Welcome to our comprehensive guide on insurance companies that will accept check payments in 2024. With rising premium costs and the convenience of traditional check payments, it’s helpful to know your options for sending checks to insurers.
Payment Methods for Insurance Premiums
Before diving into specifics companies, it’s important to understand the different payment methods available for insurance premiums. The two primary options are electronic funds transfer (EFT) and paper checks.
Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
EFT is a digital payment method where funds are transferred electronically from a bank account to the insurance company. There are a few common types of EFT:
- Automatic bank withdrawal: Also called automatic clearing house (ACH), the insurer automatically withdraws payment from your bank account on the due date.
- Online bill pay: You log into your bank’s website and initiate a one-time or recurring payment to the insurer from your account.
- Debit/credit card: You provide your card details, and the payment is processed similarly to an online purchase. A small processing fee may apply.
The main benefits of EFT include convenience, timeliness of payments, and peace of mind, knowing premiums will be paid on time. However, some consumers prefer paper checks for security concerns about sharing bank account information or dislike non-reversible charges.
Paper Checks:
Mailing a paper check is still a standard payment method accepted by most insurers for premium installments. Checks are printed from your bank account and mailed to the insurance company with your payment stub.
Advantages include not requiring you to provide direct access to your bank account and feeling more in control of funds. However, checks have a higher risk of being lost or delayed in delivery.
Now that the payment methods are clear let’s explore specific insurance companies that will accept check payments in 2024 and beyond.
Top Insurance Companies Accepting Checks in 2024
The following well-known insurers have confirmed they will continue accepting check payments for premiums through 2024 and likely beyond:
State Farm
As the largest personal and commercial insurer in the US, State Farm remains a top option for policyholders wanting to pay by check. They accept checks through mail and have a long history of reliably processing check payments. Agent offices may also accept check drop-offs for certain policies.
GEICO
The second largest auto insurer, says check payments will continue to be an available option indefinitely. Checks can be mailed with the payment coupon or submitted through their agency offices. Late fees apply for payments received after the due date.
Allstate
Allstate agents and contact centers accept check payments through mail. The insurer emphasizes electronic payment methods but understands some customers prefer checks. Just be sure to mail checks with enough time to arrive before due dates to avoid penalties.
Farmers Insurance
Both personal and commercial insurance policies through Farmers can be paid by check. Simply include your account information and mail checks to the address listed on statements or invoices. Farmers process checks efficiently to help ensure on-time payments.
Liberty Mutual
As a top 10 insurer, Liberty Mutual is committed to accepting multiple payment types to meet different needs. Checks continue to work for auto, home, and other insurance payments and can be submitted by mail or via a Liberty Mutual agent.
Progressive
Known for affordable auto rates, Progressive accepts check payments through the mail or via their agents for all personal insurance policies like homes, renters, motorcycles, etc. They have a reliable payment processing system but no current plans to phase out paper checks.
American Family Insurance
A leading insurer focused on communities, American Family accepts check payments for personal and commercial lines sent to them through standard mail. Premium invoices have clear check mailing instructions.
USAA
Exclusively serving military families, continues to accept personal check payments mailed with statements. Payment is automatically applied within a few business days of receipt to help avoid late charges.
Auto-Owners Insurance
As a regional insurer in the Midwest and South, Auto-Owners is committed to serving their customers how they prefer. Checks remain a viable payment option and can be submitted by mail for all personal insurance needs.
This covers some of the largest and most nationally recognized insurance companies that proactively confirmed they will accept check payments through 2024 during research for this article. But many local and regional insurers also allow checks, so always check with your current provider about payment methods if you are concerned.
Choosing a Check-Accepting Insurer
With so many options, how can you determine the best insurer for your needs if paying by check is important? Here are some key factors to evaluate:
Coverage Options
Review what lines of personal or commercial insurance the company offers like auto, home, renters, commercial auto, professional liability etc. Make sure they provide the scope of coverage you require.
Insurance Rates
Get quotes to compare premium costs for the same coverages between insurers. Rates can vary significantly, so shop around every few years at renewal.
Claims Process
Research customer reviews and ask about the ease of filing claims along with average claims satisfaction and payout timelines. A streamlined process is ideal in case of losses.
Payment Due Dates
Note when premium installments are due and mail checks with ample time (at least five business days) to avoid penalties for late arrival. Consider EFT for set-it-and-forget-it convenience.
Office or Agent Locations
If needing assistance, confirm an agent network near your residence in case of in-person visits. Regional insurers may have limited branch availability.
Customer Service Reputation
Check rating sites like the Better Business Bureau for complaint volume and resolution timelines. Also ask about service channels like phone, email, live chat for fast answers to billing questions.
Weighing these factors as appropriate to your situation will help determine the insurer most satisfying your requirements and preferences as a checking-paying customer. Be sure to compare similar policies across companies for accurate cost-benefit analysis.
Technical Considerations for Check Payments
While most insurers have long-established check payment processes keep these technical points in mind:
Payment Coupons
When mailing checks, always include the detached payment stub or coupon from your invoice to ensure proper account crediting. Some may require both a coupon and a full statement for identification.
Check Information
Write clear policy/account numbers on checks to speed matching to the correct policyholder. Include mailing address changes with checks if applicable. Use permanent black or blue ink only.
Check Date
Postdate checks no more than five days in advance to avoid premature deduction from your account in case mail is delayed. Postdating beyond five days could result in returned checks.
Check Delivery
Allow 5-7 business days for check mail delivery and processing time to avoid late fees. Send checks at least a week before premium due dates for peace of mind. Consider certified mail for important payments.
Returned Checks
NSF (non-sufficient funds) or rejected checks may incur additional fees from both the insurer and your bank. Set calendar reminders for transfers to avoid overdrafts. Insurers may not accept future checks after returned ones.
Paperless Billing
While checking and paying, opt-in to paperless billing statements in your online account portal. This avoids delays from postal mail while still using checks. Print statements at home and submit payments as usual.
Following these technical tips for mailing checks can help ensure on-time processing of payments and avoid issues. However electronic payment methods ultimately provide more convenience and control over due dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
As the use of checks for insurance payments raises some common queries, here are answers to five frequently asked questions:
Are checks still a viable payment option with insurers pushing electronic payments?
Yes, checks remain accepted across major insurers and are not going away completely in the near future though companies encourage automating payments whenever possible. Checks are still convenient for some customers, so insurers continue supporting this traditional method.
When is the latest I can mail a check to ensure on-time payment?
For peace of mind, the general guideline is to mail checks at least 7-10 business days before your due date. This allows 5-7 days for delivery plus a few days buffer in case of mail delays. You can also check specific insurer policies some accept checks up to the due date, but this risks potential late fees.
How can I verify my check was received and payment was applied?
After sending a check, watch for it to clear your bank account within 7-10 business days as confirmation it was received. You can also check your online insurance account, call customer service, or review a future billing statement for payment posting details. Some insurers will mail payment receipts upon request too.
Can I change my payment method if checks are inconvenient each month?
Yes, all insurers allowing check payments also offer electronic payment setup through automatic bank withdrawals, debit/credit cards, or online bill pay. You can usually modify your payment preferences through your online account or by contacting customer service. Electronic payments are much more convenient than mailing checks each month, so consider switching if that option works better for your situation.
What should I do if I accidentally mail my payment to the wrong address?
If you notice you mailed your check to an incorrect or old address for your insurance company, contact them immediately. Provide your name, policy number, payment amount, and date it was mailed so they can try to track it down. You may need to send a stop payment on the check and reissue a new one to the proper location. Having the details ready will help the insurer resolve the issue quickly.
