Most vehicle owners understand that states have minimum car insurance requirements. Whether these minimums provide enough coverage in a collision is another matter. For now, the concern is finding auto insurance companies with the lowest rates for the most comprehensive coverage possible, including personal injury protection.
Beyond the annual premium, you'll want an auto insurer that is easy to work with, as well as an insurance agent who speaks to you as a person and not a policy number.
The best car insurance companies offer more than a policy — they offer a relationship. Beyond the cheapest rates, they provide superior customer service and work with and for their customers. So, before you sign up for any insurance policy, review and compare the top insurers.
Key Criteria for Comparison
While the cost of car insurance might seem like the most important consideration, it's only one factor. You should also consider:
- Coverage options: Look for policies offering more coverage than state requirements. Car insurance companies that provide numerous policy options are usually the best value.
- Customer satisfaction: Researching reviews from reputable sources, including customer review sites, can offer great insight into a company's consumer interactions. Look for reviews that discuss the claims process and customer service. Also, look into accessibility, such as online tools, mobile apps, and other contact methods.
- Insurer ratings: The best insurers will have a strong financial profile and favorable complaint ratios. Vehicle owners and interested consumers can check company ratings on sites like A.M. Best, Moody's, Standard & Poor's, J.D. Power, and state insurance departments.
- Affordability and rates: While a clean driving record and healthy credit history are excellent ways to ensure lower rates with the best car insurance companies, other factors can help you secure favorable rates. For example, look for companies that offer discounts for safe drivers or bundling options for home and auto insurance. Investigate how often a company increases or changes rates and the factors influencing such decisions.
When looking for the best car insurance company, compare quotes. The best for one driver may not be right for you.
Top National Providers
The top national car insurance providers offer exemplary service and policy customization. Whether you're looking to maximize coverage limits or secure GAP insurance, any of the following companies have you covered.
USAA
USAA provides exceptional customer service and consistently receives high industry ratings. It is among the best car and home insurance companies for military members, veterans, and their families. The company offers some of the country's most competitive auto insurance rates.
Progressive
Progressive Insurance is a major player in the industry and is open to everyone. It's known for offering fair terms even to those with less-than-perfect driving records. The company has some of the best online tools among insurers and provides diverse coverage options at competitive rates.
Auto-Owners
Auto-Owners Insurance receives high ratings for customer satisfaction and financial stability. It operates through independent agents and emphasizes personalized service. In addition to high customer satisfaction, the company also has strong ratings for customer service and claims handling. In terms of affordability, it is among the best car insurance companies.
Regional Favorites
National providers are an excellent option for many drivers, but they may not offer localized customer experiences that some people prefer. Regional insurers often have better knowledge of local regulations and may provide better rates in a smaller market. The best regional car insurance companies also have strong customer satisfaction ratings.
Erie Insurance
Erie Insurance operates in several states throughout the East and Midwest. It regularly receives high customer satisfaction ratings for customer service and competitive rates. The company's reputation is impeccable, and its unique ERIE Rate Lock offers policyholders consistency in premiums and rates.
NJM
NJM Insurance is a regional insurance agency with a long and stable history, which is why it's on the list as one of the best car insurance companies. Although its primary focus was initially New Jersey, its services now extend to Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. As with others on this list, NJM routinely receives high customer satisfaction and financial stability ratings.
Farmers Insurance
Founded in 1928, Farmers Insurance has a long history of superior customer relations and community support. The company is well known for its programs to assist communities after natural disasters. Beyond its charitable arm, Farmers provides a broad range of services, including auto insurance, showing tremendous growth from its original focus on insurance policies for farmers and ranchers.
Amica
Amica is a mutual insurance company, meaning it's owned by policyholders, not shareholders or private individuals. Mutual companies are known for their financial stability and customer-centric approach.
Niche and Specialty Insurers
The following insurers offer niche or specialty insurance for markets such as seniors or higher-risk drivers.
The Hartford
The Hartford is a niche insurer that partners with AARP, offering tailored policies and discounts for seniors.
Mercury Insurance
Mercury has a regional focus (California, Texas, and other Western states). It's most known for offering competitive rates to higher-risk drivers.
Allstate
Allstate is a national insurer that offers diverse coverage. With its larger-than-average portfolio, the company offers several specialty lines of insurance, such as motorcycle, RV, and boat coverage.
Compare Quotes Effectively
Before purchasing any policy from the 10 best auto insurance companies, compare car insurance quotes. Some other insurance companies to consider include:
Check out the free comparison tool from EverQuote to compare multiple insurance quotes and find the one that fits your needs.