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Last updated: October 27, 2024

Bristol West Car Insurance Pricing 2024

Since Bristol West is a high-risk insurer, its rates tend to be higher than average.

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Bristol West has flexible coverage options and plenty of discounts perfect for drivers with bad driving records. Whether or not you’ve had trouble finding insurance as a high-risk driver, this page details all you need to know about Bristol West’s prices for auto insurance.

Editor’s note (last updated October 23, 2024): We have updated this guide with the latest pricing data, discounts, coverage features, coverage locations, cancellation policy, and contact information for Bristol West.

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Car Insurance Rates for Bristol West Auto Insurance

Auto insurance rates depend on factors like your financial record and accident history. The average annual insurance premium with Bristol West is $3,993, roughly twice the national average. Bristol West tends to be more expensive than most other insurance companies because it specializes in coverage for high-risk drivers. However, if you are a high-risk driver struggling to find affordable rates from standard providers, you may actually find Bristol West’s rates to be competitive.

Here are the average costs with Bristol West for various driver profiles and coverage levels:

Profile Bristol West avg. annual cost
Full coverage $3,993
Minimum coverage $1,232
After a speeding ticket $5,449
After an at-fault accident $5,581
DUI $6,429
Teens $9,756

FYI:

Although full coverage auto insurance may cost more upfront, it will lower the amount you would have to pay out of pocket in the event of an accident. Additionally, if you financed your vehicle, your lender usually requires full coverage.

Discounts With Bristol West

Bristol West offers four ways to save with discounts:

  • Sign up for automatic payments
  • Opt to go paperless
  • Maintain a good driving record
  • Buy multiple policies from Bristol West, Farmers, or Foremost Insurance.

Favorite Features

High-Risk Driver Protection

Whereas standard car insurance carriers may disqualify high-risk drivers for coverage, Bristol West is a nonstandard insurer carrier that actually specializes in providing coverage for high-risk drivers.

You might be high-risk if:

  • You hold a number of traffic violations such as speeding tickets.
  • You have a conviction for a serious offense such as a DUI.
  • You have a poor credit score.
  • You had a lapse in coverage.
  • You are newly licensed and have little driving experience.

NOTE:

Traffic incidents won’t stay on your record forever. Check your state’s record stipulations to see how long traffic violations will remain on your driving history.

Strong Financial Backing

As a subsidiary of Farmers Insurance Group of Companies, Bristol West has the backing of one of the largest property and casualty insurer groups in the U.S. Especially if you’re a high-risk driver or have poor or no credit history, having a personal insurer with strong financial backing will help you get your claim payouts quickly. Bristol West received an A rating from AM Best, indicating an “Excellent” claims-paying ability and credit quality.

When it comes to customer satisfaction, however, ratings are more mixed and Bristol West tends to receive more customer complaints, compared to other  car insurance companies.

Mobile App

Bristol West offers a mobile app that lets iOS and Android users access their accounts and add insurance identification cards to their phones’ wallets for quick availability.

As a registered customer, you can access the following items via online and mobile app:

  • Policy ID card
  • Policy details
  • Claim reporting and status
  • Payment submission and status
  • Personal account information
  • Agent contact details

Text Alert Program

If you don’t want to use the mobile app, Bristol West offers a text alert program to send updates to your phone directly.

Sign up by logging into your online account and selecting Text Alert Preferences in your account settings. Bristol West can send reminders for missed and upcoming payments to up to three numbers. You can stop receiving text messages at any time by sending STOP to 41637.

Where Does Bristol West Provide Coverage?

Bristol West offers personal auto insurance coverage in 43 states. Its personal auto coverage is not available in the following areas:

  • Alaska
  • Delaware
  • Hawaii
  • North Carolina
  • Rhode Island
  • Vermont
  • Washington, D.C.
  • West Virginia

Bristol West also offers commercial auto insurance in select states for small business owners with nine or fewer vehicles.

Cancellation Policy

The best way to cancel your policy is to get in contact with Bristol West directly. Bristol West’s website lacks the option to cancel online, but you can reach an agent anytime to cancel via mail or phone. Addresses and phone numbers for any type of inquiry are below in the contact information section. Cancel anytime and receive a refund for the exact number of days your policy will become inactive. Depending on the state, you may have to pay a cancellation fee.

Company Background

Bristol West has been offering private passenger coverage for over 50 years. In 1973, Bristol West began as an automobile insurance carrier based in Florida. Over the decades, Bristol West has grown to be a premier provider of specialized auto coverage, with a focus on high-risk drivers. Farmers acquired Bristol West in 2007.1

Bristol West Contact Information

The simplest way to contact Bristol West is through your online account. You can access your account online or via its mobile app. Depending on your inquiry, you can also reach Bristol West by mail, phone, and fax.

To correspond via postal mail use the following contact information:

  • For claims:
    • Bristol West Claims Service
    • P.O. Box 258806
    • Oklahoma City, OK 73125-8806
  • For general inquiries:
    • Bristol West Insurance Group
    • P.O. Box 31029
    • Independence, OH 44131-0029
  • For payments in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Texas:
    • Bristol West Insurance Group
    • P.O. Box 7142
    • Pasadena, CA 91109-7142
  • For payments in other states:
    • Bristol West Insurance Group
    • P.O. Box 371329
    • Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7329
  • For overnight payments:
    • Bristol West Insurance Group
    • 1300 Concord Terrace, Suite 120
    • Sunrise, FL 33323.
  • For overnight nonpayment-related:
    • Bristol West Insurance Group
    • Rockside Center III
    • 7340 West Memorial Rd
    • Oklahoma City, OK 73142

To correspond via phone, use the following numbers:

  • For claims: 800-274-7865
  • For payment and billing 24/7: 888-888-0080
  • For customer service, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (local time): 888-888-0080
  • For fraud reporting: 888-662-6616

To correspond via fax for customer service, use the following number:2 888-888-0070.

Conclusion

Getting adequate insurance after an accident or speeding ticket can be a hassle if you don’t know where to look. If you’re looking for nonstandard insurers, Bristol West is a solid option that offers various discounts for high-risk drivers who may experience difficulties finding coverage elsewhere. However, when it comes to auto insurance, it’s always a good idea to shop around for the best fit for you. To learn more about Bristol West coverage, read our full Bristol West insurance review.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Bristol West offer rideshare coverage?

Yes, Bristol West offers rideshare coverage. If you drive for a service like Lyft or Uber, Bristol West will cover you while you are waiting for and completing ride requests. Most high-risk auto insurance companies do not offer rideshare coverage, making this a unique feature. If you add this coverage to your policy, Bristol West covers the period when you’re waiting for a new ride request. This ensures continuous protection throughout your driving session. To learn more, read our article about what rideshare drivers need to know about auto insurance.

Can I get an SR-22 from Bristol West?

Yes, Bristol West can file an SR-22 on your behalf. An SR-22 proves that you have an active insurance policy that meets your state’s minimum coverage.

Can I reinstate my policy with Bristol West if I cancel?

Yes, Bristol West’s reinstatement policy allows you to reinstate your insurance within 10 days of cancellation without a lapse, or within 30 days with a lapse. To reinstate, customers can call Bristol West at (888) 888-0080.

Are Security National Auto and Bristol West the same insurance company?

No, Security National Auto and Bristol West are not the same insurance company. Bristol West is Security National Auto’s parent company. Security National Auto provides insurance to Florida and Texas residents through Bristol West’s services.

Tracy S Lee Bio Pic
Written by:Tracy S. Lee
Staff Writer
Tracy S. Lee holds over 10 years of professional experience in writing, research, and storytelling for brands and individuals. She understands that the world of auto insurance can feel intimidating, like learning a new language, and she is committed to empowering consumers to ask more questions and to find the best protection and coverage to suit their specific needs. Tracy received a B.A. in Creative Writing at NYU’s Gallatin School of Individualized Studies.

Citations

  1. Farmers Insurance Group Acquires Bristol West Holdings. Insurance Journal. (2007, Jul 6).
    https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2007/07/06/81458.htm

  2. Contact Us. Bristol West. (2024).
    https://www.bristolwest.com/home/contact