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Freeway car insurance review Sep 2020
Last updated:
This high-fee broker caters to high-risk drivers and Spanish speakers nationwide.
finder.com's rating: 2.5 / 5
★★★★★
- Get a quote if you have a driving record working against you, or if you speak Spanish and want to chat with a broker who speaks your language.
- Pick something else if you want to skip the broker fee.
- High-risk drivers and people who need a SR-22 can often find coverage.
optional
Roadside assistance
New car protection
Accident forgiveness
Details
| States served | All 50 states |
|---|---|
| Roadside assistance | Optional |
| Accident forgiveness | No |
| New car protection | No |
| Pay schedule | 12 months |
| Claims methods | phone |
| Rideshare coverage | No |
| SR-22 support |
Yes |
Pros
- Compares multiple carriers
- Affordable policies
- Caters to high-risk drivers
- Spanish-speaking agents
- Live chat function
Cons
- High broker fees
- Poor customer service reviews
- Limited agent presence
| Anti-theft device discount | No |
|---|---|
| Bundling discount | Yes |
| Defensive driving discount | No |
| Good student discount | Yes |
| Loyalty discount | Yes |
| Homeowner discount | No |
| Military discount | Yes |
| Safety device discount | No |
| Special employment discount | No |
| Usage-based discount | No |
Expert review
Review by
Katia Iervasi
katia.iervasi@finder.comKatia Iervasi is a staff writer who hails from Australia and now calls New York home. Her writing and analysis has been featured on sites like Forbes, Best Company and Financial Advisor around the world. Armed with a BA in Communication and a journalistic eye for detail, she navigates insurance and finance topics for Finder, so you can splash your cash smartly (and be a pro when the subject pops up at dinner parties).
Expert review
Freeway is an insurance broker, which means that it connects you with insurers based on your needs. It partners with a number of small insurers, specializing in finding coverage for those who don’t qualify with standard insurers. It also caters to Spanish-speaking people, a huge benefit with ease of service for these drivers.
However, customers say that Freeway charges high broker fees, and the company has a mixed reputation among its customer ratings.
If you need SR-22 coverage, are deemed high-risk or are having trouble finding a policy, Freeway could work for you.
But for low-risk drivers, the high fees likely won’t be worth it. You can save by comparing car insurance companies for the best fit for you.
What car insurance coverage does Freeway offer?
Freeway doesn’t sell auto insurance — it’s a brokerage that compares policies from a range of providers. It partners with smaller companies like Western General, Empower, Safeway, Mercury and Multi-State Insurance.
Depending on where you live and which provider you pick, your policy may include these types of coverage:
- Bodily injury and property damage. Legally required in most states, this pays for the costs if you injure people or damage their property in an accident. It can also contribute to your legal defense if you’re sued.
- Collision. This covers the cost of repairing or replacing your car if it’s involved in a collision with another vehicle or object. If you finance or lease your car, this coverage may be mandatory.
- Comprehensive This takes care of any damage to your car caused by something other than a collision, such as theft, vandalism, natural disasters or animals.
- Medical payments. Usually optional, this helps to pay for your medical expenses as a result of a car accident or incident — regardless of who’s at fault. It also applies if you’re involved in an accident as a pedestrian.
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist. This kicks in to cover the injuries or damage caused by a hit-and-run driver, or someone who has little to no insurance.
- Personal injury protection. Also known as “no fault insurance”, this covers a portion of the medical care, lost wages and essential services in the event of an accident. It’s not available in every state.
What extra benefits or add-ons does Freeway offer?
Again, bonus features and benefits come down to your provider. Most carriers offer additional coverage, such as rental reimbursement and extended medical expenses. A few standard add-ons you might see:
- Rental car reimbursement. Ensure you have a ride when your car is in the shop for a covered accident.
- Gap. Let your insurance company lend a hand in paying off your car loan if an accident damages your car beyond repair.
- Roadside assistance. Freeway has a roadside assistance program for 24/7 emergency towing, gas delivery, battery jumpstarts and lockout services. The service costs $60 for six months and $100 for 12 months. It’s open to residents in Alabama, Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin.
What discounts can I get with Freeway?
After gathering your personal information and driving history, your broker will let you know if you qualify for any discounts. The most common car insurance discounts include:
- Good driver discount
- Student discount
- Military discount
- Multi-vehicle discount
- Loyalty or multi-policy discount
- Safe parking discount
Pros and cons of Freeway car insurance
Pros
- Compares multiple carriers. Freeway does some of the legwork by comparing quotes from a range of small and regional carriers.
- Caters to high-risk drivers. This insurer can find coverage for people with spotty driving records or those who require an SR-22.
- Spanish-speaking agents. The company has both English- and Spanish-speaking agents available in person and over the phone.
- Live chat. Unlike many insurers, Freeway offers real-time help online during business hours.
Cons
- High broker fees. Freeway charges broker fees for its services, which can add up to hundreds of dollars. In most cases, you can avoid these fees by purchasing from an insurance carrier directly.
- Mixed customer service reviews. Freeway’s customer reviews show a stark contrast between the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot. Customers seem to have the most trouble after buying a policy.
- Limited physical presence. While it operates nationwide, the company only has offices in 12 states.
Alternatives to Freeway
Freeway car insurance reviews and complaints
Freeway is accredited with the Better Business Bureau and boasts an A+ rating for its operations, as of July 30, 2020. The BBB has recorded over 150 complaints in the last three years, many of which involve its high broker fees and unexpected policy cancellations.
On the other side, Freeway is rated a 4.4 out of 5 stars by nearly 100 customers on Trustpilot. Customers tend to praise its low rates and ease of starting a policy. Based on these reviews, the company may provide helpful customer service up front, but could use improvement on the backend of its service after buying a policy.
How to apply for Freeway car insurance
To find coverage, follow these steps:
- Go to the Freeway Insurance website.
- Select Auto Insurance from the dropdown box and type in your ZIP code. Click Get a Quote.
- Fill out the form with your personal and contact details, driving history, employment and income, and the car/s you’re looking to insure. Submit the application.
- A broker will contact you to discuss the most suitable insurance options.
Alternatively, you can chat with a broker by calling 800-777-5620 on weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. PT.
What info do I need to apply?
The form asks for the following information:
- Your occupation and income
- Your driver’s license number
- Details about your driving history for the past three years
- The names and ages of any nominated drivers
- The year, make and model of your car
Frequently asked questions about Freeway car insurance
Car insurance ratings
★★★★★ — Excellent
★★★★★ — Good
★★★★★ — Average
★★★★★ — Subpar
★★★★★ — Poor
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