The 2026 Insurer Report Card has been released, and every driver who carries auto insurance should pay attention. Each year, collision repair professionals across the country evaluate insurance companies based on how they handle claims and whether their policies support proper repairs. This year’s report reflects feedback from more than 1,100 repair facilities and over 22,000 individual evaluations. That makes it one of the most comprehensive looks at real-world insurer performance available.
What the 2026 Insurer Report Card Measures
Crash Network publishes the 2026 Insurer Report Card annually. The report captures the experience of shop owners, managers, and technicians who work with insurers every day. It does not measure advertising presence or brand familiarity. Instead, it evaluates how insurers handle claims when vehicles need proper repairs.
The survey centers on one question: how well do an insurer’s claim handling policies, attitude, and payment practices ensure quality repairs and customer service for motorists? Shops answer based on direct experience. They do not rely on marketing claims or slogans.
The median score this year was 680. Insurers that scored above that number performed at or above average. Insurers that scored below it created more difficulty during the repair process. That difference becomes critical when your vehicle requires manufacturer procedures and safety calibrations.
Why the Largest Insurers Rank Low on the 2026 Insurer Report Card
Roughly 200 auto insurers operate nationwide. However, the ten largest companies insure about three-quarters of all drivers. Despite their size and visibility, those top ten insurers once again failed to reach the midpoint of the survey rankings.
The highest-ranked company among the largest insurers still scored below the overall median. The lowest performer ranked far lower. Market dominance clearly does not guarantee strong claim support. When a collision happens, performance matters more than brand recognition.
The Honor Roll: Insurers Scoring B or Better
Some insurers continue to earn strong grades. The 2026 Insurer Report Card highlights companies that received a B or better for their claim practices. These insurers demonstrate stronger support for proper repairs and fair payment procedures.
Companies such as North Carolina Farm Bureau, Alfa Mutual, Chubb, Erie Insurance, Acuity Insurance, Michigan Farm Bureau, PURE Insurance, Southern Farm Bureau, AIG Private Client, and Amica earned high marks this year. Many operate regionally, and some serve only select states. However, their performance shows that insurers can choose to support manufacturer-required repair procedures.
In many cases, these companies approve necessary operations quickly and move vehicles through the repair process with fewer obstacles. That support reduces stress for vehicle owners and repair facilities alike.
Why the 2026 Insurer Report Card Matters to Drivers
Most drivers experience a collision only once every eight to twelve years. Because of that, many people do not evaluate their insurer’s claim performance until they need it. By then, they are already managing the stress of an accident.
After a collision, drivers often face vehicle damage, transportation issues, and scheduling disruptions. If an insurer resists paying for required procedures or delays approvals, the burden shifts to the vehicle owner. Some drivers must decide whether to pay out of pocket for proper repairs or accept incomplete work.
Higher-rated insurers typically approve appropriate repair procedures more efficiently. They create fewer disputes and reduce unnecessary delays. That difference can significantly affect your overall repair experience.
Advertising Does Not Equal Claim Performance
Many of the lowest-ranked insurers are household names. They invest heavily in advertising and brand recognition. Marketing shapes perception, but it does not determine how an insurer handles a claim.
The 2026 Insurer Report Card reflects daily experiences from professionals who advocate for proper repairs. When an insurer consistently receives low grades, that pattern deserves attention. Insurance exists to protect you when something goes wrong. How a company performs during a claim reveals its true priorities.
Our Perspective at Nylund’s Collision Center
At Nylund’s Collision Center in Englewood, Colorado, we work with insurance companies every day. Our responsibility is to repair vehicles according to manufacturer specifications and restore them safely. We are Lexus Authorized, Toyota Certified, and Lucid Certified. Those certifications require strict adherence to OEM repair procedures.
When insurers support those procedures, repairs move forward efficiently. When insurers resist them, the process becomes more complicated and stressful for the consumer. The 2026 Insurer Report Card reinforces what many drivers discover after filing a claim: not all insurance companies approach repairs the same way.
Choosing the right insurer before an accident can make a measurable difference. Reviewing real-world claim performance helps drivers make informed decisions long before they need to file a claim.
Resources
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Crash Network – 2026 Insurer Report Card
https://www.crashnetwork.com -
National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) – Consumer Resources
https://content.naic.org/consumer -
Insurance Information Institute – Auto Insurance Overview
https://www.iii.org/article/auto-insurance-basics