--- title: "Western National Insurance Review [Updated 2026]" description: "Western National Mutual Insurance Company has operated since 1901, offering personal and commercial insurance through independent agents in 20 states with an A+ Superior financial strength rating." canonical: "https://www.coveragecat.com/reviews/western-national" last-updated: "2026-08-13" --- # Western National Insurance Review [Updated 2026] Western National Mutual Insurance Company has served the Midwest and Western United States since 1901, when it began as a fire insurer for Minnesota's creameries and cheese factories [(Western National Insurance Group, "About Us - Company History", 2026)](https://www.wnins.com/aboutus/index.html). Today, the Edina, Minnesota-based mutual insurer writes over $1 billion in annual premium across 20 states, offers both personal and commercial lines, and holds an A+ Superior financial strength rating from A.M. Best [(Western National Insurance Group, "A.M. Best Affirms Ratings for Western National Insurance Group", 2024)](https://www.wnins.com/news/10082024.html). The company brands itself "The Relationship Company" and distributes all products exclusively through independent insurance agents rather than captive agents or direct-to-consumer sales [(Western National Insurance, "Western National Insurance LinkedIn Company Page", 2026)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/western-national-insurance). This approach provides customers with local representation but may limit accessibility in some markets. ## What Kinds of Insurance Does Western National Offer? Western National provides both personal and commercial insurance products through its network of independent agents. Personal lines include [auto insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/car-insurance), [homeowners insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/homeowners-insurance), [renters insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/renters-insurance), [umbrella insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/umbrella-insurance), boat and motor coverage, and motorcycle protection [(Western National Insurance Group, "Insurance Products Available", 2026)](https://www.wnins.com/products/). The commercial lines portfolio covers business auto, fire and allied lines, general liability, inland marine, umbrella policies, and workers' compensation. Western National also offers surety bonds in 43 states, extending well beyond its traditional insurance footprint [(Glassdoor, "Working at Western National Insurance Employee Reviews", 2026)](https://www.glassdoor.com/Overview/Working-at-Western-National-Insurance-EI_IE34482.11,37.htm). The company operates in 19 states for most insurance products, with additional surety bond availability across 38 states [(Big I Minnesota, "Western National Company Profile", 2024)](https://bigimn.org/western-national/). | Product Type | Key Features | Availability | |-------------|-------------|--------------| | Homeowners | Penalty-Free Promise, common-loss deductible, identity fraud coverage | Available in 4 states | | Auto | Accident forgiveness, new car replacement, multiple discounts | Available in 6 states | | Umbrella | Coverage limits up to $5 million | 19 states | | Commercial Lines | Business auto, general liability, workers' comp | 19 states | | Surety Bonds | Various bond types | 43 states | ## Does Western National Offer Homeowners Insurance? Yes, Western National offers [homeowners insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/homeowners-insurance) as a core personal lines product. The company's roots trace back to property protection for agricultural businesses [(Big I Minnesota, "Western National Company Profile", 2024)](https://bigimn.org/western-national/)]. Western National's homeowner policies include the Penalty-Free Promise, common-loss deductible, watercraft liability, and identity-fraud coverage at no extra charge [(Western National Insurance Group, "Products - Western National Insurance Group", 2025)](https://www.wnins.com/products/index.html). The insurer also offers discounts for burglar and fire alarms, multi-policy bundling, and new home purchases [Ibid.](https://www.wnins.com/products/index.html). The insurer operates primarily in Midwest and Western states where tornadoes, hail, and severe storms create significant weather-related exposure. In 2023, Western National increased Minnesota home insurance rates by 11.6% overall. The company cited inflation, supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and increased storm frequency as the primary drivers [(Western National Insurance Group, "Western National Insurance Home Rate Revision Minnesota", 2023)](https://www.wnins.com/r3m0teProXyL0G1n/mutual/bulletins/bulletin_02212023_IA.html). Policyholders with lower wind and hail deductibles experienced the largest rate increases, reflecting the company's focus on catastrophic weather risk management. Reinsurance market pressures also contributed to pricing adjustments [Ibid.](https://www.wnins.com/r3m0teProXyL0G1n/mutual/bulletins/bulletin_02212023_IA.html). ## Does Western National Offer Auto Insurance? Western National provides [auto insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/car-insurance) across its multi-state footprint with what the company describes as a penalty-free promise maintained for over 50 years [(Western National Insurance Group, "Products", 2025)](https://www.wnins.com/products/). According to company marketing, this promise means rates do not increase after a policyholder's first accident or moving violation. Specific terms and limitations should be confirmed with an independent agent. Standard discounts include good student, multi-policy, multi-car, family, protective devices, customer loyalty, anti-theft devices, and company car discounts [(Western National Insurance, "Products", 2026)](https://www.wnins.com/products/). ## Does Western National Offer Umbrella Insurance? Yes, Western National offers [umbrella insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/umbrella-insurance) for both personal and commercial customers. Umbrella policies provide additional liability protection above the limits of underlying auto, homeowners, or business insurance policies [(CB Insights, "Western National Insurance Group Company Profile", 2026)](https://www.cbinsights.com/company/western-national-insurance-group). Western National's umbrella coverage limits extend up to $5 million.pdf). These policies protect policyholders from catastrophic liability claims that exceed standard policy limits. Western National's umbrella coverage is available through the same independent agents who handle primary insurance policies [(Western National Insurance Group, "Insurance Products Available", 2026)](https://www.wnins.com/products/). ## How Does Western National Insurance Work? Western National operates exclusively through independent insurance agents rather than selling policies directly to consumers or through captive agents [(Western National Insurance Group, "Western National Insurance Official Website", 2026)](https://www.wnins.com/). Customers must work with a licensed independent agent in their state to obtain quotes and purchase policies. The independent agent model offers several advantages because agents can compare Western National's offerings against other insurers, provide local expertise about regional weather and risk factors, and offer service for policy changes and claims. This approach, however, limits online purchasing options compared to direct-to-consumer insurers. Western National has invested in modern technology infrastructure to support its agent network. In 2018, the company deployed Guidewire ClaimCenter to replace its third-party claims management system [(Guidewire Software, "Western National Customer Success Story", 2026)](https://www.guidewire.com/customers/success-stories/western-national). The insurer later became a full Guidewire InsuranceSuite customer with PolicyCenter and BillingCenter [(Guidewire Software, "Western National Selects Guidewire InsurancePlatform", 2019)](https://www.guidewire.com/about-us/news-and-events/press-releases/20190708/western-national-selects-guidewire). More recently, the company adopted Convr's AI-powered Underwriting Workbench and Intake AI to automate insurance application processing [(Convr, "Western National Insurance Leverages Convr's Underwriting Workbench", 2024)](https://convr.com/resources/news/western-national-insurance/). Dan Anderson, Senior Vice President of Underwriting, stated that these tools "allow our team to analyze risk and make critical underwriting decisions in an efficient manner" [Ibid.](https://convr.com/resources/news/western-national-insurance/). ## Western National Pricing and Payment Options Western National's pricing reflects its focus on weather-prone regions and catastrophic risk management. The 2023 rate increase for Minnesota homeowners demonstrated how the company adjusts pricing based on inflation, supply chain costs, labor availability, storm frequency and severity, and reinsurance market conditions [(Western National Insurance Group, "Western National Insurance Home Rate Revision Minnesota", 2023)](https://www.wnins.com/r3m0teProXyL0G1n/mutual/bulletins/bulletin_02212023_IA.html). Auto insurance rates depend on driving record, vehicle characteristics, location, and weather risk. The company offers multiple discount programs to reduce premiums, including bundling discounts when customers purchase multiple policy types [(Western National Insurance Group, "Multi-Policy Discount", 2026)](https://www.wnins.com/products/discounts/multipolicy.html). Payment options and specific pricing details are handled through independent agents rather than the company's website. This agent-centric model means quotes require contacting a local agent rather than completing an online form. ## Western National Customer Service and Support Western National's headquarters operates from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday Central Time at 4700 West 77th Street in Edina, Minnesota [(Western National Insurance Group, "Contact Us Page", 2026)](https://www.wnins.com/contactus/). The mailing address is P.O. Box 1463, Minneapolis, MN 55440. For day-to-day service needs, policyholders work with their independent insurance agents who handle policy changes, coverage questions, billing inquiries, and general support. This localized service model provides personalized attention but may result in slower response times compared to large carriers with extensive call center operations. The company has received workplace recognition, earning a spot on the Star Tribune's 2025 Top Workplaces of Minnesota list for the fifth consecutive year [(Western National Insurance Group, "Western National Named to Star Tribune 2025 Top Workplaces of Minnesota List", 2025)](https://w.wnins.com/news/06252025.html). Employee reviews on Glassdoor show 92% of employees would recommend working at Western National to a friend, with the company rated 4.3 out of 5 stars [(Glassdoor, "Working at Western National Insurance Employee Reviews", 2026)](https://www.glassdoor.com/Overview/Working-at-Western-National-Insurance-EI_IE34482.11,37.htm). Some customer reviews mention concerns about responsiveness, with one reviewer noting responses like "only so many hours in the day" and "we are busy" when seeking assistance [(Yelp, "Western National Mutual Yelp Reviews", 2023)](https://www.yelp.com/biz/western-national-mutual-minneapolis). The company's digital tools and online service capabilities appear limited compared to larger national carriers, which may frustrate customers who prefer self-service options. ## How to File a Claim with Western National Western National provides 24/7 claims reporting through its dedicated claims phone line at (855) 921-3164 [(Western National Insurance Group, "Claims Information and Process", 2026)](https://www.wnins.com/claims/). The company states that calling this number is the fastest way to report a claim, with live claim service representatives available any time [(Western National Insurance Group, "What is the Best Way to Report My Claim?", 2026)](https://www.wnins.com/blog/reportaclaim.html). According to company materials, claims representatives can arrange emergency repairs, temporary housing, and glass replacement services during the initial call. The claims staff operates from the Edina, Minnesota headquarters with a network covering all states where the company operates [(Western National Insurance Group, "Report A Claim - Western National Insurance Group", 2025)](https://www.wnins.com/claims/index.html). For property claims requiring inspection, Western National assigns a field adjuster who contacts policyholders within 48 hours to arrange a property inspection. The company states that claims are processed in order received with payment checks typically mailed within seven to ten days [(Ibid., "Claims Information and Process", 2026)](https://www.wnins.com/claims/). Claims reported outside business hours receive a response within the next business day [(Ibid., "Report A Claim - Western National Insurance Group", 2025)](https://www.wnins.com/claims/index.html). Some customers report frustration with claims processing times for non-catastrophe losses. One Yelp reviewer mentioned a claim denial on their first claim after years without filing, while another described waiting nearly two years for a fence replacement claim. The company offers limited online claims filing capabilities compared to larger national carriers. ## Western National Insurance Pros and Cons
### Pros - **Superior Financial Strength**: A+ rating from A.M. Best reflects strong financial position with $2.44 billion in total assets and $993.9 million in surplus (Ibid., "Western National Insurance Group Announces Year-End 2024 Results", 2025) - **Consistent Industry Recognition**: Named to Ward's Top 50 list for the 20th time in 21 years, demonstrating sustained performance (Ibid., "Western National Named 2025 Ward Group Top 50", 2025) - **Penalty-Free Promise**: Company claims over 50 years of not raising rates after a first accident or violation (Western National Insurance Group, "Products", 2025) - **Local Agent Relationships**: Independent agent network provides personalized service and local weather expertise (Western National Insurance Group, "Western National Insurance Official Website", 2026) - **24/7 Claims Reporting**: Round-the-clock claims service with live representatives available any time (Ibid., "What is the Best Way to Report My Claim?", 2026) - **Modern Technology**: Guidewire platform and AI-powered underwriting tools support operations (Guidewire Software, "Western National Customer Success Story", 2026)
### Cons - **Limited Geographic Coverage**: Available in only 19-20 states, restricting options for customers outside operating territories (Big I Minnesota, "Western National Company Profile", 2024) - **Agent-Only Distribution**: No direct purchase option requires working with independent agents, limiting convenience (Western National Insurance, "Western National Insurance LinkedIn Company Page", 2026) - **Mixed Claims Reviews**: Some customers report slow processing for non-catastrophe claims and extended resolution times - **Limited Digital Tools**: Online claims filing and self-service capabilities lag behind larger national carriers - **Regional Weather Risk**: Focus on tornado and hail-prone areas results in rate increases driven by catastrophic loss exposure (Western National Insurance Group, "Western National Insurance Home Rate Revision Minnesota", 2023) - **Customer Service Concerns**: Some reviews mention slow responsiveness and difficulty getting timely assistance (Yelp, "Western National Mutual Yelp Reviews", 2023) - **Low BBB Customer Rating**: Average rating of 1.0 stars based on 7 Better Business Bureau reviews (Better Business Bureau, "Western National Mutual Insurance Company Customer Reviews", 2025)
## Western National Ratings and Customer Feedback Western National maintains strong financial ratings and has received consistent industry recognition, though consumer review scores show more variation: | Rating Source | Score/Rating | Details | |--------------|-------------|---------| | A.M. Best | A+ (Superior) | Financial strength rating affirmed with stable outlook as of November 2025 [(A.M. Best, "Western National Mutual Insurance Company Company Profile", 2026)](https://ratings.ambest.com/CompanyProfile.aspx?ambnum=658&AltNum=1706658) | | Demotech | Not rated | Western National Mutual Insurance Co is listed on Demotech but no Financial Stability Rating was found [(Demotech, "Western National Mutual Insurance Co", 2026)](https://www.demotech.com/company/15377/) | | NAIC Complaint Index | Not available | NAIC complaint index data requires direct lookup through the NAIC Consumer Information Source database [(NAIC, "Consumer Insurance Search", 2026)](https://content.naic.org/cis_consumer_information.htm) | | Yelp | 1.4/5 stars | 1.4 stars based on 10 reviews at the Minneapolis headquarters location [(Yelp, "Western National Mutual Reviews", 2026)](https://www.yelp.com/biz/western-national-mutual-minneapolis) | | Google Maps | 4/5 stars | 4 stars at the Edina headquarters location [(Google Maps, "Western National Insurance Group", 2026)](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Western+National+Insurance+Group/) | | Trustpilot | Not available | Western National Mutual Insurance Company does not have a Trustpilot profile; note that Western Mutual (a different company based in California) has a separate Trustpilot page | | Better Business Bureau | A+ | Not BBB Accredited but holds A+ rating; 124 years in business; 1.0 stars based on 7 customer reviews [(Better Business Bureau, "Western National Mutual Insurance Company Customer Reviews", 2025)](https://www.bbb.org/us/mn/edina/profile/insurance-agency/western-national-mutual-insurance-company-0704-1222/customer-reviews) | | Trusted Choice | Not available | No dedicated Trusted Choice review found for Western National Mutual Insurance Company | | Glassdoor (Employee) | 4.3/5 stars | Employees rate Western National Insurance 4.3 out of 5 stars based on 109 reviews; 92% would recommend working at Western National to a friend [(Glassdoor, "Working at Western National Insurance Employee Reviews", 2026)](https://www.glassdoor.com/Overview/Working-at-Western-National-Insurance-EI_IE34482.11,37.htm) | | Ward's Benchmarking | Top 50 (2025) | Recognized for 20th time in 21 years for outstanding financial results [(Western National Insurance Group, "Western National Named 2025 Ward Group Top 50", 2025)](https://www.wnins.com/news/07082025.html) | The company's financial position has strengthened significantly in recent years. Total assets grew 12.2% from $2.11 billion to $2.36 billion in 2024, while direct premium written increased 16.9% to $1.11 billion. Net income after tax reached $86.3 million, up from $69.6 million in 2023. A.M. Best's analysis notes that Western National's balance sheet strength assessment is "strongest" based on its strongest level of risk-adjusted capitalization. The rating agency states Western National's operating performance assessment of strong reflects consistently strong underwriting results over the most recent five-year and 10-year periods. The business profile is viewed as neutral, based on well-diversified geographic representation and product risk spread, and the enterprise risk management approach is considered appropriate. [(Insurance Journal, "AM Best Revises Outlook to Positive for Michigan Millers Mutual", 2025)](https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/midwest/2025/11/07/846810.htm) In January 2026, A.M. Best upgraded Michigan Millers Mutual Insurance Company's rating following its formal participation in the Western National Insurance Group pool [(Western National Insurance Group, "AM Best Upgrades Rating for Michigan Millers Following Western", 2026)](https://www.wnins.com/news/01152026.html). ## Real Customer Reviews
**Billing Department Praise** "Billing department is decent to deal with." *Source: Better Business Bureau Review [(Better Business Bureau, "Western National Mutual Insurance Company Customer Reviews", 2025)](https://www.bbb.org/us/mn/edina/profile/insurance-agency/western-national-mutual-insurance-company-0704-1222/customer-reviews)*
**Claims Denial Frustration** "Worst insurance company ever. Never had a claim. We have 2 homes, a business and 3 cars with them. And they turn us down on first claim." The reviewer reported receiving responses like "only so many hours in the day" and "we are busy." *Source: Yelp Review [(Yelp, "Western National Mutual Yelp Reviews", 2026)](https://www.yelp.com/biz/western-national-mutual-minneapolis)*
**Rate Increase Concerns** "Underwriting and the agents that write for Western National are rude. The company doesn't care about the customer or even try to work with them, not to mention the frequent rate increases." *Source: Better Business Bureau Review [(Better Business Bureau, "Western National Mutual Insurance Company Customer Reviews", 2025)](https://www.bbb.org/us/mn/edina/profile/insurance-agency/western-national-mutual-insurance-company-0704-1222/customer-reviews)*
**Extended Claims Timeline** "I have been attempting to settle a claim for the replacement of my fence (parts are no longer available) for nearly 2 YEARS. Western National arbitrarily imposed multiple deductibles on my policy under the same event in 2021." *Source: Better Business Bureau Review [Ibid.](https://www.bbb.org/us/mn/edina/profile/insurance-agency/western-national-mutual-insurance-company-0704-1222/customer-reviews)*
## Western National Leadership and Company History The Mutual Creamery and Cheese Factory Fire Insurance Company of Minnesota incorporated in late January 1900 in St. Paul, Minnesota [(Western National Insurance Group, "About Us - Company History", 2026)](https://www.wnins.com/aboutus/index.html). The company received its official charter and began operations in May 1901, with its sole purpose to insure creamery and cheese cooperative association members against fire losses [Ibid.](https://www.wnins.com/aboutus/index.html). In its first year, the company wrote $263,079 in premium with total assets of just $812.22 [Ibid.](https://www.wnins.com/aboutus/index.html). The first claim payment occurred on September 18, 1901, for $5.21 [Ibid.](https://www.wnins.com/aboutus/index.html). The company changed its name to Western National Mutual Insurance Company and relocated to Edina in 1970 [(USA Coverage, "Western National Insurance Company Profile", 2024)](https://www.usacoverage.com/insurance-company-profiles/western-national-insurance-company.html). Today, the group comprises multiple regional property and casualty insurance companies with total assets exceeding $2 billion [(Western National Insurance Group, "About Us - Company History", 2026)](https://www.wnins.com/aboutus/index.html). Rick Long serves as President and CEO, a position he assumed on April 2, 2021, following the retirement of Stuart Henderson [(Western National Insurance Group, "Retirement of Stuart Henderson, Succession of Rick Long as CEO", 2021)](https://www.wnins.com/news/03182021.html). Henderson led the company from 2001 to 2021, during which time policyholder equity grew from $60.3 million to over $697 million and the A.M. Best rating rose from B+ to A+ Superior [Ibid.](https://www.wnins.com/news/03182021.html). Long joined Western National in 2010 as Senior Vice President of Claims, bringing extensive insurance industry experience to the CEO role [Ibid.](https://www.wnins.com/news/03182021.html). ## Frequently Asked Questions **What states does Western National operate in?** Western National provides insurance in 19 states plus Alaska, with surety bonds available in 38 states [(Big I Minnesota, "Western National Company Profile", 2024)](https://bigimn.org/western-national/). Specific product availability varies by state and insurance type. Contact an independent agent to confirm coverage availability in your location. **Can I buy Western National insurance online?** No. Western National sells all insurance products exclusively through independent insurance agents [(Western National Insurance Group, "Western National Insurance Official Website", 2026)](https://www.wnins.com/). You must contact a licensed independent agent in your state to obtain quotes and purchase policies. **What is Western National's penalty-free promise?** According to Western National, its Penalty-Free Promise has been offered for over 50 years, and policyholders will never pay a higher rate as the result of accidents or violations [(Western National Insurance Group, "Products", 2026)](https://www.wnins.com/products/). Confirm specific terms and limitations with your independent agent. **How long does Western National take to process claims?** The company states it assigns field adjusters who contact policyholders within 48 hours for property inspections. Claims are processed in order received with payment checks typically mailed within seven to ten days [(Western National Insurance Group, "Claims Information and Process", 2026)](https://www.wnins.com/claims/). Claims reported outside business hours receive a response within the next business day [(Ibid., "Report A Claim - Western National Insurance Group", 2025)](https://www.wnins.com/claims/index.html). Some customers have reported longer processing times for non-catastrophe claims. **What is Western National's financial strength rating?** A.M. Best has affirmed Western National's A+ (Superior) financial strength rating, reflecting strongest balance sheet strength and strong operating performance [(Insurance Journal, "AM Best Revises Outlook to Positive for Michigan Millers Mutual", 2025)](https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/midwest/2025/11/07/846810.htm). The company reports over $2.44 billion in total assets and $993.9 million in surplus [(Western National Insurance Group, "Western National Insurance Group Announces Year-End 2024 Results", 2025)](https://www.wnins.com/news/04102025.html). **Does Western National offer multi-policy discounts?** Yes. Western National provides multi-policy discounts along with good student, multi-car, family, protective devices, customer loyalty, anti-theft devices, and company car discounts.pdf). Available discounts and amounts vary by state and policy type. **How do I contact Western National about a claim?** Call the 24/7 claims line at (855) 921-3164 to report a claim any time [(Western National Insurance Group, "What is the Best Way to Report My Claim?", 2026)](https://www.wnins.com/blog/reportaclaim.html). Live claim service representatives can arrange emergency repairs, temporary housing, and glass replacement during your call. **Is Western National a mutual insurance company?** Yes. Western National Mutual Insurance Company operates as a mutual insurer, meaning the company is owned by policyholders rather than shareholders [(Better Business Bureau, "Western National Mutual Insurance Company BBB Business Profile", 2026)](https://www.bbb.org/us/mn/edina/profile/insurance-agency/western-national-mutual-insurance-company-0704-1222). This structure aligns the company's interests with policyholder needs rather than external investor demands.