Frankenmuth Insurance auto insurance

Overview

Frankenmuth Insurance is a regional property and casualty insurer based in Frankenmuth, Michigan. It sells business, home, auto and surety coverage, plus life insurance, through independent agents, and calls itself a "super-regional" carrier with more than 325,000 policies in force in 16 states.

The Frankenmuth group ranked #76 among U.S. private passenger auto insurers by 2025 direct premiums written according to NAIC market share data, with $237.8 million in personal auto premium (about 0.06% of the U.S. market). Although its business insurance reaches 16 states, personal auto is much narrower: Frankenmuth sells it only to residents of Michigan and Ohio, and its subsidiary Patriot Insurance Company sells personal auto in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Frankenmuth Surety, another subsidiary, writes surety bonds in 47 states.

Frankenmuth Mutual Insurance Company was a traditional mutual until January 1, 2023, when it reorganized under a new mutual holding company. Its policyholders became members of the holding company, which owns the insurer.

History

In 1868, residents of Frankenmuth formed the Deutschen Frankenmuther Unterstützungs-Verein, the German Frankenmuth Aid Association. Its 200 members pledged to help one another in times of need, and the association grew into Frankenmuth Insurance. The company has offered collector car coverage since 1921.

The most significant acquisition came in 2007, when Frankenmuth took over Patriot Mutual Insurance Company of Maine through a conversion and merger. Patriot had opened in 1966 as a subsidiary of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Maine, focused on health insurance, and moved into property and casualty insurance on January 1, 2002. After the deal, Patriot became a stock subsidiary of Frankenmuth, and its existing policyholders became members of the Michigan mutual. Patriot now operates in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont.

In 2022, Frankenmuth asked Michigan regulators to approve a mutual holding company reorganization. Michigan's Department of Insurance and Financial Services approved it on June 16, 2022, Maine's superintendent approved the resulting change in control of Patriot, and the new structure took effect January 1, 2023. Maine's order noted that no change in management or operations was planned.

Auto insurance coverage

Frankenmuth's personal auto policy covers vehicle damage, towing, rental car costs, property damage, medical and funeral expenses, work loss benefits, accidental injury to others and accidental death, and defense and court costs for covered claims. It also covers you when you use a company car for personal driving. In Michigan, the work loss and medical benefits are part of the state's no-fault system; see Michigan's no-fault reform for how the 2019 law changed medical coverage choices.

Collector cars get a separate policy for antique cars (25 years or older), classics under 25 years old and street rods, all used mainly for club events, shows, parades and limited pleasure driving. If a collector car is totaled, Frankenmuth pays the agreed value shown on your declarations page rather than depreciated market value. The collector policy also covers up to $500 of spare parts and accessories, and towing and labor can be added; see classic and collector car insurance. Frankenmuth also insures motor homes, campers, travel trailers, watercraft and yachts, and sells personal umbrella policies.

Discounts and programs

Frankenmuth lists five personal auto discounts:

• Multi-policy when you also insure your home with Frankenmuth
• Multiple vehicle
• Advance quote discount
• Payment plan discount
• Loss history discount

The company notes that some loss-free discounts are available only if a claim has not been reported, one reason it suggests talking to your agent before filing a small claim. Frankenmuth's telematics resources are aimed at business customers; it does not advertise a usage-based program for personal auto.

Claims

Claims can be reported 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, by calling 800-234-4433, faxing 989-652-6231, contacting your agent or filing online. There is a separate online path for glass-only claims.

After a claim is filed, Frankenmuth offers a directory of auto repair shops and building contractors it has vetted for quality, similar to a direct repair program. The company says its claims satisfaction ratings are 95% or higher.

Ratings and reputation

In June 2026 AM Best affirmed Frankenmuth's A (Excellent) financial strength rating and its "a+" long-term issuer credit rating with a stable outlook. The rating covers the Frankenmuth Insurance Group companies, including Patriot Insurance Company.

Frankenmuth was not among the regional leaders named in J.D. Power's 2026 U.S. Auto Insurance Study. Complaint records for Frankenmuth Mutual and Patriot can be looked up on the NAIC's Consumer Information Source.

Who it suits

Frankenmuth suits Michigan and Ohio drivers who want an established regional insurer, an independent agent and the convenience of insuring home, cars, a collector car and an RV or boat with one company. Its agreed-value collector car coverage, offered for more than a century, is a genuine specialty. Drivers outside its five personal auto states cannot buy it, and those who want telematics savings or a long list of discounts will find the auto product fairly plain.

• Strengths: A (Excellent) rating affirmed June 2026; agreed-value collector car coverage; 24/7 claim reporting with a vetted repair shop directory; covers personal use of a company car.
• Weaknesses: Personal auto sold in only two states directly and three more through Patriot; short published discount list; no personal telematics program; agent-only.

How to contact Frankenmuth Insurance