The best car insurance company for you depends on your needs and driving profile. American Family is the best provider of full coverage insurance and cheap insurance, as well as for seniors, young adults and drivers with violations. Grinnell Mutual has the best customer service, while Nationwide offers the best insurance for teens. For new vehicles, Farmers earned the highest score. For those who prioritize cost, MoneyGeek also highlighted the cheapest auto insurance companies in Fargo.
Best Car Insurance Companies in Fargo, ND
A MoneyGeek score of 78 out of 100 makes American Family the best car insurer in Fargo, ND, for 2024. Based on how you prioritize affordability, claims service, customer support and other factors, your best option may vary.
Updated: October 29, 2024
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Why Trust MoneyGeek? MoneyGeek created a rating system for Fargo auto insurance providers based on customer service, affordability, financial stability and claims management using data obtained from Quadrant Information Services and the North Dakota Insurance Department.
Best Overall Car Insurance in Fargo
The following firms offer the best car insurance in Fargo:
- American Family: MoneyGeek score of 78 out of 100 ($581 per year)
- State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 72 out of 100 ($604 per year)
We picked American Family because it ranked second for affordability and first for coverage options among nine other insurers. For military personnel and their families, USAA tops the list, with an overall MoneyGeek score of 85.
On a statewide basis, we identified that American Family is also the top car insurer in North Dakota. In many states, your exact location can affect which company is your best option, but Fargo has the same top insurer as the state as a whole.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for the overall best car insurance was calculated with the following weights:
- General customer satisfaction (35%)
- Affordability (30%)
- Claims experience (20%)
- Essential coverages (10%)
- Financial stability (5%)
pros
Ranks #2 for affordability
Ranks #1 for coverage options
Offers OEM, auto death indemnity and gap insurance coverages
cons
Ranks #5 of 10 insurers for customer satisfaction
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Fargo’s drivers wanting the best car insurance should look no further than American Family. The company is the best overall insurance provider in Fargo owing to its high affordability rating and wide range of popular coverage options.
Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coverage is an add-on feature you can purchase to ensure the use of original parts during vehicle repairs, not aftermarket parts. This increases your vehicle’s performance and longevity.
If someone is killed or seriously injured in a car accident, regardless of who caused it, you will be compensated by the policy's auto death indemnity add-on coverage. American Family's gap insurance can be beneficial for those with financed cars as it pays the difference between the car's loan or lease and its replacement cost if it gets totaled in a covered accident.
How the Best Insurers in Fargo Rank: MoneyGeek Scores and Costs
Of the 10 insurance providers we evaluated in Fargo, North Dakota, American Family is our top pick. It has the second-cheapest annual rates at $581 while also offering great coverage options. However, if you prioritize customer satisfaction, there may be better options available.
All of the quotes listed are for policies with full coverage. MoneyGeek scores were only awarded to companies with sufficient information in all individual rating components.
- 60 +
- 22-29
- 30-59
- Full Coverage
- Minimum Coverage
Nodak Mutual | No Data | $543 | 5 | No Data | 0 | 3 |
American Family | 78 | $581 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 3 |
State Farm | 72 | $604 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 5 |
GEICO | 72 | $596 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 5 |
Nationwide | 67 | $638 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
Auto-Owners Insurance Co | 65 | $793 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
Grinnell Mutual | 61 | $864 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 3 |
Farmers | 56 | $775 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 3 |
Progressive | 55 | $828 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
Allstate | 42 | $981 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
Best Car Insurance in Fargo for Customer Service
These are the top Fargo auto insurance providers for customer service, irrespective of pricing:
- Grinnell Mutual: MoneyGeek score of 70 out of 100 ($864 per year)
- Auto-Owners: MoneyGeek score of 66 out of 100 ($793 per year)
Grinnell Mutual gets the highest rating for claims processing and ranks second for customer satisfaction. Unfortunately, it also has the second-highest insurance premiums in the city. If you want Fargo’s best customer support, you’ll pay a high price for it.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for Customer Service was calculated with the following weights:
- General customer satisfaction (45%)
- Claims experience (30%)
- Essential coverages (20%)
- Financial stability (5%)
- Affordability (0%)
pros
Ranks #2 for customer satisfaction
Ranks #1 for claims management
Offers personal property insurance, locked vehicle and airbag reinstallation coverages
cons
Does not offer roadside assistance, accident forgiveness, gap insurance, deductible modification or new car replacement coverage
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
If you value customer service more than affordability, Grinnell Mutual is your best option for auto insurance in Fargo. With its outstanding claims management ratings and strong customer satisfaction reputation, policyholders will receive great service with claims handled quickly, fairly and professionally.
Grinnell Mutual’s locked car coverage is a unique add-on. The company will compensate you for locksmith services up to $100 if you lock yourself out of your car. Additionally, most competitors don’t provide airbag reinstallation coverage — Grinnell Mutual offers it as an add-on coverage. If your vehicle's airbag deploys without being involved in an accident, the company will cover the cost of installing a replacement.
Grinnell Mutual also offers personal property insurance, which reimburses up to $500 if your car and/or its contents are stolen.
What Makes an Insurer Best for Customer Service?
Customer service is essential in times of crisis, such as when a car breaks down or is totaled. Good insurance firms are responsive to policyholders' needs and questions, and they handle claims in a timely and equitable manner.
We choose Grinnell Mutual as the best option for customer service in Fargo because it has the highest score for claims management and ranks second for overall satisfaction.
Best Cheap Car Insurance in Fargo
We evaluated the best cheap insurers based on the quality of their service and how much their minimum coverage policies cost. These are the top car insurance companies in Fargo, North Dakota, for minimum coverage:
- American Family: MoneyGeek score of 74 out of 100 ($299 per year)
- Auto-Owners: MoneyGeek score of 74 out of 100 ($317 per year)
Minimum coverage insurance policies are the cheapest option, but they may not offer enough protection. Only third-party injuries and damages are covered by liability-only policies. All drivers in the Peace Garden State must abide by North Dakota's minimum car insurance requirements.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for the Best Cheap company was calculated with the following weights:
- Affordability (40% — based on the cost of a minimum coverage policy)
- General customer satisfaction (25%)
- Claims experience (20%)
- Essential coverages (10%)
- Financial stability (5%)
pros
An affordable minimum coverage policy costing $299 per year
Offers bundling, airbag and new customer discounts
Perfect coverage score
cons
None
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
American Family ranks fourth for affordability in Fargo for minimum coverage auto insurance and has a good reputation with customers. Policyholders with American Family have access to a variety of discounts that could reduce the cost of their insurance.
If your car is equipped with factory-installed airbags, you may be eligible for lower rates through American Family. If you own a home and bundle your auto and home insurance policies with American Family, you can save even more.
American Family provides not just standard discounts but also others that its competitors rarely provide. For instance, its new customer discount applies to policyholders who switch from one of its competitors to American Family. There is also a mileage discount for its policyholders who drive fewer than 7,500 miles annually.
What Makes an Insurer the Best Cheap Option?
If you choose an insurance company with the best minimum coverage, you'll get low rates and good customer service. Sometimes you’ll need to sacrifice one for the other, but that’s not the case with American Family, which has reasonably priced policies and solid customer satisfaction.
Best Car Insurance in Fargo for Young Adults
The following companies offer the best auto insurance for young adults in Fargo:
- American Family: MoneyGeek score of 77 out of 100 ($667 per year)
- State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 69 out of 100 ($721 per year)
As American Family ranked second for affordability and has a decent customer service rating, it is the best option in Fargo for young drivers. American Family also offers all of the most popular coverage add-ons.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for Young Adults was calculated with the following weights:
- General customer satisfaction (35%)
- Affordability (30% — based on rates for a 25-year-old male)
- Claims experience (20%)
- Essential coverages (10%)
- Financial stability (5%)
pros
Ranks #2 for affordability at an average of $667 per year
Perfect coverage score
Offers good student and distant student discounts
cons
No driver’s education discount
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
American Family has the second-best affordability rating for car insurance among young adults in Fargo. It also has the highest coverage score in the city, indicating that it offers all of the most popular add-on coverage options.
American Family also offers a variety of discounts that young drivers can use to save money. If you are a full-time student, you may be eligible for a discount of up to 20% if you keep a cumulative GPA of B or better. A distant student discount may be available to those who attend a school that is more than 100 miles from home and do not have access to a vehicle.
What Makes an Insurer Best for Young Adults?
If you're a young driver looking for the best insurance, it's important to compare companies based on customer service, affordability and the availability of age-specific discounts. American Family won this category because it earned at least average scores in all of these areas. It also offers good student and distant student discounts, which are helpful for college students.
Best Car Insurance in Fargo for Teens and Their Families
The top companies in Fargo for adding a 16-year-old to a family policy are:
- Nationwide: MoneyGeek score of 73 out of 100 ($1,137 per year)
- GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 67 out of 100 ($1,557 per year)
Nationwide is the top insurer for Fargo teens, thanks to its low prices and solid selection of coverage options. However, it earned the worst customer satisfaction score in our study.
By adding a teen to a family policy instead of buying them their own policy, you could save around $2,936 yearly. We've also highlighted the best cheap auto insurance policies for teens for you to analyze.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for Teens was calculated with the following weights:
- General customer satisfaction (35%)
- Affordability (30% — based on rates for a 16-year-old male on a family policy)
- Claims experience (20%)
- Essential coverages (10%)
- Financial stability (5%)
pros
Ranks #1 for affordability ($1,137 per year)
Ranks #2 for customer satisfaction
Offers good student discount
cons
Subpar claims handling record
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Nationwide is the best insurer for teens added to a family policy in Fargo due to its affordability, and it offers a variety of common coverage add-ons.
The company provides a special discount for student drivers aged 16 to 24. It lowers their insurance costs in exchange for maintaining good grades (a “B” average or better). Parents who are concerned about their teenagers' automobiles being stolen might benefit from Nationwide’s discounts for anti-theft devices.
Teen drivers who get locked out or have their vehicles break down may get 24/7 roadside assistance. This is applicable even if they are riding as passengers in another vehicle. Its accident forgiveness can also be a welcome addition to a teenage driver's policy. They can avoid a rate increase after their first at-fault accident as long as they have not had an accident in the past three years.
What Makes an Insurer Best for Teens?
Insurance for teenagers is expensive since they are considered the riskiest drivers. Teens and their parents should compare policies to find one that meets their needs at an affordable price.
Student drivers earning a B average or higher are eligible for discounts from Nationwide, and it is also the cheapest provider for teens. Unfortunately, no discounts for distant students are available from Nationwide. The rankings were based on quotes, J.D. Power scores and AM Best data.
Best Car Insurance in Fargo for Seniors
The top car insurance companies in Fargo for seniors are:
- American Family: MoneyGeek score of 76 out of 100 ($521 per year)
- GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 72 out of 100 ($494 per year)
American Family provides the best auto insurance for seniors, ranking third for affordability and first for coverage options. Senior drivers receive quality service from American Family without paying a hefty price.
While premiums tend to increase for drivers in their 70s, those in their 60s pay similar rates to those of drivers in their 30s through 50s.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for Seniors was calculated with the following weights:
- General customer satisfaction (35%)
- Affordability (30% — based on rates for a 65-year-old male)
- Claims experience (20%)
- Essential coverages (10%)
- Financial stability (5%)
pros
Ranks #3 for affordability ($521 per year)
Ranks #1 for add-on coverage options
Offers roadside assistance, accident forgiveness and rental car reimbursement coverages
cons
Subpar claims score
No senior discount
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
American Family is the best auto insurance provider for senior drivers in Fargo. Its plans rank third for affordability, and it also offers all of the most common coverage add-ons, making it a strong choice for seniors.
American Family provides great coverage options that senior drivers can benefit from. With its roadside assistance, senior drivers who become stranded on the road due to a car breakdown or being locked out can receive emergency aid. Having rental car reimbursement assures that your rental car costs are covered if your vehicle is temporarily inoperable. Seniors may also benefit from American Family's accident forgiveness coverage, which prevents premium increases after an accident.
In addition, American Family's discounts for safe driving and defensive driving could help senior drivers cut insurance rates by taking qualified courses.
What Makes an Insurer Best for Seniors?
Seniors are usually safe motorists, and they typically pay less than younger drivers. However, their vulnerability to serious injuries in a crash makes it important to carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.
American Family offers safe driving, defensive driving and loyalty discounts that may help seniors save money. Its accident forgiveness and roadside assistance coverage can also reassure seniors. Additionally, its acceptable customer service and affordable rates make American Family a good option.
Best Car Insurance in Fargo for Drivers With Offenses
The best insurance providers for Fargo drivers with violations are:
- American Family: MoneyGeek score of 78 out of 100 ($681 per year)
- Grinnell Mutual: MoneyGeek score of 77 out of 100 ($864 per year)
American Family ranks second for affordability and first for coverage options. The seriousness of the infraction often correlates with an increase in expenses. Drivers in Fargo who have received speeding tickets pay an average of $99 more than drivers with clean records, and those with DUIs pay $401 more. While insurance is pricey after a traffic violation, the best cheap car insurers for drivers with bad records can help you save money.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for Drivers With Offenses was calculated with the following weights:
- General customer satisfaction (35%)
- Affordability (30% — based on drivers with a DUI on their record)
- Claims experience (20%)
- Essential coverages (10%)
- Financial stability (5%)
pros
Affordable premiums averaging $681 per year
High coverage score
Offers roadside assistance, accident forgiveness and rental car reimbursement
cons
Low claims ratings
Does not offer new car replacement coverage
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
In Fargo, American Family is the second-most affordable option for drivers with violations and ranks fifth out of 10 insurers for customer satisfaction. Drivers who have committed traffic violations might benefit greatly from its specific coverages.
With American Family's accident forgiveness coverage, for instance, you can prevent rate hikes to your auto insurance premiums if you cause an accident. If your car breaks down and leaves you stranded, you can seek emergency assistance through its roadside assistance. If your car becomes temporarily inoperable, its rental car reimbursement coverage can reimburse you for utilizing a rental car service.
The auto death indemnity policy offered by American Family can be another useful choice for drivers with an accident record. No matter who is at fault for the collision, this insurance can pay for the damages if someone is killed or injured in the accident.
What Makes an Insurer Best for Drivers With Offenses?
Drivers with traffic violations like DUIs should look for an insurance company with affordable rates, discounts and useful coverages like roadside assistance and accident forgiveness. Despite having an average score in claims handling, American Family is ranked third in claims processing and has good customer satisfaction and affordability. Our runner-up, Grinnell Mutual, has higher customer satisfaction and claims management scores but a lower affordability score.
Best Car Insurance in Fargo for Drivers With New Cars
For new cars in Fargo, Farmers offers the best insurance.
- Farmers: MoneyGeek score of 71 out of 100 ($1,002 per year)
- Allstate: MoneyGeek score of 43 out of 100 ($1,395 per year)
The results are based on pricing and service quality for drivers with a 2022 model automobile. We only considered insurers offering new or better car replacement coverage.
If your car is wrecked in a covered accident, new car replacement coverage will pay for the purchase of a comparable vehicle of the same make and model, while better car replacement helps you replace it with a newer model. Farmers offers new car replacement coverage, and its policies are affordable.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for New Cars was calculated based on insurers offering new or better car replacement coverage and the following weights:
- General customer satisfaction (35%)
- Affordability (30%)
- Claims experience (20%)
- Essential coverages (10%)
- Financial stability (5%)
pros
Most affordable insurance averaging $1,002 per year
High coverage score
Offers new car replacement coverage
cons
Mediocre reputation for customer satisfaction
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Farmers provides the most affordable auto insurance rates for new cars in Fargo. The company's new car replacement coverage might be advantageous for those insuring their brand-new vehicles with Farmers.
Your car's value starts to decline as soon as you drive it off the lot. Farmers' new car replacement coverage will pay for the cost of replacing your vehicle with a new car of the same make and model if your car’s mileage is below 24,000 and it is totaled within the first two model years.
Farmers offers some other valuable coverages as well. For instance, it will pay for the use of factory-original parts in covered repairs on vehicles up to 10 years old if you have OEM coverage. Having this coverage is a benefit and can help give your car better performance and longer life. New car owners can also benefit from Farmers’ roadside assistance coverage.
What Makes an Insurer Best for Drivers With New Cars?
New car owners should look for a company that provides new or better car replacement coverage. If your car gets totaled in a covered accident, having one of these coverages can save you thousands of dollars by paying to replace your new vehicle.
The best insurer is Farmers because it offers replacement coverage for brand-new cars and is reasonably priced. Our second choice, Allstate, costs $393 more than Farmers but has higher customer satisfaction.
How to Find the Best Car Insurance in Fargo for You
Comparing vehicle insurance providers in Fargo requires consideration of a variety of factors, including customer satisfaction, claims management, cost and financial stability. While we hope that you find value in our rankings, we also highly recommend conducting your own research using the steps provided below.
- 1
Research customer service reputations in Fargo
MoneyGeek's ranking system sourced data from J.D. Power and the NAIC to evaluate the customer service ratings of Fargo's car insurance companies. You may verify our findings by consulting reliable sources. A good place to start if you need information on an insurance company or more general insurance information is the North Dakota Insurance Department.
- 2
Compare quotes
To estimate the cost of auto insurance, we recommend obtaining quotes from at least three different providers. MoneyGeek lists the average premiums for a sample driver, so your rates may be different depending on your age, location and driving profile.
- 3
Find the coverages you want in Fargo
When purchasing an insurance policy, make sure you know what kinds of coverages and discounts are provided by the insurer in your area. On their websites, some companies may promote general discounts and coverages without indicating where they are available. You can also find out which coverages and discounts are available in your area by visiting the insurer's local website or by phoning them directly.
- 4
Check financial stability ratings
To choose the best insurance for you, we also suggest researching the financial strength ratings of various providers. The state of a company's finances determines how likely it is to process a claim fairly and efficiently regardless of market conditions. Regional insurers with fewer resources may be more precarious in this regard, while larger insurers are typically more financially stable.
FAQs About the Best Car Insurance in Fargo
The best auto insurance provider in Fargo may depend on your needs and driving record. While selecting an insurer, you might find the following responses to frequently asked questions useful.
American Family outperforms its rivals and has an overall MoneyGeek rating of 78 out of 100, making it the best auto insurance provider in Fargo. It receives our top ranking because of its low annual premiums and the availability of add-on coverages. The company is also the best for young adults, senior drivers and those with a history of violations.
American Family is the best cheap auto insurance provider in Fargo, offering minimum coverage policies for $299 per year, on average. It received a MoneyGeek score of 74 out of a possible 100 due to its high affordability and broad range of coverage options. You can further reduce your insurance premiums by taking advantage of discounts, such as those for bundling, safe driving, airbags, good students, legacy and new customers, as applicable.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.