Trusted Auto Insurers

Guides / Judging insurers

The NAIC complaint index, explained

What the complaint index measures, how to look it up and how to read it.

5 min read

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) collects complaint data from state insurance departments. Its complaint index adjusts complaint counts for a company's size, so big and small insurers can be compared fairly.

How to read it

  • An index of 1.00 means the company received about the number of complaints you'd expect for its size
  • Below 1.00: fewer complaints than expected
  • Above 1.00: more complaints than expected

How to look it up

  1. Go to the NAIC website and find its Consumer Insurance Search tool.
  2. Search the insurer by name and choose the right legal entity; large groups have many companies.
  3. Look at private passenger auto complaints, and the reasons (claims handling, delays, premiums).
  4. Check several years, not just one.

Keep it in context

Small insurers can have big swings from a few complaints. Use the index alongside other checks, not on its own.

Educational information, not insurance advice. Coverage and rules vary by state and insurer; your policy documents control. Trusted Auto Insurers is not an insurer, agent or broker and takes no commissions.