Auto insurance claims satisfaction is on the rise. More people are satisfied with their auto insurance claims experience now than they were just a few months ago, according to a recent report by J.D. Power and Associates. After a dip during the first quarter of 2012, satisfaction scores have rebounded to levels similar to the last half of 2011.

Overall satisfaction is up 10 points to 852 on a 1,000-point scale. It’s based on six factors measured by the study—first notice of loss, claim service interaction, damage appraisal, repair process, rental experience, and settlement.

Study highlights include:

• Consumers are paying less. Average out-of-pocket payments (above the deductible) decreased $36 to $218. And the percentage of people with out-of-pocket expenses over $300 has decreased to 22 percent.
• Claims are moving faster. The average amount of time from reporting a claim to a repairable vehicle being returned to the customer is now 13.7 days, which is slightly improved over the 14-day duration in the first quarter.
• Repairs and settlements are getting better. Satisfaction with the repair process is up 10 points. The biggest improvement and largest driver of increased satisfaction was related to settlement, which saw a 12-point gain.

 At Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance, we offer a variety of ways to begin your fast, personal claims process. You can call 800-452-7714 or download our mobile app to your smart phone.