Review Date February 25, 2009
Overall Rating  1 of 5
Value Rating  1 of 5
Used product for One to three months

Summary:  I am dearly afraid that we are going to have to take this company to court and file a complaint with the AZ Board of Insurance-I was hit by one of their DRUNK insured in Dec- multiple vehicles involved also-two totaled. Company accepted responsibility in mid-Jan but so far no one has been paid. My attorney says this company is very slow, and ineffecient,, adjustor is very rude and does not return calls to any of us. My ins. co. Geico also said this company has been "awful." This claim is going to get delayed and delayed,,, we are short in saying they are now acting in bad faith. Bristol-West needs to drop this company and they truly need to be investigated-BBB also does not have a very good rating with them here in AZ, and it will continue to go down with more customer service complaints. Big ethics issues with their adjustors also, no one has been polite or helpful except one supervisor, and it's sporadic. Very sad. Drivers need to not insure with them,, who cares of they're the cheapest-if they do not cover anything you do, youre liable in civil court.. drivers need to research the reputation of every insurance company before using them. This company has been atrocious to everyone involved, and I have also spoke with another driver involved-she is beyond angry and frustrated with the yo-yos at this company. If you are hit by one of their insures, get an attorney and know your options if they do not respond to you.

Strengths:  None whatsoever so far
Weaknesses:  Everything-rude, clueless adjustors, bad customer service, VERY SLOW, will delay claim over and over
Similar Products Used:  Geico (has been okay),, A Plus California Casualty (previous claim with them handled well and quick)

Review Date September 15, 2008
Overall Rating  1 of 5
Value Rating  1 of 5
Used product for One to three months

Reviewed by: Tony K  (He wants to start a class action lawsuit.)
Price Paid:  $0.00
Summary:  I was on the receiving end of one of their insured.

Strengths:  Avoiding settling claims
Weaknesses:  Everything
Similar Products Used:  AAA, State Farm

Review Date May 7, 2007
Overall Rating  1 of 5
Value Rating  1 of 5
Used product for One to three months
Reviewed by: Fred Allard
Price Paid:  $0.00
Year / Model Reviewed:  2001 Ford Expedition

Summary:  After supplying insurance agent Mike Beale (866)277-9139 ext 3556 with DPS report 2007-023447 along with receipts for one nights motel stay and car rental he called to inform me that Coast National would not be liable for any of the damages to my car even though the accident was clearly his clients fault as reported to DPS by Eduardo Martinez (insured) and two witnesses. When I asked him why his company would not fix my car he told me that it was a personal issue with the insured and that he would not discuss it with me. When I informed the agent that I would file a formal complaint with AZ Department of Insurance he hung up on me.

Review Date April 28, 2007
Overall Rating  1 of 5
Value Rating  1 of 5
Used product for Less than one month
Reviewed by: Melissa Chester
Price Paid:  $0.00 from Oxnard Ford
Year / Model Reviewed:  1998 Ford Escort
Summary:  Read Below

Strengths:  There are NO strengths to list.

Weaknesses:  If EVER you are in an automobile accident with somebody insured by Bristol West Insurance or Coast National Insurance...hold your breath and GET OVER the fact that it's gonna be a BUMPY ride if you're dealing with this company and most especially, ins. adjuster STUART SUSSMAN...

He mailed me the 'estimated' amount to get my car repaired but forgot to actually include the check with his dumb letter. I called to tell him and he said he's stop payment on said check and reissue another, which I received a few days later. I deposited said check and have since paid my auto body guy only to find out TONIGHT that he "stopped payment" on the WRONG CHECK!!!!

So, the almost $600 check was sucked from my account, I was charged a fee for having a check stopped that I deposited and my overdraft protection kicked in and I am now being charged credit card interest..........F*&K!

How does he stop payment on the wrong check? I am so pissed at this company and man as he's been a total jerk and has been difficult to deal with all along...not that his supervisor, Mary, was any better when I first spoke with her.

Just had to vent,
Melissa

Similar Products Used:  I feel sorry for the girl that's insured by Bristol West Ins./ Coast National Ins. that rear ended me on the freeway; SHE has to deal with them more regularly than I have...god bless her!

Review Date May 4, 2006
Overall Rating  1 of 5
Value Rating  1 of 5
Used product for More than one year
Reviewed by: Lynnet
Price Paid:  $0

Summary:  I use to WORK for this company. The employees were snotty and gossipy. When my department was eliminated, they let us know that we were being fired the very same day they let us go. Someone had also thrown out a notebook of mine that I had personal things in. I read one of the other reviews regarding someone who never got calls returned. The same thing happened to me when I tried to call the Personnel Department about various things. They NEVER returned any of my calls. THIS COMPANY STINKS!

Review Date May 4, 2006
Overall Rating  1 of 5
Value Rating  1 of 5
Used product for One to three months
Reviewed by: Photo-lover
Price Paid:  $0

Summary:  I was hit by a driver insured with this company six months ago. It is impossible to reach anyone. They never answer any phone calls or returned any messages. Finally, I sent a fax to the adjuster saying if he does not contact me, I am going to report to Department of Insurance. An appraiser showed up a week later and paid the damage 'just' six months after the accident.

Strengths:  The appraiser is polite and professional.
Weaknesses:  A lot.

Review Date September 12, 2005
Overall Rating  1 of 5
Value Rating  1 of 5
Used product for Less than one mont
Reviewed by: Is1111
Price Paid:  $0 

Summary:  COAST NATIONAL INSURANCE (BRISTOL) CO. BEWARE if you get hit by an insured driver with this company. It is nearly impossible to reach anyone there. They also have not returned any messages left by my insurance carrier nor to Hertz Rent-a-Car whose vehicle their insured was driving! It is a good idea to seek an attorney and notify the Dept. of Insurance immediately if you have a similar experience.

Strengths: So far, none
Weaknesses: So far, all   

Review Date August 22, 2004
Overall Rating  1 of 5
Value Rating  1 of 5
Used product for More than 1 year
Reviewed by: whodat
Year:  2001
Model:  Honda Civic
Price Paid:  $9000 

Summary:
I worked at Coast National for over 3 years until recently. As an former employee I must tell you that the workers are treated worse than their reviews. They over work you and won't even allow overtime to catch up. So the company line given to us by Management, yes Management was "We know you can't do what the Department of Insurance requires do what you can. See the problem is over about two years ago an overtime class action suit was filed by former employees because so many were working 50 or more hours just to keep up, the judgement was over 40 million for the class and so no more overtime. So no way we could have given you great service when we were over-worked, not like we didn't want to. I feel sorry for anyone putting money into this company, we did violate DOI rules, we were rude to customers, but management basically wanted us to.

My advice to anyone with a complaint is to contact Jim Sclafani or Jeff Daley and ask them, how do you treat your employer??? Are they happy? Coast is known as the insurance carrier with the highest turn-over in the business, that should tell you something. I want to apologize on their behalf but the Tom Seedle and Rob Purshan's of the world have turned that company into a joke.

But in Coast's defense, they do market to the lowest of the low, people with dui's multiple accidents...So when you do read most of these review about how horrible Coast is (which they are), the insured's driving records are worse. So if you are hit by a Coast insured run for the hills. The old inside joke while I worked there was, GOD if I get hit by a Coast driver, I would either run to attorney or to the DOI (Department of Insurance). So all you Coast insureds, you shouldn't complain about the service, you should be better drivers and you would get treated better!!! Hard to treat someone who hits and runs, has multiple DUI's on their records with great service, when you have dicks for bosses.

Advice to anyone having problems with a claim, get an attorney immediately, don't call a supervisor. Jeff Daley and Jim Sclafani are the ring leaders of this joke of a company, they are the ones you should contact and curse out if you have any problems.

Strengths: Nothing
Weaknesses: Everything   

Review Date September 5, 2003
Overall Rating  1 of 5
Value Rating  1 of 5
Used product for More than 1 year

Reviewed by: Michael Kenyon, from Yorba Linda, CA, USA
Year:  1998
Model:  Tacoma
Price Paid:  $15000  at  Toyota Of Orange

Summary:
Coast National Insurance Comapany, is an absolute joke. I would not only give them bad marks for customer service, I also would tell anyone to RUN from them. I got stuck in Washington for over a month, and the value they finally told me my car was worth, was about 2 grand less than blue book. So if you are looking for cheap ass insurance that will screw you over after you have been a loyal customer for years, then they are for you. But if you prefer not to be rectally breached I would reccommend heading elsewhere before they screw you over hard like me .

Strengths: NONE
Weaknesses: EVERYTHING
Similar Products Used: Progressive , Very HAPPY 

Review Date August 11, 2003
Overall Rating  1 of 5
Value Rating  1 of 5
Used product for 3 Months to 1 year
Reviewed by: sgulihur, from San Diego, Ca. 92040
Year:  2001
Model:  2001 pontiac montana
Price Paid:  $33500  at  dealer

Summary:
I wrote a review some months ago, when my adjuster was someone not able to speak english was being unhelpful, now 5 months later after some bonehead smashed into my van, while I was stopped at a red light, a stupid and yes she is because she is unable to even read or understand how to comprehend a report, woman named McLaughlin is the winner this looser company has graced me with.

i have had to fight tooth and nail for even a follow up for out of pocket expences and she is saying now that my injuries are not from the crash, anyway I could go on and on, but that won't do any good, what will is filing suit, which my lawyer and I are doing, and reporting this crock of a scheming company.

Shame on the investors and management of this particular company, Every one stay away and if you have a complaint and trust me if you ared dealing with theses idiots you will, repot them to the Better Bussiness Burea.
Summer

Strengths: Great at being rude, and very unprofessional,They are trained crooks!!
Weaknesses: Not able to listen, read, understand,....... probably little education, worthless adjusters and or claims people.
Similar Products Used: Geico 

Review Date August 5, 2003
Overall Rating  1 of 5
Value Rating  1 of 5
Used product for More than 1 year
Reviewed by: MARK DAVIS, from RIVERDALE
Year:  1995
Model:  MERCURY COUGER
Price Paid:  $14000  at  HARVEY HIMES

Summary:
I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED SUCH DISAPPOINTMENT WITH A COMPANY UNTIL COAST NATIONAL.MY CAR WAS STOLEN 6/27/03,AND I HAVE TRIED TO CONTACT THEM NUMEROUS TIMES WITH NO RESPONSE.

I HAVE PAID THEM FOR ALMOST FIVE YEARS,AND THAT IS HOW THEY SHOW THIER APPRIECIATION.THEY ARE A JOKE. I WILL FILE A LAW SUIT AS OF TODAY.

Strengths: THEY HAVE NO CLUE WHAT STRENGHTH IS
Weaknesses: THEY DON"T KNOW HOW TO RETURN PHONE CALLS IAM VERY DISGUSTED WITH COAST NATIONIONAL
Similar Products Used: NONE 

Review Date July 28, 2003
Overall Rating  1 of 5
Value Rating  1 of 5
Used product for 3 Months to 1 year
Reviewed by: raymdlee, from Los Angeles, CA
Price Paid:  $0

Summary:
Worst automobile insurance company I have ever dealt with. Was an unfortunate victim of being hit by one of their insured. Had three different claims adjustors on my case because the first two quit during a 4 month period. The last one "lost my file" and claimed she never received any of my telephone messages. Sent me out to one of their approved body shops to get an estimate and their adjustor never showed up. They finally approved the repair but the body shop needed a re-estimate because of underlying damage that wasn't initially seen and only discovered after the car was dismantled. Coast National refuses to pay for the rental while my car is in the shop while they delay sending one of their adjustors for a re-inspection because the car is "driveable"--apparently you don't need headlamps, bumpers, fenders, hood, grill etc. My BMW dealer, auto body shop and representative from the California Board of Insurance all agreed that this company frequently acts in bad faith, low balls repair estimates and is known to cause inordinate delays. Unfortunately, my attorney believes that I will have to litigate due to their continued bad faith.

Strengths: None.
Weaknesses: Poor customer service, rude employees, high employee turnover which promotes lack of continuity & lack of knowledge handling customer claims, slow to pay out/approve claims, unreasonable low-ball estimates when their insured is at fault and thus requiring them to pay
Similar Products Used: Allstate, 21st Century--excellent companies. You get what you pay for.  

Review Date July 24, 2003
Overall Rating  1 of 5
Value Rating  1 of 5
Used product for More than 1 year 
Reviewed by: ammares, from California
Year:  96
Model:  200sx se
Price Paid:  $0  at  Coast National Ins.

Summary:
Coast National Insurance / Broker Bristol West has been nothing but a headache... My car was totaled not by any means my fault. It has been over a month I still don't have a car, a check or an answer to any of my questions. They have yet to call me back once, I'm one step away from harassing them just to get a straight answer. I've been with them for three years, never missed a payment and this is not the first time I have had troubl with them. I am finally fed up. I have to sue the person who hit me in small claims just to get the money I spent on a rental car. I have never been so frustrated in my life.

Strengths: I have yet to see one.
Weaknesses: They do not call, they take their time, they do not answer any questions for you.  

Review Date April 25, 2003
Overall Rating  1 of 5
Value Rating  1 of 5
Used product for Less than 1 month
Reviewed by: catscan66, from Phoenix, AZ
Model:  1970 Buick Skylark
Price Paid:  $1200  at  Private Owner

Summary:
Well, lets start with Bristol West Insurance Group's business practices. For one, I used to work For Bristol West. I realized right away that Bristol West was using unfair claim practices.

For one, our Performance Evaluations were based on how much compartative negligence could be put on each party, to include Bristol West's insured's. Our evaluation made up 25% of this requirement.

What the California Department of Insurance does not know, is that we were required to put 23-35% comparative negligence on al our claims or we would not meet the requirement for our evaluation. These are quotas and are illegal.

What does that mean for the consumer? For the insured or Bristol West policy holder, even if you did not have any fault for the accident, Bristol West would put comparative negligence on you regardless. I have physical proof of this. Also, if you are the other party, it gets even worse. For those insured's that were denied coverage, you might get a letter that indicates there may not be any coverage, but no letter later that the coverage was denied.

Now on the subject of an injury. Bristol West has a policy that if you have minor damage, you're not really hurt. They will make every effort to try and get you to take $500-$1000 regardless of your injuries or treatment history. They will not consider all of your treatment and will try and tell you they ran a "biomechanical analysis" that shows you should not have been injured or not injured very badly. This is merely a computer program using very limited and biased information obtained when you were first contacted.

This is when I felt that I was asked to make unrealistic offers to settle claims and resigned my position due to a conflict of interest of Bristol West claim practices. How do I know for sure? Easy, I was in a hit & run by a Bristol West insured while I was an employee. There response was that I was at fault for rearending them.

These Bristol West insureds intentionally cut in front of me and slammed on the brakes and then took off laughing. I'll see them all in court for sure, as It's time to shut Bristol West Insurance Group/Coast National Insurance.

Oh yeah, can't get a hold of anyone for your claim? That's because they are more than likely handling your claim in Phoenix, AZ. The direct number to that office is (602)458-5600. The regional claims director's extension is 3526. The address is 8222 S. 48th Street; # 150 Phoenix, AZ 85044.

Strengths: None - they are bordering on severe bad faith and unfair claim practices.
Weaknesses: Too may previous employees are willing to testify against them for what they have been doing. This will be their downfall.
Similar Products Used: Go to a major carrier and pay more. It's worth it to not deal with a non-standard insurance company. 

Review Date April 23, 2003
Overall Rating  1 of 5
Value Rating  1 of 5
Used product for More than 1 year

Reviewed by: sgulihur, from San Diego, Ca. 92040
Model:  2001 pontiac montana
Price Paid:  $3400000  at  dealer

Summary:
On March 20 2003, I was rear-ended while at a red light, and like most of the other postongs,I am getting the total run-around. The adjuster can barely speak english and says I can not prove the idiot hit me. Now after a month and alot of out-of pocket expences not to mention injuries, they gave my case to a new person who won't call me back. This is not a company it is a con job. They rip people off. Someone needs to step in and take the bussiness licsense. I am going to sue!

Strengths: They do not know what that means!!!
Weaknesses: Customer service, communication, honesty oh forget it... EVERYTHING!!!!!!! 

Review Date April 10, 2003
Overall Rating  1 of 5
Value Rating  1 of 5
Used product for 3 Months to 1 year

Reviewed by: pstiever, from Vista, CA 92083
Model:  2002 883 XLH Harley Davidson
Price Paid:  $6200  at  Private owner

Summary:
I was stopped at a red light when I was struck from behind by Holly Gail Dewey who is insured by Bristol West Insurance whose’ "umbrella" company is Coast National Insurance on Feb 20 2003.

I was injured and my motorcycle was damaged. I took the motorcycle to San Diego Harley Davidson for a crash estimate. The total came out to 3240.17, the biggest part of the damage being that the frame was bent. I had to travel to Dallas on Feb 23 so I did not contact Coast National Insurance until March 7th or 8th, however I did report the accident immediately to my insurance company. Also there was a police report taken by the California Highway Patrol, Oceanside Office, report #03020194.

It is now April 10 and I just received notification from MY insurance company (Foremost Insurance) that a check was sent out but only in the amount of 1835.00 After calling around Coast and finally getting a actual person on the phone, they said that they didn't believe that the frame was bent so they subtracted this from the estimate along with some other expenses because the frame (829.00) plus 1835 does not add up to 3240.17.

 I had explained to Coast National Insurance when I first filed that they were more then welcome to send out an appraiser to the San Diego Harley Dealership to look at the bike, it has been there for 5 weeks and San Diego Harley has no problems with them coming out and appraising the damage to the bike. This was not ever done; they decided that the frame was bent without even looking at it. They told me that because the rear tire wasn’t damaged that the frame couldn’t be bent, however the second item on the estimate was for the damaged tire.

 Also, they didn’t even bother to talk to me and let me know that they were issuing a check much less then the estimated repair cost. This bike is a 2002 Harley Davidson 883.

Furthermore, this company hardly ever returns calls, only twice have I ever called to that business and actually talked to someone, the rest of the times I had to leave a voice mail and like I said they hardly ever return calls, my contact at my insurance company also has experienced the exact same attitude and behavior. Their attitude towards my insurance agent and myself has been rude and belligerent. Then they are shocked when people let them know how upset they are.

I find this very disturbing; they have finally decided to send out an appraiser to look at the motorcycle. STAY AWAY FROM THIS COMPANY AT ALL COSTS. If your like me and had to file a claim, be prepared to really duke it out with them.

Here is some tips in dealing with them: make sure you get copies of everything, estimates, police reports, etc. If you fax anything to them make sure you write down the time and date it was faxed. Make sure any correspondence there is between you and this company you include the claim number and give them your phone number every single time you call or write or fax.

Another good idea is to make yourself familiar with the Department of Insurance or equivalent in YOUR home state. I am on the verge of sending a complaint to them myself depending on if they now do the right thing which I hope they will. Also, do some research into finding a good property loss attorney. You may need one.

AGAIN STAY AWAY FROM THIS COMPANY AT ALL COSTS!!

Strengths: NONE
Weaknesses: Every aspect of there business, ZERO customer service, rude, belligerent, and almost deceitful. 

Review Date March 4, 2003
Overall Rating  1 of 5
Value Rating  1 of 5
Used product for More than 1 year 

Reviewed by: trinagomez
Model:  95 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
Price Paid:  $0

Summary:
My vehicle was stolen the week before Christmas and was recovered 3 days later. On the 3rd of January the adjuster reported my vehicle as a total loss. On the 22nd of January I was told that my claim would be setteled in about a week. Well it is now March 4th and I am still waiting. I have left voicemails and sent emails almost every day since to check the status, no one has returned my calls or responded to my emails.

The only time I get any information is when someone just happens to pick up their extention and tell me that there not the person I should be spaeking to and that they will relay the message to the appropriate person, you think that would help, NO they still don't call you back.

They finally made me an offer on my vehicle the other day, do you think they tried to contact me, no I had to track down one of the customer service people by entering different extention numbers until someone picked up. They offered me $4,000 less then the blue book. I wouldn't wish this company on my worst enemy.

Strengths: Don't make me laugh
Weaknesses: everything
Similar Products Used: AAA and I think that I am going back 

Review Date January 13, 2003
Overall Rating  1 of 5
Value Rating  1 of 5
Used product for More than 1 year 

Reviewed by: Joe Gonzales, from Clovis, Ca. USA
Model:  1997 Ford Escort
Price Paid:  $0

Summary:
I have been with this company for years and have not filed a claim until our car was stolen. The radio and climate control was ripped out along with the amp and some christmas presents. The heartaches and headaches begun. My wife and I recovered the vehicle by chance with the assistant of the Fresno Police Department. After filing the claim the Material Damage Field Appraiser came out quickly and thats all. No repairs, no service, no returned phone calls, nothing.

Its been about 13 days now and still no response. I even called the supervisor and still nothing. I will pursue litigation soon to rectify this situation and I won't recommend this company to anyone. Can't send them a certified letter to a P.O Box, it does no good. This company is really bad news, stay away. Pass this and all information to all your friends and relatives. Oh, The Tom Martino Show will also get a call from me, so the whole world will know about these clowns. The number is TOLLFREE 1-866-966-4357

Strengths: NOOOOOONE
Weaknesses: Bad customer service and claims service
Similar Products Used: none

Review Date December 31, 2002
Overall Rating  2 of 5
Value Rating  1 of 5
Used product for 1 to 3 months 

Reviewed by: Marguerite Berthiaume, from Berry Creek, CA USA
Price Paid:  $0

Summary:
Your "affordable" insurance isn't worth anything if you can't pay the claim. Bristol West is a farce. I was told that my claim could not be paid until they could figure out how to get the information into the computer! I offered to fax (for the 4th time) the pertinent information and she wanted to know how, I, the claimant, had the insured's information? I say it's a good thing I do and if they'd like me to come and download it for them, I'd be happy to. We'd really like to get our vehicle fixed!

Weaknesses: Bristol West Claims
Similar Products Used: Farmers 

Review Date December 11, 2002
Overall Rating  1 of 5
Value Rating  1 of 5
Used product for Less than 1 month

Reviewed by: carol scroggins, from fresno, ca
Model:  1988
Price Paid:  $1500  at  fresno

Summary:
Coast National has the worst claims department ever -- no one has ever bothered to return my phone call -- it appears that I will have to secure an attorney to process a claim against one of their clients

Strengths: none that I can discern
Weaknesses: how about a non existent claims department  

Review Date December 2, 2002
Overall Rating  1 of 5
Value Rating  1 of 5
Used product for More than 1 year

Reviewed by: Branden, from Cameron Park ca.
Model:  1995 Honda Accord EX
Price Paid:  $12000  at  Nu-Star Motors

Summary:
Bristol West (Coast National) is by far the worst company conducting business in the insurance market today. My vehicle was stolen several months ago and recovered four days later in another city. It took bristol west two weeks to get it from the impound yard to "their" shop. It has very minimal visible damage. It is now months later and "their" shop has not even recieved the authority to begin the repairs or prepare an accurate estimate.

Under the California insurance "Fair practices" requirements they have met none of the minimums. I have begun civil litigation against them as well as filed complaints with the Ca. Dept. of ins. and the Better Business dept. My legal team is confident that they will lose their liscence to practice before long. Their customer service support is non existant and their mangement team is poorly educated in business practices and team leadership. If you are considering the purchase of their service I must recomend that you continue shopping. I am so insulted by their service that I am litigating against the broker for selling me such a poor product. I will not name the specific individuals that have "not" been providing me service but I will say that non stop faxes, voice mail and complaints to the Hollywood Florida office might help.

Strengths: Unfortunately there are none.
Weaknesses: Unprofessional. Poor management. non existant service representation. Quick to cash premium checks, slow to provide service. Soon to be out of business.
Similar Products Used: Progressive Insurance Group. "Slightly more expensive" but worth the trade.  

Review Date November 14, 2002
Overall Rating  1 of 5
Value Rating  1 of 5
Used product for Less than 1 month

Reviewed by: Jason Mc Cuen, from Fountain Valley
Model:  Re: Coast National
Price Paid:  $0  at  n/a

Summary:
I too am the victim of Coast National Ins. I was rear-ended over a week ago. With countless phone calls, messages, long hold times, never getting a clear answer. I have all but given up with this company. They haven't even gotten in touch with the other party. And the worst of it is that I cannot get my car repaired without their consent. Meanwhile it is sitting in a tow yard rotting away because the seals on the trunk and doors were broken so now the rain is leaking in.

Strengths: They are really good and not being able to do anything for you.
Weaknesses: Any/All

Review Date November 8, 2002
Overall Rating  1 of 5
Value Rating  1 of 5
Used product for Less than 1 month  

Reviewed by: Steve
Price Paid:  $0

Summary:
Stay away at all costs. This is not my insurance company, but the insurance company of the person who hit me. The accident was in May, it is now November and the issue is not resolved because of Coast National. It took them till August to make an at-fault decision. And when they finally did, they had all the information backwards. I can never get a live person on the phone over there. I have left countless messages with no response. I have left messages with supervisors and managers and still nothing. I will be seeing these jokers in court soon. Please contact the Better Buisness Bureau if you have any problems with this company. Maybe together we can put them out of buisness for good!!!

Strengths: Absolutely none.
Weaknesses: Returning phone calls. Processing claims. Finding fault with the correct party. And just about everything else.

Review Date October 8, 2002
Overall Rating  2 of 5
Value Rating  1 of 5
Used product for More than 1 year 

Reviewed by: jim thompson, from San Fernando Valley, CA
Model:  1996 honda accord
Price Paid:  $12000

Summary:
Warning: Do not use this company if at all possible. I went through Freeway Ins when they stuck me with -Bristol West- ie: Coast National. This company clearly is at the bottom of the barrel in terms of customer service;(which is reason #2 why you should buy car insurance) and not proactive when handling claims. they must have very cheap labor to provide cheap prices! DO NOT get into an accident with this compnay!! I am two years into the complaint process!!
Claims is BAD - cathy and daisy are rude obnoxious and hang up on you.

Strengths: None.
Oh yes, their prices are almost as cheap as their service.
Weaknesses: Claims is bad - cathy and daisy are rude obnoxious and hang up on you.
Similar Products Used: Coast National a company that owns Bristol West. Do Not use either. 

Review Date July 5, 2002
Overall Rating  1 of 5
Value Rating  1 of 5
Used product for 3 Months to 1 year 

Reviewed by: Bridgett
Price Paid:  $0

Summary:
They are fine until you get into an accident. I was in an accident in January, it is now June and my adjustor has never called me. Also, my car was in the shop for six weeks I paid $1300 for a rental, guess how many days of work was actually done on the car? Try six days. They are an awful insurance ocmpany and I would not recommend them to anyone even if my life depended on it. trust me it is not worth it to have such crappy auto insurnce. It is a stress that I wouldn't wish upon anyone not evn my worst enemy. Look elsewhere for insurance. Although their prices are cheap, you get what you pay for

Strengths: Their prices are cheap
Weaknesses: They are slow, they really don't care about who you are or if you caused the accident or not, they take forever to get back to you, and the list goes on and on.

Review Date March 13, 2002
Overall Rating  1 of 5
Value Rating  1 of 5
Used product for 3 Months to 1 year 

Reviewed by: lifted98chevys10
Model:  98S-10
Price Paid:  $1200  at  solo

Summary:
Rolled my truck on dec 15th 2001.Its now 2002 march 13.Still no truck.And now there arent fixing things that happened in the wreck.I wish they wouldve just totalled it instead of this.I cant work and i dont have car rental.didnt think about it,wish i would have.I cant belive i was so dumb.

Strengths: ?????define the question.Not here
Weaknesses: EVerything in the book.
Similar Products Used: STAY away.BAD chocie and You will pay for it 

Review Date July 2, 2001
Overall Rating  1 of 5
Value Rating  1 of 5
Used product for 6 months to 1 year 

Reviewed by: Fender Bender, from San Diego, CA, USA

Summary:
HORRIBLE and RUDE!! Very INEFFICIENT. I am writing this review in July 2001. My car was hit by one of their insured in December 2000. Well, needless to say that it took 4 months for my car to be finally examined by one of their adjustors. My car was in the shop for two weeks and they only paid for 4 days of my rental car. I tried following up but all they do is ignore my calls and messages. I finally reached one of the supervisors, Sylvester White, and he basically gave me the run around and then cut me off and hung up on me. HORRIBLE!!!!

Strengths: nothing at all!!!
Weaknesses: everything. inefficient, rude, lack of service, unfair.
Similar Products Used: None

Review Date June 27, 2001
Overall Rating  1 of 5
Value Rating  2 of 5
Used product for More than 3 years

Reviewed by: Eric Johnson, from Los Angeles, CA
Model:  95 Jeep Wrangler
Price Paid:  $1200

Summary:
Had to file a claim after a theft and recovery. Hardtop roof from Jeep and doors, mirrors, stereo, bezels missing, steering column and ignition system damaged.

Took two weeks to just get a claim number, days to an adjuster to look at the car, 5 days to get the adjusters (low-balled) report. Claim rep was rude, fraud investigator was rude, assumed I stole my own vehicle!

company changed claim reps three times, reps did not return calls promptly - usually 4-24 hours delay. Undercut all part prices....my damaged battery was brand new and they discounted it (and other parts) for 6 years of use (vehicle age)!

Stingy misers! Went through several "supplements" to the original low-ball appraisal. Had to get another appraiser. My vehicle was fixed by the shop in 3 weeks, but insurance company delays getting the vehicla in and out of the shop took an additional 6 weeks! Worst service ever!!!

Strengths: Cheap premiums....equal to service.
Weaknesses: Heavy employee turnover, rude people, delays....delays...delays.
Similar Products Used: Got vehicle back and swithced to Kemper Direct for same premium. 

Review Date November 1, 2000
Overall Rating  1 of 5
Value Rating  1 of 5
Used product for 1 to 3 years
Reviewed by: concerned employee, from Westminster, CA

Summary:
Never in a million years would I recommend this company. There is nothing good to say about it. The employees are usually good, but they are treated so poorly and the systems are so bad, they can't do what they need to do. And the worst employees are most likely to be promoted.

Strengths: Nothing good at all
Weaknesses: I work at Coast National and have been there for years. It is the worst run company I have ever experienced. Virtually every file is in violation of deparment of insurance laws. They treat their employees and their customers like dirt.

They are afraid the department of insurance will investigate their underwriting, so you wonder what they are doing illegally. They are having trouble paying their bills, which is why they let people go recently. I seriously question their financial solvency.

They have had three CEOs in less than a year and constant changes in management. God help you if you have a claim, who knows if they will be able to pay it. They have very bad reserve setting policies, so they are very likely to not be able to cover the claims.
Similar Products Used:None 

Review Date April 16, 2000
Overall Rating  1 of 5
Value Rating  1 of 5
Used product for 1 to 6 months 

Reviewed by: John Smith, from Berkeley, California

Summary:
I have met numerous former customers who have complained of being ripped off my Coast National Insurance. I would not recommend it as a carrier to my worst enemy. Overall, Coast National Insurance may very well be involvewd in bad faith dealing and potential fraud.

Strengths: There is absolutely nothing to recommend it. Quite possibly the worst insurance on the planet.
Weaknesses: Coast National Insurance does not abide by its duty to defend its insured. In other words, it acts in bad faith and illegally. When you are injured, they leave you hanging out to dry.
Similar Products Used: Coast National Insurance is the worst insurance carrier in the nation. Nothing compares. Its like a bad debtor.