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What Is the Best Car Insurance Company?
We found that Travelers is the best overall car insurance company in 2024. The provider offers a stellar customer service experience for policyholders, along with affordable pricing and a wide range of coverage options to fit most drivers’ needs.
Car Insurance Company Ratings
After over 800 hours of research, we’ve identified the best car insurance companies. Each insurer was rated on five main factors: reputation, customer experience, coverage, availability and cost. Scores in each category were compiled and weighted to generate the overall rating we use to rank the providers.
The table below shows our ratings for the top 10 auto insurance companies. Along with the overall rating we gave each provider, the table highlights the award it was given by our team and the average annual cost of a full-coverage insurance policy from each:
Car Insurance Provider | Overall Rating | Award | Average Annual Full-Coverage Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Travelers | 9.5 | Best for Most Drivers | $1,595 |
State Farm | 9.4 | Best Customer Experience | $1,657 |
Erie Insurance | 9.4 | Best for Basic Insurance Coverage | $1,458 |
USAA | 9.2 | Best for Military Members | $1,512 |
Nationwide | 9.1 | Best for Usage-Based Insurance | $1,433 |
Geico | 9.1 | Best for Budget-Conscious Drivers | $1,596 |
Liberty Mutual | 9 | Good Programs for Young Drivers | N/A |
American Family Insurance | 9.1 | Best for Family Policies | $1,851 |
Progressive | 9 | Best for Tech-Savvy Drivers | $2,030 |
Country Financial | 8.9 | Best for High-Risk Drivers | $1,411 |
Best Auto Insurance Company Reviews
While Travelers is the highest-rated provider overall, the best car insurance company for a specific person can vary heavily depending on one’s overall needs.
Along with Travelers, we’ve identified nine other car insurance providers that are worth considering as you shop around for coverage. The sections below will give you an in-depth look into each of the top auto insurance companies on our list.
Travelers: Best for Most Drivers
Overview
Year founded: 1864
Headquarters: New York, N.Y.
AM Best rating: A++
Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating:A
Read more: Travelers insurance reviews
Is Travelers Insurance Good?
Travelers can be a great option for drivers who want a wide range of discounts and coverage options. We found that the provider offers some of the most unique offerings in the industry, such as named non-owner coverage, guaranteed asset protection (GAP) and accident forgiveness.
Pros and Cons of Travelers Auto Insurance
Pros Strong industry ratings Accident forgiveness coverage Can bundle with homeowners insurance and more Cons Low customer rating on the BBB Not available in every state
Travelers Insurance Company Reputation
Travelers has a fair reputation in the industry and among customers. The NAIC found that in 2022, the company held 2.11% of the market share and wrote nearly $5.9 billion in insurance premiums.
Travelers Insurance Customer Experience
Only about 1.5% of those polled in our August 2022 customer satisfaction survey reported having a Travelers policy. Those customers were satisfied with Travelers overall, giving the company well-above-average scores.
Category | Travelers Average | Insurance Company Industry Average |
---|---|---|
Overall customer satisfaction | 4.2 | 4.2 |
Affordability | 3.8 | 3.7 |
Discounts and savings programs | 3.7 | 3.7 |
Selection of coverage and add-ons | 3.9 | 3.9 |
Car insurance shopping process | 4 | 3.9 |
Company website | 4 | 3.9 |
Travelers J.D. Power Ratings
Travelers had one of the lowest scores among large insurers in the J.D. Power 2023 Insurance Shopping Study℠. It earned 848 out of a possible 1,000 points, a full 13 points lower than the segment average of 861.
The insurer received mixed scores in the J.D. Power 2023 Auto Insurance Study℠. In the Mid-Atlantic (Delaware, Washington, D.C., Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia) and New York, Travelers had strong scores. In all other regions, however, the company’s scores were well below the regional average.
Our research team reached out to Travelers for a comment on the lower scores but did not receive a response.
Travelers BBB Rating
Travelers holds an A rating from the BBB. Over 230 customer reviews on the BBB’s site give the company an average star rating of 1 out of 5, but that’s a small fraction of the amount of drivers that Travelers insures.
Our team reached out to Travelers about these ratings, but did not receive a response.
Travelers Auto Insurance Coverage
Travelers, like most reputable insurance companies, offers the standard types of coverage:
- Liability car insurance
- Collision insurance
- Comprehensive insurance
- Medical payments coverage (MedPay)
- Personal injury protection (PIP)
- Underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage
Travelers Car Insurance Coverage Options
The company also offers a slate of optional coverages, including:
- Gap insurance: This covers the difference between the actual cash value of your vehicle and the remaining balance of your loan in the event of a total loss.
- Rental coverage: This can help pay for a rental car if your vehicle is damaged in a covered accident and is inoperable for at least 24 hours.
- Roadside assistance: This helps get you back on the road when you’re stranded due to a mechanical breakdown by providing jump-starts, tows to the nearest repair facility and more.
- New car replacement: If you total your car within the first five years, this coverage will pay for a replacement of the same make and model.
- Accident forgiveness: This prevents your insurance rates from increasing after a first at-fault accident within a given time frame.
- Rideshare insurance: This protects drivers who work for transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft. (Only available in Colorado and Illinois.)
- Named non-owner coverage: This helps protect you if you drive frequently but don’t own your own vehicle.
Travelers IntelliDriveⓇ
IntelliDriveⓇ is Travelers’ telematics insurance program. Over the course of 90 days, the program uses a mobile app to track your driving habits. Good drivers can earn a discount of up to 30%, but if you display riskier driving habits, your premium can increase.
Here’s what the app tracks:
- Time of day
- Acceleration
- Speed
- Braking
- Distraction
The app also includes special features like driving tips, trip details, crash detection and more. The IntelliDrive program is not available in the following states:
- Alaska
- California
- Hawaii
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- New York
- Rhode Island
- West Virginia
Travelers Insurance Availability
Travelers is a large insurer available in 43 states with no exclusions for who can purchase coverage.
Travelers Car Insurance Cost
Based on our cost research, we found that a full-coverage insurance policy from Travelers is about 21% cheaper than the national average. These rates are based on 35-year-old drivers with clean driving records and good credit.
Average Travelers Car Insurance Cost
Travelers Average Monthly Cost | Travelers Average Annual Cost | National Average Annual Cost | |
---|---|---|---|
State Minimum Coverage | $54 | $648 | $627 |
Full Coverage | $133 | $1,595 | $2,008 |
Travelers Car Insurance Quotes for Teen Drivers
Teen drivers don’t have much experience on the road, so insurance companies view them as a higher risk. The table below shows the average rates for teen drivers 16 through 19 for a full-coverage Travelers policy.
Age | Travelers Average Monthly Cost | Travelers Average Annual Cost |
---|---|---|
16 | $453 | $5,436 |
17 | $439 | $5,277 |
18 | $369 | $4,429 |
19 | $297 | $3,570 |
*Data for 17, 18 and 19 is based on 2022 information.
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Travelers Car Insurance Quotes for Other Driving Profiles
Causing a car accident or getting a speeding ticket or DUI can make your insurance rates increase by hundreds of dollars. We looked at what Travelers charges drivers with various violations on their record in the table below. These are average rates for 35-year-old drivers who have a recent speeding ticket, a DUI conviction or a recent accident on their records.
Driver Profile | Travelers Average Monthly Cost | Travelers Average Annual Cost | National Average Annual Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Good credit and driving history | $133 | $1,595 | $2,008 |
Recent speeding ticket | $164 | $1,970 | $2,508 |
DUI | $185 | $2,218 | $3,431 |
Recent accident | $176 | $2,110 | $2,919 |
Travelers Auto Insurance Discounts
Travelers offers a variety of ways for drivers to save money. Discounts from Travelers include:
Travelers Discount | Discount Description |
---|---|
Multi-policy | You can get a discount if you bundle your Travelers auto coverage with other insurance. |
Multi-car | If you insure multiple cars on the same policy, you can lower your rates. |
Home ownership | If you own your own home, regardless of where it’s insured, you can save on auto insurance. |
Safe driver | If your household doesn’t have any claims in three to five years, you can get a discount on your auto policy. |
Continuous insurance | You may be eligible for a discount if you’ve held a Travelers insurance policy with no gaps in coverage. |
Hybrid/electric car | If you own or lease an alternative fuel vehicle, you can save on Travelers auto insurance. |
New car | You may qualify for savings if you purchase a car that’s three model years old or less. |
Payment choice | If you pay in full, opt to go paperless or set up automatic payments, you can receive a discount. |
Early quote | If you get a quote from Travelers before your current policy expires, you may be eligible for a discount if you switch. |
Good student | High school and college students who maintain at least a “B” average can save money on coverage. |
Student away at school | If you have a student in school at least 100 miles away that doesn’t drive, you can get a discount. |
Driver training | Drivers who complete an approved driver’s education class can qualify for a discount. |
State Farm: Best Customer Experience
Overview
Year founded: 1922
Headquarters: Bloomington, Ill.
AM Best rating: A++
BBB rating: C-
Read more: State Farm insurance reviews
Compare: Allstate vs State Farm or Farmers vs State Farm or State Farm vs Nationwide
Is State Farm Insurance Good?
Overall, our team found that State Farm is one of the best car insurance providers in the nation. The company provides drivers with several unique coverage options, like rideshare and travel expense insurance. It’s also known for its low rates and a strong industry and customer service reputation.
Pros and Cons of State Farm Auto Insurance
Pros Generous discounts, especially for young drivers A++ financial strength rating from AM Best Nationwide network of local agents Cons Mixed State Farm insurance reviews
State Farm Insurance Company Reputation
State Farm is the largest auto insurance provider in the United States. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), the company held 16.84% of the market share in 2022, writing nearly $47 billion in insurance premiums. It ranks relatively high in J.D. Power studies, often coming in first place above multiple other high-ranking national providers. The company has a high financial strength rating from AM Best and our own customer satisfaction survey.
State Farm Customer Experience
In our August 2022 customer satisfaction insurance survey, we polled nearly 7,000 drivers about their experience with their car insurance provider. The table below shows the satisfaction ratings for respondents who reported having a State Farm policy.
Our research team reached out to State Farm for a comment on these scores but did not receive a response.
Category | State Farm Average | Insurance Company Industry Average |
---|---|---|
Overall customer satisfaction | 4.2 | 4.2 |
Affordability | 3.8 | 3.7 |
Discounts and savings programs | 3.8 | 3.7 |
Selection of coverage and add-ons | 3.9 | 3.9 |
Car insurance shopping process | 4 | 3.9 |
Company website | 3.9 | 3.9 |
State Farm J.D. Power Awards
State Farm has a good reputation for customer service, ranking particularly high in the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study℠ for most regions of the U.S.
State Farm ranked the highest for large insurers in the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Insurance Shopping Study℠, receiving 877 out of 1,000 possible points.
State Farm BBB Rating
State Farm holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), but customer reviews give the insurer an average star rating of 1.2 out of 5. However, the company has less than 1,500 reviews, which is a very small fraction of its customer base.
Our team reached out to State Farm about these scores, but did not receive a response.
State Farm Car Insurance Coverage
State Farm offers the six main types of car insurance coverage plus classic car insurance:
- Liability insurance
- Collision insurance
- Comprehensive insurance
- Medical payments coverage (MedPay)
- Personal injury protection (PIP)
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
State Farm Coverage Options
Additionally, State Farm offers a few optional coverages. These include:
- Travel expense: If you’re at least 50 miles from home and need car repairs, this option covers up to $500 for food and lodging. Bear in mind that it only applies if your damages fall under collision or comprehensive coverage.
- Rental car reimbursem*nt: If your car isn’t driveable due to damage, this option covers the cost of a rental car up to a limit in your policy.
- Rideshare coverage: This option ensures you have coverage at all times when you drive for a company like Uber or Lyft.
- Roadside assistance: This option covers towing to the nearest repair shop, delivery of gas or oil, tire changes, lockout service, jump-starts and up to one hour of mechanical labor at the breakdown site. Compare State Farm’s plan with that of AAA here.
State Farm Drive Safe & Save
Our January 2022 car insurance survey that polled 1,000 respondents found that 63% of drivers don’t take advantage of usage-based insurance. State Farm’s telematics insurance program, , tracks users’ driving habits and calculates a discount of up to 30%.
Once you enroll in the program, State Farm will send you a Bluetooth device that communicates with the Drive Safe & Save app on your phone. It tracks the following driving habits:
- Accelerating
- Braking
- Cornering
- Speed
- Time of day
- Phone use
Accelerating too quickly, braking too hard, taking trips at night and using your phone while driving will decrease your score and leave you with a smaller discount (or no discount at all). The program will not raise your rates, as is the case with some competitors.
State Farm Coverage Availability
Residents of every state except for Rhode Island and Massachusetts can purchase a State Farm auto insurance policy. It doesn’t have any exclusions for who can buy coverage.
State Farm Car Insurance Cost
Based on our data, we found full-coverage car insurance rates from State Farm to be about 17% cheaper than the national average of $2,008 per year.
State Farm Average Car Insurance Cost
The table below shows monthly and annual average rates for both minimum and full coverage from State Farm as compared to the national average. These rates are based on 35-year-old drivers with clean driving records and good credit.
State Farm Average Monthly Cost | State Farm Average Annual Cost | National Average Annual Cost | |
---|---|---|---|
State Minimum Coverage | $44 | $523 | $627 |
Full Coverage | $138 | $1,657 | $2,008 |
State Farm Car Insurance Quotes for Teen Drivers
Teen drivers typically pay the most for car insurance coverage. The table below shows average rates for full coverage from State Farm for teens aged 16 through 19.
Age | State Farm Average Monthly Cost | State Farm Average Annual Cost |
---|---|---|
16 | $460 | $5,514 |
17 | $309 | $3,714 |
18 | $278 | $3,340 |
19 | $243 | $2,924 |
*Data for 17, 18 and 19 is based on 2022 information.
State Farm Car Insurance Quotes for Other Driving Profiles
When researching State Farm insurance costs, we also looked at how much a full-coverage policy would cost for drivers with certain traffic violations. Below are average rates for 35-year-old male drivers who have a recent speeding ticket, a DUI conviction or a recent accident on their records.
Driver Profile | State Farm Average Monthly Cost | State Farm Average Annual Cost | National Average Annual Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Good credit and driving history | $138 | $1,657 | $2,008 |
Recent speeding ticket | $156 | $1,872 | $2,508 |
DUI | $183 | $2,194 | $3,431 |
Recent accident | $163 | $1,953 | $2,919 |
State Farm Auto Insurance Discounts
State Farm offers drivers many ways to save money on their car insurance premiums. State Farm’s discount opportunities include:
State Farm Discount | Discount Description |
---|---|
Multi-policy discount | If you have another State Farm insurance product, like life, renters, condo or homeowners insurance, you can save money by bundling it with your car insurance. |
Multi-car discount | You can qualify for a discount if you insure two or more cars in your household under the same State Farm policy. |
Accident-free discount | If you stay accident-free for three continuous years while insured by State Farm, you can lower your premium. |
Good driving discount | You can receive a discount by going three years or more without any traffic violations or at-fault accidents. |
Defensive driving course discount | If you take and complete a defensive driving course, you can save money on your auto policy. |
Good student discount | You can save up to 25% on your car insurance premium if you’re a full-time student and maintain a “B” average. |
Driver training discount | If you’re under 21, you can get a discount by taking a driver training course. |
Distant student discount | If you have a student on your policy who’s under the age of 25, lives away from home and doesn’t drive their vehicle, you can qualify for a discount. |
Vehicle safety discount | If your car was made after 1994, you can save money on medical payments coverage (MedPay). |
Passive restraint discount | If your car was made in or before 1993 and has factory-installed passive restraint systems like air bags, you can lower your MedPay coverage costs. |
Anti-theft discount | If your car is equipped with anti-theft devices, you can get a discount on your auto coverage. |
Erie Insurance: Best for Basic Insurance Coverage
Overview
Year founded: 1925
Headquarters: Erie, Pa.
AM Best rating: A+
BBB rating: A+
Read more: Erie Insurance reviews
Is Erie Insurance Good?
Erie auto insurance can be a great option for drivers who live in states where it provides coverage. The company offers several unique features that set it apart from other competitors, like Erie Rate LockⓇ, which helps you avoid rate increases and first accident forgiveness.
Pros and Cons of Erie Auto Insurance
Pros Strong industry ratings Wide selection of add-on coverages Many discounts available Cons Not available in every state No usage-based insurance option
Erie Insurance Company Reputation
Though it’s a mid-sized insurer, Erie has an excellent reputation for customer service in the insurance industry. The NAIC found that in 2022, Erie Insurance held 1.3% of the market share and wrote almost $3.6 billion in insurance premiums.
Erie Insurance Customer Experience
Though only about 1.4% of respondents in our August 2022 insurance survey had an Erie insurance policy, those respondents were quite satisfied with the company.
Category | Erie Average | Insurance Company Industry Average |
---|---|---|
Overall customer satisfaction | 4.4 | 4.2 |
Affordability | 3.9 | 3.7 |
Discounts and savings programs | 3.9 | 3.7 |
Selection of coverage and add-ons | 4.1 | 3.9 |
Car insurance shopping process | 4.1 | 3.9 |
Company website | 3.8 | 3.9 |
Erie Insurance J.D. Power Ratings
Erie consistently scores very well in J.D. Power studies. It received the second-highest score in the Insurance Shopping Study, receiving 878 points out of a possible 1,000. The insurer also ranked well in the Auto Insurance Study. In the North Central (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin) and Mid-Atlantic (Delaware, Washington, D.C., Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia) regions, Erie received the highest score. The company also received a strong score in the Southeast region as well.
Erie Insurance BBB Rating
Erie currently is rated at an A+ from the BBB, however, it isn’t accredited. Though there are only over 60 customer reviews on the organization’s website, those reviews give the company an average customer rating of 1.1 stars out of 5.
We reached out to Erie for comment on this low score. The representative explained, “Erie Insurance has a dedicated team within the company’s Office of the President that carefully reviews, researches and responds to all actionable BBB reviews and helps resolve them on behalf of the policyholder. Erie Insurance consistently ranks highest in customer satisfaction and maintains one of the strongest customer retention rates in the insurance industry — from year to year, more than 91% of our policyholders stay with Erie due to our promise of being above all in service.”
Erie Auto Insurance Coverage
Erie provides all six of the standard types of auto coverage. These are:
- Liability coverage
- Collision insurance
- Comprehensive insurance
- Medical payments coverage
- Personal injury protection
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
Erie Coverage Options
Erie also offers a few add-on options to give you extra protection. These coverages include:
- Pet coverage: Get up to $500 per pet (with a $1,000 limit) to help cover veterinary expenses if your pet is hurt in an accident.
- Roadside and rentals bundle: This provides roadside assistance if your vehicle breaks down and helps cover the cost of a rental car while your car’s in the shop for repairs.
- Personal item coverage: Get up to $350 to replace items damaged in a car accident like clothing, luggage and other personal belongings.
- Auto glass repair: This comes as part of comprehensive coverage and waives the deductible for glass repairs. For an additional fee, you can get Full Window Glass, which also waives the deductible for windshield replacement.
- Locksmith services: Get up to $75 toward locksmith services if you lock your keys in your car.
- Erie Auto PlusⓇ: This additional coverage package includes a diminishing deductible, a $10,000 death benefit and higher limits for transportation expenses.
- Diminishing deductible: You can reduce your deductible by $100 (up to $500) for each year you go without filing a claim.
- Erie Rate LockⓇ: This locks in your insurance rates regardless of whether you file a claim.
- First accident forgiveness: If you’ve been an Erie customer for 3 or more years, you won’t incur a surcharge for your first at-fault accident with this coverage.
Erie Insurance Availability
Erie Insurance only operates in 12 states and the District of Columbia. Those states are:
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Maryland
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
Other than region, Erie has no exclusions for who can purchase car insurance.
Erie Auto Insurance Cost
Based on our cost research, we found that a full-coverage insurance policy from Erie Insurance is about 27% cheaper than the national average.
Erie Insurance Average Cost
Erie Average Monthly Cost | Erie Average Annual Cost | National Average Annual Cost | |
---|---|---|---|
State Minimum Coverage | $33 | $390 | $627 |
Full Coverage | $122 | $1,458 | $2,008 |
Erie Car Insurance Quotes for Teen Drivers
Car insurance for teen drivers is usually much more expensive than it is for those with more experience behind the wheel. Below is a table showing the average cost of Erie full-coverage insurance policies for teenage drivers.
Age | Erie Average Monthly Cost | Erie Average Annual Cost |
---|---|---|
16 | $355 | $4,259 |
17 | $261 | $3,137 |
18 | $240 | $2,888 |
19 | $212 | $2,549 |
*Data for 17, 18 and 19 is based on 2022 information.
Erie Car Insurance Quotes for Other Driving Profiles
Having any sort of violation on your driving record can cause your insurance rates to increase. In the table below, we look at the cost of Erie full-coverage insurance for drivers with recent speeding tickets, DUIs or accidents.
Driver Profile | Erie Average Monthly Cost | Erie Average Annual Cost | National Average Annual Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Good credit and driving history | $122 | $1,458 | $2,008 |
Recent speeding ticket | $141 | $1,690 | $2,508 |
DUI | $206 | $2,474 | $3,431 |
Recent accident | $164 | $1,962 | $2,919 |
Erie Auto Insurance Discounts
Erie also has a robust selection of car insurance discounts you may qualify for. These include:
Erie Discount | Discount Description |
---|---|
Multi-policy | You can save money by bundling your auto insurance with homeowners or life insurance from Erie. |
Multi-car | You can save on your premium if you insure multiple cars with Erie. |
Vehicle storage | If you plan to store your car for 90 days or more, you can qualify for savings. |
Safety features | Having safety features installed in your vehicle can help you save on your insurance premium. |
Pay-in-full | You can get a discount on your premium if you pay it all upfront in one lump sum. |
Youthful driver | Unmarried drivers under the age of 21 can get a car insurance discount. |
USAA: Best for Military Members
Overview
Year founded: 1922
Headquarters: San Antonio, Texas
AM Best rating: A++
BBB rating: NR
Read more: USAA insurance reviews
Compare: USAA vs. State Farm
Is USAA Good Insurance?
USAA is an excellent car insurance provider for military members, veterans and their immediate families. The company regularly offers the cheapest car insurance coverage for most drivers and provides unique add-on offerings like accident forgiveness and classic car insurance.
Pros and Cons of USAA Auto Insurance
Pros Affordable rates High performance on J.D. Power customer surveys Highly rated mobile app A++ financial rating Cons Not available to everyone SafePilot only available in 25 states Not the cheapest option after a DUI
USAA Insurance Company Reputation
USAA offers its insurance products to current and past members of the military along with their spouses and children. According to the NAIC, the company is the fifth-largest auto insurer in the U.S. holding 5.9% of the market share in 2022. USAA wrote over $16.4 billion in car insurance premiums in 2022.
In addition, USAA scores well in industry studies from J.D. Power and our own customer experience survey.
USAA Customer Satisfaction Survey
In our August 2022 car insurance satisfaction survey, USAA earned generally high marks from respondents. Pollees with USAA policies reported being especially satisfied with the insurer’s website and the process of shopping for the right coverage.
Category | USAA Average | Insurance Company Industry Average |
---|---|---|
Overall customer satisfaction | 4.3 | 4.2 |
Affordability | 3.8 | 3.7 |
Discounts and savings programs | 3.8 | 3.7 |
Selection of coverage and add-ons | 3.9 | 3.9 |
Car insurance shopping process | 4 | 3.9 |
Company website | 4 | 3.9 |
USAA J.D. Power Ratings
The company received the second-highest score of all large insurers on the J.D. Power Insurance Shopping Study with 874 out of 1,000 points. It also scored higher than all other insurance companies in every region on the J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study.
USAA BBB Rating
Though USAA only has a 1.1-star rating from customer reviews on the BBB’s website, it’s important to note that there are only about 1,600 reviews. That’s a very small number when compared to the size of its customer base.
We reached out to USAA for comment on these low BBB scores, but did not receive a response.
USAA Car Insurance Coverage
USAA offers the six standard coverage options along with some additional coverage types. Insurance options from USAA include:
- Liability car insurance
- Collision coverage
- Comprehensive coverage
- Medical payments coverage (MedPay)
- Personal injury protection (PIP)
- Underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage
USAA Auto Insurance Coverage Options
Optional coverages offered by USAA include:
- Roadside assistance: If you have a breakdown, this coverage provides towing, lockout service and more.
- Rental car reimbursem*nt: This helps you pay for a rental car while your car’s in the shop for covered repairs.
- Rideshare insurance: This protects you and your vehicle if you drive for a company like Uber or Lyft.
- Classic car insurance: USAA partners with American Collectors Insurance to offer coverage for exotic and antique vehicles.
USAA SafePilotⓇ
SafePilot is USAA’s usage-based insurance program. USAA Safepilot uses an app to monitor your driving habits and calculate a discount. The company gives an immediate 10% discount for signing up and good drivers can earn up to 30% off their premium at the time of renewal.
The SafePilot app tracks the following:
- Location
- Time of day
- Phone handling
- Hand-held calling
- Hands-free calling
- Hard braking
- Hours driven per year
- If you’re the passenger or driver
The app factors each of the above to calculate a discount. It doesn’t evaluate your insurability and won’t cause your premiums to increase.
USAA Insurance Availability
USAA is available to customers in all 50 states. However, the company only offers insurance to active–duty military members, veterans and their families.
USAA Auto Insurance Cost
USAA has the reputation of being one of the cheapest car insurance companies in the U.S. Based on our cost research, we found that a full-coverage policy from USAA is about 25% cheaper than the national average.
Average USAA Car Insurance Cost
USAA Average Monthly Cost | USAA Average Annual Cost | National Average Annual Cost | |
---|---|---|---|
State Minimum Coverage | $32 | $387 | $627 |
Full Coverage | $126 | $1,512 | $2,008 |
USAA Car Insurance Quotes for Teen Drivers
Teen drivers often pay the most for auto insurance coverage. The table below shows average costs for teenage drivers covered by USAA.
Age | USAA Average Monthly Cost | USAA Average Annual Cost |
---|---|---|
16 | $536 | $6,431 |
17 | $283 | $3,398 |
18 | $241 | $2,897 |
19 | $188 | $2,261 |
*Data for 17, 18 and 19 is based on 2022 information.
USAA Car Insurance Quotes for Other Driving Profiles
To give you a sense of what you may pay for USAA insurance coverage if you have a recent traffic violation, we looked at cost data for a few other driving profiles. Below are averages for 35-year-old male drivers with clean records and those with speeding tickets, DUIs or recent accidents.
Driver Profile | USAA Average Monthly Cost | USAA Average Annual Cost | National Average Annual Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Good credit and driving history | $126 | $1,512 | $2,008 |
Recent speeding ticket | $152 | $1,828 | $2,508 |
DUI | $227 | $2,721 | $3,431 |
Recent accident | $182 | $2,187 | $2,919 |
USAA Auto Insurance Discounts
If you’re looking to lower your insurance premium, you can always be on the lookout for some discounts you may qualify for. Discounts offered by USAA include:
USAA Discount | Discount Description |
---|---|
Safe driver discount | If you maintain a good driving record for at least five years, you can get a discount. |
Defensive driving discount | Completing a defensive driving course can save money on your car insurance. |
Driver training discount | You can also lower your premium by completing a driver training course. |
Good student discount | Student drivers who maintain good grades can get a discount. |
Multi-policy bundling discount | You can qualify for savings by bundling auto coverage with other USAA insurance products. |
New car discount | New vehicles may be eligible for a car insurance discount. |
Anti-theft discount | If you have an anti-theft device installed in your car, you could save on your premium. |
Multi-vehicle discount | You can get a discount from USAA if you insure more than one vehicle on the same policy. |
Annual mileage discount | USAA may offer a discount based on the amount of miles you drive per year. |
Vehicle storage discount | You can qualify for up to 60% off if you store your car during deployment. |
Length of membership discount | The MyUSAA Legacy discount can take up to 10% off your policy. |
Military installation discount | If you garage your car on a military installation, you may be able to save money on your premium. |
Nationwide: Best for Usage-Based Insurance
Overview
Year founded: 1926
Headquarters: Columbus, Ohio
AM Best rating: A
BBB rating: A+
Read more: Nationwide insurance reviews
Is Nationwide a Good Insurance Company?
Nationwide can be a solid choice for drivers who are looking for discounts and usage-based programs to lower the cost of car insurance. The company offers two programs — SmartRide and SmartMiles — that can provide discounts on your premium.
Pros and Cons of Nationwide Auto Insurance
Pros Car insurance coverage available in 46 states Many standard and add-on car insurance options Offers usage-based insurance A+ rating from the BBB and A rating from AM Best Cons Higher average insurance costs Mixed customer reviews
Nationwide Insurance Company Reputation
Based on industry studies, Nationwide has fairly average customer satisfaction scores. It also captured 1.99% of the market share and wrote over $5.5 billion in insurance premiums in 2022.
Nationwide Insurance Customer Experience
Only about 3% of respondents in our August 2022 insurance survey reported having a Nationwide policy. Those respondents gave Nationwide above-average satisfaction scores for a few different factors. The table below shows Nationwide customer responses.
Category | Nationwide Average | Insurance Company Industry Average |
---|---|---|
Overall customer satisfaction | 4.1 | 4.2 |
Affordability | 3.7 | 3.7 |
Discounts and savings programs | 3.7 | 3.7 |
Selection of coverage and add-ons | 3.9 | 3.9 |
Car insurance shopping process | 3.9 | 3.9 |
Company website | 3.8 | 3.9 |
Nationwide J.D. Power Rating
Nationwide scored right at the industry average of 861 out of a possible 1,000 on the J.D. Power Insurance Shopping Study, which determines customer satisfaction with each stage of the shopping experience. The segment average was 861.
Nationwide fared worse in the 2023 Auto Insurance Study. It was rated below average in each area where the company ranked.
We reached out to Nationwide for comment on these low scores, but did not receive a response.
Nationwide BBB Rating
Nationwide holds an A+ rating but no accreditation from the BBB. Customers give Nationwide a 1.1-star rating out of 5, but only about 330 people left reviews. What’s more, those reviews encompass all of the provider’s insurance products, not just auto coverage.
We reached out to Nationwide about these scores, but did not receive a response.
Nationwide Auto Insurance Coverage
Like most large insurance providers, Nationwide offers the six main types of car insurance. Those are:
- Liability coverage
- Collision insurance
- Comprehensive coverage
- Medical payments coverage (MedPay)
- Personal injury protection (PIP)
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM)
Nationwide Insurance Coverage Options
Beyond the standard coverages, Nationwide offers a few optional add-ons, such as:
- Towing and labor coverage: This can help get your car back on the road or to a repair facility if it’s broken down or stuck.
- Roadside assistance: This provides 24/7 emergency help if you need a jump-start, tire change, fuel delivery or a tow.
- Rental car expense: This provides access to a rental car if your vehicle is in the shop for a covered repair.
- Gap coverage: This can help cover the difference between the actual cash value of your car and the remaining balance of your car loan in the event your vehicle is totaled in an accident.
- Accident forgiveness: This prevents your premium from increasing after your first at-fault accident.
- Vanishing deductible: This removes $100 (up to $500) from your deductible for each year you remain a safe driver.
- Total loss deductible waiver: This waives your physical damage deductible in the event of a total loss.
Nationwide SmartRideⓇ
Nationwide’s telematics program, SmartRide, uses an app to track driving habits and calculate a discount. Users get an automatic discount of 10% for signing up.
Here’s what the app tracks:
- Miles driven
- Hard braking & acceleration
- Idle time
- Nighttime driving
Any discount will be applied at the time of renewal. SmartRide will not cause your insurance premium to increase.
Nationwide SmartMilesⓇ
SmartMiles is ideal for people who don’t drive that often. It’s a usage-based program with flexible monthly rates determined by the number of miles you drive. You pay a base rate and then an additional rate for each mile driven. The program uses a device that plugs into your car, or a connected car to track mileage.
SmartMiles is not available in the following states:
- Alaska
- Hawaii
- Louisiana
- North Carolina
- New York
- Oklahoma
Nationwide Insurance Availability
Nationwide is available to customers in every state except for Alaska, Louisiana and Massachusetts. The company has no exclusions on who can purchase coverage.
Nationwide Auto Insurance Cost
According to our data, a full-coverage insurance policy from Nationwide costs about 29% less than the national average.
Average Nationwide Car Insurance Cost
Nationwide Average Monthly Cost | Nationwide Average Annual Cost | National Average Annual Cost | |
---|---|---|---|
State Minimum Coverage | $44 | $531 | $627 |
Full Coverage | $119 | $1,433 | $2,008 |
Nationwide Car Insurance Quotes for Teen Drivers
Car insurance tends to be much more expensive for teen drivers. Below is a table that shows average rates for drivers aged 16 through 19 insured by Nationwide.
Age | Nationwide Average Monthly Cost | Nationwide Average Annual Cost |
---|---|---|
16 | $403 | $4,835 |
17 | $353 | $4,238 |
18 | $344 | $4,132 |
19 | $296 | $3,552 |
*Data for 17, 18 and 19 is based on 2022 information.
Nationwide Car Insurance Quotes for Other Driving Profiles
Any traffic violation, whether a speeding ticket or an accident, can cause your insurance rates to increase quite a bit. In the table below, we see how recent tickets, DUI convictions or at-fault accidents affect the cost of a Nationwide policy.
Driver Profile | Nationwide Average Monthly Cost | Nationwide Average Annual Cost | National Average Annual Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Good credit and driving history | $119 | $1,433 | $2,008 |
Recent speeding ticket | $157 | $1,878 | $2,508 |
DUI | $274 | $3,288 | $3,431 |
Recent accident | $197 | $2,368 | $2,919 |
Nationwide Auto Insurance Discounts
Nationwide has several discounts available to policyholders. The table below provides short descriptions of each.
Nationwide Discount | Discount Description |
---|---|
Multi-policy | You can save an average of $646 when bundling your auto insurance policy with another Nationwide insurance product. |
Defensive driving | Drivers aged 55 and older can save money on coverage by completing a state-approved defensive driving course. |
Safe driver | If you stay accident- and violation-free for at least five years, you can get a discount on auto insurance coverage. |
Anti-theft | If your vehicle has certain anti-theft devices installed, you could lower your rates. |
Accident-free | Maintaining an accident-free driving record can help you save money. |
Automatic payments | Setting up automatic electronic payments gets you a one-time discount. |
Good student | Drivers aged 16 to 24 who maintain at least a “B” average can qualify for this insurance discount. |
Geico: Best for Budget-Conscious Drivers
Overview
Year founded: 1936
Headquarters: Chevy Chase, Md.
AM Best rating: A++
BBB rating: A+
Read more: Geico insurance reviews
Compare: USAA vs. Geico or State Farm vs. Geico or AAA vs Geico or Allstate vs Geico or Farmers vs. Geico
Is Geico Good Car Insurance?
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 extremely affordable rates, an array of discounts and a telematics program to help drivers save on their premiums. It also has unique add-on coverages like mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI).
Pros and Cons of Geico Auto Insurance
Pros A++ financial strength rating from AM Best and A+ rating from the BBB Low rates for most drivers High policy limits Usage-based insurance discount Highly rated mobile app Cons Average J.D. Power claims ratings Not always the cheapest for people with poor credit or recent accidents Fewer local agents than other companies
Geico Insurance Company Reputation
Geico is one of the most popular car insurance providers in the nation. In 2022, the company held 13.76% of the market share, making it the third-largest insurer in the country after State Farm and Progressive. According to the NAIC, Geico wrote $38.1 billion in car insurance premiums in 2022.
Additionally, Geico also received strong scores in our customer service survey and in consumer studies from J.D. Power’s 2023 Auto Insurance Study.
Geico Customer Service Survey
Of the 6,923 people who participated in our August 2022 car insurance survey, 16% of respondents reported they had a Geico car insurance policy. The company was the third most popular provider in our survey and has fairly high customer satisfaction. The table below shows customer satisfaction in various areas.
Category | Geico Average | Insurance Company Industry Average |
---|---|---|
Overall customer satisfaction | 4.1 | 4.2 |
Affordability | 3.7 | 3.7 |
Discounts and savings programs | 3.7 | 3.7 |
Selection of coverage and add-ons | 3.8 | 3.9 |
Car insurance shopping process | 3.9 | 3.9 |
Company website | 4 | 3.9 |
Geico J.D. Power Rating
Geico ranks well in the J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study, pointing to a reputation for having good customer service. The company has especially strong scores in California, Florida, New England (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont), New York and in the North Central region (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin). It also ranked as one of the top providers of usage-based insurance in the study.
Geico scored 857 points out of a possible 1,000 in the J.D. Power Insurance Shopping Study, which polls customers to determine satisfaction with the insurance shopping process. Geico’s score was slightly below the large insurer average of 861.
We reached out to Geico for comment on its below-average score, but did not receive a response.
Geico BBB Rating
Geico is not accredited by the BBB but does hold an A+ rating. Customer reviews on the organization’s website give the company an average of 1.1 stars out of 5. While this may seem like a low rating, only around 1,260 customers posted reviews. That’s a very small fraction of Geico’s customer base.
We reached out to Geico for comment on these scores, but did not receive a response.
Geico Auto Insurance Coverage
Geico offers all the standard types of insurance coverage at some of the highest limits available. Standard coverage options include:
- Liability coverage
- Collision insurance
- Comprehensive insurance
- Medical payments coverage
- Personal injury protection
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
Geico Coverage Options
Geico also offers the following optional coverages:
- Commercial auto insurance: This covers vehicles like cars, vans, trucks and more that are used for business purposes.
- Mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI): MBI is similar to an extended car warranty, covering the cost of unexpected repairs and replacements should certain parts fail or break down through everyday use.
- Roadside assistance: If you have a breakdown on the road, you can use the Geico mobile app to request emergency road services like towings, tire changes, lockout services, jump-starts and fuel deliveries.
- Rental car reimbursem*nt: While your vehicle is in the shop for covered repairs, Geico can help you pay for a rental car.
- Accident forgiveness: This can be added to a policy or awarded to those with a safe driving record. It protects the driver from having their rates rise as a result of a first at-fault accident.
Geico Insurance Availability
Residents of all 50 states can purchase Geico auto insurance. The company has no exclusions on who can buy a policy.
Geico Auto Insurance Cost
According to our research, Geico’s full-coverage insurance is about 21% cheaper than the national average.
Average Geico Auto Insurance Cost
Geico Average Monthly Cost | Geico Average Annual Cost | National Average Annual Cost | |
---|---|---|---|
State Minimum | $38 | $461 | $627 |
Full Coverage | $133 | $1,596 | $2,008 |
Geico Car Insurance Quotes for Teen Drivers
Below are average rates for drivers insured through Geico aged 16 through 19.
Age | Geico Average Monthly Cost | Geico Average Annual Cost |
---|---|---|
16 | $442 | $5,307 |
17 | $303 | $3,646 |
18 | $263 | $3,161 |
19 | $207 | $2,485 |
*Data for 17, 18 and 19 is based on 2022 information.
Geico Car Insurance Quotes for Other Driving Profiles
If you have a recent speeding ticket, at-fault accident or other violation on your record, your insurance costs will likely increase significantly. Here are average rates for Geico drivers with traffic infractions in their driving history.
Driver Profile | Geico Average Monthly Cost | Geico Average Annual Cost | National Average Annual Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Good credit and driving history | $133 | $1,596 | $2,008 |
Recent speeding ticket | $178 | $2,137 | $2,508 |
DUI | $303 | $3,641 | $3,431 |
Recent accident | $224 | $2,694 | $2,919 |
Geico Auto Insurance Discounts
Geico has more auto insurance discounts than most other insurance providers. The amount you’ll save varies per discount, but you may qualify for more than one. The table below lists Geico’s discount opportunities.
Geico Discount | What It Covers |
---|---|
Multi-vehicle | You can save up to 25% if you have more than one vehicle on the same policy. |
Multi-policy | Bundling auto insurance with homeowners insurance, renters insurance or Geico’s other insurance products can earn you a discount. |
New car | If your vehicle is three model years old or newer, you can earn up to 15% off your policy. |
Good driver | Good drivers can receive a discount of up to 22% off if they’ve been accident-free for five years or more. |
Defensive driving course | Taking a defensive driving course can lower your premium. |
Good student | Students who maintain above a B average in their classes can get a discount of up to 15%. |
Driver’s education course | You can earn a discount by taking a driver’s education course. |
Military | Active-duty military members, veterans and members of the National Guard and Reserves can receive a discount of up to 15% off their policy. |
Emergency deployment | If you’re part of an emergency deployment to an imminent danger zone, you could save up to 25%. |
Federal employee | Federal employees can get Geico’s Eagle discount of up to 12% off their auto insurance premium. |
Seat belt use | If you and your passengers use seat belts, you can earn a discount on your MedPay or PIP coverage. |
Air bag | If your car has airbags, you can receive a discount of up to 23% off your policy. |
Anti-lock brakes | If your car has an anti-lock braking system, you can get a 5% discount on certain car insurance coverages. |
Anti-theft system | Having an anti-theft system installed can save you up to 23% on your comprehensive insurance policy. |
Daytime running lights | If your vehicle has daytime running lights, you can earn a 3% discount on certain car insurance coverages. |
Drivers can also utilize Geico’s DriveEasy program to save on car insurance.
Liberty Mutual: Good Programs for Young Drivers
Overview
Year founded: 1912
Headquarters: Boston, MA
AM Best rating: B
BBB rating: A-
Read more: Liberty Mutual insurance reviews
Is Liberty Mutual Insurance Good?
Liberty Mutual can be a great option to consider for car insurance, especially if you’re a young driver or have young drivers on your policy. While young drivers often end up paying more for car insurance, Liberty Mutual has plenty of discount programs that help offset those costs.
The company is also a strong provider for any driver, as it offers unique add-on options for drivers. These include a lifetime repair guarantee, new car replacement insurance and better car replacement insurance.
Pros and Cons of Liberty Mutual Auto Insurance
Pros Variety of auto policies and add-on coverage Nationwide availability Good AM Best and Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings Numerous discounts, especially for young drivers Cons Average customer satisfaction ratings Premiums can be high
Liberty Mutual Company Reputation
Liberty Mutual has a good reputation within the auto insurance industry. The NAIC found that in 2022, it was the sixth-largest insurer, holding 4.95% of the market share and nearly $14 billion written in insurance premiums. Additionally, it holds a strong BBB rating and a decent financial strength rating from AM Best.
Liberty Mutual Customer Experience
Nearly 5% of those polled in our August 2022 customer satisfaction survey reported having a Liberty Mutual insurance policy. Customers were fairly satisfied with their experience, giving the company about average scores in each category.
Category | Liberty Mutual Average | Insurance Company Industry Average |
---|---|---|
Overall customer satisfaction | 4.1 | 4.2 |
Affordability | 3.8 | 3.7 |
Discounts and savings programs | 3.8 | 3.7 |
Selection of coverage and add-ons | 3.9 | 3.9 |
Car insurance shopping process | 3.9 | 3.9 |
Company website | 3.8 | 3.9 |
Liberty Mutual J.D. Power Ratings
Liberty Mutual ranked second overall in terms of large auto insurers, according to the 2023 J.D. Power U.S. Insurance Shopping Study. It scored 865 out of 1000 and came in just behind State Farm.
The provider was either around average or below average in all regions of the auto insurance study. Overall Liberty Mutual performed fairly well in the J.D. Power auto insurance studies compared to other large insurance providers.
Liberty Mutual BBB Rating
Liberty Mutual holds an A- rating from the BBB. The over 1,300 customer reviews on the BBB’s site give the company an average star rating of 1.1 out of 5. While this may seem low, it’s worth noting that this represents just a small fraction of the drivers with Liberty Mutual insurance plans.
Our team reached out to Liberty Mutual for a comment on these scores but did not receive a response.
Liberty Mutual Auto Insurance Coverage
Liberty Mutual, like most reputable insurance companies, offers the six main types of car insurance coverage:
- Liability insurance
- Collision insurance
- Comprehensive insurance
- Medical payments coverage (MedPay)
- Personal injury protection (PIP)
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
Liberty Mutual Car Insurance Coverage Options
The company also offers a slate of optional add-on coverages, including:
- Liberty Mutual deductible fund: This optional collision coverage helps reduce your deductible by $100 each year.
- Lifetime repair guarantee: If your vehicle needs repairs because of an accident, this coverage takes care of all arrangements and guarantees your repair for as long as you own your car.
- New car replacement insurance: This ensures that you receive a brand-new car if your totaled vehicle is under one year old and has fewer than 15,000 miles.
- Better car replacement insurance: If you get into an accident and your car is deemed a total loss, your coverage will give you money for a replacement car that is one model year newer with 15,000 fewer miles than your current car.
- Rental car reimbursem*nt: If your vehicle is repaired at an approved repair facility, Liberty Mutual will reimburse you for your rental car.
- 24-hour roadside assistance: This add-on coverage provides 24-hour roadside assistance and covers towing, jump-starts, emergency fuel and flat tires.
- Gap insurance: Gap coverage will cover the remaining amount you owe on your car loan if your car is totaled.
- Original parts replacement: This optional coverage will replace any damaged parts on your vehicle with components that meet the highest quality standards.
Liberty Mutual RightTrackⓇ
RightTrack is Liberty Mutual’s telematics insurance program. Over the course of 90 days, the program uses a mobile app to track your driving habits. Good drivers can earn a discount of up to 30%. Unlike other usage-based insurance programs, your rates won’t go up if your score is low.
Here’s what the app tracks:
- Braking
- Acceleration
- Nighttime driving
- Rush hour driving
- Distracted driving
The app also includes special features like driving tips, trip details and crash detection. The RightTrack program is not available in the following states:
- Alaska
- California
- Hawaii
- Montana
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- Washington
- Wyoming
Drivers in New York can participate in the RightTrack plug-in program which uses a plug-in device to track driving behaviors rather than your phone.
Liberty Mutual Insurance Availability
Liberty Mutual is a large insurer available in all 50 states with no exclusions for who can purchase coverage.
Liberty Mutual Car Insurance Cost
Liberty Mutual does not make its pricing data available to Quadrant, however our team did receive a quote from Liberty Mutual for a full-coverage policy for $351 per month, or $4,212 annually. This quote was for a 35-year-old driver who owns a 2022 Toyota Camry and drives 12,500 miles per year.
Liberty Mutual’s premiums are relatively expensive for most drivers, however teens and young drivers can find cheaper rates than with other insurance providers. Liberty Mutual also offers discounts, which we’ll detail below.
Liberty Mutual Auto Insurance Discounts
Liberty Mutual offers a variety of ways for drivers to save money. Discounts from the provider include:
Liberty Mutual Discount | Discount Description |
---|---|
Homeowner | Homeowners receive additional savings on their insurance plans. |
Military | Active, retired or reserve U.S. military members can receive discounts. |
Early Shopper | If you get a quote before your car insurance expires, you can receive an early bird discount if you sign with Liberty Mutual. |
Good Student | Full-time students with a B average or better can receive discounts. |
Student-Away-at-School | If your child is away at school and only occasionally drives your vehicle, you will receive a lower insurance rate. |
Advanced Safety Features | If your vehicle has advanced safety features like anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control or adaptive headlights, you qualify for a discount. |
Alternative Energy | If you have a hybrid or electric car, you can receive a lower premium. |
Accident Free | If you have an accident-free driving record, you can receive further savings. |
Violation Free | If you have no tickets or violations on your driving record, you can save on your premium. |
RightTrack | Enroll in the RightTrack safe driving program to receive an initial discount for participating and a final discount of up to 30%. |
Multi-Policy | You qualify for a discount if you’re bundling multiple plans with Liberty Mutual. |
American Family Insurance: Best for Family Policies
Overview
Year founded: 1927
Headquarters: Madison, Wis.
AM Best rating: A
BBB rating: A
Read more: American Family insurance reviews
Is American Family Insurance Good?
American Family car insurance reviews show that the company is a reputable provider with nearly 100 years of experience. It’s known for providing affordable policy choices, several discount opportunities and add-on coverage options. It has lower-than-average reviews from the BBB but these complaints are based on a small number of customers in comparison to the size of the company.
Pros and Cons of American Family Auto Insurance
Pros Affordable policy choices Several car insurance discounts Many add-on coverage options Cons Poor customer reviews from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot Only available in 19 states
American Family Insurance Company Reputation
American Family has a strong reputation in industry studies and with consumers. It also held 2.11% of the insurance market share in 2022 and wrote over $5.8 in insurance premiums.
American Family Insurance Customer Experience
Though only 2% of respondents in our August 2022 survey had an American Family policy, the company received the highest satisfaction scores of any insurer included in our polling.
Category | American Family Average | Insurance Company Industry Average |
---|---|---|
Overall customer satisfaction | 4.5 | 4.2 |
Affordability | 4.2 | 3.7 |
Discounts and savings programs | 4.1 | 3.7 |
Selection of coverage and add-ons | 4.3 | 3.9 |
Car insurance shopping process | 4.3 | 3.9 |
Company website | 4.2 | 3.9 |
American Family Insurance Ratings: J.D. Power
American Family scored above average for regional insurance companies on the 2023 J.D. Power U.S. Insurance Shopping Study. It earned 867 out of 1,000 points.
The provider ranks above average in the Central (Arkanasas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota) and Southwest (Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah) regions on the Auto Insurance Study, but it ranked below average in the North Central region (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin).
American Family Insurance: BBB Rating
American Family has an A rating from the BBB. Customers on the site give it an average star rating of 1.1 out of 5, but there are only about 100 reviews on the platform, and reviews are both for the company as a whole and for specific service locations.
We reached out to American Family, but the company did not comment on these low scores.
American Family Car Insurance Coverage
Like most other insurance providers, American Family offers the six standard car insurance coverages. They are:
- Liability coverage
- Collision insurance
- Comprehensive coverage
- Medical payments coverage (MedPay)
- Personal injury protection (PIP)
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM)
American Family Insurance Coverage Options
In addition, American Family offers these optional add-ons:
- Gap coverage: If your car is totaled, this helps cover the difference between your vehicle’s value and what you owe on your loan.
- Rental reimbursem*nt: This helps pay for a rental while your car’s in the shop.
- Roadside assistance: This provides breakdown services like car tows and jump-starts if you’re stranded on the road.
- Accidental death and dismemberment coverage: This helps pay for death expenses or certain injuries regardless of who’s at fault for the accident.
American Family KnowYourDrive
Signing up for KnowYourDrive gets you an automatic 10% discount. Once you enroll, you’ll download the KnowYourDrive app, which will monitor your driving behavior and use that data to calculate a discount of up to 20%.
The app tracks the following:
- Hard braking
- Hours driven
- Evening and late night driving
- Average speed
- Distractions
- Short trips
With KnowYourDrive, your premium is not at risk of increase.
American Family DriveMyWay
DriveMyWay is a telematics insurance program that uses an app to track your driving habits. Users get an automatic 10% discount for signing up and can earn up to 20% off their premium by practicing safe driving.
Over the course of 100 days, the app calculates a score based on how you drive. At 90 days, you’ll be informed of your score. At the 100-day mark, you’ll be prompted to either continue the program or lock in your score and apply the discount to your next renewal.
The app tracks the following:
- Driving distance
- Hard braking
- Smartphone settings and status
- Time of day you’re driving
- Phone use
- Speed
High-risk drivers may see an increase in their premium. DriveMyWay is currently available in:
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oregon
- South Dakota
- Utah
- Wisconsin
American Family Insurance Availability
American Family is a mid-size insurer available in the following 19 states:
Arizona | Illinois | Minnesota | North Dakota | Utah |
Colorado | Indiana | Missouri | Ohio | Washington |
Georgia | Iowa | Nebraska | Oregon | Wisconsin |
Idaho | Kansas | Nevada | South Dakota |
American Family Car Insurance Cost
When researching the average cost of an American Family insurance policy, we found that the company typically charged about 8% less than the national average.
Average American Family Insurance Costs
American Family Average Monthly Cost | American Family Average Annual Cost | National Average Annual Cost | |
---|---|---|---|
State Minimum Coverage | $67 | $810 | $627 |
Full Coverage | $154 | $1,851 | $2,008 |
American Family Car Insurance Quotes for Teen Drivers
In the table below, we look at average costs for full-coverage policies from American Family for drivers aged 16 through 19. Teenage drivers often pay the most for car insurance coverage.
Age | American Family Average Monthly Cost | American Family Average Annual Cost |
---|---|---|
16 | $461 | $5,535 |
17 | $350 | $4,210 |
18 | $303 | $3,641 |
19 | $264 | $3,165 |
*Data for 17, 18 and 19 is based on 2022 information.
American Family Car Insurance Quotes for Other Driving Profiles
In most cases, recent traffic infractions can raise your insurance rates considerably. Below, we compare average rates of drivers who have violations on their record and are insured through American Family to the national average. American Family tends to offer cheaper full-coverage policies for those who have a poor driving record.
Driver Profile | American Family Insurance Average Monthly Cost | American Family Insurance Average Annual Cost | National Average Annual Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Good credit and driving history | $154 | $1,851 | $2,008 |
Recent speeding ticket | $194 | $2,333 | $2,508 |
DUI | $205 | $2,457 | $3,431 |
Recent accident | $181 | $2,169 | $2,919 |
American Family Insurance Discounts
If you’re looking to save money on your car insurance, check to see what discounts you may qualify for. Below is a table that explains some of American Family’s discount opportunities.
American Family Discount | Discount Description |
---|---|
Multi-product | Save money by bundling American Family auto insurance with another policy like renters or homeowners insurance. |
Multi-car | If you have more than one car on the same policy, you can get a discount. |
Good driving | You can earn a discount if you remain accident- and ticket- free for at least five years. |
Defensive driver | Drivers over the age of 55 in certain states can qualify for a discount by completing an approved defensive driving class. |
Good student | Full-time students between the ages of 16 and 25 who maintain a 3.0 GPA can save money on car coverage. |
Away at school | You can get a discount if you have a student enrolled 100 miles away from home who doesn’t drive. |
Young volunteer | If you’re a student under the age of 25 and complete 40 hours of volunteer work a year, you can save on your auto policy. |
Generational | If both of your parents are American Family customers, you can get a discount. |
Low mileage | If you drive less than 7,500 miles per year, you can qualify for a discount. |
Smart payments | Policyholders can save money by enrolling in automatic payments and/or going paperless. |
Progressive: Best for Tech-Savvy Drivers
Overview
Year founded: 1937
Headquarters: Mayfield, Ohio
AM Best rating: A+
BBB rating: B
Read more: Progressive insurance reviews
Is Progressive Insurance Good?
Progressive car insurance can be worth it for many drivers, as the company offers a wide selection of policies and add-on coverage options. It also has some of the best car insurance rates in the industry for high-risk drivers, those with a recent accident, speeding ticket or DUI on their record.
Pros and Cons of Progressive Auto Insurance
Pros A+ financial strength rating from AM Best Wide selection of coverage options Usage-based insurance discount Highly rated mobile app Cons Average customer service ratings Snapshot program can raise rates for some drivers
Progressive Insurance Company Reputation
Progressive is the second-largest insurance company in the U.S., according to the NAIC. The company captured 14.05% of the market share in 2022 and wrote nearly $39 billion in insurance premiums.
And though it’s highly rated by the BBB, Progressive tends to have below-average ratings in J.D. Power studies.
Our team reached out to Progressive about these ratings, but did not receive a response.
Progressive Insurance Customer Experience
Progressive was the second-most popular insurer in our August 2022 customer satisfaction survey. Respondents with Progressive policies gave the company generally strong satisfaction scores.
Category | Progressive Average | Insurance Company Industry Average |
---|---|---|
Overall customer satisfaction | 4.1 | 4.2 |
Affordability | 3.7 | 3.7 |
Discounts and savings programs | 3.7 | 3.7 |
Selection of coverage and add-ons | 3.9 | 3.9 |
Car insurance shopping process | 4 | 3.9 |
Company website | 3.9 | 3.9 |
Progressive J.D. Power Rating
Progressive ranked just below average in the J.D. Power Insurance Shopping Study, earning 853 out of a possible 1,000 points. The segment average for large insurers is 861.
The company consistently ranked below average in all regions of the Auto Insurance Study, sometimes earning the lowest scores.
Our team reached out to Progressive for comment on the below-average ratings but did not receive a response.
Progressive BBB Rating
Progressive holds a B rating from the BBB. Based on over 1,400 customer reviews, the company has an average rating of 1.1 stars out of 5. It’s important to note that over 1,400 customers is a very small number compared to Progressive’s customer base.
Our team reached out to Progressive about these ratings, but did not receive a response.
Progressive Auto Insurance Coverage
Progressive offers the standard six insurance coverages:
- Liability insurance
- Collision insurance
- Comprehensive coverage
- Medical payments coverage (MedPay)
- Personal injury protection (PIP)
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM)
Progressive Insurance Coverage Options
The company also has a few additional coverage options to choose from. They include:
- Gap insurance: If your car is totaled, this can help pay the difference between your car’s actual value and the remainder of your loan.
- Rental car reimbursem*nt: This pays a daily amount for a rental car while your vehicle is at a mechanic for covered repairs.
- Custom parts and equipment value: This can repair and replace items you add to your vehicle like a stereo system, custom wheels or a paint job.
- Rideshare coverage: This protects drivers who work for a rideshare company.
- Roadside assistance: This pays for towing services but also provides flat tire changes, fuel deliveries and more.
- Deductible Savings Bank: You can subtract $50 from your deductible for every six months you remain accident free.
- Accident forgiveness: This coverage will protect you from raising rates after an accident. Some states have a certain amount of accident forgiveness included.
Progressive Snapshot®
Snapshot is Progressive’s usage-based insurance program. To use Progressive Snapshot, you enroll in the program and opt either for a plug-in device or mobile app that tracks your driving habits.
Snapshot will calculate a discount based on how you drive that will be applied when you renew your policy.
You get an automatic discount just for signing up and most policyholders save an average of $231 per year.
Here’s what Snapshot tracks:
- Hard braking and acceleration
- Time of day
- Time spent driving
- Phone use
Keep in mind that while most users receive a discount for safe driving, if you engage in riskier habits, you may see your premium increase.
Progressive Insurance Availability
Progressive is available in all 50 states. It’s a large insurer with no exclusions.
Progressive Car Insurance Cost
According to our cost research, a full-coverage policy from Progressive is about 1% more expensive than the national average. Progressive also has one of the top car insurance mobile apps on the market.
Average Progressive Car Insurance Cost
Progressive Average Monthly Cost | Progressive Average Annual Cost | National Average Annual Cost | |
---|---|---|---|
State Minimum Coverage | $58 | $697 | $627 |
Full Coverage | $169 | $2,030 | $2,008 |
Progressive Car Insurance Quotes for Teen Drivers
Teen drivers often pay the most for auto coverage. In the table below, we look at the cost of a full-coverage Progressive policy for drivers aged 16 through 19.
Age | Progressive Average Monthly Cost | Progressive Average Annual Cost |
---|---|---|
16 | $845 | $10,139 |
17 | $788 | $9,457 |
18 | $651 | $7,812 |
19 | $354 | $4,258 |
*Data for 17, 18 and 19 is based on 2022 information.
Progressive Car Insurance Quotes for Other Driving Profiles
Having a recent traffic violation on your record can cause a significant increase in your insurance rates. Progressive is known for its low rates for high-risk drivers. In the table below, we look at average rates for drivers with a recent speeding ticket, DUI or accident.
Driver Profile | Progressive Average Monthly Cost | Progressive Average Annual Cost | National Average Annual Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Good credit and driving history | $169 | $2,030 | $2,008 |
Recent speeding ticket | $212 | $2,541 | $2,508 |
DUI | $212 | $2,548 | $3,431 |
Recent accident | $254 | $3,052 | $2,919 |
Progressive Auto Insurance Discounts
There are many ways to lower your premium with Progressive. The table below outlines the various discounts on offer by the provider.
Progressive Discount | Discount Description |
---|---|
Multi-policy discount | Get a discount (7% on average) for bundling two or more policies with Progressive. |
Multi-car discount | Save on your policy (12% on average) when you have more than one vehicle listed on your policy. |
Continuous insurance discount | Receive a discount if you have been continuously insured, whether with Progressive or another auto insurance provider. |
Snapshot safe driver discount | Earn a discount on your policy based on how safely you drive. |
Teen driver discount | Get a discount when you add a teenage driver to your policy. |
Good student discount | Lower your insurance premium (10% on average) by adding a full-time student who maintains a “B” average or better. |
Distant student discount | Save on your policy if you have a student who is 22 or younger, lives more than 100 miles away from home and does not use their car. |
Homeowner discount | Receive a discount for being a homeowner. |
Online quote discount | Lower your premium (7% on average) by getting a Progressive car insurance quote online. |
Sign online discount | Earn a discount (around 9%) by signing documents online. |
Paperless discount | Get a discount by opting to receive your documents via email. |
Pay-in-full discount | Save on your premium by paying your policy in full up front. |
Automatic payments discount | Lower your premium by setting up automatic payments from your checking account, credit card or debit card. |
Country Financial Insurance: Best for High-Risk Drivers
Overview
Is Country Financial Insurance Good?
Country Financial car insurance is known for being an affordable option for high-risk drivers. If you’ve recently had an accident, DUI or ticket and you’re having trouble finding affordable coverage, it may be the best option for you. The provider also has a variety of discounts available to all drivers that can help bring costs down.
Country Financial Insurance Company Reputation
Country Financial has been in business for almost 100 years, with a strong reputation in the auto insurance industry. It held 0.44% of the market share in 2022 and wrote over $1.2 billion in premiums, according to the NAIC.
Country Financial Insurance Ratings: J.D. Power
Country Financial wasn’t included in most J.D. Power studies. It did appear in the nationwide insurance study, however, where it scored 828 points out of a possible 1,000 for customer satisfaction in the North Central region (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin). This puts it above the average of 825.
Country Financial Insurance: BBB Rating
The BBB gives Country Financial an A+ rating. The company doesn’t have any customer reviews on the site and doesn’t have a customer rating.
Our team reached out to Country Financial for comment on its lack of scores but has not received a response.
Country Financial Car Insurance Coverage
Country Financial, as most other insurers do, offers the six standard car insurance coverages. They are:
- Liability coverage
- Collision insurance
- Comprehensive coverage
- Medical payments coverage (MedPay)
- Personal injury protection (PIP)
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM)
Country Financial Insurance Coverage Options
In addition, Country Financial offers these optional add-ons:
- The Keeper® The Keeper protects your new car if it’s totaled in an accident. Country Financial will replace your car with the same make and model, as long as the cost of the damages exceeds the price of the new car.
- Emergency roadside assistance: With emergency roadside assistance, you’ll be reimbursed up to $100 total for towing, delivery of fuel, repair parts and labor charges.
- Rental car coverage: This will cover a rental car up to $800 if you get in an accident and will be without a car for an extended amount of time. It will also cover travel expenses like transportation, lodging and meals if you’re in an accident 100 miles or more away from home.
- Personal effects coverage: Covers your personal belongings of up to $800 if they are stolen from your vehicle. This includes things like your phone or laptop.
- Windshield replacement: If you have this additional coverage, you won’t have to pay your comprehensive insurance deductible in the case of a windshield, car window or headlight cover repair.
- Umbrella liability insurance: This coverage is an additional layer of liability insurance on top of what you have in your auto and home insurance. It is designed to protect you and your finances against large liability claims such as legal settlements or major accidents.
Country Financial DriverIQⓇ
Signing up for DriverIQ gets you an automatic 10% discount. Once you enroll, you’ll download the DriverIQ app, which will monitor your driving behavior and use that data to calculate a discount of up to 25%.
The app tracks the following:
- Acceleration
- Speeding
- Braking
- Road type
- Phone interaction
With DriverIQ, your premium is not at risk of increase. DriverIQ is available in select states that aren’t listed on its site so you’ll need to contact your local agent.
Country Financial Insurance Availability
Country Financial is a mid-size insurer available in the following 19 states:
Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Colorado | Georgia |
---|---|---|---|---|
Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas |
Minnesota | Missouri | Nevada | North Dakota | Oklahoma |
Oregon | Tennessee | Washington | Wisconsin |
Country Financial Car Insurance Cost
When researching the average cost of a Country Financial insurance policy, we found that the company typically charged about 30% less than the national average.
Average Country Financial Insurance Costs
Country Financial Average Monthly Cost | Country Financial Average Annual Cost | National Average Annual Cost | |
---|---|---|---|
State Minimum Coverage | $30 | $356 | $627 |
Full Coverage | $118 | $1,411 | $2,008 |
Country Financial Car Insurance Quotes for Teen Drivers
In the table below, we look at average costs for full-coverage policies from Country Financial for drivers aged 16 through 19. Teenage drivers often pay the most for car insurance coverage.
Age | Country Financial Average Monthly Cost | Country Financial Average Annual Cost |
---|---|---|
16 | $283 | $3,399 |
17 | $240 | $2,885 |
18 | $214 | $2,571 |
19 | $269 | $3,227 |
*Data for 17, 18 and 19 is based on 2022 information.
Country Financial Car Insurance Quotes for Other Driving Profiles
In most cases, recent traffic infractions can raise your insurance rates considerably. Below, we compare average rates of drivers who have violations on their record and are insured through Country Financial to the national average. Country Financial offers the cheapest rates for high risk drivers (those with a speeding ticket, DUI or accident).
Driver Profile | Country Financial Insurance Average Monthly Cost | Country Financial Insurance Average Annual Cost | National Average Annual Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Good credit and driving history | $118 | $1,411 | $2,008 |
Recent speeding ticket | $154 | $1,844 | $2,508 |
DUI | $176 | $2,116 | $3,431 |
Recent accident | $159 | $1,913 | $2,919 |
Country Financial Insurance Discounts
If you’re looking to save money on your car insurance, check to see what discounts you may qualify for. Below is a table that explains some of Country Financial’s discount opportunities.
Country Financial Discount | Discount Description |
---|---|
Multi-policy discount | Get a discount when you bundle Country Financial auto insurance with another policy from the company, such as home or life insurance. |
Multi-car discount | Having more than one vehicle under your Country Financial policy will help you save money overall. |
Legacy discount | When you qualify for a multi-policy or vehicle discount, any unmarried drivers under 25 in your family may also qualify for the discount. |
Engaged couple discount | If you’re engaged and have all of your cars insured with Country Financial, you can save on your policy. |
Occupation discount | This discount is available to teachers and many first responders for up to 15% on car insurance. |
Good student discount | If you have a full-time student on your policy who holds at least B average, you could save up to 35% on your car insurance. |
College graduate discount | If you’ve recently graduated and are under 25 years old, you can send in your transcripts or diploma to receive a discount. |
Good driver discount | Going three years without an accident or traffic ticket will qualify you for a good driver discount. |
Advanced quote discount | If you get a Country Financial auto insurance quote before your active insurance with another company expires, you may qualify for an advanced quote discount |
Simply Drive® discount | Having your newly licensed driver complete a Simply Drive course can help you save on your car insurance policy |
Defensive driver discount | When you complete a state-approved defensive driving course, you may be eligible for a discount. |
Anti-theft discount | If your vehicle is equipped with an alarm or anti-theft device, you may be able to save on car insurance. |
Car Insurance Companies: What To Look For
Our editorial team spent hundreds of hours combing through data to assess the landscape of the insurance industry and provide you with a complete guide to the best car insurance companies.
We’ve reviewed each provider’s coverage options, features, discounts and reputation among customers and insurance industry evaluators like J.D. Power. Our team also received cost data from Quadrant Information Services for both full and minimum coverage.
The sections below will provide an in-depth look into the factors worth considering as you shop around for the best car insurance coverage. We also offer information into our two car insurance studies completed in 2022.
Auto Insurance Company Rating Factors
Here’s a further look into the factors that influenced how we rated each of the best car insurance companies on our list:
Reputation
The reputation score comes from how the company ranks in J.D. Power consumer studies as well as its Better Business Bureau (BBB rating). The BBB is an organization that evaluates a company’s business practices, licensing information, customer reviews and response to those reviews. We also factor in whether the provider is accredited by the BBB.
Customer Satisfaction
Customer satisfaction scores come from a mix of online reviews and survey data we’ve compiled ourselves. In particular, we look at the satisfaction scores for many auto insurance companies from our August 2022 insurance survey, which polled 6,923 policyholders.
Coverage
To determine a coverage score, we first look to see whether a company provides the six standard types of car insurance. After that, we check what additional coverage the company offers. The more extensive the coverage options, the better the score in this category.
Availability
A company with a high availability score typically operates across the entire country. This score is weighted a little less for mid-sized companies that only operate in a few states, but have excellent reputations among customers.
Cost
When determining a company’s cost score, we look at average costs for a variety of driver profiles. We then compare those numbers to the national average and determine a score based on whether the company tends to be cheaper or more expensive than the national average.
Companies also get better cost scores when they offer a large variety of discounts that can apply to many kinds of policyholders, from veterans, to students to accident-free drivers.
What Is Quadrant Information Services?
Our cost data comes from a company called Quadrant Information Services, an analytics company that compiles insurance industry statistics from across the country. When calculating average costs for providers’ state minimum-coverage and full-coverage policies, we use data from 100 ZIP codes across each state.
Each driving profile uses either a specific example vehicle or finds the average from the use of several different vehicles. The standard profile for average costs is a 35-year-old driver with good credit and a clean driving record, unless otherwise specified.
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Car Insurance Customer Satisfaction
In 2022, our research team conducted two customer satisfaction surveys about car insurance. The first looked into overall satisfaction with the pollees’ choice of car insurance company and process. The second survey focused specifically on large insurance companies. In the sections below, we’ll go into the findings of each.
Car Insurance Survey in January
In January 2022, our team of experts surveyed 1,000 people who had purchased car insurance coverage. Most of the participants had used one of the auto insurance companies cited in this article, while some used other providers.
According to the survey, 28% of policyholders shop for car insurance coverage less than once a year. Another 26% said they shopped for car insurance coverage every six months, while 25% reported shopping only once a year.
We found that most policyholders shopped for car insurance in the following ways:
- 30% used a quote comparison tool online
- 24% got online quotes through individual companies
- 21% called car insurance companies directly
- 16% used an independent insurance broker or agency to find coverage
In our survey, we asked participants if they had ever experienced a rate increase without an obvious cause (like an accident or ticket). Over 40% of the 1,000 respondents reported they had experienced a rate increase at some point.
Our survey found that 25% of policyholders had their insurance claims resolved within two weeks. This was followed by 24% saying their claims were taken care of in two to four weeks, while 14% reported it took longer than four weeks.
Car Insurance Survey in August
As mentioned, our August 2022 survey polled 6,923 people who have policies at larger insurance companies. We asked about their overall satisfaction, then targeted specific areas to get a more detailed view about customers’ experiences.
Car Insurance Company Customer Ratings
The table below highlights the overall ratings customers gave across five categories. The ratings are out of 5 points each.
Provider | Overall Satisfaction | Affordability | Coverage Selection | Mobile App Rating | Customer Service |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
American Family | 4.5 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.6 | 4.4 |
Erie Insurance | 4.4 | 3.9 | 4.1 | 4 | 4.3 |
USAA | 4.3 | 3.8 | 3.9 | 4.2 | 4.2 |
State Farm | 4.2 | 3.8 | 3.9 | 4.2 | 4.1 |
Travelers | 4.2 | 3.8 | 3.9 | 4.2 | 4.2 |
AAA | 4.2 | 3.7 | 3.9 | 4.1 | 4 |
Auto-Owners Insurance | 4.2 | 3.7 | 4 | 3.9 | 4.1 |
Geico | 4.1 | 3.7 | 3.8 | 4.2 | 4 |
Farm Bureau | 4.1 | 3.7 | 3.9 | 4.1 | 4.1 |
Nationwide | 4.1 | 3.7 | 3.9 | 4.1 | 4 |
Liberty Mutual | 4.1 | 3.8 | 3.9 | 4.1 | 4 |
Progressive | 4.1 | 3.7 | 3.9 | 4.2 | 4 |
Allstate | 4.1 | 3.6 | 3.9 | 4 | 4 |
Farmers | 4 | 3.5 | 3.7 | 3.8 | 3.9 |
Kemper | 3.9 | 3.5 | 3.4 | 3.9 | 3.8 |
Car Insurance Company Claims Ratings
When it came to claims, we first asked pollees if they’d filed a claim with their insurance company. We then asked them to rate their experience with the claims process overall. Below is a table that illustrates those responses.
Provider | Percentage Who Filed a Claim | Percentage Who Have Not Filed a Claim | Overall Claims Satisfaction |
---|---|---|---|
American Family | 67% | 33% | 4.5 |
Erie Insurance | 44% | 56% | 4.5 |
USAA | 60% | 40% | 4.3 |
State Farm | 42% | 58% | 4.2 |
Travelers | 46% | 54% | 4.4 |
AAA | 49% | 51% | 4.1 |
Auto-Owners Insurance | 56% | 44% | 4.4 |
Geico | 40% | 60% | 4.2 |
Farm Bureau | 48% | 52% | 4.1 |
Nationwide | 43% | 57% | 4.2 |
Liberty Mutual | 31% | 69% | 4.1 |
Progressive | 31% | 69% | 4.1 |
Allstate | 39% | 61% | 4.1 |
Farmers | 39% | 61% | 4 |
Kemper | 50% | 50% | 3.9 |
What To Know About Car Insurance
The sections below serve as a guide to help those who are seeking auto insurance find the best coverage to fit their needs and budget.
How Car Insurance Works
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 best car insurance companies in the industry offer liability coverage (covering property damages and injuries to others), damages to your own vehicle, and injuries sustained by you and your passengers.
Types of Car Insurance Coverage
There are six main types of car insurance that typically make up a full-coverage insurance policy.
Type of Coverage | Description |
---|---|
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 a 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) also covers medical bills for you and your passengers after an accident. PIP can also cover lost wages. |
Underinsured/uninsured motorist | Underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage covers your damages when you’re in an accident with a driver who is underinsured or doesn’t have any insurance. |
Most states — except for New Hampshire and Virginia — require drivers to carry some car insurance in order to legally drive. Each state sets its own minimum requirements, but they usually include liability coverage. Some states require drivers to hold uninsured motorist coverage and PIP insurance in addition.
We recommend you carry full coverage car insurance as opposed to liability insurance to ensure you’re fully protected no matter what kind of situation occurs. Full coverage also includes comprehensive and collision insurance.
Car Insurance Coverage Options
Aside from the main kinds of coverage, most insurers offer optional coverages you can add to your policy. These additional types of car insurance include:
- 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 helps 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.
Car Insurance Cost
Based on our research, 35-year-old drivers with clean driving records and good credit pay between about $1,000 and $2,500 per year on average for full coverage insurance. Car insurance prices depend on many factors, including your age, location, credit score (in most states), driving record and type of vehicle.
Average Cost of Car Insurance
In the table below, we look at the average cost of car insurance for each of the 10 best auto insurance companies. We break those costs down into monthly and annual averages.
Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost | Average Annual Cost |
---|---|---|
Travelers | $133 | $1,595 |
State Farm | $138 | $1,657 |
Erie Insurance | $122 | $1,458 |
USAA | $126 | $1,512 |
Nationwide | $119 | $1,433 |
Geico | $133 | $1,596 |
Liberty Mutual | N/A | N/A |
American Family | $154 | $1,851 |
Progressive | $169 | $2,030 |
Country Financial | $118 | $1,411 |
How Car Insurance Costs Vary by Driving Profile
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 $919 to your annual rate on average, while having poor credit (in most states) or a DUI can add an average of about $1,821 or $1,423, respectively.
Car Insurance Cost by State
While car insurance rates by state will vary, your car insurance quote may also be higher or lower depending on where you live in the state. According to our rate estimates, Michigan, New York and Louisiana tend to be the most expensive states for car insurance, while Ohio, Wisconsin and Maine are generally the cheapest.
State | Minimum Liability Annual Estimate | Full Coverage Annual Estimate |
---|---|---|
Alabama | $502 | $1,775 |
Alaska | $486 | $1,685 |
Arizona | $635 | $2,008 |
Arkansas | $451 | $2,038 |
California | $602 | $2,313 |
Colorado | $566 | $2,173 |
Connecticut | $980 | $1,919 |
District of Columbia | $686 | $2,218 |
Delaware | $1,194 | $2,881 |
Florida | $1,385 | $3,244 |
Georgia | $680 | $1,973 |
Hawaii | $529 | $1,656 |
Idaho | $378 | $1,402 |
Illinois | $441 | $1,541 |
Indiana | $432 | $1,587 |
Iowa | $274 | $1,563 |
Kansas | $475 | $1,918 |
Kentucky | $682 | $2,522 |
Louisiana | $925 | $3,040 |
Maine | $380 | $1,238 |
Maryland | $901 | $1,833 |
Massachusetts | $754 | $2,430 |
Michigan | $1,360 | $3,643 |
Minnesota | $481 | $1,766 |
Mississippi | $453 | $1,658 |
Missouri | $560 | $2,104 |
Montana | $398 | $1,979 |
Nebraska | $356 | $1,871 |
Nevada | $1,283 | $2,788 |
New Hampshire | $415 | $1,362 |
New Jersey | $1,332 | $2,513 |
New Mexico | $536 | $1,943 |
New York | $870 | $2,088 |
North Carolina | $469 | $1,627 |
North Dakota | $445 | $1,916 |
Ohio | $536 | $1,599 |
Oklahoma | $516 | $2,278 |
Oregon | $953 | $1,925 |
Pennsylvania | $437 | $1,981 |
Rhode Island | $1,036 | $2,357 |
South Carolina | $701 | $1,845 |
South Dakota | $328 | $2,291 |
Tennessee | $404 | $1,524 |
Texas | $683 | $2,205 |
Utah | $732 | $1,928 |
Vermont | $310 | $1,119 |
Virginia | $545 | $1,781 |
Washington | $561 | $1,616 |
West Virginia | $604 | $2,177 |
Wisconsin | $408 | $1,694 |
Wyoming | $308 | $1,702 |
What Affects the Cost of Car Insurance?
The cost of car insurance is influenced by a variety of factors, some of which are in a driver’s control and some of which aren’t. Understanding what you’re able to control can help ensure you’re getting the best insurance rate.
Here are the most common factors that affect car insurance costs:
- Location: Drivers in larger, more urban areas will often face higher auto insurance rates. Insurers factor in the higher likelihood of collision due to increased traffic and vehicles per capita in cities.
- Age: Drivers under the age of 25 and over the age of 55 are typically given high insurance premiums, as these types of drivers are considered higher risk. New drivers, regardless of age, will also have higher auto insurance costs.
- Driving history: If you are a high-risk driver, meaning you have any at-fault accidents, moving violations or DUI/DWIs on your record, a car insurance policy will cost more.
- Credit score: A high credit score indicates to insurers that a driver is reliable and financially responsible, so their auto insurance policy will cost less. Having a poor credit score can increase your rates (except in California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan).
- Vehicle type: Often, drivers with pricey sports cars pay more for the best car insurance, because repairs are more expensive after an accident.
- Deductible: A lower deductible leads to a higher premium.
At What Age is Car Insurance Cheapest?
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 accident, so car insurance companies charge less.
Should Your Car Insurance Go Down Each Year?
Young adults should see the cost of car insurance decrease until they reach about 25 years old. Besides that, car insurance costs are variable and there’s no guarantee they 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.
How To Find the Best Car Insurance
Finding the cheapest car insurance rates can be tricky, especially with the amount of information drivers need to know about policies.
We’ve laid out five key steps below that explain how to find the best car insurance rates for your budget.
1. Get Auto Insurance Quotes
It’s always a good idea to compare car insurance quotes between companies. Based on your driver profile and the other factors we listed above, your auto insurance cost can vary greatly.
Some insurance providers offer affordable rates to senior drivers, while others provide cheap car insurance for new or teen drivers.
Before settling on a price, reach out to multiple auto insurers. You can compare quotes online yourself or work with an independent insurance agent to compare policies.
2. Look for Discounts
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. Major providers offer other insurance products, such as home, renters and life insurance, so you can often find discounts for bundling policies as well. Motorists can also save by adding teens and young drivers to a family policy and covering multiple vehicles on the same policy.
3. Opt for a Higher Deductible
While it may seem burdensome at first, a higher deductible can significantly reduce your auto insurance costs. Ask your insurance provider which deductible options are available for your coverage policy, and see how each affects your premium. Keep in mind that you’ll need to be able to pay your deductible in the event of a claim.
4. Keep Your Credit in Check
Pay all bills on time and see if there are additional ways to improve your credit score. Paying your bills in full and keeping your credit balances low will also help increase your credit score.
5. Try Usage-Based Telematics Insurance
Telematics insurance programs provide discounts based on your driving habits. If you have a short commute and practice good driving habits, you could save money with pay-per-mile insurance or a safe-driving program. Most insurance companies will offer a telematics program to help you save on car insurance premiums.
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Best Auto Insurance Companies: The Bottom Line
According to our comprehensive analysis, the 10 best car insurance companies are Travelers, State Farm, Erie Insurance, USAA, Nationwide, Geico, Liberty Mutual, American Family, Progressive and Country Financial. Each company offers a wide selection of insurance coverage options at affordable prices.
Best Car Insurance Providers: FAQ
Below are frequently asked questions about the best car insurance companies.
State Farm is the largest and most popular car insurance company in the country, holding 16.84% of the market share and $47 billion in insurance premiums in 2022. However, our team found Travelers insurance to be the No. 1 auto insurance provider in the U.S. in 2024.
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 and which offer the lowest rates. 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.
After over 800 hours of researching insurance providers, we found that Travelers, State Farm, Erie Insurance, USAA and Nationwide are the top insurance companies. We looked into each company’s reputation, availability, coverage, cost and customer experience.
Yes, USAA is only for military members, veterans and their close family members. The company’s lack of accessibility is why it ranks second in our review of the best car insurance companies, despite its high customer satisfaction scores.
Car insurance costs are based on a number of factors, all of which combine to make a highly personalized rate. If you have less than stellar credit or a driving record with multiple at-fault accidents, speeding tickets or other traffic violations, you’ll probably end up paying more for car insurance coverage.
The six main types of car insurance are liability insurance, collision insurance, comprehensive coverage, medical payments coverage (MedPay), personal injury protection (PIP), and uninsured motorist coverage.
How We Rated 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:
- Cost: Auto insurance rate estimates generated by Quadrant Information Services and discount opportunities were both taken into consideration.
- Coverage: Companies that offer a variety of choices for insurance coverage are more likely to meet consumer needs.
- Reputation and experience: Our research team considered market share, ratings from industry experts and years in business when giving this score.
- Availability: Auto insurance companies with greater state availability and few eligibility requirements scored highest in this category.
- Customer experience: 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 credentials:
- 800 hours researched
- 45 companies reviewed
- 8,500+ consumers surveyed
*Data accurate at time of publication.