Automobile insurer Farmers Insurance Hawaii Inc. received the most customer complaints in 2012, according to the latest data by the state Insurance Division.

There were 105 complaints filed with the state against the insurer, or 1.2 complaints per 1,000 vehicles insured. Farmers insured 86,551 automobiles in Hawaii.

The complaint report was included in a motor vehicle price comparison sheet released by the Insurance Division this week and includes 11 carriers that insure more than 95 percent of the private passenger vehicles in the state.

Trent Frager, acting head of media relations for Farmers Insurance in Los Angeles, said in an email, "Without understanding the Department of Insurance’s methodology for arriving at the numbers used in this report, it appears these numbers are inconsistent with ours.

"However, we strive to ensure that our customers have a positive experience in every encounter with us, while making them smarter about insurance. We continually examine our performance, learn from lessons and closely monitor customer retention, which is the best measure of our customer’s satisfaction. Customer retention remains very high. That doesn’t mean we’ll ever be satisfied, but it does mean that our business is strong and so are our relationships with our customers. It is our intention to discuss the findings with (the) Department in an attempt to reconcile the numbers."

The Insurance Division said the numbers do not reflect a determination as to whether a complaint is justified.

The company with the fewest complaints per cars insured was USAA, which provides insurance to the military and their families. In Hawaii USAA had 0.02 complaints per 1,000 cars insured. USAA insured 97,323 automobiles in 2012 in Hawaii.

"We work to earn the trust of our members by knowing and serving them better through every stage of their lives," said Roger Wildermuth, spokesman for USAA. "We work to build strong relationships with our members, and that enables us to better serve them. It’s our responsibility to always act in the members’ best interest and to always keep our promises."

Insurance Commissioner Gordon Ito said when considering what insurance to buy, consumers need to consider price and service.

"Consumers need to take all of these factors into account when they’re deciding what policy and company is the best fit for their needs," Ito said.

Farmers also ranked as the most expensive auto insurer on Oahu, according to a list released by the Insurance Division. For a resident with a clean driving record, annual auto insurance premiums vary from $270 at GEICO to $884 at Farmers, according to the state list. With one speeding conviction, the price ranges from $270 at GEICO to $1,240 at Farmers. Those rates apply to a 2012 four-door Honda Accord sedan.

"By comparing rates, motor vehicle owners could potentially save hundreds of dollars by changing companies, or making the right selection if they are purchasing insurance for the first time," Ito said.