The Hanover insurance review 2023

The Hanover car insurance

Each year, Bankrate's insurance editorial team conducts an in-depth study of major insurance carriers to help readers find the best insurance company to meet their needs. Based on our assessment, the Hanover may be a good option for drivers who don't mind paying extra for convenient coverage packages and extra endorsement options. However, although the company offers robust coverage options, its premiums tend to be much more expensive than the national average, and policies are only available in 28 states plus Washington, D.C. These factors contributed to the company's auto Bankrate score of 3.1 out of 5.

The Hanover car insurance comes in three packages: Connections, Platinum and Prestige. Its base-level plan, Connections, has three levels: Connections Auto, DriveSmart and DriveSmart Advantage. Each level has more coverage options than the last, with the DriveSmart Advantage encompassing the most. Some of the features at this highest level include deductible dividends and new car replacement guard, which pays the actual cash value of a one year newer make, model and equipment of your vehicle.

The Hanover's Prestige and Platinum plans may be ideal for drivers who want to take advantage of unique auto policy features. In the mid-level Prestige package, drivers can include an array of optional coverage features that may help make the claims process smoother. These options include upgraded roadside assistance, transportation coverage if the vehicle becomes inoperable and pet injury coverage.

With the Hanover Platinum package, auto and home insurance are bundled. The Platinum package provides even higher policy limits and more policy add-ons than the Connections and Prestige plans. Among the many options offered, one standout feature is a single renewal date for both policies.

Pros and cons of The Hanover car insurance

When looking for the best car insurance company, many drivers want more than just cheap premiums. When comparing car insurance rates, you may find it helpful to take note of the other benefits and drawbacks that come with a carrier.

The Hanover car insurance cost

The Hanover's average annual premium for full coverage auto insurance is exceedingly high compared to the national average cost of car insurance. On average, drivers with the Hanover pay $3,718 per year for full coverage auto insurance, while the national average is $2,014 per year for the same coverage. However, actual rates may vary depending on chosen coverage options and discount opportunities, as well as rating factors such as your location, vehicle, driving history and more.

The Hanover car insurance rates by driving history

Bankrate analyzes proprietary data provided by Quadrant Information Services to track rate trends. As our research shows below, your driving record may significantly impact how much you pay for car insurance.

Please note that we have not included average DUI rates as some companies will not offer a policy to drivers with this type of violation. For more information about The Hanover's DUI rates, please contact an agent directly.

The Hanover car insurance quotes by age

In every state except for Hawaii and Massachusetts, your age will impact how much you spend on car insurance. Generally, younger drivers tend to pay the highest premiums because they are more likely to be involved in a crash. According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), teens get into four times as many accidents as any other age group.

However, younger drivers might see lower premiums by being listed as active drivers on their parents' policies rather than purchasing their own. The rates below reflect a clean driving record for young drivers on and off their parents' policy as well as adult drivers on their own policy.

Average cost of car insurance for drivers on their parents' policy

Average cost of car insurance for drivers on their own policy

The Hanover car insurance discounts

If you're looking to save money on car insurance you may be interested in a company's discount opportunities. Depending on which of The Hanover plans you choose for auto insurance, the following discounts may be available:

The Hanover car tools and benefits

Those who rent cars often may benefit from The Hanover's partnership with National Car Rental. The Hanover policyholders are considered members of the National's Emerald Club Executive program and can rent any vehicle in the executive area for the midsize rate in the U.S. and Canada.

The Hanover home insurance

Like its car insurance, The Hanover might be one of the best homeowners insurance companies for those seeking prebuilt coverage packages with the option to add unique endorsements. Based on our analysis of average premiums, coverage options, digital presence and more, The Hanover home insurance earned a Bankrate Score of 3.1 out of 5. While the company did well in the coverage category, its overall score was brought down by generally steep premiums, lack of nationwide availability and lower-than-average ratings for its mobile app.

The Hanover takes a similar approach to its homeowners products as it does with its auto by offering the Connections, Prestige and Platinum tiers. Each package offers unique coverage options and may be personalized to ensure the best fit for your homeowners insurance needs. While the Connections and Prestige plans may be suitable for most homes, The Hanover Platinum plan is intended for high-value homes or those who want the most robust coverage. This top-tier plan offers extra policy features, such as ordinance or law coverage, increased water backup coverage and unlimited loss of use coverage if your home is temporarily uninhabitable due to a coverage claim.

Pros and cons of The Hanover homeowners insurance

Comparing home insurance quotes might seem intimidating, but making a list of pros and cons may provide a helpful visual to keep track of the priorities a company does and doesn't meet.

The Hanover home insurance cost

The Hanover's average premiums for home insurance are also higher than the national average cost of home insurance. The average cost of The Hanover's home insurance policy with $250,000 in dwelling coverage is $2,272 per year, while the national average is $1,428 per year.

The Hanover home insurance discounts

Although average home insurance premiums from The Hanover may be more expensive than other companies, it does offer some discount opportunities, including:

The Hanover home tools and benefits

The Hanover partners with multiple companies to provide discounted pricing and additional benefits to home insurance policyholders. These partnerships include home repair services with Porch, discounts on security devices and monitoring with Scout, arborist care with HMI, water and plumbing service with Leak Defense and Flo by Moen. Hanover policyholders interested in purchasing jewelry or commissioning custom pieces may receive special pricing and additional benefits with Artigem.

The Hanover customer satisfaction

Although The Hanover might not be the cheapest company, it may be ideal for shoppers who prioritize customer service. To evaluate this vital metric, Bankrate's insurance editorial team looked to third-party scores, like those issued by J.D. Power. Each year, this analytics company conducts several insurance studies and, based on the information it gathers, gives insurance companies scores for customer satisfaction out of 1,000.

In addition to J.D. Power scores, we also analyzed the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Complaint Index Report. Here, the NAIC keeps track of the complaints it gets about insurance companies and issues them a complaint index. A company with an average number of complaints will have a complaint index score of 1.00. A score higher than that means that the company has more complaints than average and vice versa.

Lastly, while financial strength may not be directly tied to customer service, if an insurance company has strong financial strength ratings, it means that it has historically been able to pay out claims when needed.

The Hanover auto satisfaction

J.D. Power did not include The Hanover in every region of its 2022 U.S. Auto Insurance Study, probably because it is a smaller carrier. However, in the North Central region, The Hanover scored above average in customer satisfaction, with 843 points. For context, the regional average was 838.

When it comes to NAIC customer complaints, The Hanover also does well. The company's private passenger auto insurance product has a complaint index of 0.38, indicating it receives fewer complaints than expected for a company of its size.

The Hanover homeowners satisfaction

J.D. Power did not include The Hanover in its 2022 home insurance or property claims studies. However, according to the NAIC Complaint Index Report, its home insurance customers may be happy with the company's service since it has a homeowners complaint index of 0.16.

The company has also demonstrated financial strength through its AM Best rating of A (Excellent). Although this isn't the highest score possible (A++ Superior), AM Best affirms the company's financial outlook as stable.

How to file a claim with The Hanover

When you contact The Hanover to file a claim, it will ask for some basic information. For instance, if you're filing a car insurance claim, it will ask you for the date of the accident, the circumstances surrounding the accident and the names and insurance information of the drivers involved. If applicable, it may also ask for corresponding documentation, such as a police report.

When you're ready to file your claim with The Hanover, you can do so by:

• Calling the general claims line at 1-800-626-0250
• Calling 1-800-799-6977 if you're a Platinum policyholder
• Calling 1-877-922-2774 if you're a Prestige policyholder
• Downloading the mobile app and reporting it via smartphone
• Logging into your online account and reporting the claim there
• Submitting your claim information online without creating an account

The Hanover offers more ways to report a claim than many of its competitors. Keep in mind that most insurance professionals agree that the sooner you report your claim, the better.

The Hanover availability

If you live in one of the areas below, then The Hanover insurance may be available to you:

• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• Utah
• Connecticut
• Florida
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Kansas
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Virginia
• Washington
• Washington, D.C.
• Wisconsin

Other The Hanover perks worth considering

In addition to home and personal auto insurance, The Hanover also offers other insurance policies that may interest customers. These include:

• Umbrella insurance: Policyholders who want extended liability protection may consider purchasing a separate umbrella policy.
• Watercraft: If you own a boat, The Hanover could provide additional protection, including coverage for fishing equipment, recovery and salvage, and towing and assistance.
• Recreational vehicles: This policy from The Hanover is intended for vehicles such as golf carts and snowmobiles, as well as ATVs, antique vehicles, motorhomes and more. Coverage for these vehicles can be included through an active auto or home policy with the Hanover.
• Business insurance: Business owners can purchase policies such as general liability, property and professional liability insurance for business from The Hanover.

The Hanover corporate sustainability

The Hanover highlights its diversity and inclusion efforts for its employees on its website. From 2018 to 2022, it earned a perfect score from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Corporate Equality Index for policies and practices that make it an LGBTQ-friendly and equal workplace.

The Hanover has also partnered with United Way through donations and employee participation to support United Way's network of nonprofits. Additionally, The Hanover's wholly-owned investment management company, Opus Investment Management, Inc., released its investment policy showcasing its approach to investing with social, environmental and governance.

Not sure if The Hanover is right for you?

Bankrate conducted this insurance review for The Hanover to help you decide if this carrier may meet your insurance needs. If you're still not sure that this is the company for you, you may want to request quotes from some of the companies below.

The Hanover vs. Travelers

Although its coverage add-on options may not be as diverse as The Hanover's, Travelers offers many discount opportunities, helping it stand among some of the cheapest home insurance companies. Travelers could also be a good choice for environmentally-conscious shoppers as it offers potential discounts for hybrid and electric cars and LEED-certified homes. Travelers is available in more states than The Hanover but received mixed customer satisfaction scores in J.D. Power's 2022 U.S. Auto Insurance Study.

Learn more: Travelers Insurance review

The Hanover vs. The Hartford

Individuals affiliated with AARP may find The Hartford to be a good fit for their needs. Not only do AARP members have special access to insurance through The Hartford, but they also get a myriad of membership benefits. Like The Hanover, The Hartford does not offer many unique discounts, but it does have various endorsements for policy customization, including roadside assistance, gap insurance and glass coverage.

Learn more: The Hartford Insurance review

The Hanover vs. Liberty Mutual

Those who prefer working with national car insurance carriers may find Liberty Mutual more suitable. Liberty Mutual also sells life insurance and has more robust digital tools than The Hanover. Liberty Mutual does have below-average scores in many regions of J.D. Power's 2022 auto insurance study and a below-average score in J.D. Power's 2022 U.S Home Insurance Study, so customers who value service may want to speak with current policyholders for more information.

Learn more: Liberty Mutual Insurance review

Is The Hanover a good insurance company?

Our insurance editorial team includes three licensed agents. Through our agency experience, we know that choosing the best insurance company isn't always easy — that's why we conduct exhaustive company reviews.

Whether The Hanover is a good company for you may depend on what you're looking for. If price isn't your primary concern and you're willing to pay extra for robust coverage and high-level customer service, then The Hanover might be a good fit for you. However, you may have better options if you're shopping on a strict budget or prefer a company with comprehensive digital tools. Additionally, The Hanover isn't available nationwide.

Methodology

Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze 2023 rates for ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates are weighted based on the population density in each geographic region. Quoted rates are based on 40-year-old male and female homeowners with a clean claim history, good credit and the following coverage limits:

Auto

• $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
• $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
• $50,000 property damage liability per accident
• $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
• $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
• $500 collision deductible
• $500 comprehensive deductible

To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverage that meets each state's requirements. Our sample drivers own a 2021 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.

Age: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the ages 16–60 (base: 40 years) applied. Depending on age, drivers may be a renter or homeowner. Age is not a contributing rating factor in Hawaii and Massachusetts.

The rates for drivers ages 16–20 added to their parents' policy reflect the good student and driver's training discounts applied. The rates for drivers aged 16–20 on their own policy do not include the good student and driver's training discounts. Additionally, 25-year-old rates are based on the driver as a renter and 30+ on the driver as a homeowner.

Incidents: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the following incidents applied: clean record (base), single speeding ticket and single at-fault accident.

Homeowners

• Coverage A, Dwelling: $150,000, $250,000, $350,000, $450,000, $750,000
• Coverage B, Other Structures: $15,000, $25,000, $35,000, $45,000, $75,000
• Coverage C, Personal Property: $75,000, $125,000, $175,000, $225,000, $375,000
• Coverage D, Loss of Use: $30,000, $50,000, $70,000, $90,000, $150,000
• Coverage E, Liability: $300,000, $300,000, $300,000, $300,000, $500,000
• Coverage F, Medical Payments: $1,000

The homeowners also have a $1,000 deductible and a separate wind and hail deductible (if required).

These are sample rates and should be used for comparative purposes only. Your quotes will differ.

Bankrate Scores

Our 2023 Bankrate Score considers variables our insurance editorial team determined impacts policyholders’ experiences with an insurance company. These rating factors include a robust assessment of each company’s product availability, financial strength ratings, online capabilities and customer and claims support accessibility. Each factor was added to a category, and these categories were weighted in a tiered approach to analyze how companies perform in key customer-impacting categories. 

Like our previous Bankrate Scores, each category was assigned a metric to determine performance, and the weighted sum adds up to a company’s total Bankrate Score — out of 5 points. This year, our 2023 scoring model provides a more comprehensive view, indicating when companies excel across several key areas and better highlighting where they fall short.

• Tier 1 (Cost & ratings): To determine how well auto and home insurance companies satisfy these priorities, 2023 quoted premiums from Quadrant Information Services, as well as the latest third-party agency ratings from J.D. Power, AM Best and the NAIC, were analyzed.
• Tier 2 (Coverage & savings): We assessed companies' coverage options and availability to help policyholders find a provider that balances cost with coverage. Additionally, we evaluated each company's discount options.
• Tier 3 (Support): To encompass the many ways an auto and home insurance company can support policyholders, we analyzed avenues of customer accessibility along with community support. This analysis incorporated additional financial strength ratings from S&P and Moody's and factored a company's corporate sustainability efforts.

Tier scores are unweighted to show the company's true score in each category out of a possible five points.