Finding an insurance company that meets your budget and demands is becoming increasingly difficult as vehicle insurance costs continue to rise across the country. To assist, we compared insurers to identify the best vehicle insurance carriers based on costs, available policy options, complaints, and collision claims processes.
The Best Car Insurance Companies:
American Family
American Family offers a diverse range of optional automobile insurance coverage options and has received relatively few complaints. Even with ordinary vehicle insurance prices, this helps them stand out.
Average annual cost for good drivers - $2,176
Collision repair grade - C+
Complaint level - Very low
Pros
- American Family receives extremely few complaints concerning auto insurance from state insurance departments.
- For DUI drivers, the costs are reasonable.
- When necessary, I will file SR-22s.
- Provides accident forgiveness and a zero-deductible policy.
- American Family offers gap insurance to new automobile owners.
- Provides a usage-based insurance program (Know Your Drive) for safe drivers who want to lower their auto insurance premiums based on their driving patterns.
- Non-owner car insurance is available.
- American Family offers ridesharing insurance to Lyft and Uber drivers.
Cons
- Car insurance premiums are only average for good drivers (those with a clean driving record).
- The cost of adding a juvenile driver to a parent's policy is only marginal.
- Auto insurance rates for young and senior drivers are comparable.
- American Family is only offered in 19 states and is not available nationally.
States Available In:
American Family car insurance is available in 19 states:
Auto-Owners
Auto-Owners Insurance stands out for its optional coverage options, claims process, low complaint rate, and cheap cost.
Average annual cost for good drivers - $1,628
Collision repair grade - B+
Complaint level - Low
Pros
- Excellent auto insurance rates for drivers who have been in an accident. (USAA is slightly less expensive, but eligibility is limited to military families and veterans.)
- Provides accident forgiveness and a decreasing deductible.
- Paying in full for your auto insurance policy results in a 14% discount on average.
- There is gap insurance and new automobile replacement coverage available.
- To potentially cut their auto insurance costs, good drivers might attempt Auto-Owners' usage-based insurance program (True Ride).
- Its claim process received an excellent rating from crash specialists.
Cons
- If you have a DUI or low credit, you can find cheaper car insurance options.
- The costs of adding a teen driver are only marginal.
- Drivers that require SR-22 filings must search elsewhere.
States Available In:
Auto-Owners car insurance is available in 26 states:
Nationwide
Nationwide provides reasonable vehicle insurance rates for certain types of drivers as well as a variety of useful add-on coverages. The number of complaints filed against it for auto insurance is extremely low, making it a firm to consider if you're looking for auto insurance. Notably, Nationwide provides a usage-based insurance program as well as a pay-per-mile alternative for customers who want to potentially reduce their expenses based on actual driving.
Average annual cost for good drivers - $2,041
Collision repair grade - C
Complaint level - Very low
Pros
- Smart Ride is a usage-based insurance program for good drivers who want to reduce their auto insurance premiums depending on their driving patterns.
- Smart Miles is a pay-per-mile insurance program for low-mileage drivers who want to save money.
- When adding a teen driver to a policy, which is generally quite expensive for parents, the insurance prices are fairly excellent.
- Premiums are relatively low for drivers with bad credit.
- Optionally adds accident forgiveness, new car replacement, and vanishing deductibles to a policy.
Cons
- High vehicle insurance rates for drivers who cause an accident that results in injuries.
- Car insurance premiums for DUI drivers are greater than those of other leading competitors.
- Insurance for ridesharing services is not available.
States Available In:
Nationwide car insurance is available in 46 states and Washington D.C. It is not available in: Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana or Massachusetts.
USAA
USAA offers reasonably priced vehicle insurance for drivers with a variety of driving records. If you qualify, it's worth looking into USAA. To be eligible for USAA auto insurance, you must be a service member, veteran, or military family member.
Average annual cost for good drivers - $1,412
Collision repair grade - C
Complaint level - Average
Pros
- Low rates for not only good drivers, but also those who have had an accident, a ticket, or a DUI on their record.
- Also provides competitive prices for seniors and young drivers, two age groups that might be costly to insure.
- Provides accident forgiveness as well as new automobile replacement.
- Provides rideshare insurance coverage.
- Has a usage-based insurance program (Safe Pilot) that good drivers can take advantage of to potentially cut their auto insurance prices.
Cons
- Everyone is not qualified for coverage. Only veterans and active military personnel, as well as their immediate families, are eligible for policies.
- The average bundling savings for auto and house insurance from USAA is only 6%.
- If you're adding a teen to your policy, there are less expensive options.
- It does not provide gap insurance.
States Available In:
USAA is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Geico
Geico has highly competitive vehicle insurance rates for many different sorts of drivers, so it's worth a look if you're looking for inexpensive auto insurance.
Average annual rate for good drivers - $1,716
Collision repair grade - C-
Complaint level - Average
Pros
- Excellent auto insurance rates for good drivers as well as those with a speeding record, bad credit, or who were discovered driving without insurance.
- Also provides low rates for elders and young drivers, who can be difficult to insure.
- Allows for accident forgiveness.
- Provides a usage-based insurance program (Drive Easy) for good drivers looking to lower their auto insurance premiums depending on their driving patterns.
Cons
- Geico's vehicle insurance rates for DUI drivers are simply mediocre.
- If you want coverage features like new car replacement, a vanishing deductible, or rideshare insurance, you'll have to search elsewhere.
- The average discount for bundling vehicle and house insurance with Geico is 8%.
States Available In:
Geico car insurance is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Travelers
Travelers has reasonable pricing for a variety of drivers. The organization also offers numerous optional services that might provide you with better insurance protection, making it a smart alternative to consider while shopping around.
Average annual rate for good drivers - $1,852
Collision repair grade - C+
Complaint level - Very low
Pros
- At roughly $39 per year, loan/lease gap insurance is an excellent value.
- Provides accident forgiveness as well as minor violation forgiveness.
- Provides a usage-based insurance program (IntelliDrive), which may result in a discount for responsible drivers.
- It has received extremely few complaints from state insurance departments.
Cons
- The cost of adding a teen driver to an auto insurance policy is on the high side.
- Senior drivers have a high average cost.
- Provides rideshare insurance, but only in a few states.
- Travelers' bundling discount for purchasing both vehicle and home insurance is only 10%.
States Available In:
Travelers auto insurance is available in 42 states and Washington, D.C. It is not available in:
- Alaska
- Hawaii
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
Westfield
Westfield has cheap auto insurance premiums for a wide range of drivers, relatively few complaints, and a high rating from repair specialists for its accident claims process. Shopping at Westfield is worthwhile if you reside in one of the states where it operates.
Average annual cost for good drivers - $1,759
Collision repair grade - B
Complaint level - Very low
Pros
- Provides reasonably priced auto insurance to good drivers as well as those with an accident or ticket on their record.
- Rates are also favorable for senior citizens and those with weak credit.
- Gap insurance is available.
- It has received extremely few complaints from state insurance departments.
- Received a good grade from collision experts for its collision claim process.
- Provides a variety of family benefits, including a discount for young drivers in your household and adult children who get their own Westfield auto insurance policy.
Cons
- The highest average vehicle insurance cost for DUI drivers among the companies we studied.
- Adding a minor driver to your policy can be costly.
- No option to obtain a car insurance quote online at Westfield’s website.
- Only in 10 states, largely in the Midwest, it is available.
States Available In:
Westfield offers personal auto insurance in 10 states:
- Indiana
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- Ohio
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- West Virginia
Erie Insurance
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Erie has good coverage options and receives high marks for its collision repair claims processing. These benefits help to offset Erie's car insurance costs, which can vary depending on your driving record.
Average annual rate for good drivers - $2,144
Collision repair grade - B+
Complaint level - Higher than the industry average
Pros
- When you add a teen to your policy, you can get great car insurance rates.
- Reasonable auto insurance rates for individuals who have been in an accident or who have received a speeding ticket.
- It is beneficial to new car owners since it provides gap insurance and new car replacement coverage.
- Has accident forgiveness and deductibles that disappear.
- Its claim process received an excellent rating from crash specialists.
- With Erie's Rate Lock, you can easily budget your spending because your pricing remains the same year after year until you make specific changes to your policy, such as adding or removing a car.
Cons
- Has high average rates for bad credit drivers.
- There is no usage-based auto insurance program available.
- Is only available in 12 states and is regional.
- Has a higher-than-average number of complaints filed with state insurance departments concerning its auto insurance. The majority of Erie concerns are about surcharges and premiums.
States Available In:
Erie is available in 12 states and Washington, D.C.:
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Maryland
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
Progressive
Progressive offers excellent rates for DUI drivers and a wide range of optional auto insurance coverage options. It has a low complaint rate, which helps offset expenses that are merely average for excellent drivers and high for those involved in accidents.
Average annual cost for good drivers - $2,157
Collision repair grade - C
Complaint level - Low
Pros
- Excellent rates for drivers who have a DUI on their record. (USAA is slightly less expensive, but eligibility is limited to military families and veterans.)
- Gap insurance is available to new car owners.
- Provides accident forgiveness and a zero-deductible policy.
- Non-owner auto insurance and SR-22 filings are available.
Cons
- Only mediocre auto insurance rates for safe drivers, those with speeding citations, and those with bad credit.
- Car insurance rates are high for drivers who have been in an accident or have a gap in their insurance coverage.
- Progressive may charge hefty rates to senior and young drivers.
- Does not provide new automobile replacement.
States Available In:
Progressive is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
State Farm
State Farm's reasonably priced auto insurance and low complaint rate make it worth investigating.
Average annual cost for good drivers - $1,959
Collision repair grade - C-
Complaint level - Low
Pros
- If you stay with State Farm for at least three years, you can get a renewal discount of 14% on average.
- Competitive vehicle insurance rates for drivers with a history of speeding fines.
- A reasonable average cost for adding a teen driver to a parent's coverage.
- I will file SR-22 forms for those who need them.
- Provides a usage-based insurance program (Drive Safe & Save) for drivers who are prepared to be tracked in order to receive a discount depending on driving behaviors.
- A low number of complaints about car insurance were submitted with state insurance departments.
Cons
- The firms we studied had the highest average premiums for drivers with bad credit.
- Auto insurance rates are low for good drivers and those with a history of accidents or DUIs.
- Does not provide gap insurance.
- If you want coverage alternatives like accident forgiveness, new car replacement, or a vanishing deductible, you'll have to seek elsewhere.
States Available In:
Pros
- If you stay with State Farm for at least three years, you can get a renewal discount of 14% on average.
- Competitive vehicle insurance rates for drivers with a history of speeding fines.
- A reasonable average cost for adding a teen driver to a parent's coverage.
- I will file SR-22 forms for those who need them.
- Provides a usage-based insurance program (Drive Safe & Save) for drivers who are prepared to be tracked in order to receive a discount depending on driving behaviors.
- A low number of complaints about car insurance were submitted with state insurance departments.
Cons
- The firms we studied had the highest average premiums for drivers with bad credit.
- Auto insurance rates are low for good drivers and those with a history of accidents or DUIs.
- Does not provide gap insurance.
- If you want coverage alternatives like accident forgiveness, new car replacement, or a vanishing deductible, you'll have to seek elsewhere.
State Farm is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
What Is the Best Car Insurance Company?
According to our research, American Family, Auto-Owners, Nationwide, and USAA are the finest car insurance providers overall, receiving 5 stars in our evaluations. Only service members, veterans, and their immediate family members are eligible for USAA auto insurance.
The best vehicle insurance providers for you will be determined by your driving history, state, and other personal considerations. Comparing auto insurance quotes can identify the firms that can provide you the best deal for your situation.
Best for Low Car Insurance Rates: Geico
When we look at average rates across a variety of driving records and driver ages, Geico has the lowest prices accessible to the general public nationwide. (USAA is less expensive, but membership is only available to car owners with a military connection.)
Drivers with bad credit can check Geico quotations because its rates are competitive. If you have bad credit, getting estimates is important because many vehicle insurance companies charge substantially higher rates based purely on bad credit.
Best for Low Complaints: American Family and Travelers
Complaints against a corporation reflect on its customer service. The majority of complaints about vehicle insurance providers focus around claims issues. Based on verifiable complaints reported to state insurance departments around the country, American Family and Travelers have very low levels of auto insurance complaints.
Best for Collision Repair: Erie
With a B+, Erie obtains the highest mark from collision repair professionals of the companies we examined. Collision repair professionals gain insight into which insurers try to cut shortcuts and which have the most efficient claims processes.
Best for Drivers With a Speeding Ticket: Geico and Westfield
Drivers who receive a speeding ticket should expect their insurance premiums to rise for three to five years, depending on their insurance provider and state. Geico and Westfield have the lowest rates for these drivers among publicly available firms. Westfield is a regional insurer that primarily distributes auto insurance in ten states in the Midwest.
USAA also has cheap rates for service members and veterans who have received speeding fines.
Best for Drivers Who Caused an Accident: Auto-Owners
A "chargeable" accident can stay on your record for three to five years and effect your vehicle insurance rates, depending on your state laws and/or auto insurance carrier. Based on the firms we looked at, Auto-Owners has the best average rates for drivers in this situation.
The severity of the accident, as measured by the monetary value of property damage and/or injuries, may influence the amount of your surcharge. Inquire with your vehicle insurance agent about how long the extra will effect your auto insurance premiums.
Best for Drivers With a DUI: Progressive
You can't avoid increased rates after a DUI, but Progressive has the most competitive price for drivers in this circumstance among the firms we looked at, based on nationwide averages.
When you get a new estimate or your policy is about to expire, car insurance companies will normally pull your motor vehicle report. This is your opportunity to have your rates adjusted depending on your recent history of difficulties, and a DUI conviction will be a pricey insurance problem.
Best for Military Members: USAA
Year after year, USAA remains the finest vehicle insurance option for service members due to its continuously low rates and wide range of coverage options. While the number of complaints about USAA vehicle insurance has increased in recent years, the company's current complaint level is around normal for the industry.