What are the best car insurance companies in America?
Everyone needs car insurance because it’s literally illegal to drive without it!
However, some car insurance companies are better than others and the last thing you want to do is sign up with a company that can’t deliver the service you need.
So, today we’re counting down the best companies for car insurance in the country!
The Best Car Insurance Companies In America
All of these car insurance companies have been thoroughly vetted and researched to make sure that they can deliver the best in terms of service, quality, and protection.
Here’s our list of the 10 best car insurance companies in America.
10. Progressive
Best For: Premium Customization
Progressive starts off our list as the best car insurance company in terms of customization.
You’ve probably seen their commercials talking about their “Name Your Price” tool, and it is because of this that drivers looking for flexibility should check them out.
This option gives drivers the ability to shop for the coverage they need within the price range they can pay.
Finding coverage is extremely easy with this tool and there is a good chance that you can get the premium you want.
It also comes with lots of good discounts, including when you insure multiple cars, bundle home, renters, and life insurance, go paperless, and remain a customer for a prolonged period of time.
Pros:
- Easy to use Name Your Price tool
- Loyalty Rewards
- Personalized coverage rates
Cons:
- Prices can vary depending on whether you buy coverage online or over the phone
- Not all discounts are available in all 50 states
Bottom Line:
Progressive makes our list due to the ease with which customers can customize their policies and find the prices that suit them best.
Using the Name Your Price tool, you only need to input your basic information as well as the car’s make and model and say what your budget is. With this information, Progressive will show you all of the policy options to choose from that fit within your limits.
While the price can vary depending on whether you buy a policy online or over the phone, the difference isn’t usually a lot, and when in doubt, you can always talk to an agent.
You may want to call anyway just to learn what discounts are available in your state.
9. Travelers
Best For: Personalized Coverage Options
Travelers auto insurance has over 150 years in the auto insurance industry and it supports a strong network of independent agents and a broad range of coverage and discount options.
Although their coverage options come at a slightly higher cost than the nation’s average, the sheer amount of personalization options make up for this by ensuring that you are able to get the car insurance policy you need.
This means that even if you are looking to ensure one of the best naked motorcycles in the world that you only ride seldomly, you can find an option that works based on your needs.
This auto insurance company also offers options like new car replacement coverage, accident forgiveness, gap insurance, and rideshare insurance that can allow you better protection, but at an increased premium.
Pros:
- A robust network of independent agents
- Numerous personalization options
- Multiple discount options
Cons:
- Higher than average premiums
- Lower than average claims satisfaction scores
Bottom Line:
Travelers auto insurance has a long-standing reputation in the industry and they make a good choice for drivers who have unique needs and want a policy that can be customized for them.
While the premiums are a little higher and their claims satisfaction score is slightly lower than average, this insurance company remained 19 of 24 for overall customer satisfaction in 2020, and millions of drivers opt to choose this company every year.
8. American Family
Best For: Discounts and Savings
Although it is only available in 19 states, American Family is one of the best auto insurance companies in terms of the discounts they can provide that allow you to make the most of your savings.
Despite being the nation’s 9th largest insurance provider, American Family also boasts a much lower rate of customer complaints than many other companies its size, and the large number of policy options that they offer makes them extremely convenient.
However, where they really shine is in the discounts they offer, which include multi-policy bundling, multiple vehicle discounts, safe driving discounts, loyalty benefits, low-mileage discounts, and more.
You can even use their KnowYourDrive app, which monitors your driving and provides rewards based on how safe you are.
There is even a special discount for customers who switch to them from another auto insurance company!
Pros:
- Loads of discounts
- Fewer customer complaints
- Many different policy types
Cons:
- Only available in 19 states
Bottom Line:
If you are someone who likes taking advantage of deals, American Family auto insurance could be the best option in terms of the discounts and rewards they can provide.
However, you’ll want to make sure they offer coverage in your state, which is really their biggest downside.
That said, if you do live in one of the lucky 19 states, this company is definitely worth looking into.
7. Allstate
Best For: Low Mileage Drivers
If you live in one of the most expensive cities in the world, like New York, you may have a car but not need to drive it often due to public transportation.
Whatever the reason, if you don’t put too many miles on your ride, Allstate is one of the best auto insurance companies to go with.
Allstate’s Milewise policy allows drivers to buy usage-based policies that save money if you drive only short distances or infrequently.
There is also their Drivewise policy that rewards drivers with extra savings if they drive safely.
Using programs like this, customers can get cash back every six months that they don’t exceed too many miles and continue to drive safely.
This can lead to savings of up to 70% on premiums, something that can be hard to come by with other insurance companies.
Pros:
- Low mileage and safe driving discounts
- 6-month bonuses for being accident-free
- In-depth driving insights through Drivewise
Cons:
- Premiums can differ depending on if you buy online or over the phone
- Drivewise programs may not be available in every state
Bottom Line:
Allstate has the best car insurance rates for drivers who don’t log a lot of miles, but it can also benefit those who are looking for extra savings when driving safely.
In this way, it is similar to American Family’s KnowYourDrive app, and if American Family isn’t available in your state, Allstate may be an option to consider, even if you do log a lot of miles.
While rates can differ, we suggest speaking to a customer service agent either way just to make sure you are taking advantage of every benefit and discount that you need and qualify for.
6. Farmers
Best For: Best Discounts for Essential Workers and Military
While a lot of the insurance companies we have mentioned offer solid discounts, Farmers provide discounts that others do not.
Despite having many of the same discounts as other companies, Farmers also offers premium reductions for essential workers, such as doctors, nurses, police, and firefighters.
There are also multiple discounts geared towards veterans, active-duty military, and members who were discharged honorably.
In other areas, their coverage includes discounts geared towards alternative-fuel vehicles, which those with electric cars can benefit from.
Seeing as $7.5 billion in federal funds has been approved to help develop more EV charging infrastructure in America, having discounts geared towards electric vehicles is definitely a bonus.
You can also choose extras such as roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, and rideshare coverage, depending on how you use your car and what you need.
Overall, Farmers is extremely comprehensive and if you fall into one of the mentioned groups above, this car insurance company could be a great choice.
Pros:
- Multiple discounts for essential workers and military members
- Discounts for electric vehicles
Cons:
- Doesn’t provide gap insurance
Bottom Line:
Farmers is an all-around reliable car insurance company and it can provide great car insurance rates to those in essential positions and in the military.
However, even if you don’t fall into those categories, there are still plenty of other discounts and car insurance coverage options that make this company worth checking out.
5. Auto-Owners
Best For: Those Who Need Several Policies
Auto-Owners operates through a network of independent agents throughout 26 states and it offers a lot more than just auto insurance.
If you want to bundle car, home, pet, rental, flood, and life insurance all into one policy, you absolutely can, and that is what makes this insurance company perfect for those who want everything in one place.
It’s a great deal overall, even if you don’t need to insure one of the biggest houses in the world, the peace of mind is well worth it.
They offer a lot of different types of insurance and maintain high customer satisfaction rates.
The discounts you can get by bundling policies together are also incredibly valuable, especially if you know you need them.
Having all of your insurance policies rolled up into one neat package helps simplify everything and you don’t have to worry about looking for multiple bills. Instead, auto-owners can cover it all.
Pros:
- Loads of insurance types to choose from
- Great bundling options
- High customer satisfaction
Cons:
- Limited to 26 states
Bottom Line:
Like American Family, Auto-Owners only offers insurance coverage in limited states, so if your state is not covered you’re going to need to look elsewhere.
However, if you do fall into one of the 26 states where Auto-Owners operate and you need multiple types of insurance, we definitely recommend checking these guys out.
Not only can it make everything a lot easier to navigate, but with their high satisfaction ratings, you’re likely to have a great experience.
4. Nationwide
Best For: Best For Budgets
Nationwide is definitely on your side if you’re trying to stick to a budget and they allow drivers to tailor insurance coverage based on what their personal needs are.
This auto insurance company has one of the lowest average premium rates and was rated as one of the top car insurance companies of 2022.
Additionally, through Nationwide’s SmartMiles or SmartRide programs, you can earn special discounts based on low mileage or safe driving habits, similar to Allstate.
Despite optional features not being as robust as some of the other best car insurance companies on our list, Nationwide ultimately offers what most drivers will ever need, seeing as most of us aren’t driving around in the most expensive cars in the world.
Pros:
- A low number of customer complaints
- Solid, reliable coverage options for drivers on a budget
Cons:
- Limited optional features
Bottom Line:
If you need reliable coverage without worrying about breaking your monthly budget, Nationwide is going to be the best car insurance company for you.
Their auto insurance rates are some of the lowest in the nation and, while they do lack optional coverage options, what they do offer is more than enough for most average drivers just getting around.
Additionally, if you’re just looking for basic collision insurance or liability insurance, Nationwide is going to be your most affordable option, though if you live in a high-traffic area, we would recommend getting full coverage insurance just for peace of mind.
3. Geico
Best For: Mobile Access
If you take care of most of your business online and value having a reliable app to check all of your information, Geico is the best auto insurance company when it comes to its app and online access.
Aside from offering a digital insurance card that you can easily access whenever you need it, Geico’s app also allows you to file claims easily, request roadside assistance, and connect to CARFAX to view your vehicle’s history.
You can even set up a maintenance schedule and check for recall announcements all within the app.
It’s actually surprising that more auto insurers don’t offer all of these options on their apps, especially considering how many young drivers there are on the roads who prefer handling everything electronically as opposed to calling an agent.
In any case, if having a reliable app is important to you, Geico is going to be the best car insurance company for you.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use, comprehensive app service
- Online coverage calculator
- Multiple discounts for students, seniors, and military members
Cons:
- No accident forgiveness in California, Connecticut, and Massachusetts
- No gap coverage options
Bottom Line:
You don’t have to have one of the most expensive phones in the world to know that having a reliable app is the way of the future, and Geico has the lead among all the car insurance companies.
Whether you just want the ease of access or you just prefer being able to manage your insurance on your phone without talking to someone, Geico provides and it does so without a hitch.
Although this provider doesn’t have accident forgiveness in three states, if digital connectivity is important to you, this company is certainly something to consider.
2. State Farm
Best For: Best for Young Drivers
State Farm gets our vote as the best for young drivers due to the fact that it offers a 25% savings to students who are able to maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Not only is this great for parents who want to save money, but it gives students an incentive to both drive safely and do well in school.
It’s a win-win!
Some of the specific discounts that younger drivers can benefit from include savings based on safe driving with the Steer Clear program, a discount for driver training up to 20%, and discounts for students away at school.
Even if you’re not paying tuition for one of the most expensive colleges in the world, college isn’t cheap and these savings can really be a lifesaver for students going to and from school.
Pros:
- Usage-based and safe-driving programs
- Great rates for teen and student drivers
- Low complaint level from customers
Cons:
- Relatively high rates for those with low credit
- No accident forgiveness
Bottom Line:
If you’re looking to get coverage for your teen or college student, State Farm is going to be one of the best insurance providers you can choose.
While they do lack accident forgiveness and those with poor credit usually have higher premiums, their coverage is solid and the discounts you can receive tend to balance this factor out.
1. USAA
Best For: Military Members and Their Families
While Farmers offers great discounts and coverage options for both essential workers and military members, USAA is only available to military members and their families.
If you or a family member is a military member, either active service or veteran, USAA is the insurance company for you.
Not only is their coverage some of the best, but they also boast the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the country.
Their coverage options cover liability, comprehensive and collision insurance, accident forgiveness, rental reimbursement, rideshare gap protection, and car replacement coverage.
They really have everything that you’re ever going to need, as well as some notable discounts for safe driving, multiple vehicles, good students, and loyalty.
Pros:
- Highest customer satisfaction in the nation
- Coverage of all 50 states, including Washington, D.C.
- Reliable coverage options
Cons:
- Only available to the military and their families
- Lacking specialty coverage options when compared to other companies
Bottom Line:
USAA is dedicated to serving military members and their families and it shows in their satisfaction ratings.
While it isn’t available to civilians and they do lack specialty options when compared to other auto insurance companies, this makes sense since they are more geared towards service members.
For instance, they do offer storage discounts for members who get deployed and an extra 15% on comprehensive coverage if you garage your car on base.
If you’re a military member, you’ll find no better insurance company than the USAA.
Summary
We hope you enjoyed our list of the best car insurance companies in America!
While all of these companies are reliable, they each have their strong suits when it comes to catering to specific needs.
If you’re hunting for the best company for you, make sure to check out their websites or speak to a customer service agent to learn more about what they can offer you so that you can get coverage and start driving.
Here’s a quick recap of the 10 best car insurance companies in America:
- USAA
- State Farm
- Geico
- Nationwide
- Auto-Owners
- Farmers
- Allstate
- American Family
- Travelers
- Progressive
