Updated: July 26, 2024
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Find the car insurance provider that fits your personal needs and preferences
When shopping for a policy, you should consider a company's costs, available discounts, customer service reviews, claims-filing process and financial strength. We used these factors to determine the best car insurance company overall, by state, as well as for specific driver profiles.
We recommend browsing our resources by your state, needs and what you value — whether you care more about customer service than cost, have a history of driving violations, are a young driver or drive a new car.
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Why Trust MoneyGeek? We gathered data from Quadrant Information Services and reviewed customer and claim satisfaction ratings from industry-leading evaluations — J.D. Power, AM Best and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). MoneyGeek created a ranking system to compare the data to provide the best insurance options not only at a national and state level but for various driver profiles and needs.
To help you shop for car insurance, MoneyGeek ranked the best car insurance companies using a weighted ranking system based on several factors, including J.D. Power customer satisfaction ratings, financial stability ratings from AM Best and affordability. Using these metrics, MoneyGeek found that of the national insurers available to most shoppers, the best car insurance companies are GEICO and State Farm. GEICO received the highest marks in our scoring system for 23 out of 50 states and Washington, D.C., while State Farm ranked as the top company in 10 states.
Those just looking for the most affordable option can compare this list to our rankings of the cheapest car insurance companies.
MoneyGeek's top-ranking insurer in 23 states and Washington, D.C.
Affordable full coverage policy with an average rate of $1,047 per year
Excellent marks for customer satisfaction and low complaints
Top grade for financial stability
Does not offer new car replacement coverage, so drivers with brand new vehicles may want to look elsewhere
GEICO is an excellent choice across the country for those looking to balance service quality and affordability. Customer complaint rates are relatively low, satisfaction is above average and company rates are typically affordable. You may be able to get even lower rates considering that GEICO offers almost all the standard car insurance discounts, like bundling, multi-vehicle, safe driving and anti-theft technology discounts.
GEICO also has nearly all the common add-on coverages offered by insurance companies, such as roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement and accident forgiveness. And unlike most insurers, it offers mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI), a car warranty coverage option that covers car repairs after your car warranty expires.
However, GEICO might not be the best option for those with a brand new car. The company doesn't offer new car replacement coverage, which allows those with new models to be fully reimbursed for a brand new car after an accident. Without this, you'll only be reimbursed for the depreciated value of your vehicle.
Fewer complaints than GEICO, though both companies score well
Received the highest possible financial stability rating
Not as affordable as GEICO, with a full coverage policy costing an average of $1,047 per year
Like GEICO, it doesn't offer new car replacement coverage
State Farm is the largest U.S. auto insurer by market share, offering affordable auto insurance with an excellent customer service reputation. In fact, it has a lower complaint rate than GEICO and may even be a cheaper option depending on where you live. You can save even more on your monthly bill by bundling with State Farm's home, condo or renter's insurance.
State Farm does not offer much in the way of unique coverages: you'll mostly find standard car insurance coverages and common add-ons such as roadside assistance and rental car expense coverage. Although it offers few unique perks, you're more likely to get good value with State Farm than most other major insurers. State Farm does offer rideshare insurance — coverage not available from all companies — making it a great choice for those who work for Uber or Lyft.
Like GEICO, State Farm doesn't offer new car replacement coverage, so it may not be the best option for those with brand new cars who are worried about getting value back if they get into an accident soon after their car purchase.
Because insurance is regulated at a state level, MoneyGeek ranked the best car insurance in each state based on local pricing and regional J.D. Power scores. Excluding USAA, which is restricted to members of the military community, GEICO most frequently ranked as the best insurer in a state (23 times) and in Washington, D.C. State Farm, which ranked as the best insurer in 10 states, came in second. Erie, a regional insurer, is also an excellent option if you're in one of the 12 states where it does business.
According to our data, GEICO offered the most widely available quality service and affordable rates throughout the United States — making it our top pick at a national level and, on average, for state-specific policies and needs. Though the best car insurance for you will depend on where you live, GEICO is the most likely to serve the best quality and affordable rates overall.
Click on your state to learn more about the best car insurance company where you live. It’s crucial to compare auto insurance products and quotes based on where you live because insurers may offer different rates, coverages and features across state lines.
State | Top Company | MoneyGeek Score
(out of 5) |
|---|---|---|
GEICO | 3.8 | |
GEICO | 4.2 | |
GEICO | 4.3 | |
GEICO | 4.4 | |
AAA | 4.2 | |
GEICO | 4.2 | |
GEICO | 4.5 | |
GEICO | 4.6 | |
GEICO | 3.7 | |
GEICO | 4.1 | |
State Farm | 3.9 | |
GEICO | 4.7 | |
GEICO | 4.6 | |
State Farm | 3.8 | |
Erie | 4.4 | |
Erie | 4.8 | |
American Family | 3.8 | |
State Farm | 4.4 | |
State Farm | 4.0 | |
GEICO | 4.5 | |
Travelers | 4.3 | |
GEICO | 4.2 | |
Auto-Owners Insurance Co | 4.4 | |
Auto-Owners Insurance Co | 4.3 | |
Allstate | 4.0 | |
GEICO | 3.9 | |
State Farm | 4.1 | |
Erie | 4.4 | |
GEICO | 4.3 | |
GEICO | 4.5 | |
GEICO | 4.1 | |
New Jersey Manufacturers | 4.6 | |
State Farm | 4.3 | |
GEICO | 4.3 | |
State Farm | 4.5 | |
Erie | 4.5 | |
GEICO | 4.6 | |
GEICO | 3.8 | |
Travelers | 4.3 | |
Allstate | 3.8 | |
GEICO | 4.4 | |
State Farm | 3.9 | |
Erie | 4.2 | |
State Farm | 4.3 | |
GEICO | 4.3 | |
Progressive | 4.2 | |
Allstate | 4.3 | |
GEICO | 4.1 | |
Erie | 4.3 | |
GEICO | 4.2 | |
State Farm | 3.5 |
MoneyGeek's car insurance comparison tool can help you measure which company is the best fit for you where you live. Sort by service quality and affordability and find stats on the average cost per year, customer service rank and standout features in that state.
Car insurance companies use specific driver characteristics to calculate their rates. Companies may offer coverages that make them better for drivers with particular traits. Credit history, driving history and age are three of the most significant factors used to determine rates in most states.
We’ve provided our recommendations for the best car insurance companies for young drivers, drivers with poor credit and drivers with an at-fault accident on their records, all of whom are typically charged higher rates than the average driver.
If price is not as important for you as ensuring you’re going to get the best possible service when you need to file a claim, MoneyGeek found that Auto-Owners has the best combination of high satisfaction and low complaints. Using just these factors, Auto-Owners is the best insurer in 10 out of 50 states, more than any other company.
Exceptional customer service
Affordable rates in the states it does business in
Offers new car replacement for those who just bought a vehicle
Only available in 26 states
Offers few unique coverages
Evaluations from J.D. Power indicate Auto-Owners has high customer satisfaction in the states where it's available. It also has a low customer complaint rate, as measured by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Additionally, Auto-Owners offers new car replacement coverage as an add-on. If you buy this, you won’t have to worry that your new car loses value as soon as you drive it off the lot.
Auto-Owners also ranks well for affordability and offers all the major discounts offered by most other insurers. Overall, it’s an excellent option — the only downside is that it's a super-regional insurer available in just 26 states.
If you’re on a budget and want to purchase the minimum car insurance required in your state with good customer service, MoneyGeek recommends GEICO.
Cheap minimum coverage policies
Combines affordability with stellar customer service
A wide variety of discounts can help you save even more
GEICO doesn't offer common payment discounts, such as savings for paying your policy in full or receiving bills electronically
If you weigh the cost of a minimum coverage policy while still accounting for customer service, GEICO won 29 of 50 states, according to MoneyGeek’s scoring system. A minimum coverage policy with GEICO costs an average of $513 per year while still providing its policyholders with a solid service experience.
Those looking to save even more with GEICO can take advantage of its discounts, especially if you want to save by bundling with home insurance or adding multiple cars to your policy. Drivers with anti-theft and passive restraint safety systems, such as airbags, will save even more. Finally, military members or those part of specific professional organizations or government entities may be available for even more discounts.
If you’re adding a young driver to your policy, there are several high-quality policy options available. Both GEICO and Allstate rank high in MoneyGeek’s scoring system for over 15 states for a policy with a young driver, but we picked Allstate as our winner, given that it offers a distant student discount and GEICO doesn’t.
Makes it reasonably affordable to add a young driver to a policy
Low rate of complaints by current customers
Offers accident forgiveness and new car replacement coverages
You won’t save much on your monthly bill
Adding teens or students to a car insurance policy can be extremely expensive. MoneyGeek found that Allstate strikes a blend of affordability and quality, with average premiums and a low rate of complaints.
Allstate is an excellent option if you’re letting your teen drive your new car. If you add new car replacement coverage, you can replace your vehicle with a completely new model after an accident, as long as the model is two years old or less. And, if you add accident forgiveness, you won’t have to worry about your insurance rate increasing after your teen’s first at-fault accident.
There is a clear winner for the best car insurance for veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families: USAA. MoneyGeek found that USAA has a low rate of complaints, high customer satisfaction and some of the most affordable rates in the industry.
Unparallelled service reputation
Cheap rates
Only available to families in the military community
No company has a higher customer satisfaction rating than USAA, according to MoneyGeek’s analysis of regional J.D. Power ratings. Combine that with great rates, and USAA is likely to give you the best value for your money.
USAA does not offer many unique coverages, but it does have the most widely applicable ones, such as roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement and accident forgiveness. It is also a good option if you work for Uber or Lyft, as it offers rideshare insurance. USAA caters to all active-duty service members, with a hefty vehicle storage discount and, for young service members, savings if they were previously insured on their parent’s USAA policy.
MoneyGeek recommends that those with new or expensive vehicles only opt for insurers that offer new car replacement or better car replacement coverages. Of the insurers meeting this standard, Allstate ranks top.
Offers new car replacement coverage
Has a low rate of customer complaints
Does not rank among the cheapest insurers
Allstate provides a balance of affordability and good customer service while giving its drivers the option to purchase new car replacement coverage.
A new car loses value very quickly after you buy it. If you get into an accident early in your car’s lifespan, your claim will reflect that depreciated value. However, if you purchase new car replacement coverage with an insurer like Allstate, the return on your claim will match the value of a brand new car, as long as the vehicle is less than two years old.
If you want to purchase coverage with Allstate but are concerned it’s not cheap enough, ask an Allstate agent about available discounts. You can save with many of the most common discounts: being a safe driver, bundling home and auto, anti-theft and having airbags and other safety features.
High-risk drivers, including those who need SR-22 or FR-44 insurance, pay more for car insurance. Some insurance companies are better suited for drivers with violations on their motor vehicle record. If you’re a driver with a speeding ticket or at-fault accident on your record, MoneyGeek found that State Farm is usually the best option.
Affordable for those with a violation on their record
Offers both roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement
Does not offer accident forgiveness
In 22 states — more than any other company — State Farm has the best balance of affordability and service for high-risk drivers. A full coverage policy with State Farm after a speeding ticket costs an average of $1,503 a year, which is cheap compared to most insurance companies. And it doesn’t sacrifice its service reputation to achieve low rates.
Like most insurers, State Farm offers roadside assistance and rental car expense coverage. In the event that you do get into trouble on the road, these coverages can help you get back home and provide substitute transportation while your car is in the shop.
One downside is that State Farm does not offer accident forgiveness, which is a good coverage to purchase if you think you’re likely to get into an at-fault accident and is offered by most other major insurers.
Low mileage discounts are relatively rare and tend to be quite minor. If you barely drive, the best way to save may be with a pay-per-mile insurance company such as Metromile. MoneyGeek found that pay-per-mile insurance can be worth it if you only tend to drive a few miles per day.
Among the most affordable insurers, if you drive very little
Offers roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement like most traditional insurers
Expensive for those who commute or regularly drive for pleasure
Only available in eight states
Because premiums are charged based on how many miles you drive, Metromile is an excellent, cost-saving option for those who don't drive often. Currently, it’s the only insurance company wholly specialized in pay-per-mile insurance.
However, the company does have a high rate of customer complaints. As traditional insurance companies enter the market for pay-per-mile insurance, it may make sense to try some of their programs, such as Nationwide's SmartMiles and Allstate's Milewise, which are expanding their availability.
At the end of the day, many car insurance companies offer coverages required by state law and little more. But some car insurance companies go the extra mile to offer extra coverages that tailor to unique drivers and situations. MoneyGeek found that Liberty Mutual has eight coverages that are rarely or only occasionally offered by other companies.
Offers original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coverage, ensuring your vehicle repair will meet quality standards
Gives you the option to buy better car replacement coverage, meaning you can get a better car if something happens to your current car
Run-of-the-mill service reputation and affordability
Liberty Mutual offers eight unique insurance coverages: new car replacement, better car replacement, accident forgiveness, gap insurance, diminishing deductible, original equipment manufacturer coverage (OEM), auto death indemnity coverage and disability coverage.
MoneyGeek highlights OEM as particularly useful. With this coverage, damaged parts are replaced like-for-like with parts from the original manufacturer, meaning you get the highest quality repairs.
Beyond unique coverages, Liberty Mutual offers all the common coverages other insurers do, such as roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement. If you get a policy with Liberty Mutual, you’ll know you can get coverage for most events that can happen on the road. The downside is that Liberty Mutual doesn’t have the cheapest rates or the highest customer service scores.
Finding the best car insurance for you will depend on your priorities. If you want to save money, you might opt for the insurer that gives you the cheapest quote. If you want the security of knowing your insurer will pay your claims timely and efficiently, you might choose the company with the best customer service reputation in your region.
We believe all drivers can get the best of all worlds: an affordable company with a strong service experience and the coverages they need. You can find the top company for you by taking a few key steps.
Browse our reviews to find claims and user satisfaction ratings to get a sense for how policyholders feel about a given company. You can also check your state’s department of insurance website to see how many complaints have been lodged about a company. MoneyGeek highly recommends starting with our recommendations for the top companies in your state.
Once you’ve narrowed down a list of companies that have quality service, you should go get a quote from that company. Our rankings for the cheapest companies are a great guide as to which companies are most affordable on average, but the cheapest for you may be different because of your unique driver characteristics. Be sure to incorporate all possible discounts into your quote.
Almost all insurance companies will offer you the core car insurance coverages, such as liability insurance and comprehensive and collision insurance. But if you want a car insurance company that offers additional benefits, like roadside assistance or accident forgiveness, you should be certain that it’s part of your policy package.
If you’re risk-averse, you might want to check an insurer’s financial strength rating. In the unlikely event an insurer is declared insolvent, it may be unable to pay your claim. The industry standard for financial strength ratings is A.M. Best. Companies with an A+ or A++ from A.M. Best are the most secure.
You can take many steps to determine which insurance company has the best customer service for you.
MoneyGeek’s claims and customer satisfaction ratings incorporate J.D. Power data to score insurance companies against each other, so you can easily see how they score out of a maximum of five points for each category. And our MoneyGeek scores incorporate all other factors you should consider while shopping so that you get the full picture of how a company stacks up.
If you want to do your own research, J.D. Power releases an overall auto insurance satisfaction study and a claims satisfaction study each year. You can also read AM Best reports that review a company's financial stability. And if you want to dig deep into the data, your state department of insurance website has public data on how much consumers complain about insurance companies in your state. Insurers with lower complaint rates are more likely to have a strong service experience.
Once you’ve narrowed down the companies with strong customer service reputations, you should compare quotes among them. Insurance companies use a variety of factors to calculate your rate. As a result, you could find that two companies have very similar customer service reputations but quote you at vastly different rates.
You should also make sure that your quotes incorporate all available discounts, as these can have a sizable effect on what you pay. For instance, one insurance company may offer more discounts for car safety features, so drivers with a lot of safety technology may get a comparably cheaper quote. Discounts usually come in four forms: driving record discounts, driver profile discounts, policy discounts and car safety discounts.
When you are confident you’re only getting quotes from quality insurers, you can save money by buying a policy from the company that offers you the best cheap quotes.
Almost all insurance companies will offer the following core coverages:
If you’re looking for additional coverages — such as accident forgiveness, mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) or rideshare insurance — you should make sure a company offers it in your state before comparing quotes. Most major companies offer similar types of coverage, but there are some unique differences among them.
Finally, ensure that the company responsible for your policy is financially stable. Our MoneyGeek score incorporates financial strength ratings from AM Best, which measures companies’ ability to meet claims-paying obligations.
Most major insurance companies have excellent or superior ratings from AM Best. But if you’re shopping with a more local or regional insurer, check their financial strength rating before purchasing a policy. If you’re risk-averse and want to avoid the small chance that problems with your insurance company could affect your claims, it may be best to stick with a company in top-tier financial condition.
Although most states require vehicle owners to carry insurance, not everyone can get it, at least not through the regular channels. Because of their past driving records, some people may be unable to obtain insurance from a standard auto insurer. Others may simply not be able to afford car insurance. In these cases, there may be state programs available to help.
While some companies offer individual car insurance policies to high-risk drivers, many prefer not to. Instead, states require all insurance companies to participate in a program that pools these kinds of drivers. These state-backed insurance pools are created to share the possible losses of insuring high-risk drivers; companies participate in proportion to the amount of business they do in the state. If your driving record is spotty, this program may help you obtain coverage. Your premium is likely to be very high. Check with your state insurance department to learn more.
Some states, including California, Hawaii and New Jersey, provide affordable public insurance to people who can't afford to buy a private company's car insurance policy. These programs are designed to discourage uninsured motorists from taking to the road, which is a distressingly common occurrence. To qualify, vehicle owners must meet income-eligibility requirements. For further information, check with your state insurance department.
If standard auto insurers decline coverage because of your motor vehicle record, consider getting quotes from private companies that cater to high-risk drivers, such as The General. — Mark Friedlander, Director, Corporate Communications, Insurance Information Institute
It’s not easy to find a car insurance company that’s a perfect match for your situation. However, with a few minutes of research, you can ensure you’re on the right track. Here are some of the most common questions posed by those looking for quality car insurance.
Not every insurance company writes policies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. — and some insurers may price policies differently or provide different coverages, depending on where you live. When you look for the best car insurance in your state, get your own quotes and look into the customer service reputations of local insurers using our MoneyGeek scores or with your state's department of insurance.
Yes. Many insurance companies with strong ratings for claims service and overall customer satisfaction also offer some of the most affordable rates on average.
Additionally, you can ask insurance companies if they offer a monthly payment option. While paying in full may save you money in the long run, no down payment car insurance or only having to pay the first month's premium allows you to get insured with the lowest upfront cost.
There are several steps you can take to find the best car insurance for you. Narrow down your list of companies to those that have a strong customer service reputation. From there, if you want to get the best value for your money, you should compare rates among these insurance companies to see whether some quote you at a much more affordable rate than others. Ultimately, you will have to decide what part of the insurance experience you value the most and pick a company based on that criteria.
Many factors can affect your auto insurance rates. MoneyGeek gathered advice from professionals to help you make an informed decision when purchasing auto insurance.
About Rachael Brennan
Rachael Brennan is a professional freelance writer. She has been published on a number of websites, including Adweek, Glamour and Cracked. She has also worked in the insurance industry for more than a decade, earning her P&C license in all 50 states and her life, health and AD&D license in New York and the surrounding states. You can follow her on Twitter @rachaelbwriter.
