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Service vs. savings

I found a quote from American National that’s much cheaper than my current insurer, but when I dug into reviews and people keep complaining about no one returning their calls. Does the low price mean I’m sacrificing service?

Mar 18, 2026 Hot Springs, AR

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Author profile picture

Beth Swanson

Insurance Analyst

Beth joined The Zebra in 2022 as an Associate Content Strategist. A licensed insurance agent, she specializes in creating clear, accessible content t…

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • Associate in Insurance (AINS)
  • Professional Risk Consultant (PRC)
  • Associate in Insurance Services (AIS)

American National generally scores well for affordable rates and simple coverage options, especially for safe drivers. Where people get mixed feelings is customer service consistency—some policyholders say their local agent is great, while others report slow callbacks or delays once a claim moves to the corporate level.

That happens partly because American National uses a hybrid model; you have a local agent for sales and policy help, but claims often get routed through regional offices. When that handoff isn’t smooth, communication can lag.

Here’s how to make sure you get the best of both worlds

  • Ask how claims are handled in your area (some regions perform much better than others).
  • Keep your agent looped in—they can escalate when corporate communication stalls.
  • Try their client portal for payments and policy updates—it’s not fancy, but it helps track open requests.

If you’re getting a great quote, it’s worth considering—just know you’re trading a little digital convenience for local agent support. If you’d like to compare what other companies in Arkansas offer at that price point, The Zebra’s agents can help you see how American National stacks up.

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