Best Car Insurance Companies

The cost of insuring a car in 2024 increased by a staggering 26% from 2023 and continues to climb. Car owners confronted with inflated bills are shopping around for the best car insurance rates available to them.

But low prices aren’t the only factor they should consider—it’s also important to select an insurer that can be trusted to pay claims fairly. Unfortunately, many consumers don’t discover that they’ve ended up with an unreliable insurer until they get in an accident. High customer satisfaction scores and relatively low complaint totals are key clues that point to trustworthy insurers.

Among the best car insurance companies when both rates and reliability are considered, according to Shannon Martin, an insurance analyst for Bankrate.com…

 
Amica is at or near the top of the rankings in virtually all surveys and studies of auto insurer customer satisfaction, and it has had the top spot in JD Power’s US Auto Claims Satisfaction Study for consecutive years. Amica may not offer the lowest rates for every driver, but its rates are often below average. The real question isn’t whether you should choose Amica—it could be a wonderful option for anyone who prioritizes insurer reliability—but whether Amica will choose you. Amica favors customers who have strong credit histories and good driving records. Drivers who don’t meet Amica’s standards may be denied coverage or offered high rates. Amica is available in every state except Hawaii. Average rates: $713 for minimal coverage…$2,832 for full coverage*
 

 
Geico might be the auto insurer for you if low rates are your top priority, particularly if you’re shopping for relatively minimal coverage. While some insurers focus on certain types of drivers or certain regions, Geico offers cost-competitive coverage for virtually all types of drivers in all 50 states. It also offers an impressive range of discounts that can further lower its rates. Examples: You might save money by taking a defensive driving course…or by joining any of the many organizations that have partnered with Geico. The company’s customer satisfaction scores are below average but not dramatically so. Average rates: $547 for minimal coverage…$2,012 for full coverage.
 

 
USAA offers average rates that rival those of low-cost insurers, and its customer satisfaction scores are among the best in the sector. USAA would almost certainly rank as the nation’s best overall auto insurance option if not for one limitation—its coverage is available exclusively to members of the military, military veterans and their families…and adult children of USAA members. Coverage is available in all 50 states. Average rates: $537 for minimal coverage…$1,931 for full coverage.
 

 
Erie achieves elite customer satisfaction scores that rival those of Amica and USAA, and its average rates tend to be lower than industry averages. But as with USAA, there’s a caveat—Erie auto insurance is available in only 12 states and Washington, DC—Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Average rates: $659 for minimal coverage…$1,855 for full coverage.
 

 
Auto-Owners Insurance is most notable for its low average rates, but its customers don’t have to sacrifice reliability to obtain its savings. The company’s customer satisfaction scores and complaint stats aren’t among the sector’s elite, but they are better than average. Auto-Owners coverage is available in only 26 states—drivers in the Northeastern US and on the Pacific Coast are mostly shut out. Average rates: $439 for minimal coverage…$1,695 for full coverage.
 

 
Progressive is a lot like Geico—it offers competitive average insurance rates to a wide range of customers. Like Geico, Progressive’s customer satisfaction scores are below average but not disastrously so, and like Geico, it’s available in all 50 states. Progressive may be an especially attractive option for drivers who have bad driving records. The company offers a wide range of policy options and may even be available to drivers with DUIs, accidents or other high-risk incidents on their records. The average rates Progressive offers these high-risk drivers are lower than many competitors. Average rates: $594 for minimal coverage…$1,865 for full coverage.
 

 
State Farm may be a good choice for insurance shoppers who like to have a specific person to call or visit when they need assistance—the company does business mainly through its extensive network of local agents. State Farm also has some excellent app-based tools for those who prefer to do business that way. State Farm’s customer service scores are very strong, though not on the level of Amica, USAA or Erie. Its rates tend to be slightly higher than average, but it does offer larger-than-average discounts to customers who obtain multiple types of insurance through the company, such as both home and auto coverage. Average rates: $792 for minimal coverage…$2,524 for full coverage.

*Bankrate’s minimum coverage average rate data refers to a policy with just the state-required types and levels of coverage. Full coverage rates include higher coverage limits, plus comprehensive and collision coverage. Average rates cited in this article should be considered a general gauge of an insurer’s relative affordability, not an indication of the amount you would be charged. The actual rate you are quoted could deviate dramatically from these averages based on your driving history, age, vehicle, location and other factors as well as the coverage limits and deductible size you select, among other factors.