The "86 companies graded in crash report on auto insurance" refers to the annual Insurer Report Card produced by CRASH Network. This report aggregates grades from over 1,000 collision repair professionals who evaluate insurance companies based on one primary metric: how well their policies and practices ensure high-quality, safe repairs for consumers. Unlike consumer surveys that focus on price or apps, this report identifies which insurers prioritize vehicle safety and manufacturer-recommended repair procedures versus those that prioritize cost-cutting.
Understanding the CRASH Network Insurer Report Card
For most drivers, an auto insurance company is judged by the cost of its monthly premium or the ease of its mobile app. However, the true value of an insurance policy is only revealed after an accident occurs. The annual report card issued by CRASH Network provides a unique perspective because it relies on the people who actually see the results of insurance company decisions: the collision repair technicians and shop owners.
In the 2026 report, approximately 86 insurance companies were scrutinized and graded. These companies range from massive national brands with multi-billion dollar advertising budgets to smaller, regional mutual insurance companies that many consumers may not even recognize. The grading system typically follows a standard academic scale from "A+" to "F."
The significance of having repairers grade the insurers cannot be overstated. While a consumer might be happy that a claim was "handled quickly," they may not realize that the insurer pressured the shop to use refurbished or "aftermarket" safety components instead of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts. Repairers see these behind-the-scenes negotiations and can identify which companies are genuinely committed to restoring a vehicle to its pre-crash safety standards.
Why Body Shop Grades Matter to Policyholders in 2026
As of 2026, the complexity of modern vehicles has reached an all-time high. With the ubiquity of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), such as lane-keep assist, automated emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring, a "simple" bumper repair is a thing of the past. Even a minor fender bender now involves sensitive sensors and cameras that require precise calibration.
When a repair shop gives an insurance company a low grade in the "crash report," it usually indicates that the insurer is making it difficult for the shop to perform these essential technical tasks.
The Impact on Vehicle Safety
If an insurer receives a "D" or "F" grade, it often means they frequently refuse to pay for necessary scanning and calibration of safety sensors. In 2026, a vehicle that is physically repaired but not digitally calibrated is essentially a safety hazard. If the sensors are off by even a fraction of a degree, the automated braking system may fail to engage or, worse, engage at the wrong time.
The Financial Longevity of Your Asset
Beyond safety, the quality of a repair dictates the future resale value of your vehicle. Insurers that grade well typically allow for OEM parts—components made by your vehicle's manufacturer. Insurers that grade poorly often insist on "alternative" parts. While these parts are cheaper for the insurance company, they may not fit perfectly, leading to gaps in body panels, rust issues, or failure to perform correctly in a subsequent accident.
Key Factors in the Grading Process
The 86 companies are not graded on their marketing or their premium prices. Instead, the collision industry professionals evaluate them based on several critical operational factors:
- Claims Handling Efficiency: How quickly does the insurer send an appraiser or respond to a shop's request for a supplement (additional repair costs found after the vehicle is disassembled)?
- Payment for OEM Procedures: Does the insurer follow the manufacturer’s "Repair Procedures," or do they try to find "work-arounds" to save money?
- Part Quality Requirements: Does the insurer force the use of salvaged or non-certified aftermarket parts on newer vehicles?
- Support for Scanning and Calibration: In the 2026 automotive landscape, this is the most contentious area. High-graded insurers recognize that pre- and post-repair scans are mandatory for safety; low-graded ones treat them as "optional" or "negotiable."
Top-Performing Companies vs. National Giants
A consistent trend in the "86 companies graded" report is the dominance of smaller, regional, and mutual insurance companies. Names like North Star Mutual, Acuity, and Erie Insurance frequently outperform the household names that dominate Super Bowl commercials.
The Success of Mutual Insurers
Mutual insurance companies are owned by their policyholders rather than by external shareholders. This structure often allows them to focus more on the quality of the "product"—the repair—rather than maximizing quarterly profits for Wall Street. Repair shops often report that these companies are easier to work with, more willing to pay for OEM parts, and less likely to "nickle-and-dime" over the labor hours required to perform a safe repair.
The Struggle of "The Big Four"
Conversely, the largest national insurers often find themselves in the middle or bottom of the pack. Because these companies manage such a massive volume of claims, they often utilize highly automated systems and "Direct Repair Programs" (DRP). While DRPs can make the process feel faster for the consumer, they often put immense pressure on the repair shop to cut costs in exchange for a steady stream of referrals from the insurer. This conflict of interest is why many independent, high-end repair shops choose not to participate in these programs and instead grade these insurers lower.
Comparison: Insurer Performance Categories
The following table summarizes the general characteristics observed among the 86 companies based on their grading tiers in the report.
| Grade Tier | Insurer Profile | Typical Approach to Repairs | Impact on Policyholder |
|---|---|---|---|
| A- to A+ | Often regional/mutual (e.g., North Star, Amica, Acuity) | Prioritize OEM parts and manufacturer-recommended safety scans. | Highest safety assurance; better resale value preservation. |
| B- to B+ | Mid-sized or high-end carriers (e.g., Chubb, Erie) | Generally cooperative; may require some negotiation for specific procedures. | Solid repair quality; generally smooth claims process. |
| C- to C+ | Large national brands (e.g., State Farm, Travelers) | Heavy focus on cost-containment; frequent use of "Direct Repair Programs." | Average quality; may require owner intervention to get OEM parts. |
| D to F | Low-cost/non-standard carriers | Highest use of aftermarket/salvage parts; frequent denial of calibration costs. | Potential safety risks; high likelihood of "out-of-pocket" disputes. |
Technical Depth: The 2026 Repair Landscape
As we move through 2026, the "crash report" has evolved to include specific feedback on Electric Vehicle (EV) repairs and ADAS calibration. EVs present unique challenges, such as specialized "clean rooms" to prevent battery contamination and specific structural bonding techniques that do not involve traditional welding.
Insurers that have not updated their claims-adjusting software to account for these 2026 realities often receive failing grades. For example, if an insurer's software only allows $50 for a "diagnostic scan" that actually takes a technician two hours and $300 worth of specialized equipment to perform, a shop will grade that insurer an "F." For the consumer, this means the shop may ask the vehicle owner to pay the difference or refuse to work with that insurance company altogether.
The Rise of "Total Loss" Thresholds
Another area where these 86 companies are graded is their "Total Loss" threshold. With the cost of repairs skyrocketing due to high-tech components, more vehicles are being "totaled" (declared a total loss) for what looks like minor damage. Highly-rated insurers tend to work with shops to find ways to repair the vehicle safely, whereas lower-rated insurers may quickly total the car to avoid the headache of a complex, high-tech repair, often leaving the consumer with a payout that isn't enough to buy a comparable replacement in the 2026 market.
How to Use This Report When Choosing Insurance
When you are shopping for auto insurance, the price of the premium should be only one part of your decision-making process. To use the "86 companies" report effectively, follow these steps:
- Check the Grade: Access the CRASH Network Insurer Report Card to see where your current or prospective insurer stands.
- Ask About OEM Endorsements: If you choose a company with a "C" grade or lower, ask if they offer an "OEM Parts Coverage" rider. This is an additional cost but ensures the shop can use the best parts regardless of the insurer's standard cost-cutting policies.
- Consult Your Local Repair Shop: Before signing a policy, visit a high-quality local collision center and ask them, "Which insurance companies are the easiest to work with when it comes to doing a safe, high-quality repair?" Their answer will likely mirror the results of the 86-company report.
- Consider Regional Mutuals: Don't be afraid of "smaller" names. In the world of auto insurance, being "big" often means being a factory for claims, whereas being "local" or "mutual" often means better individual care for your vehicle's safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the "Crash Report" based on how many accidents a company's drivers have?
No. The "86 companies graded in crash report" refers to how those insurance companies handle the repair process after a crash. It is a grade of their claims practices, not the driving records of their policyholders. The grades are provided by collision repair professionals who deal with these companies daily.
Why do big-name insurance companies often get lower grades?
Large insurance companies are under significant pressure to keep "Loss Adjustment Expenses" low. This often leads to policies that prioritize the cheapest possible repair methods. Repair shops, which are liable for the safety of the vehicle once it leaves their lot, often clash with these insurers over the necessity of expensive safety procedures, leading to lower grades for the insurers.
If my insurer has a "D" grade, should I switch immediately?
Not necessarily, but you should be aware of your policy's limitations. If you have a newer vehicle or an EV, a "D" rated insurer may not pay for the repairs necessary to keep your warranty intact or ensure your ADAS systems work correctly. You might consider switching at your next renewal to a company with a "B" or "A" grade to ensure better protection.
Do these grades affect my insurance premiums?
The grades themselves do not set your premium. However, companies with "A" grades often have slightly higher premiums because they pay more for high-quality repairs. Conversely, the cheapest insurance policies on the market often come from the companies with the lowest grades in the report because they save money by using cheaper parts and skipping certain repair steps.
Does the 2026 report include Tesla Insurance or other manufacturer-based insurers?
Yes, the 86 companies typically include newer entries like Tesla Insurance and Rivian’s insurance offerings. These companies often have polarizing grades—they are excellent at understanding the tech but can sometimes receive lower grades for "claims speed" because their internal adjusters may be overwhelmed or lack the traditional infrastructure of older insurers.
Practical Recommendation for 2026
If you own a vehicle manufactured after 2020, your primary concern should be the technical integrity of the repair. Check the CRASH Network grades and prioritize insurers in the "A" or "B" categories. The $10 or $20 you might save per month with a "D" or "F" rated insurer can quickly vanish if you are forced to pay thousands out-of-pocket for sensor calibrations that the insurer refuses to cover, or if your vehicle's resale value plummets due to sub-standard repairs.
