After 800 hours of researching reputable providers, we at the MarketWatch Guides team found the following to be the top 10 best car insurance companies nationally:
- Travelers: Best Car Insurance for Most Drivers
- Progressive: Best Car Insurance for Tech-Savvy Drivers
- Geico: Best Value Car Insurance
- USAA: Best Military Car Insurance
- Erie Insurance: Best Liability Car Insurance
- Nationwide: Best Full-Coverage Car Insurance
- State Farm: Best Car Insurance Customer Service
- Liberty Mutual: Best Car Insurance for Young Drivers
- Allstate: Best Industry Reputation
- American Family: Best Car Insurance for Families
Click on each company to learn more and see our methodology to understand how we rank the top car insurance providers. You can also see which car insurance companies we recommend as the best in each state.
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Top-Rated Car Insurance Companies
While Travelers is the highest-rated provider overall, the best car insurance company for a specific person can vary significantly depending on one’s overall needs. In the sections below, we give you an in-depth look into each of the top auto insurance companies on our list.
Insurance Company Reviews: How We Rank Providers
We don’t take ranking car insurance companies lightly — we’ve put in hundreds of research hours, surveyed thousands of customers and interviewed experts to rank providers. Our insurance company reviews take into account the following rating categories:
- Industry standing
- Availability
- Coverage
- Cost and discounts
- Customer experience
The companies below perform well overall in each of these categories. While we rank providers in order, you’ll see some companies are better for certain types of drivers than others. We regularly update company scores and insurance ratings to keep our recommendations up to date.
1. Travelers
Best Car Insurance for Most Drivers
9.5/10
J.D. Power Claims Rating:680/1,000NAIC Complaint Index:2.64Full-Coverage Monthly Cost:$141
Pros Offers IntelliDrive usage-based insurance discount for safe drivers Add-ons include accident forgiveness, gap insurance and new car replacement Offers a discount for hybrid and electric vehicles, which is uncommon in the industry Cons Scored below average in different regions of the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study Only offers rideshare insurance add-on in some states
Is Travelers Insurance Good?
Travelers is a reliable car insurance company with a good balance of low pricing, discounts and coverage options. Regardless of your driver profile or location, you can find great affordable policies with the company with plenty of discounts and unique add-on options.
Travelers Insurance Company Ratings
| Ratings Category | Score (Out of 10) | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Industry Standing | 9 | 5th |
| Availability | 10 | Tied for 1st |
| Coverage | 10 | Tied for 1st |
| Cost | 9.6 | Tied for 3rd |
| Customer Experience | 9 | Tied for 4th |
| Overall Rating | 9.5 | 1st |
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Travelers Reputation and Customer Satisfaction
J.D. Power 2024 Insurance Shopping Study: 680 out of 1,000 (higher than average)
J.D. Power 2023 Claims Satisfaction: 871 out of 1,000 (lower than average)
National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Complaint Index: 2.64 (higher than average)
AM Best Rating: A++ (Superior)
In 2024, our team surveyed 2,000 car insurance customers to find out their satisfaction level with their insurance company’s affordability, discount explanation, coverage explanation, coverage options, shopping process and website. Out of the total, 29 were Travelers customers. Overall, these respondents rated Travelers slightly below average. Here’s a summary:
| Company Factor | Travelers Average | Insurance Company Industry Average |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Customer Satisfaction | 4.1 | 4.2 |
| Affordability | 3.8 | 4 |
| Explanation of Discounts | 3.8 | 4.1 |
| Explanation of Coverage | 4 | 4.2 |
| Coverage Options | 4 | 4.2 |
| Shopping Experience | 4.1 | 4.2 |
| Website Features | 3.8 | 4.1 |
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*Ratings according to 29 Travelers customers in our 2024 survey
The J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study℠ is another resource we use for customer service ratings. The study polled over 41,000 insurance customers on their experiences with providers. Here’s how Travelers ranked across different regions:
- Central: 13th place out of 13 providers
- Florida: 8th place out of 12 providers
- Mid-Atlantic: 9th place out of 14 providers
- New England: 7th place out of 12 providers
- New York: 1st place out of 9 providers
- North Central: 17th place out of 19 providers
- Northwest: 10th place out of 11 providers
- Southeast: 12th place out of 17 providers
- Southwest: 13th place out of 13 providers
Note, Travelers didn’t rank for the California or Texas regions of the study.
Our team reached out to Travelers about these ratings as well as its high NAIC complaint index but did not receive a response.
Travelers Auto Insurance Coverage and Discounts
Travelers insurance is available to drivers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., with no exclusions. The insurer offers the six standard types of car insurance:
- Liability car insurance
- Collision insurance
- Comprehensive insurance
- Medical payments coverage (MedPay)
- Personal injury protection (PIP)
- Underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage
Standout coverage add-ons include new car replacement, accident forgiveness and gap insurance. Drivers can also qualify for the following discounts from Travelers:
- Continuous insurance
- Driver training
- Early quote
- Good student
- Homeowner
- Hybrid/electric vehicle
- IntelliDrive® usage-based discount
- Multi-policy
- Multi-vehicle
- New car
- Pay-in-full
- Safe driver
- Student away at school
Travelers Car Insurance Cost
On average, Travelers insurance offers low rates for many types of drivers. Below, we compare Travelers insurance rate rankings among 12 popular companies — Allstate, American Family, Auto-Owners, Country Financial, Erie, Farmers, Geico, Nationwide, Progressive, State Farm, Travelers and USAA.
| Coverage Profile | Average Monthly Cost | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Liability | $58 | 6th |
| Full Coverage | $141 | 1st |
| Young Drivers | $390** | 5th |
| Seniors | $135*** | 1st |
| After a Speeding Ticket | $174* | 2nd |
| After an Accident | $179* | 1st |
| After a DUI | $195* | 1st |
| With Bad Credit | $235* | 2nd |
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*These monthly car insurance rates are for full-coverage policies
**For a 16-year-old driver
***For a 65-year-old driver
Note: Unless otherwise stated, costs presented in this article are averages for 35-year-old drivers with a good driving record and credit.
2. Progressive
Best Car Insurance for Tech-Savvy Drivers
9.4/10
J.D. Power Claims Rating:870/1,000NAIC Complaint Index:0.89Full-Coverage Monthly Cost:$194
Pros Offers useful extras like custom parts coverage and pet injury coverage Website and app are easy to use for managing your policy and filing claims Customers rated Progressive above average for its shopping experience on the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Insurance Shopping Study Cons Progressive’s claims experience could improve, according to customers on the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study Snapshot program can raise rates for some drivers
Is Progressive Insurance Good?
With policies that can be bought completely online, Progressive car insurance can be worth it for many drivers. The company offers one of the widest selections of policies and add-on coverage options among large providers. It also has reasonable car insurance rates for those with DUIs.
Progressive Insurance Company Ratings
| Ratings Category | Score (Out of 10) | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Industry Standing | 9.7 | 1st |
| Availability | 10 | Tied for 1st |
| Coverage | 9.7 | Tied for 3rd |
| Cost | 8.9 | 8th |
| Customer Experience | 8.8 | Tied for 5th |
| Overall Rating | 9.4 | 2nd |
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Progressive Reputation and Customer Satisfaction
J.D. Power 2024 Insurance Shopping Study: 678 out of 1,000 points (above average)
J.D. Power 2023 Claims Satisfaction: 870 out of 1,000 (below average)
NAIC Complaint Index: 0.89 (lower than average)
AM Best Rating: A+ (superior)
Participants in our survey rated Progressive just about average for customer service overall. Our 2,000-respondent survey in 2024 included 338 Progressive customers. Here’s how they rated the company:
| Company Factor | Progressive Average | Insurance Company Industry Average |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Customer Satisfaction | 4.2 | 4.2 |
| Affordability | 3.9 | 4 |
| Explanation of Discounts | 4 | 4.1 |
| Explanation of Coverage | 4.1 | 4.2 |
| Coverage Options | 4.1 | 4.2 |
| Shopping Experience | 4.2 | 4.2 |
| Website Features | 4.1 | 4.1 |
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*Ratings according to 338 Progressive customers in our 2024 survey
Progressive customers reported lower than average ratings of their claims services with a score of 4.1 out of 5 in our study. They were also some of the least satisfied with their claims payouts.
Progressive performed about average to slightly below average in most regions on the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study. Below, you can see how it ranked in each region.
- California: 5th place out of 14 providers
- Central: 6th place out of 13 providers
- Florida: 9th place out of 12 providers
- Mid-Atlantic: 11th place out of 14 providers
- New England: 9th place out of 12 providers
- New York: 6th place out of 9 providers
- North Central: 10th place out of 19 providers
- Northwest: 8th place out of 11 providers
- Southeast: 14th place out of 17 providers
- Southwest: 9th place out of 13 providers
- Texas: 9th place out of 9 providers
Progressive Auto Insurance Coverage and Discounts
Progressive auto insurance coverage is available in all 50 states with no restrictions. Compared to other large providers, the company offers special coverages for mechanical breakdowns, pet injuries and original part replacements. It also has a telematics program that’s available in most states, called Progressive Snapshot, that can lower costs by up to $231 per year on average.
Discounts from Progressive include:
- Accident forgiveness
- Autopay
- Continuous insurance
- Distant student
- Good student
- Multi-policy
- Homeowner
- Multi-car
- Online quote
- Paperless
- Pay in full
- Sign online
- Teen driver
Progressive Car Insurance Cost
We found Progressive is one of the most affordable companies for drivers with DUIs. However, it isn’t the most affordable for young drivers, people with speeding tickets or with accidents. Below are a few cost averages from our research:
| Coverage Profile | Average Monthly Cost | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Liability | $72 | 7th |
| Full Coverage | $194 | 8th |
| Young Drivers | $540** | 10th |
| Seniors | $174*** | 8th |
| After a Speeding Ticket | $237* | 9th |
| After an Accident | $263* | 9th |
| After a DUI | $225* | 2nd |
| With Bad Credit | $301* | 6th |
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*These monthly car insurance rates are for full-coverage policies
**For a 16-year-old driver
***For a 65-year-old driver
3. Geico
Best Value Car Insurance
9.3/10
J.D. Power Claims Rating:871/1,000NAIC Complaint Index:0.70Full-Coverage Monthly Cost:$166
Pros Offers mechanical breakdown insurance to cover components that fail, similar to an extended warranty Many discounts for different drivers like veterans, students and government employees Offers affordable coverage on average for different types of drivers Cons Not always the cheapest for people with poor credit or recent accidents Missing some coverage add-ons like new car replacement, gap insurance or original parts replacement
Is Geico Car Insurance Good?
As one of the largest insurance providers in the country, Geico is a great option for car insurance coverage. We found that the company has affordable rates, a large array of discounts and a telematics program that can help drivers save on premiums.
Geico Insurance Company Ratings
| Ratings Category | Score (Out of 10) | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Industry Standing | 9.5 | Tied for 2nd |
| Availability | 10 | Tied for 1st |
| Coverage | 9.1 | Tied for 8th |
| Cost | 9.5 | 4th |
| Customer Experience | 9 | Tied for 4th |
| Overall Rating | 9.3 | 3rd |
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Geico Reputation and Customer Satisfaction
J.D. Power 2024 Insurance Shopping Study: 656 out of 1,000 points (below average)
J.D. Power 2023 Claims Satisfaction: 871 out of 1,000 (below average)
NAIC Complaint Index: 0.70 (lower than average)
AM Best Rating: A++ (superior)
Behind only State Farm and Progressive, Geico is the third largest auto insurer in the U.S., and has fairly high customer satisfaction. The insurer received decent scores in our 2024 customer satisfaction survey:
| Company Factor | Geico Average | Insurance Company Industry Average |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Customer Satisfaction | 4.1 | 4.2 |
| Affordability | 4 | 4 |
| Explanation of Discounts | 3.9 | 4.1 |
| Explanation of Coverage | 4.1 | 4.2 |
| Coverage Options | 4.1 | 4.2 |
| Shopping Experience | 4.2 | 4.2 |
| Website Features | 4.2 | 4.1 |
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*Ratings according to 245 Geico customers in our 2024 survey
On the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study, Geico scored above average in the Florida, New York, New England and Texas regions. Here’s how it ranked:
- California: 10th place out of 14 providers
- Central: 10th place out of 13 providers
- Florida: 6th place out of 12 providers
- Mid-Atlantic: 6th place out of 14 providers
- New England: 5th place out of 12 providers
- New York: 4th place out of 9 providers
- North Central: 13th place out of 19 providers
- Northwest: 5th place out of 11 providers
- Southeast: 10th place out of 17 providers
- Southwest: 7th place out of 13 providers
- Texas: 4th place out of 9 providers
We reached out to Geico for comment on its below-average J.D. Power scores, but did not receive a response.
Geico Auto Insurance Coverage and Discounts
Geico offers all the standard types of insurance coverage at some of the highest limits available nationwide. The company makes it easy to add commercial coverage to your policy and a mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) option to cover what insurance doesn’t. MBI isn’t a common option in the car insurance industry, but may cover repairs when your air conditioner stops working or your engine light comes on.
Geico also has one of the largest array of discounts on the market:
- Air bag
- Anti-lock brakes
- Anti-theft system
- Daytime running lights
- New vehicle
- Good driver
- Seat belt use
- Defensive driving
- Driver’s education course
- Good student
- Emergency deployment
- Federal employee (Eagle)
- Membership and employee
- Military
- Multi-vehicle
- Multi-policy
Geico Auto Insurance Cost
Geico ranks fourth and sixth in terms of affordability among large and regional providers for both minimum and full coverage. Even so, the company is more affordable for some drivers than others, so we’ve listed our ratings for different insurance profiles:
| Coverage Profile | Average Monthly Cost | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Liability | $52 | 4th |
| Full Coverage | $166 | 6th |
| Young Drivers | $392** | 6th |
| Seniors | $162*** | 6th |
| After a Speeding Ticket | $214* | 7th |
| After an Accident | $265* | 10th |
| After a DUI | $307* | 10th |
| With Bad Credit | $241* | 3rd |
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*These monthly car insurance rates are for full-coverage policies
**For a 16-year-old driver
***For a 65-year-old driver
4. USAA
Best Military Car Insurance
9.3/10
J.D. Power Claims Rating:900/1,000NAIC Complaint Index:1.19Full-Coverage Monthly Cost:$145
Pros On average very affordable for different types of drivers High performance on J.D. Power customer surveys across regions and over the years Offers car replacement assistance and pays 20% over the vehicle value Offers a wide variety of car insurance discounts Cons Not available to everyone Not as many add-ons as some other providers Not the cheapest option after a DUI
Is USAA a Good Insurance Company?
USAA ranked fourth overall in our industry-wide review and provides excellent car insurance for military members, veterans and their immediate families. The company has some of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in industry studies and has competitive pricing for all coverage levels, especially for senior drivers.
USAA Insurance Company Ratings
| Ratings Category | Score (Out of 10) | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Industry Standing | 8.9 | Tied for 6th |
| Availability | 8 | Tied for 9th |
| Coverage | 9.7 | Tied for 3rd |
| Cost | 9.8 | 1st |
| Customer Experience | 9 | Tied for 4th |
| Overall Rating | 9.3 | 4th |
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USAA Reputation and Customer Satisfaction
J.D. Power 2024 Insurance Shopping Study: 711 out of 1,000 points (second place)
J.D. Power 2023 Claims Satisfaction: 900 out of 1,000 (tied for third)
NAIC Complaint Index: 1.19 (slightly higher than average)
AM Best Rating: A++ (superior)
Out of large insurers, USAA outperformed most companies for customer satisfaction in industry studies. USAA also earned high marks from policyholders who participated in our 2024 car insurance survey:
| Company Factor | USAA Average | Insurance Company Industry Average |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Customer Satisfaction | 4.5 | 4.2 |
| Affordability | 4.1 | 4 |
| Explanation of Discounts | 4.3 | 4.1 |
| Explanation of Coverage | 4.3 | 4.2 |
| Coverage Options | 4.4 | 4.2 |
| Shopping Experience | 4.4 | 4.2 |
| Website Features | 4.3 | 4.1 |
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*Ratings according to 142 USAA customers in our 2024 survey
USAA scored higher than all other providers in every region of the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study, too. While it wasn’t formally ranked because of its eligibility restrictions, it would have ranked in first place.
USAA Auto Insurance Coverage and Discounts
USAA offers its insurance products to current and past members of the military along with their spouses and children in all 50 states. USAA offers six standard coverage options along with some additional unique coverages for classic cars and other widely available add-ons such as roadside assistance and rental car coverage. It does offer car replacement assistance, which gives you 20% above your car’s value in the event of a total loss.
USAA customers can qualify for a range of discounts:
- Anti-theft device
- Safe driving
- Driver training
- Good student
- Good driver
- Garaging on a military base
- Low mileage
- Legacy
- Loyalty
- Multi-vehicle
- Multi-policy
- New car
- SafePilot usage-based discount
- Vehicle storage
USAA Auto Insurance Cost
USAA is one of the most affordable car insurance providers in the market. We found it’s the best option for minimum coverage and drivers with a speeding ticket:
| Coverage Profile | Average Monthly Cost | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Liability | $39 | 1st |
| Full Coverage | $145 | 2nd |
| Young Drivers | $356** | 4th |
| Seniors | $142*** | 2nd |
| After a Speeding Ticket | $172* | 1st |
| After an Accident | $197* | 2nd |
| After a DUI | $238* | 5th |
| With Bad Credit | $263* | 5th |
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*These monthly car insurance rates are for full-coverage policies
**For a 16-year-old driver
***For a 65-year-old driver
5. Erie Insurance
Best Liability Car Insurance
9.2/10
J.D. Power Claims Rating:902/1,000NAIC Complaint Index:0.51Full-Coverage Monthly Cost:$158
Pros Offers an Erie Rate Lock®feature that can keep your rates from rising Useful add-ons include new car replacement, better car replacement and rideshare coverage Erie Auto Plus®includes increased coverage limits and more rental car allowance Cons Only available in 12 eastern states Doesn’t offer a usage-based insurance option
Is Erie Insurance Good?
While availability is limited to 12 states, Erie is our fifth pick for the best auto insurance company. It has a great service reputation and especially affordable minimum liability coverage for most drivers. The company also offers several distinctive add-on features not offered by other competitors.
Erie Insurance Company Ratings
| Ratings Category | Score (Out of 10) | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Industry Standing | 8.9 | Tied for 6th |
| Availability | 8.1 | Tied for 8th |
| Coverage | 9.6 | 4th |
| Cost | 9.6 | Tied for 3rd |
| Customer Experience | 9 | Tied for 4th |
| Overall Rating | 9.2 | 5th |
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Erie Reputation and Customer Satisfaction
J.D. Power 2024 Insurance Shopping Study: 730 points out of 1,000 (first overall)
J.D. Power 2023 Claims Satisfaction: 902 out of 1,000 (second overall)
NAIC Complaint Index: 0.51 (lower than average)
AM Best Rating: A+ (superior)
Though it’s a regional insurer that only serves 12 states, Erie has an excellent industry reputation for customer service. The 39 respondents from our 2024 customer satisfaction survey with an Erie insurance policy were very satisfied with the company.
| Company Factor | Erie Insurance Average | Insurance Company Industry Average |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Customer Satisfaction | 4.4 | 4.2 |
| Affordability | 4.4 | 4 |
| Explanation of Discounts | 4.2 | 4.1 |
| Explanation of Coverage | 4.2 | 4.2 |
| Coverage Options | 4.3 | 4.2 |
| Shopping Experience | 4.5 | 4.2 |
| Website Features | 4.1 | 4.1 |
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*Ratings according to 39 Erie customers in our 2024 survey
Since Erie is a regional provider, it ranked in three regions of the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study. It performed above average for all areas:
- Mid-Atlantic: 1st place out of 14 providers
- North Central: 1st place out of 19 providers
- Southeast: 5th place out of 17 providers
Erie Auto Insurance Coverage and Discounts
Erie also has a robust selection of add-ons and car insurance discounts. It has great benefits for young drivers in particular, offering discounts for being under 21 and in college. It also offers add-on coverage for auto glass repair and a rate lock feature that allows you to keep your rates low after a claim as long as no changes are made to the policy.
Note: Erie insurance is only available in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Washington, DC. Otherwise, Erie has no exclusions for who can purchase coverage.
Erie customers can take advantage of discounts like:
- College student
- Multi-policy
- Multi-vehicle
- Pay-in-full
- Safety equipment
- Safe driver
- Vehicle storage
- Youthful driver
Erie Auto Insurance Cost
For overall affordability, Erie is a good choice. It is in the top three cheapest options for a variety of drivers. However, affordability depends on coverage and driver profile, so below we’ve broken down its ranking for key areas.
| Coverage Profile | Average Monthly Cost | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Liability | $55 | 5th |
| Full Coverage | $158 | 3rd |
| Young Drivers | $345** | 2nd |
| Seniors | $170*** | 7th |
| After a Speeding Ticket | $175* | 3rd |
| After an Accident | $198* | 3rd |
| After a DUI | $228* | 4th |
| With Bad Credit | $358* | 7th |
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*These monthly car insurance rates are for full-coverage policies
**For a 16-year-old driver
***For a 65-year-old driver
6. Nationwide
Best Full-Coverage Car Insurance
9.2/10
J.D. Power Claims Rating:875/1,000NAIC Complaint Index:0.46Full-Coverage Monthly Cost:$172
Pros Offers a pay-per-mile program for drivers with short commutes to save money Coverage add-ons include accident forgiveness, vanishing deductible and roadside assistance Offers SmartRide, a usage-based program for safe driving habits Cons Not as many discounts as some other providers Below average claims satisfaction rating from J.D. Power
Is Nationwide a Good Insurance Company?
Nationwide ranked sixth overall and is our pick for the best full-coverage car insurance due to its low overall rates for comprehensive policies. The company is also a solid choice for drivers who are looking for discounts and usage-based programs to lower the cost of car insurance.
Nationwide Insurance Company Ratings
| Ratings Category | Score (Out of 10) | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Industry Standing | 8.3 | Tied for 12th |
| Availability | 9.6 | Tied for 2nd |
| Coverage | 9.7 | Tied for 3rd |
| Cost | 9.3 | Tied for 5th |
| Customer Experience | 9 | Tied for 4th |
| Overall Rating | 9.2 | 6th |
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Nationwide Reputation and Customer Satisfaction
J.D. Power 2024 Insurance Shopping Study: 664 out of 1,000 points (below average)
J.D. Power 2023 Claims Satisfaction: 875 out of 1,000 (below average)
NAIC Complaint Index: 0.46 (lower than average)
AM Best Rating: A (excellent)
Based on industry studies, Nationwide has fairly average customer satisfaction scores, and its NAIC customer complaints score is among the lowest we’ve found for large insurers. It also ranked above average for customer satisfaction in our August 2024 insurance survey results.
| Company Factor | Nationwide Average | Insurance Company Industry Average |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Customer Satisfaction | 4.4 | 4.2 |
| Affordability | 4.2 | 4 |
| Explanation of Discounts | 4.3 | 4.1 |
| Explanation of Coverage | 4.2 | 4.2 |
| Coverage Options | 4.2 | 4.2 |
| Shopping Experience | 4.3 | 4.2 |
| Website Features | 4.3 | 4.1 |
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*Ratings according to 62 Nationwide customers in our 2024 survey
Nationwide ranked about average or below average in most regions of the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study except in the North Central region where it came in second place.
- California: 9th place out of 14 providers
- Central: 8th place out of 13 providers
- Mid-Atlantic: 7th place out of 14 providers
- New York: 9th place out of 9 providers
- North Central: 2nd place out of 19 providers
- Southeast: 8th place out of 17 providers
- Southwest: 8th place out of 13 providers
- Texas: 6th place out of 9 providers
Nationwide didn’t rank in the Florida, New England or Northwest regions.
We contacted Nationwide for comment on these low scores, but did not receive a response.
Nationwide Auto Insurance Coverage and Discounts
Nationwide is available to customers in every state except for Alaska, Louisiana and Massachusetts. In terms of add-on coverages, Nationwide offers a vanishing deductible option that lowers its cost the longer you go without a claim. It also provides discounts of up to 40% with its telematics program SmartRide and a pay-per-mile car insurance option that can help you save.
Looking at discounts, Nationwide customers can take advantage of the following:
- Accident free
- Anti-theft
- Automatic payments
- Defensive driving
- Good student
- Multi-policy
- Paperless
- Safe driver
- SmartMiles mileage-based discount
- SmartRide usage-based discount
Nationwide Auto Insurance Cost
Nationwide has reasonable rates for many drivers. However, we found it’s the cheapest option overall if you have poor credit. While it’s generally a low-cost provider, prices may vary depending on a variety of factors. We’ve broken down its cost rankings for key areas below.
| Coverage Profile | Average Monthly Cost | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Liability | $73 | 9th |
| Full Coverage | $172 | 7th |
| Young Drivers | $400** | 7th |
| Seniors | $148*** | 5th |
| After a Speeding Ticket | $213* | 4th |
| After an Accident | $253* | 7th |
| After a DUI | $291* | 9th |
| With Bad Credit | $230* | 1st |
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*These monthly car insurance rates are for full-coverage policies
**For a 16-year-old driver
***For a 65-year-old driver
7. State Farm
Best Car Insurance Customer Service
9.2/10
J.D. Power Claims Rating:891/1,000NAIC Complaint Index:0.78Full-Coverage Monthly Cost:$212
Pros Young drivers can save with a 20% good student discount and the Steer Clear®program Offers rideshare coverage, travel expense, rental car coverage and roadside assistance Drive Safe & Save™usage-based insurance discount Cons Missing popular add-ons like diminishing deductible, new car replacement and accident forgiveness
Is State Farm Insurance Good?
Overall, our team found that State Farm is a reliable car insurance provider. The company is known for its low overall rates and a strong industry and customer service reputation. It also has one of the widest selections of discount offerings on the market.
State Farm Insurance Company Ratings
| Ratings Category | Score (Out of 10) | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Industry Standing | 9.2 | 3rd |
| Availability | 9.6 | Tied for 2nd |
| Coverage | 9.4 | Tied for 6th |
| Cost | 8.8 | 9th |
| Customer Experience | 9.1 | 3rd |
| Overall Rating | 9.2 | 7th |
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State Farm Reputation and Customer Satisfaction
J.D. Power 2024 Insurance Shopping Study: 695 out of 1,000 points (above average)
J.D. Power 2023 Claims Satisfaction: 891 out of 1,000 (higher than average)
NAIC Complaint Index: 0.78 (lower than average)
AM Best Rating: A++ (superior)
Founded in 1922, State Farm is the largest car insurance company in the U.S., according to the NAIC. In our most recent customer satisfaction survey, State Farm had the largest customer base out of all the providers, with 424 respondents indicating it has a good reputation for customer service.
| Company Factor | State Farm Average | Insurance Company Industry Average |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Customer Satisfaction | 4.2 | 4.2 |
| Affordability | 3.9 | 4 |
| Explanation of Discounts | 4.1 | 4.1 |
| Explanation of Coverage | 4.2 | 4.2 |
| Coverage Options | 4.2 | 4.2 |
| Shopping Experience | 4.2 | 4.2 |
| Website Features | 4.1 | 4.1 |
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*Ratings according to 424 State Farm customers in our 2024 survey
Looking at the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study, State Farm ranked above average in many regions.
- California: 3rd place out of 14 providers
- Central: 5th place out of 13 providers
- Florida: 2nd place out of 12 providers
- Mid-Atlantic: 4th place out of 14 providers
- New England: 2nd place out of 12 providers
- New York: 2nd place out of 9 providers
- North Central: 5th place out of 19 providers
- Northwest: 2nd place out of 11 providers
- Southeast: 7th place out of 17 providers
- Southwest: 5th place out of 13 providers
- Texas: 3rd place out of 9 providers
State Farm Auto Insurance Coverage and Discounts
Along with the six main types of auto insurance coverage, State Farm offers unique options for classic or antique cars, travel expenses after an accident, rental car coverage and roadside assistance. It also offers a discount program that monitors your driving called Drive Safe & Save which can save you up to 30% on premiums for safe driving.
Here are all the discounts State Farm offers:
- Anti-theft
- Bundling
- Defensive driving course
- Driver training
- Good driver discount
- Good student
- Low mileage (some states)
- Loyalty
- Pay-in-full
- Seatbelt
- Student away at school
- Vehicle safety
State Farm’s website also notes customers may find other discounts depending on their state.
State Farm Car Insurance Cost
In terms of cost, State Farm came in ninth for full coverage. However, we found it’s the third-cheapest option for drivers with a DUI. Below, we’ll summarize its rankings for various driver profiles and coverage levels.
| Coverage Profile | Average Monthly Cost | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Liability | $72 | 8th |
| Full Coverage | $212 | 9th |
| Young Drivers | $521** | 9th |
| Seniors | $209*** | 9th |
| After a Speeding Ticket | $220* | 8th |
| After an Accident | $234* | 6th |
| After a DUI | $227* | 3rd |
| With Bad Credit | $843* | 12th |
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*These monthly car insurance rates are for full-coverage policies
**For a 16-year-old driver
***For a 65-year-old driver
Read More: How Much Does State Farm Car Insurance Cost?
8. Liberty Mutual
Best Car Insurance For Young Drivers
9.1/10
J.D. Power Claims Rating:866/1,000NAIC Complaint Index:2.96Full-Coverage Monthly Cost:Not available
Pros Many add-ons like new car replacement, teachers’ insurance, Mexico car insurance and more Nationwide availability Good AM Best and BBB ratings Numerous discounts, especially for young drivers Cons Average customer satisfaction ratings Premiums can be high
Is Liberty Mutual Insurance Good?
Liberty Mutual has great car insurance for young drivers. While newer drivers often pay more for car insurance, Liberty Mutual has plenty of discount programs that help offset those costs.
Liberty Mutual Insurance Company Ratings
| Ratings Category | Score (Out of 10) | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Industry Standing | 8.7 | Tied for 8th |
| Availability | 10 | Tied for 1st |
| Coverage | 9.7 | Tied for 3rd |
| Cost | 9 | Tied for 7th |
| Customer Experience | 9.3 | Tied for 9th |
| Overall Rating | 9.1 | 8th |
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Read more: Liberty Mutual Car Insurance Review
Liberty Mutual Reputation and Customer Satisfaction
J.D. Power 2024 Insurance Shopping Study: 642 out of 1,000 points (below average)
J.D. Power 2023 Claims Satisfaction: 866 out of 1,000 (below average)
NAIC Complaint Index: 2.96 (higher than average)
AM Best Rating: A (Excellent)
Liberty Mutual customers rated the company slightly below average for overall satisfaction in our 2024 survey. However, the 75 Liberty Mutual respondents rated the company higher than average in some areas such as coverage options and explanation of discounts.
| Company Factor | Liberty Mutual Average | Insurance Company Industry Average |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Customer Satisfaction | 4 | 4.2 |
| Affordability | 4 | 4 |
| Explanation of Discounts | 4.2 | 4.1 |
| Explanation of Coverage | 4.2 | 4.2 |
| Coverage Options | 4.3 | 4.2 |
| Shopping Experience | 4.2 | 4.2 |
| Website Features | 4.2 | 4.1 |
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*Ratings according to 75 Liberty Mutual customers in our 2024 survey
Liberty Mutual also ranked below average in different regions of the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study. Here’s how it performed:
- Central: 12th place out of 13 providers
- Florida: 12th place out of 12 providers
- Mid-Atlantic: 8th place out of 14 providers
- New England: 6th place out of 12 providers
- New York: 8th place out of 9 providers
- North Central: 16th place out of 19 providers
- Northwest: 11th place out of 11 providers
- Southeast: 13th place out of 17 providers
- Southwest: 10th place out of 13 providers
- Texas: 8th place out of 9 providers
Liberty Mutual didn’t rank in California on the study.
Our team reached out to Liberty Mutual for a comment on these scores but did not receive a response.
Liberty Mutual Auto Insurance Coverage and Discounts
Liberty Mutual offers a huge range of insurance coverage add-ons like teachers’ insurance, new car replacement and better car replacement. Unlike many other insurers, the company offers original parts replacement as add-on coverage to ensure manufacturer parts are used in repairs.
Here are all of Liberty Mutual’s discounts:
- Autopay
- Claim-free
- Early shopper
- Good student
- Homeowner
- Military
- Multi-policy
- Multi-car
- Online purchase
- Paperless
- RightTrack usage-based discount
- Student away at school
- Violation-free
Liberty Mutual Car Insurance Cost
Liberty Mutual doesn’t make its pricing data readily available to our research provider, but our team did receive a quote from Liberty Mutual for a full-coverage policy for $351 per month, or $4,212 annually*. Liberty Mutual’s premiums are relatively expensive for most drivers, however teens and young drivers can generally find cheaper rates with Liberty Mutual than with other insurance providers.
*This quote was for a 35-year-old driver who owns a 2022 Toyota Camry and drives 12,500 miles per year.
9. Allstate
Best Industry Reputation
9.1/10
J.D. Power Claims Rating:882/1,000NAIC Complaint Index:0.94Full-Coverage Monthly Cost:$278
Pros Add-ons include rideshare insurance, roadside assistance and personal umbrella policy Drivers can save with the MileWise pay-per-mile program Many discounts, including three ways for students to save Cons On average, more expensive than most other national providers
Is Allstate Insurance Good?
Allstate is a reliable insurance provider with a good number of add-ons and plenty of discounts. While it can have higher-than-average quotes, you could save a good amount with its DriveWise or MileWise programs. We also found, according to our survey, that the provider offers reliable customer service.
Allstate Insurance Company Ratings
| Ratings Category | Score (Out of 10) | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Industry Standing | 9.5 | Tied for 2nd |
| Availability | 10 | Tied for 1st |
| Coverage | 9.7 | Tied for 3rd |
| Cost | 7.7 | 17th |
| Customer Experience | 8.8 | Tied for 5th |
| Overall Rating | 9.1 | 9th |
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Read more: Allstate Insurance Review
Allstate Reputation and Customer Satisfaction
J.D. Power 2024 Insurance Shopping Study: 664/1,000 (below average)
J.D. Power 2023 Claims Satisfaction: 882/1,000 (above average)
NAIC Complaint Index: 0.94 (lower than average)
AM Best Rating: A+ (superior)
Allstate customers have positive experiences with the company overall. In 2024, our team surveyed 2,000 car insurance customers on their satisfaction with their insurance company’s affordability, discount explanation, coverage explanation, coverage options, shopping process and website. Out of the total, 212 were Allstate customers. Here’s how they rated the company:
| Company Factor | Allstate Average | Insurance Company Industry Average |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Customer Satisfaction | 4.3 | 4.2 |
| Affordability | 3.9 | 4 |
| Explanation of Discounts | 4.1 | 4.1 |
| Explanation of Coverage | 4.2 | 4.2 |
| Coverage Options | 4.2 | 4.2 |
| Shopping Experience | 4.1 | 4.2 |
| Website Features | 4.1 | 4.1 |
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*Ratings according to 212 Allstate customers in our 2024 survey
Looking at the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study, Allstate earned scores that were close to the regional averages in most areas of the U.S., with some below-average performance in others. Here’s how it ranked:
- California: 6th place out of 14 providers
- Central: 7th place out of 13 providers
- Florida: 4th place out of 12 providers
- Mid-Atlantic: 10th place out of 14 providers
- New England: 4th place out of 12 providers
- New York: 5th place out of 9 providers
- North Central: 8th place out of 19 providers
- Northwest: 7th place out of 11 providers
- Southeast: 15th place out of 17 providers
- Southwest: 6th place out of 13 providers
- Texas: 5th place out of 9 providers
Allstate Auto Insurance Coverage and Discounts
Allstate offers more coverage add-ons than some of its competitors such as Geico. For example, you can get things like rideshare insurance, personal umbrella, rental reimbursem*nt and roadside assistance. The company also offers accident forgiveness to keep your rates the same after an at-fault accident.
Looking at discounts, drivers can qualify for:
- Anti-lock brakes
- Anti-theft
- Early signer
- EZ pay
- Multi-policy
- New car
- Paperless
- Pay-in-full
- Responsible payer
- Safe driving club
- Smart student (good grades, driver education)
- Student away at school
Allstate Car Insurance Cost
Cost is where Allstate falls behind other national insurers. We found the company offers higher-than-average rates for many types of drivers. Here are some of Allstate’s average rates and how it ranks against other popular providers.
| Coverage Profile | Average Monthly Cost | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Liability | $100 | 10th |
| Full Coverage | $278 | 11th |
| Young Drivers | $670** | 11th |
| Seniors | $273*** | 11th |
| After a Speeding Ticket | $323* | 11th |
| After an Accident | $392* | 12th |
| After a DUI | $373* | 11th |
| With Bad Credit | $444* | 10th |
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*These monthly car insurance rates are for full-coverage policies
**For a 16-year-old driver
***For a 65-year-old driver
10. American Family
Best Car Insurance For Families
9/10
J.D. Power Claims Rating:882/1,000NAIC Complaint Index:0.30Full-Coverage Monthly Cost:$225
Pros Affordable policy choices Several car insurance discounts Many add-on coverage options Cons Mixed customer reviews Only available in 19 states
Is American Family Insurance Good?
American Family car insurance reviews show that the company is a reputable provider with nearly 75 years of experience. It’s known for providing several discounts that are attractive to families and a good selection of add-on coverage options.
American Family Insurance Company Ratings
| Ratings Category | Score (Out of 10) | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Industry Standing | 8.4 | Tied for 11th |
| Availability | 8.1 | Tied for 8th |
| Coverage | 9.7 | Tied for 3rd |
| Cost | 8.6 | Tied for 10th |
| Customer Experience | 9.4 | 1st |
| Overall Rating | 9 | 10th |
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Read more: American Family Car Insurance Review
American Family Reputation and Customer Satisfaction
J.D. Power 2024 Insurance Shopping Study: 702 out of 1,000 (above average)
J.D. Power 2023 Claims Satisfaction: 882 out of 1,000 (above average)
NAIC Complaint Index: 0.30 (lower than average)
AM Best Rating: A (excellent)
With strong performances in customer reviews and industry studies, American Family has an excellent company reputation. Though only a small number of respondents in our customer satisfaction survey had an American Family policy, the company received high ratings:
| Company Factor | American Family Average | Insurance Company Industry Average |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Customer Satisfaction | 4.5 | 4.2 |
| Affordability | 4.1 | 4 |
| Explanation of Discounts | 4.2 | 4.1 |
| Explanation of Coverage | 4.3 | 4.2 |
| Coverage Options | 4 | 4.2 |
| Shopping Experience | 4.3 | 4.2 |
| Website Features | 4.2 | 4.1 |
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*Ratings according to 44 American Family customers in our 2024 survey
In that same study, American Family tied with USAA for first in overall satisfaction with a score of 4.5 out of 5.
Except for one, American Family scored above average in all regions where it ranked on the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study. As a regional provider, it didn’t rank in regions where the company’s policies aren’t available. Here’s how it did:
- California: 2nd place out of 14 providers
- Central: 2nd place out of 13 providers
- North Central: 12th place out of 19 providers
- Northwest: 3rd place out of 11 providers
- Southwest: 3rd place out of 13 providers
American Family Auto Insurance Coverage and Discounts
American Family car insurance coverage can be purchased in 19 states. Accidental death and dismemberment coverage is available as a unique add-on option. American Family also offers roadside assistance, rental car coverage, and gap insurance.
Looking at discounts, drivers can take advantage of the following:
- Autopay
- Away at school
- Defensive driver
- Discount for switching
- Early bird
- Generational
- Good driving
- Good student
- Low mileage
- Loyalty
- Multi-car
- Multi-policy
- Paperless
- Pay-How-You-Drive programs (DriveMyWay and MilesMyWay)
- Pay-in-full
- Safety equipment
- Young volunteer
American Family Car Insurance Cost
Among large and midsize providers in America, American Family ranks tenth overall for full-coverage affordability. However, different types of drivers can get cheaper coverage than others from the company. Below, we’ve highlighted its rankings and costs for different profiles:
| Coverage Profile | Average Monthly Cost | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Liability | $105 | 11th |
| Full Coverage | $225 | 10th |
| Young Drivers | $468** | 8th |
| Seniors | $221*** | 10th |
| After a Speeding Ticket | $253* | 10th |
| After an Accident | $256* | 8th |
| After a DUI | $248* | 7th |
| With Bad Credit | $440* | 9th |
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*These monthly car insurance rates are for full-coverage policies
**For a 16-year-old driver
***For a 65-year-old driver
Car Insurance Company Reviews
In addition to nationally ranking the best car insurance companies, we’ve looked at many more insurers to determine which is the best in each state.
Best Car Insurance Companies by State
The table below shows the best car insurance company by state based on a full-coverage policy by one of our top 10 providers. You can also enter your location into the tool below to find the best companies in your area.
Select Your State
Alaska Alabama Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington DC West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming
| State | Best Car Insurance Company |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Travelers |
| Alaska | Geico |
| Arizona | Travelers |
| Arkansas | USAA |
| California | Geico |
| Colorado | Geico |
| Connecticut | Geico |
| Delaware | Travelers |
| Florida | Geico |
| Georgia | USAA |
| Hawaii | Geico |
| Idaho | USAA |
| Illinois | Travelers |
| Indiana | USAA |
| Iowa | Travelers |
| Kansas | Geico |
| Kentucky | Travelers |
| Louisiana | USAA |
| Maine | Travelers |
| Maryland | Geico |
| Massachusetts | Geico |
| Michigan | Geico |
| Minnesota | Travelers |
| Mississippi | Nationwide |
| Missouri | USAA |
| Montana | Nationwide |
| Nebraska | Nationwide |
| Nevada | Travelers |
| New Hampshire | USAA |
| New Jersey | Geico |
| New Mexico | USAA |
| New York | Progressive |
| North Carolina | Progressive |
| North Dakota | USAA |
| Ohio | Nationwide |
| Oklahoma | USAA |
| Oregon | Travelers |
| Pennsylvania | Travelers |
| Rhode Island | USAA |
| South Carolina | USAA |
| South Dakota | Geico |
| Tennessee | USAA |
| Texas | USAA |
| Utah | Nationwide |
| Vermont | USAA |
| Virginia | Progressive |
| Washington | USAA |
| Washington, D.C. | USAA |
| West Virginia | USAA |
| Wisconsin | Geico |
| Wyoming | USAA |
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Car Insurance Company List
If you didn’t see your current insurance company in our top 10, you may find it in the table below along with its score.
| Auto Insurance Company | Our Score (Out of 10) | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| 21st Century | 7 | California only |
| A-MAX | 7.6 | Texas only |
| AAA | 7.3 | 50 states, AAA members only |
| Acceptance | 7.3 | 13 states |
| Auto-Owners | 8.8 | 26 states |
| Dairyland | 8.2 | 38 states |
| Elephant | 8.2 | Eight states |
| Farmers | 8.5 | 50 states |
| Fremont | 7.3 | Michigan only |
| Go Auto | 7 | Four states |
| Good2Go | 8.1 | 44 states |
| Kentucky Farm Bureau | 8.3 | Kentucky only |
| Mercury | 7.9 | 11 states |
| Metromile | 7.1 | Eight states |
| Root | 7.7 | 31 states |
| Safety | 8.4 | Three states |
| The General | 7.9 | 50 states |
| The Hartford | 8.2 | 50 states, AARP members only |
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Car Insurance Buying Guide
Our editorial team spent hundreds of hours combing through data to assess the landscape of the insurance industry. Through this research, we isolated the most important factors to consider when shopping for car insurance, each of which we highlight in detail in the sections below.
Ask an Expert
“When comparing car insurance quotes, consumers should consider coverage limits, deductibles and premiums to ensure adequate protection within budget constraints. Evaluate the insurer’s reputation for customer service, claims processing and financial stability. Examine available discounts. Assess policy features like roadside assistance and rental car coverage. Consider the insurer’s online tools and mobile apps for convenience. Lastly, check customer reviews and seek recommendations to gauge overall satisfaction with the insurer’s services.”
How To Find the Best Car Insurance for You
Being a top-rated national insurer doesn’t just mean it offers the best coverage for your needs and budget. With the amount of information drivers need to know about policies, finding the best car insurance can be tricky.
To find the best car insurance for you, follow these 10 steps:
Shopping for coverage at the right time can impact the price of your policy. Since auto insurance rates change frequently, we recommend comparing your rates every six months to see if your current insurer is still the best fit for you.
If you have a history of any kind of high-risk driving behavior, it may benefit you to wait and shop around after your driver profile looks better to insurers. Improving your credit score and shopping three years after your most recent accident or violation can help you save more on car insurance premiums.
Most states — except for New Hampshire — require drivers to carry car insurance to legally drive. Each state sets its own basic minimum requirements, but they usually include varying amounts of liability coverage. Additionally, some states require drivers to hold uninsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection (PIP) insurance.
Because minimum-liability policies only offer coverage for other parties and their property, we recommend you carry full-coverage car insurance to ensure you’re protected no matter what kind of situation occurs. The average cost of full coverage is more than twice the cost of liability car insurance, but having it could save you many thousands of dollars in the long run.
Read more: How Much Car Insurance Do I Need?
Once you know what’s available and get a sense of the customer experience with each provider, it’s important to read reviews for the companies you’re considering.
Check forums for local agencies to get an idea of what customers think. You can also use industry resources such as studies from J.D. Power, NAIC complaint ratings and AM Best financial strength reports to understand each company’s reputation on a larger scale.
Angelo DeCandia, MBA, instructor of business at Touro University, says drivers should also look into how easy it is to file a claim with a provider, its customer service reputation and any helpful amenities, such as mobile apps.
Auto insurance companies sell coverage through a variety of channels. Understanding the benefits and drawbacks of each, which are highlighted in the table below, can play a major role in the price and personalization of your coverage.
| Type of Car Insurance Provider | Main Benefit | Main Drawback |
| Online | Allows for easy quote comparison and buying online | Less personalized service |
| Brand agencies | Local expert agents can help guide you through the buying process for a particular company | Focused on selling one specific brand |
| Independent agencies | Personalized service that allows you to compare multiple companies it works with | More client-focused than brand agencies but still focused on company compensation |
| Insurance brokers | Personalized policy matching services that are purely client-focused | Transactions must be completed with your chosen company or one of its agents |
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To find the highest value auto insurance, it’s always a good idea to compare car insurance quotes between multiple companies. We recommend comparing quotes from at least three insurers so you can find the best coverage and cost for your needs.
Keep in mind that some regional providers may offer good coverage and prices in your area. Erie, Auto-Owners, Country Financial and Farm Bureau Insurance are a few options that usually have affordable coverage in our experience.
Your driver profile, location and external factors like market conditions can cause rates to vary greatly. Young drivers, drivers with bad credit scores and drivers from other high-risk categories (recent accident, speeding ticket or DUI) usually pay more for auto insurance.
For example, the national average cost of full-coverage car insurance for a 35-year-old single driver with good credit and a clean driving record is $2,681 per year. If you add a recent accident to that profile, the average annual cost goes up to $3,591. With a poor credit score, the average annual cost shoots up to $5,358.
Add-on coverages allow you to customize your policy in a way that best fits your needs. These can range from add-ons like roadside assistance, which can be a worthwhile investment if you break down on the road, to accident forgiveness, which won’t increase your rates after your first car accident. Each company offers a different selection of add-ons, so look into what’s available with the companies you’re considering.
When it comes to purchasing car insurance coverage and deciding on optional coverages, Elaine Luther, D.Sc., a professor of business management at Point Park University, says, “Ultimately, it requires an assessment of what you can afford and what level of risk and/or protection you are comfortable with.”
Companies offer a wide range of car insurance discounts, so look for ones that apply to your situation. For example, some providers offer better discounts for students, while others offer discounts for military and occupational affiliations.
In addition to this, Emily Goenner, an assistant professor of business communications, recommends shopping often to take advantage.
“You may qualify for new discounts or changes in company ratings, so be sure to review your policies annually,” Goenner said.
Some of the most common car insurance discounts provide savings opportunities for members of the military, those who insure multiple vehicles, full-time students who maintain at least a B average and drivers who go a certain amount of time without an accident or violation.
Many companies offer telematics insurance programs that can give you up to 40% off based on your driving habits. If you have a short commute and practice good driving habits, you could also save money with pay-per-mile insurance or a safe-driving program.
You can also purchase non-owner car insurance policies to cover you if you often drive vehicles that aren’t yours. And if you’re only driving for a short period of time, you can get short-term policies anywhere from a day to a month.
After shopping for quotes from multiple companies, you can determine the lowest overall costs by combining the base costs available for your driving profile with available discounts that can lower the pricing even further. That said, remember that lower costs don’t necessarily mean better coverage.
How Does Car Insurance Work?
Car insurance is an agreement between you and your insurance provider for specific vehicle coverage in exchange for payment. Your car insurance policy outlines what is covered and what you can file claims for.
The sections below serve as a guide to help you find the best coverage to fit your needs and budget.
Read more: What Does Car Insurance Cover?
Types of Car Insurance Coverage
There are six main types of car insurance that can make up a policy’s coverage:
Liability: Bodily injury liability insurance (BI) pays the medical expenses for other drivers and their passengers after an accident where you’re at fault. Property damage liability insurance (PD) covers the damages to other drivers’ vehicles after an accident where you’re at fault.
Collision: Collision insurance pays for damages from a collision with another vehicle or road hazard.
Comprehensive: Comprehensive insurance pays for damages from theft, vandalism, animals or natural disasters.
Medical payments: Medical payments coverage (MedPay) covers medical bills and funeral expenses for you and your passengers after an accident.
Personal injury protection: Personal injury protection (PIP) covers medical bills for you and your passengers after an accident. PIP can also cover lost wages.
Underinsured/uninsured motorist: Underinsured/uninsured motorist insurance covers your damages when you’re in an accident with a driver who is underinsured or doesn’t have any insurance.
Car Insurance Coverage Add-Ons
Aside from the main kinds of coverage, most insurers offer optional coverages you can add to your policy. Below, we’ve detailed a complete list of what you might find in your search:
- Accident forgiveness: This optional coverage prevents your car insurance premium from increasing after an accident.
- Total loss protection: If you’re in an accident where another driver is at fault and your car is deemed a total loss, this coverage helps to replace your vehicle.
- Gap insurance: If your car is totaled and its actual cash value is less than the amount left on your loan, this insurance helps cover the difference.
- Rental car reimbursem*nt: If your car is in the shop, this coverage can help pay for a rental car — typically for up to 30 days.
- Roadside assistance: If you have a breakdown while on the road, this coverage provides roadside assistance like towing services, jump-starts, tire changes and lockout assistance.
- Mechanical breakdown insurance: This coverage is similar to an extended warranty that provides you coverage when your vehicle breaks down from regular use.
- Rideshare insurance: This plan pays for damages when using your vehicle for rideshare apps like Lyft or Uber.
- Original parts replacement: When your car is being repaired, this ensures it will only use original manufacturer parts used to make your vehicle.
- New car replacement: In the case of a total loss, you’ll get a completely new car to replace your old one.
- Classic car insurance: If you have a vintage vehicle, this allows you to insure it for an agreed value as long as you stay under a certain mileage.
- Commercial car insurance: If you use your personal vehicle for business, this will cover you for damages during commercial activities.
- Death and dismemberment: If you cause death or dismemberment in an accident, this will pay for any damages.
- Umbrella insurance: This type of coverage provides extra liability protection if you’re involved in a lawsuit that exceeds the costs of basic policies.
- Auto glass repair: When your windshield or other glass is damaged, this covers replacement and repairs.
- Valuables protection: If you have valuable items you regularly keep in your car and they’re damaged in an accident, this pays for repair or replacement costs.
- Pet coverage: If your pet is injured or killed in your vehicle during an accident, this provides you coverage up to a certain amount.
- Diminishing deductible: Paying for this add-on will allow your deductible to decrease the longer you go without a claim.
If you don’t have coverage already, we recommend getting roadside assistance, since it’s typically the most affordable to purchase with car insurance. However, whether you should purchase other add-on coverages depends on your situation and risk tolerance.
Read more: Best Roadside Assistance Plans
Why Is Car Insurance So Expensive?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, consumer car insurance rates have risen 20.5% from February 2023 to February 2024. Inflation across the country has pushed prices higher due to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The cost of goods has gone up 3.2% over the same period.
Stephen Yao, an assistant professor of insurance and risk management at the University of Central Arkansas, says the effects of inflation will most likely stick around:
“Once inflation is reflected in the general price levels, prices tend to stay at a higher level,” he said. “Even [a] lower inflation rate still means price levels continue to increase.”
Car Insurance Coverage Cost
Car insurance prices depend on many factors, including your age, location, credit score (in most states), driving record and type of vehicle. To help you find the best car insurance, we’ll go into detail on rates for car insurance in each state and the factors that go into determining the price of your policy.
Ask an Expert
“When comparing prices, make sure that you are comparing apples to apples. You may have one insurer who tells you that they can save you money on the premium but does so by reducing coverage.”
Car Insurance Rates by State
While car insurance rates by state will vary, your quote may also be higher or lower depending on where you live in the state. The map below features 2024 estimates for the average full- and minimum-coverage rates by state, as well as the cheapest provider in each state.
What Affects Car Insurance Costs?
Below we’ve broken down the factors that affect car insurance costs:
Age: Drivers under the age of 25 and over the age of 55 are typically given higher insurance premiums, as these ages are considered higher risk.
Credit score: With the exception of California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan, those with poor credit deal with higher premiums.
Driving history: If you have any at-fault accidents, moving violations or DUI/DWIs on your record, a car insurance policy will cost more.
Coverage level: The higher your coverage level is, the more you’ll pay.
Provider chosen: Provider costs for car insurance vary widely depending on its coverage, availability and more.
Location: Coverage requirements and driving and traffic statistics for your location can cause rates to vary widely.
Vehicle brand, model and age: The newer and more reliable your car brand and model is, the lower insurance costs will be.
Vehicle type: In the case of an accident, insurance will pay for part repairs and replacements. Certain types of vehicles can be more costly.
Deductible: A lower deductible leads to a higher premium.
Gender: Male drivers are charged more in most states due to statistics showing them to be more susceptible to accidents and fatal crashes.
Marital status: Married drivers pay slightly less than single drivers in most states due to perceived financial stability.
Read more: What To Do About Rising Insurance Rates
Ask an Expert
“Auto insurance is based on the driver, the vehicle and the location. The driver variables include, obviously, your driving history — including moving violations, DUIs and more — but also include things like your credit score and your status. Location is also a factor, with variables such as weather, crime and traffic coming into play.”
Best Auto Insurance Companies: The Bottom Line
According to our comprehensive analysis, the 10 best car insurance companies are Travelers, Progressive, Geico, USAA, Erie Insurance, Nationwide, State Farm, Liberty Mutual, Allstate and American Family. Each company offers a wide selection of insurance coverage options at affordable prices along with good customer service.
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Car Insurance Companies: FAQ
Below are frequently asked questions about car insurance companies.
After over 800 hours of researching insurance providers, we found that Travelers, Progressive, Geico, USAA and Erie are the top car insurance companies. We looked into each company’s reputation, availability, coverage, cost and customer experience.
In most cases, if you can afford it, we recommend full-coverage car insurance since it will give you the most comprehensive protection should you get in an accident on the road. We recommend getting quotes from Travelers, Nationwide, and Erie Insurance for this type of coverage.
State Farm is the largest and most popular car insurance company in the country, according to the NAIC, with over 18% of the market share and $57 billion in insurance premiums in 2023. However, our team found Travelers insurance to be the No. 1 auto insurance provider in the U.S. in 2024.
Our pick for the best car insurance for young drivers is Liberty Mutual due to its affordable pricing and extensive discount offerings for those 25 and under. You can also find great coverage for young drivers with American Family, Geico and Nationwide.
If you or a related family member is with the military, USAA is the best option for senior car insurance. However, if you’re not a part of this group, Geico has affordable rates, great discounts and good service for auto policies.
In all cases, USAA offers the best car insurance for military members with some of the best rates and customer service in the country. Veterans, current service members and their families also found them to be one of the most trustworthy providers on the market.
American Family is our pick for the best car insurance for families due to its generational discounts and great incentives for young drivers. If you’re not in its service area, we recommend getting quotes from Travelers and State Farm.
Nationwide has the best full-coverage car insurance options due to its low rates, plentiful options for coverage and good customer service ratings. If you’re a low-mileage driver, its unique pay-per-mile program can help you save more money.
Erie Insurance is our pick for the best minimum-liability car insurance due to its affordable rates and great customer service in the 12 states it serves. If you are not in these areas, you can get great policies and services from Geico.
Nationwide has the best usage-based car insurance options with the largest discount for telematics insurance among nationwide providers at up to 40%. It’s also the only provider on our list that offers a pay-per-mile program, which can help you save more.
State Farm offers the best overall car insurance customer service with the highest ratings from J.D. Power studies and good ratings in our provider satisfaction study.
American Family has the best car insurance claims service ratings based on our most recent survey data of both regional and large providers. Customers of the company also believed it was the most trustworthy and that it had their best interest in mind.
If you’re looking for the best car insurance coverage options, we recommend getting quotes from Progressive. As one of the largest providers, the company offers a variety of unique add-on options for pet coverage, original part replacement and mechanical breakdown coverage.
To find the best price on car insurance, we recommend getting car insurance quotes from multiple companies. That way, you’ll know how much each provider charges. You can also employ savings strategies like signing up for car insurance discounts or bundling your auto insurance with another policy.
If you’re trying to lower your car insurance premium, we recommend looking into discounts for bundling policies, driving safely and installing vehicle safety equipment. These discounts are commonly offered by most major regional and national providers and can help you save money on your car insurance policy.
Car insurance is the most affordable for good drivers between the ages of 35 and 55. Statistically, these age groups have the lowest risk of accidents, so car insurance companies charge less.
Young adults should see the cost of car insurance decrease until they reach about 25 years old. Besides that, car insurance costs vary, and there’s no guarantee they’ll go down each year. Market conditions like increasing repair costs or natural disasters can raise the cost of insurance even if your driving record hasn’t changed.
Several factors influence how much you pay for car insurance coverage, which is why each car insurance company personalizes quotes for every driver. For instance, having an at-fault accident can add around $910 to your annual rate on average, while having poor credit (in most states) or a DUI can add an average of about $2,677 or $1,193, respectively.
How We Chose the Best Car Insurance Companies
Because consumers rely on us to provide objective and accurate information, we created a comprehensive rating system to formulate our rankings of the best car insurance companies. We collected data on dozens of auto insurance providers to grade the companies on a wide range of ranking factors. The end result was an overall rating for each provider, with the insurers that scored the most points topping the list.
Here are the factors our ratings take into account:
- Industry standing (20% of total score): Our research team considered market share, ratings from industry experts and years in business when giving this score.
- Availability (10% of total score): Auto insurance companies with greater state availability and few eligibility requirements scored highest in this category.
- Coverage (30% of total score): Companies that offer a variety of choices for insurance coverage are more likely to meet consumer needs.
- Cost and discounts (25% of total score): Auto insurance rate estimates generated by Quadrant Information Services and discount opportunities were both taken into consideration.
- Customer experience (15% of total score): This score is based on volume of complaints reported by the NAIC and customer satisfaction ratings reported by J.D. Power. We also considered the responsiveness, friendliness and helpfulness of each insurance company’s customer service team based on our own shopper analysis.
Our Team’s Experiences With Auto Insurance
We recently conducted a survey of our team members to learn how we’ve dealt with comparing auto insurers and buying coverage. About 19% of those surveyed worked with an agent to determine how much coverage they needed, while about 12% simply chose state minimum requirements.
When it comes to comparing quotes from insurers, about 31% of our team members didn’t do so before selecting a provider. Two was the most common number of insurers compared with 27%, while 19% of us compared quotes from more than three companies. A little over half of our team members (54%) bundle their auto coverage with other types of insurance.
Half of our surveyed team members used a mobile app or online portal to start their most recent auto insurance claim. The other half called either their provider or their agent directly.
Our credentials:
- 800 hours researched
- 45 companies reviewed
- 8,500+ consumers surveyed
*Data accurate at time of publication.
If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team at editors@marketwatchguides.com.
