance for my new Hyundai Tucson car.
4
May 26, 2017

ExzoOrozco

First big wreck! but it was easy. :)

Even though my car had over $8,000 in damages, my claim was handled swiftly and with very polite service. I can't think of a complaint of the whole process. I'm a patient person, but they exceeded the expectations of any person.
4
May 9, 2017

edleonstgo

Automotive Insurance Review

Its a company with many years in the market. Great service and quick response when you make a claim.
5
April 20, 2017

tee

insurance

great insurance for good price. Easy to apply and they take monthly payments. East to do business with.
4
March 29, 2017

Elsa Gibbons

Universal review

Please Let me if your Policy covers the rate of survival for family members and bank paying the balance of the Morgage.
5
May 20, 2016

Hedin Ray Mitchell

Universal review

I'm hoping this is the right place. I've been trying to all your money I think for an accident happened back in 2014. I think or January 2013, I can't quite remember, but anyhow, I will head down working with payments of $40 when I'm trying to do 50. I've been in the hospital and so I mean you're kind of struggling a little bit here or even worse than I was some email me back if this is the right place
1
July 2, 2015

Charity McNeely

Universal review

This is what it's like to get a bad review from me. Well deserved. If there were such a thing as negative stars, Universal Insurance Company would get -5 stars from me. ‪#‎UniversalInsuranceCompany‬ is THE WORST company I have ever had the frustration of dealing with, not only in the insurance field but in any field, anywhere, at any time. I would recommend them only to people who I despise, and only then to make sure they spend half of e...
This is what it's like to get a bad review from me. Well deserved. If there were such a thing as negative stars, Universal Insurance Company would get -5 stars from me. ‪#‎UniversalInsuranceCompany‬ is THE WORST company I have ever had the frustration of dealing with, not only in the insurance field but in any field, anywhere, at any time. I would recommend them only to people who I despise, and only then to make sure they spend half of each day in Universal Insurance Company's horrid automated hold line. I kept Universal for several years, without incident. Unfortunately, insurance is only useful when you DO have an incident. I was in an accident in May of this year which, by the other driver's admission and by the police report, was entirely not my fault. Since that time, Universal Insurance Company made several terrible mistakes, any one of which would have prompted me to find a new carrier. If you are interested in the details, I have, in my outrage, detailed them below. In Chronological order. Universal: 1) refused to help me with any information or legal advice about my car/claim/insurance adjuster 2) on every occasion kept me on hold for at least half an hour, even if I had a simple issue 3) took my deductible out of my settlement and send me a check without notifying me or having me agree to the process 4) lost my checking information which had been current and active for more than a year, instead reverting back to a closed account number, which almost resulted in a lapse in coverage as they did not call me and only sent me a notice by mail a few days prior to terminating my policy 5) raised my insurance rate after my accident (in the amount of $25 per month) after ASSURING me that it was NOT an at fault accident and would not change my premiums 6) after I canceled my policy and got new insurance through ‪#‎StateFarm‬(love those guys!) they sent me a bill for $125.00 with a notice that said it would be sent to a collection agency within 10 days 7) after the $125 bill sent me another for my increased insurance rate as if my policy is still in effect. 8)Today, stupidly, I called to try to tell the company, for their benefit more than mine, that I had canceled my policy and had paperwork from them proving it. Alas, I only briefly talked to an actual person who told me he would connect me in just a couple of minutes to someone and we could definitely sort it out. I spent 20-30 minutes on hold before giving up, for the very last time on this wretched company. May Universal Insurance Company at 770 Highland Oaks Drive Winston Salem, NC 27103, their incompetent staff, their awful, awful customer service, and that ugly letterhead burn in the fire of a thousand suns.
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