To discover the top car insurance carriers, we look at coverage, cost, and customer satisfaction ratings.


The top vehicle insurance companies on the market provide more than just excellent coverage and low rates. They also provide a straightforward claims process, user-friendly technology, and exceptional customer service.

It might be difficult to choose the right vehicle insurance provider for you. That's why the Home Media reviews team has done the effort for you by identifying the best ten vehicle insurance providers in the market. In this post, we'll look at the five top vehicle insurance companies in terms of reputation, availability, coverage options, discounts, and customer service.


The best car insurance companies on the market

After conducting extensive research into the car insurance sector, we identified ten firms as the top automobile insurance carriers. Our staff examined state availability, breadth of coverage, cost, and J.D. Power satisfaction rankings when ranking these insurers.


We also looked at AM Best's financial strength ratings and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' complaint volume (NAIC). On a scale of one to ten, each insurance was rated. Below, we'll go through our top five selections for the finest auto insurance providers.


Car

Insurance

Company

Overall

Rating

Our Award

#1 Geico

9.1

Editor’s Choice

#2 USAA

9.1

Low Rates for Military

#3 Progressive

9.0

Low Rates for High-Risk Drivers

#4 State Farm

8.6

Most Popular Provider

#5 Liberty Mutual

8.5

Good Programs for Young Drivers

#6 AAA

8.4

#7 The Hartford

8.4

#8 Allstate

8.2

#9 Nationwide

8.2

#10 Farmers

8.0


Our picks for the best car insurance


Geico, USAA, Progressive, State Farm, and Liberty Mutual are our top five selections for the best car insurance.

1.  Geico: Editor’s Choice


Average cost: $$
Number of discounts: 16
Usage-based insurance: DriveEasy in 26 states

For the finest vehicle insurance in the country, we recommend Geico. According to our rate estimations, the organization provides trustworthy service, a broad range of coverage, and low vehicle insurance prices.

Geico provides useful add-ons in addition to the regular coverage options, such as:


Roadside help in an emergency

Rent is reimbursed.

Insurance for mechanical failure (MBI)

Insurance for rideshare drivers

AM Best gave Geico an A++ (Superior) rating, indicating that the firm has the financial resources to settle consumers' insurance claims. In comparison to a smaller, local firm, a larger vehicle insurance like Geico has better financial security.

Geico is also known for its excellent customer service. Geico outperformed the national average in California, Central and New England, according to the J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Auto Insurance StudySM. Customers were polled on their satisfaction with claims, billing, pricing, policy, and other topics.

In terms of price, Geico's rates are among the most reasonable we've found. According to our estimations, full coverage auto insurance from Geico costs around $1,350 per year on average. These rates are based on 35-year-olds who have strong credit and a clean driving record. In comparison to other national carriers, our estimations place Geico in the top three for affordability.

In addition, the insurer offers a variety of discounts, including a good driver discount (up to 26 percent off), a good student discount (up to 15 percent off), and a multi-vehicle discount (up to 15 percent off) (up to 25 percent off).


2.  USAA: Low Rates for Military

Average cost: $
Number of discounts: 12
Usage-based insurance: SafePilotTM in 38 states

Only service personnel, veterans, and their families are eligible for USAA vehicle insurance, which severely limits who can get coverage. A USAA insurance coverage is one of the greatest solutions available if you are eligible. USAA offers the following supplementary coverage in addition to the usual forms of automobile insurance:


Assist on the road

reimbursement for a rental automobile

Forgiveness for mishaps

Coverage by glass

Asset security is assured (GAP insurance)

Assistance with car replacement (CRA)

Insurance for rideshare drivers

AM Best gave USAA an A++ financial strength grade, while the Better Business Bureau gave it an A+ (BBB). According to the NAIC, vehicle insurers held 6.32 percent of the market share in 2020. Despite not being the largest car insurance, USAA maintains a solid financial standing. The firm is expected to write $15.77 billion in private passenger vehicle insurance premiums in 2020.


Despite the fact that USAA does not have many physical facilities, policyholders praise the company's customer service. In the 2021 J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study, USAA had the highest score in every U.S. area, yet it was not rated owing to its qualifying restrictions. According to the NAIC, the vehicle insurer had less private passenger insurance complaints in 2020 than the national average.

USAA is also noted for its cost-effectiveness. In comparison to any other provider we looked at, it offers the lowest auto insurance on average. According to our estimations, full coverage auto insurance with USAA costs around $1,013 per year for good drivers. Discounts are also available depending on driver and vehicle safety, multiple insurance, and safety equipment like as airbags.


3 Progressive: Low Rates for High-Risk Drivers


Average cost: $$
Number of discounts: 13
Usage-based insurance: Snapshot® (not available in California or North Carolina)

Progressive may be the greatest auto insurance choice for you if you are under the age of 21, are an older driver, or have earned a DUI/DWI. Aside from USAA, we discovered that Progressive is one among the lowest national suppliers for high-risk drivers. Progressive's full coverage insurance costs roughly $1,397 per year for safe drivers, putting it only below Geico and State Farm in terms of pricing.

Aside from the conventional forms of auto insurance, Progressive also provides:

Assist on the road
reimbursement for a rental automobile
Payoff of a loan or lease
The worth of customized components and equipment
Coverage for ridesharing

Progressive has inconsistent customer service ratings – in the J.D. Power Satisfaction Study, it scored above average in half of the areas — but company does have great financial stability. According to the NAIC, Progressive has an A+ rating from AM Best, and the business will write more than $33 billion in premiums in 2020.

Progressive was contacted for comment on its bad review scores, but we did not receive a response.

Progressive provides vehicle insurance savings as well as a number of options to help you save money on your premiums. Progressive's Snapshot® program promotes safe driving behavior with premium savings via a mobile app that watches and records your driving patterns. According to Progressive, drivers who utilize Snapshot save $146 on their insurance coverage on average. In California and North Carolina, however, this program is not available.

Drivers who want to support progressive legislation can use the Name Your Price® application. Based on your vehicle insurance budget, the insurer will tailor a number of coverage alternatives.


4.  State Farm: Most Popular Provider

Average cost: $$
Number of discounts: 13
Usage-based insurance: Drive Safe & SaveTM (not available in CA, MA and RI)

When it comes to choosing the top auto insurance in the business, State Farm is another great option. State Farm also provides the following services in addition to the typical forms of coverage:

Roadside help in an emergency

Coverage for car rentals and travel expenditures

Coverage for rideshare drivers

According to our calculations, competent drivers spend around $1,339 per year for full coverage insurance with State Farm. State Farm is one of the most cost-effective national insurance companies.

As the biggest car insurance company in the country, State Farm is no stranger to claims satisfaction — the company has an A++ rating from AM Best. According to the NAIC, State Farm accounted for 16.19% of the auto insurance market share in 2020. State Farm also had fewer complaints than the industry average in 2020, though customer reviews on the BBB are mixed. 

We chose State Farm as one of the nation’s best car insurance companies in part because of the usage-based and safe driving discounts it offers to young drivers. There are two discount programs available through mobile apps:

Drive Safe & Save:The Drive Safe & Save smartphone app from State Farm tracks and rewards safe driving habits. Drivers may save up to 30% on their insurance costs by minimizing risky driving habits including rapid acceleration, harsh braking, and speeding. California, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island do not have this program.

Steer Clear®:To foster excellent driving practices, teens and new drivers can get course training, mentorship, driving practice, and a program certification. Drivers who complete the program successfully receive a reduction on their vehicle insurance price.

Good grades, safe driving, defensive driving, car safety features, and completion of a driving course are among the other State Farm auto insurance reductions. There is no military discount available at this time.

5.  Liberty Mutual: Good Programs for Young Drivers

Average cost: $$
Number of discounts: 17
Usage-based insurance: RightTrack® in 42 states

For families with children or teen drivers, Liberty Mutual may be a suitable auto insurance alternative. The insurer provides affordable rates and discounts, with many of them tailored to young drivers.


Along with the traditional insurance categories, there are various extra coverage alternatives, including:


Roadside help is available around the clock.

reimbursement for a rental automobile

Replacement of a new vehicle

Car replacement that is better

Original parts replacement 

Liberty Mutual Deductible Fund®

Asset protection is ensured with an auto loan or lease.

For its financial soundness and capacity to pay out insurance claims, Liberty Mutual has an AM Best rating of A. Customer service at the insurance, on the other hand, has received mixed ratings. Some consumers complain about a lack of contact, while others praise the company's claims procedure.

When we contacted Liberty Mutual for a response to the unfavorable reviews, we learned that the company takes every attempt to react to client complaints and is eager to work with them to remedy any difficulties.

For policyholders with teen drivers, Liberty Mutual is frequently an inexpensive option. For other sorts of drivers, however, it may not be the most cost-effective solution. The vehicle insurance provides a variety of discounts, including savings for homeowners, military personnel, good students, and accident-free drivers.


What are the types of auto insurance?


Most vehicle insurance companies offer six different categories of coverage. Some forms of vehicle insurance plans are required by your state's minimal requirements. However, purchasing full coverage rather than the state's minimal coverage is always a smart choice.

  • Liability car insurance: Bodily injury liability insurance (BI) covers other drivers and passengers if you are at fault in a collision, and property damage liability (PD) covers other cars or property if you are at fault in a collision.
  • Collision insurance: Collision coverage protects your vehicle, regardless of who is at fault.
  • Comprehensive insurance: Comprehensive coverage pays for damages to your vehicle caused by environmental factors, theft or vandalism.
  • Medical payments (MedPay): MedPay covers any medical expenses for you and your passengers after a collision.
  • Personal injury protection (PIP): PIP covers medical bills, lost wages and death benefits for you and your passengers, regardless of fault.
  • Underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM): This type of coverage protects you if you’re in a car accident with a motorist with too little coverage or no coverage at all.
A mix of bodily injury liability coverage, property damage liability coverage, and medical coverage is required in most states.

How much does car insurance cost?


The cost of car insurance is determined by a number of criteria, including your age, region, credit score, driving record, and vehicle type. According to our estimations, full coverage auto insurance costs between $1,000 and $2,500 per year for 35-year-old drivers with clean driving histories and acceptable credit.

According to our rate projections, below are 11 common insurance carriers and their typical yearly costs:

Car Insurance Provider

Average Annual Cost Estimate

USAA

$1,013

Erie Insurance

$1,113

Auto-Owners Insurance

$1,229

State Farm

$1,339

Geico

$1,352

Progressive

$1,397

Nationwide

$1,533

Travelers

$1,617

Farmers

$2,032

The Hartford

$2,166

Allstate

$2,430



What affects the cost of car insurance?


Car insurance rates are impacted by a number of factors, some of which are within a driver's control and others that are not. Understanding what you have control over will help you receive the best insurance quote possible.

The following are the most prevalent factors that influence the cost of vehicle insurance:

  • Location: Drivers in larger, more urban areas will often face higher auto insurance rates. Insurers factor in the higher likelihood of a collision due to increased traffic and vehicles per capita in cities.
  • Age: Drivers under the age of 25 and elderly drivers 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 have an at-fault accident, moving violations or a DUI/DWI on your record, a car insurance policy will cost more. 
  • Credit score: A high credit score indicates to insurers that a driver is a reliable and financially responsible individual, so their auto insurance policy will cost less. Having a poor credit score can increase your rates (except in California, Hawaii or Massachusetts).
  • Vehicle type: Often, drivers with pricey sports cars will pay more for the best car insurance because repairs are more expensive after an accident.
  • Deductible: A lower deductible leads to a higher overall premium cost.

How to find the best car insurance rates


It may be difficult to find the most economical auto insurance rates, especially with the quantity of information drivers need to understand plans. Below are five crucial stages that will walk you through how to discover the best auto insurance prices for your budget.

1. Get auto insurance quotes


Comparing auto insurance rates from several companies is usually a smart idea. Your vehicle insurance rate might vary substantially depending on your driving profile and the other criteria stated above. Some insurance companies provide low rates for older drivers, while others offer low rates for new or young drivers. Contact many auto insurers before choosing on a pricing. You can compare quotations on your own or with the help of an independent insurance agent.

2. Seek out discounts


Look for auto insurance savings that correspond to your condition among the many offered by companies. Some companies, for example, provide superior student rates, while others provide discounts for military and occupational ties. Other insurance products, including as house, renters, and life insurance, are generally available from major providers, and discounts for combining policies are common.

3. Opt for a higher deductible


While a greater deductible may appear difficult at first, it may considerably cut your overall vehicle insurance expenses. Inquire with your insurance provider about the various deductible alternatives for your coverage plan, and experiment with how each impacts your rate. Keep in mind, however, that in the case of a claim, you must be able to pay your deductible.

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 telematics insurance


Telematics insurance programs provide you discounts based on how you drive. If you have a short commute and good driving habits, a safe driving program or a pay-per-mile insurance program might save you money.

Which car insurance company is best for you?


Depending on your demands and driving profile, the ideal vehicle insurance provider may differ. Because of its price, good financial status, and high customer service scores, we suggest Geico as the Editor's Choice option for most drivers.

Comparing insurance is usually a smart idea. When you're looking for the greatest coverage and pricing for your scenario, get free car insurance quotes.


Our methodology


We devised a comprehensive evaluation methodology to formulate our rankings of the best auto insurance providers since consumers rely on us to offer impartial and accurate information. We gathered information on hundreds of vehicle insurance companies in order to rate them based on a variety of criteria. The end result was an overall rating for each insurance, with the highest-scoring insurers at the top of the list.

The following are the elements that go into our rankings:

  • Cost (20% of total score): Auto insurance rate estimates generated by Quadrant Information Services and discount opportunities were both taken into consideration.
  • Coverage (20% of total score): Companies that offer a variety of choices for insurance coverage are more likely to meet consumer needs.
  • Reputation (20% of total score): Our research team considered market share, ratings from industry experts and years in business when giving this score.
  • Availability (20% of total score): Auto insurance companies with greater state availability and few eligibility requirements scored highest in this category.
  • Customer Experience (20% of total score): This score is based on volume of complaints reported by the NAIC and customer satisfaction ratings reported by J.D. Power. We also considered the responsiveness, friendliness and helpfulness of each insurance company’s customer service team based on our own shopper analysis.

*Data accurate at time of publication.