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Ameriprise Auto & Home Insurance now operates as CONNECT, powered by American Family Insurance, and it checks the key boxes we look for in car insurance: well-rounded coverage options, competitive pricing potential, and accessible service. For financial strength context: Ameriprise’s life insurance subsidiaries — RiverSource Life Insurance Company and RiverSource Life Insurance Co. of New York — are rated A+ (Superior) by AM Best (outlook Stable), per RiverSource; the auto and home policies discussed here are issued by CONNECT’s American Family Connect companies.
What makes CONNECT stand out today is a mainstream set of auto coverages with popular add-ons — such as roadside assistance and rental reimbursement — and a broad portfolio of discounts (multi-policy, multi-vehicle, safe driver/claims-free, student, equipment, and billing/payment). See CONNECT’s current auto coverages and auto discounts; with the right mix, most drivers will be able to save a few bucks on their policy.
So, is Ameriprise the best car insurance company for you? We stand by CONNECT’s solid, high-value coverage options and reputable parent-brand backing — but remember, auto insurance rates are highly personalized and have risen industry-wide in recent years (motor vehicle insurance CPI). You’ll have to compare quotes from multiple providers to find your best offer. We suggest including CONNECT (formerly Ameriprise Auto & Home) on that list.
The Claim
CONNECT’s pitch is straightforward: competitive pricing, dependable coverage, and support when you need it.
Customers should expect coverage that’s comprehensive and competitively priced, plus service options that make managing policies and claims easier.
Is it true?
Yes.
What CONNECT promises in terms of coverage, it delivers: the standard liability suite, comprehensive and collision, uninsured/underinsured motorist, and medical payments and/or PIP (where required), along with common endorsements like roadside assistance and rental reimbursement (details). It also offers options such as gap insurance and, in some states, new car replacement; availability varies by state and policy, so confirm at quote time.
As far as customer experience, third-party results vary by region and methodology. In J.D. Power’s 2025 U.S. Auto Insurance Study, State Farm scores above segment averages in many regions, Progressive is mixed to below average in several, and American Family (CONNECT’s parent brand) tends to be around the industry average depending on region. Consumer Reports member surveys are another useful reference point. Meanwhile, digital claims tools continue to improve across the industry, aiding speed and transparency (J.D. Power Claims Digital Experience).
On affordability, remember that base rates have climbed across the market in recent years as claim costs rose; discounts and usage-based programs can help offset pricing for many drivers. We recommend getting a quote from CONNECT as well as a few other providers to see how options stack up before buying.
Product Overview
Best for
Costco members and value-focused drivers seeking mainstream coverage and bundling discounts via CONNECT
Not for
Drivers in states where CONNECT isn’t currently offered; check current state availability
Features
| Price | Quotes differ from person to person |
| In business since | 1894 |
| Number of states served | 44 |
| Standout features | Gap coverage and new car replacement Windshield repair with no deductible Key replacement with no deductible Lifetime renewability for Ameriprise Financial clients Accident forgiveness and merit ratings |
| A.M. Best financial strength rating | A |
| Moody’s financial strength rating | A3 |
| S&P Global financial strength rating | A |
| J.D. Power 2018 U.S. Auto Insurance Study rating (California region) | 862/1,000 (above industry average) |
| Discounts | Accident-free and merit-based Good student and student away at school Safety features on your car Loyalty and bundling |
Good range of coverage
Our baseline standard for the best auto insurance: It must cover injury and property liability, collision and comprehensive, uninsured or underinsured motorists, and personal injury protection. CONNECT meets these needs and offers common add-ons like roadside assistance and rental reimbursement (see coverages).
We’re impressed with CONNECT’s selection, which goes beyond basic liability to protect drivers and passengers — new, old, or rented vehicles — with options that vary by state. Some endorsements that are less common in the market (e.g., new car replacement) may be available in select states; confirm at quote time.
CONNECT auto insurance coverage options:
- Comprehensive insurance
- Collision insurance
- Roadside assistance and towing
- Rental car insurance
- Bodily injury insurance
- Property damage insurance
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Medical payments coverage
- PIP insurance
- Gap insurance
- New car replacement coverage (in select states)
- Accident forgiveness (where available)
- Trip interruption/travel expense coverage (where available)
Excellent discounts
CONNECT maintains a wide range of ways to save. Common discounts include multi-policy and multi-vehicle, safe driver/claims-free and tenure-based credits, good student and student-away at school, defensive driver/driver training, vehicle safety and anti-theft devices, and billing/payment options like paperless/E-sign, AutoPay/EFT, pay-in-full, plus early quote/loyalty where available. Program names and eligibility vary by state (see discounts).
CONNECT auto insurance discounts:
- Accident-free
- Claims-free/merit rating
- Vehicle safety and anti-theft devices
- Defensive driver/driver training course
- Paperless/E-sign
- AutoPay/EFT or pay-in-full
- Good student
- Loyalty and multi-policy (bundling)
- Multi-vehicle
- Safe driving/telematics (in eligible states)
- Student away at school
- Tenure/loyalty (eligibility varies)
Protection for new cars
CONNECT offers options that can be useful for newer vehicles. Our favorite: gap insurance, which can help cover the difference between a car’s value and your loan amount after a total loss. New car replacement may also be available in select states. Availability and terms vary — check the details when you get a quote.
Eligibility, coverage limits, and mileage/time thresholds for these options differ by state and policy form. Ask about them during quoting to see whether they fit your situation.
Generous accident forgiveness
Accident forgiveness is not universal, and availability depends on your state and policy. Where offered, your first at-fault accident may not trigger a surcharge if you’ve maintained a clean record for a set period; otherwise, carriers often use merit-based pricing that can lower your rate again after subsequent years of safe driving. Check CONNECT’s current discount and rating programs for your state (see discounts).
Unfortunately, accident forgiveness isn’t available in every state. If it’s not, look for safe-driver and claims-free discounts that can help offset costs as you maintain a clean record.
Windshield repair with no deductible
Glass claims are handled differently from full replacements in many states. Where permitted and when a repair (not replacement) is possible, many policies waive the deductible for windshield repairs. CONNECT offers comprehensive coverage and glass options; terms and availability vary by state and policy — review the specifics during your quote.
Key replacement with no deductible
A stolen or lost car key can be a hassle — and expensive. Car keys with a fob start around $120 to replace and often cost more. Depending on your policy and state, comprehensive coverage or optional endorsements may help with key and lock replacement, but deductibles and limits vary. Check your CONNECT policy documents or quote for details.
Possible drawbacks
Not available in every state
Between its underwriting companies — American Family Connect Property and Casualty Insurance Company and American Family Connect Insurance Company — CONNECT offers auto insurance in many states, but not everywhere. Availability varies by product and state; check the official availability page for the most current status.
Mobile claims filing now available
Claims can now be reported and tracked online or via mobile with CONNECT. You can start and follow a claim 24/7 on the CONNECT claims portal, or use the CONNECT Auto & Home apps to report, upload photos/documents, and track progress on iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play).
The Competition
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Ameriprise Financial vs. Progressive
Progressive is available in all 50 states, which makes it a great option for drivers that don’t have access to CONNECT. It also has a few unique coverages that we didn’t see with other companies. Most notably, Progressive offers custom parts and equipment coverage and a strong telematics program via Snapshot, making it a solid choice for tech‑savvy drivers and cars that have been modified post‑manufacture. It insures rideshare drivers, too, footing the bill for some accidents that Uber or Lyft won’t.
Still, Progressive won’t always be your cheapest option, especially in a high‑rate environment, though it includes easy savings for things like paperless billing, autopay, and signing up online. Our suggestion? Consider Progressive for its specialized coverage and digital tools, but make sure to request quotes from other companies, too, and find your best offer.
Ameriprise Financial vs. State Farm
State Farm often lands near or slightly above average on price depending on your profile and state, but it’s worth a look for several reasons. First: State Farm is known for strong customer service and performed above segment averages in many regions of J.D. Power’s 2025 U.S. Auto Insurance Study. Consumer Reports has also given it high marks in categories like agent access and claims handling in past member surveys.
In addition, State Farm shares some of the less common coverage options that we loved from other providers. Like CONNECT, it protects road trippers with emergency roadside service, travel accident coverage, and rental reimbursement. It’s also one of the few companies — along with Progressive — that covers rideshare drivers on the job, and it offers a telematics discount program, Drive Safe & Save.
Ameriprise Financial Auto Insurance FAQ
The Bottom Line
Consider CONNECT (formerly Ameriprise Auto & Home Insurance) if it’s available in your state. It offers comprehensive, competitive auto coverage with plenty of discount opportunities, backed by a well-known parent brand — and Costco members may access additional program benefits (details). Just make sure to request quotes from a few other companies, too — you won’t know who offers the best deal on the coverage you need until you’ve compared personalized offers.
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