Updated: December 18, 2024
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Find the car insurance provider that fits your personal needs and preferences
MoneyGeek found the best car insurance companies to simplify your search during renewal season. We prioritize quality, ensuring our top picks offer exceptional customer service and comprehensive coverage options. Don't overspend on insurance — explore our recommendations to find the perfect fit.
How MoneyGeek defines the best
MoneyGeek ranked the best car insurance companies using a weighted scoring system based on key factors: customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction (60%), affordability (30%) and financial stability (10%). We evaluated each insurer using these criteria to determine the top providers.
State Farm is the best overall car insurance provider with a MoneyGeek score of 85 out of 100 and a competitive annual premium, while Auto-Owners serves as the runner-up.
State Farm is the top car insurance provider for minimum coverage, offering exceptional customer service and comprehensive coverage options at an average annual premium that ensures affordability and high-quality service.
In Arizona, Nationwide is the best car insurance provider for customer service, boasting a MoneyGeek score of 88 out of 100, while Auto-Owners is a close runner-up with a score of 87.
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 at a national and state level and for various driver profiles and needs.
State Farm is this month's top car insurance company, with a MoneyGeek score of 85 out of 100.
Don’t shop for car insurance based solely on low prices. The best insurer has fast claims settlements, exceptional customer service and strong financial stability to ensure your claims are paid. Comprehensive coverage options like accident forgiveness, new car replacement and roadside assistance ensure you’re well-covered.
State Farm offers some of the most competitive prices for various driver profiles, especially those with less-than-perfect records or young drivers. It also has a stellar reputation for customer service and top-tier financial stability.
While it may not have unique offerings, State Farm's reliability and value make it a top choice for many drivers, especially those seeking a balance of affordability and peace of mind. However, if new car replacement coverage is a priority, you might want to explore other options. State Farm offers rideshare insurance, a coverage option not provided by all insurers, making it a strong choice for Uber and Lyft drivers.
Auto-Owners is the top choice in nine states, including Arizona and Pennsylvania. American Family follows closely as the best in eight states, such as Delaware and Massachusetts. State Farm, a well-known national insurer, stands out for its coverage options, particularly in Alaska.
Car insurance is regulated at the state level. MoneyGeek analyzed the best providers in each state based on local pricing and regional J.D. Power scores.
Auto-Owners provides high-quality service and competitive rates, making it a top choice in many states. Its strong local presence and customer satisfaction consistently earn it high rankings in state-specific evaluations. While the best insurer depends on your location and needs, Auto-Owners is known for delivering excellent value and service.
| Alabama | Cincinnati Insurance | 95 | $796 | $66 |
| Alaska | State Farm | 93 | $1,036 | $86 |
| Arizona | Auto-Owners Insurance Co | 92 | $1,251 | $104 |
| Arkansas | Auto-Owners Insurance Co | 91 | $975 | $81 |
| California | Chubb | 83 | $1,868 | $156 |
| Colorado | Acuity | 90 | $1,330 | $111 |
| Connecticut | Amica Mutual | 95 | $1,715 | $143 |
| Delaware | American Family | 91 | $2,343 | $195 |
| District of Columbia | Chubb | 92 | $1,380 | $115 |
| Florida | Travelers | 96 | $1,355 | $113 |
| Georgia | Auto-Owners Insurance Co | 89 | $993 | $83 |
| Hawaii | Farmers | 91 | $739 | $62 |
| Idaho | Auto-Owners Insurance Co | 96 | $666 | $55 |
| Illinois | American Family | 87 | $723 | $60 |
| Indiana | American Family | 90 | $593 | $49 |
| Iowa | West Bend Mutual | 91 | $749 | $62 |
| Kansas | Auto-Owners Insurance Co | 94 | $939 | $78 |
| Kentucky | Cincinnati Insurance | 96 | $962 | $80 |
| Louisiana | State Farm | 88 | $1,928 | $161 |
| Maine | Travelers | 93 | $609 | $51 |
| Maryland | Erie | 95 | $1,412 | $118 |
| Massachusetts | American Family | 88 | $801 | $67 |
| Michigan | Chubb | 95 | $1,494 | $124 |
| Minnesota | West Bend Mutual | 92 | $946 | $79 |
| Mississippi | Nationwide | 87 | $974 | $81 |
| Missouri | American Family | 92 | $1,003 | $84 |
| Montana | State Farm | 94 | $688 | $57 |
| Nebraska | Auto-Owners Insurance Co | 90 | $833 | $69 |
| Nevada | Capital Insurance Group | 94 | $1,053 | $88 |
| New Hampshire | Hanover | 91 | $479 | $40 |
| New Jersey | Amica Mutual | 91 | $1,983 | $165 |
| New Mexico | Progressive | 90 | $869 | $72 |
| New York | American Family | 89 | $1,372 | $114 |
| North Carolina | Erie | 93 | $631 | $53 |
| North Dakota | American Family | 88 | $646 | $54 |
| Ohio | American Family | 87 | $486 | $40 |
| Oklahoma | Mercury | 89 | $888 | $74 |
| Oregon | Capital Insurance Group | 92 | $1,042 | $87 |
| Pennsylvania | Auto-Owners Insurance Co | 95 | $748 | $62 |
| Rhode Island | Amica Mutual | 95 | $1,147 | $96 |
| South Carolina | Auto-Owners Insurance Co | 90 | $1,023 | $85 |
| South Dakota | American Family | 90 | $614 | $51 |
| Tennessee | Westfield | 89 | $909 | $76 |
| Texas | Chubb | 90 | $1,821 | $152 |
| Utah | Auto-Owners Insurance Co | 91 | $922 | $77 |
| Vermont | State Farm | 88 | $591 | $49 |
| Virginia | Auto-Owners Insurance Co | 91 | $927 | $77 |
| Washington | Chubb | 93 | $1,311 | $109 |
| West Virginia | Westfield | 92 | $1,043 | $87 |
| Wisconsin | Acuity | 94 | $681 | $57 |
| Wyoming | State Farm | 95 | $745 | $62 |
Compare auto insurance products and quotes based on where you live because insurers may offer different rates, coverages and features across state lines.
Travelers budget-conscious drivers. To save money, consider purchasing the minimum car insurance required in your state.
Car insurance is a recurring expense, so affordability matters. Choosing the cheapest car insurance company with competitive rates and discounts helps you stay covered without overspending.
Travelers earns top marks with a perfect claims score (20 out of 20) and full coverage score (10 out of 10). It offers essential options like roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement, plus add-ons such as new car replacement, which covers a totaled car within the first five years, and accident forgiveness to prevent rate hikes after one accident.
Its gap insurance benefits drivers with financed or leased vehicles by covering the difference between the car’s actual cash value and the remaining loan or lease balance after a total loss. While it lacks some rare coverages, Travelers’ high MoneyGeek scores make it a strong choice.
State Farm offers the best car insurance for young drivers, with a MoneyGeek score of 86 out of 100. Adding a teen to a family policy with State Farm costs an average of $2,329 annually.
Teen drivers face high insurance rates, but it’s essential not to sacrifice coverage. The best car insurance for teens balances affordability with solid protection, offering student discounts and add-ons like accident forgiveness and roadside assistance.
State Farm is the best choice for young drivers. Its high marks in affordability and satisfaction significantly contribute to its strong MoneyGeek score. The company offers essential coverages like rental car reimbursement, travel reimbursement and roadside assistance.
State Farm’s rideshare insurance is an excellent option for young drivers, extending personal policy benefits to those driving for rideshare services. While its coverage score (5 out of 10) is lower, State Farm’s comprehensive options make it a dependable choice for young drivers.
State Farm is the best provider for senior drivers, offering an outstanding balance of affordability, comprehensive coverage and top-notch customer service tailored to their needs.
When choosing car insurance for senior drivers, prioritize providers offering discounts for mature drivers, accident forgiveness and quick claims processing. Look for essential coverages like roadside assistance and rental reimbursement. Strong customer service and affordability should also be a factor, ensuring peace of mind and financial protection.
State Farm’s high satisfaction and claims scores boost its strong MoneyGeek rating, making it a top choice for senior drivers. It offers essential coverages like roadside assistance for towing and emergency labor during breakdowns, and rental car reimbursement for unexpected rental costs. While it includes rideshare insurance, State Farm’s main strength is its reliable, comprehensive coverage tailored to seniors.
State Farm is usually the best option if you’re a driver with a speeding ticket or at-fault accident on your record.
High-risk drivers, including those who need SR-22 or FR-44 insurance, pay more for auto insurance. Some insurers are better suited for drivers with violations on their record. The best car insurance for high-risk drivers depends on factors like driving history and credit-based insurance score, which impact the coverage and price.
State Farm is a strong choice for high-risk drivers, thanks to its perfect satisfaction and claims scores, which contribute to its high MoneyGeek score. It offers essential coverages like rental car and travel reimbursement, covering up to $500 in rental and travel expenses after an accident. State Farm’s roadside assistance provides towing and emergency labor services, providing help when needed.
Nationwide offers the best auto insurance coverage for drivers with poor credit-based insurance.
Your credit score reflects your overall financial responsibility, while your credit-based insurance score predicts your likelihood of filing a claim. Insurers use this score to estimate your risk level, which can affect your premium.
Nationwide is a great choice for drivers with poor credit, offering excellent affordability and strong claims scores. It provides critical coverages like roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement and accident forgiveness, which helps keep rates from increasing after an at-fault accident.
Nationwide also offers gap insurance to cover the difference between your car’s value and the remaining loan balance if it’s totaled. For added financial security, its identity theft coverage reimburses up to $25,000 for fraud-related expenses. The total loss deductible waiver can cover your deductible if your car is declared a total loss.
USAA offers the best car insurance for veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families. It has a low rate of complaints, high customer satisfaction and some of the lowest rates in the industry.
USAA is an excellent choice for service members and veterans, earning top marks in satisfaction and affordability, contributing to its high MoneyGeek score. USAA offers essential coverages like roadside assistance, which provides support for emergencies such as flat tires or dead batteries. It also provides rental car and travel reimbursement, which helps cover costs when your vehicle is in the shop after a covered loss.
USAA’s accident forgiveness protects your rates after your first at-fault accident. While this coverage may require an additional premium and isn't available in all states, it’s a valuable option for those prioritizing long-term savings.
Nationwide is the top car insurance provider for customer service.
Exceptional service is crucial when dealing with the stress of an accident. Choose a company with a proven track record of satisfied customers and few complaints, ensuring you have a reliable advocate when you need it most.
Nationwide earns a high MoneyGeek score, thanks to its outstanding satisfaction and claims ratings. It covers essential needs with roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement while offering accident forgiveness and gap insurance.
What sets Nationwide apart is its unique coverage options. For example, its identity theft coverage can reimburse up to $25,000 for expenses related to fraud. The total loss deductible waiver is another standout feature, covering your deductible if your car is totaled. Combined with deductible modification, these coverages make Nationwide a top choice for car insurance.
Allstate ranks top among insurers offering new or better car replacement coverages for new or expensive vehicles.
When insuring a new car, prioritize comprehensive coverage to financially protect against loss due to theft, vandalism or accidents. New cars often have higher repair costs, making collision and comprehensive coverage essential for financial protection.
Offers new car replacement coverage
Has a low customer complaint rate
Not among the cheapest insurers
Allstate has an average MoneyGeek score of 3.6 out of 5, offering a balance of affordability, good customer service and new car replacement coverage.
New cars depreciate quickly, so if you're in an accident early on, your claim will reflect the car’s decreased value. However, with Allstate’s new car replacement coverage, your claim will cover the cost of a brand-new car as long as the vehicle is less than two years old.
If you're concerned about costs, ask an Allstate agent about available discounts. You can save by being a safe driver, bundling home and auto, and using anti-theft devices, airbags and other safety features.
If you don’t drive much, the best way to save is with a pay-per-mile insurer like Metromile. It's the only company focused solely on usage-based insurance.
Low-mileage discounts are rare and usually minor, so pay-per-mile insurance can be a great option if you drive only a few miles daily.
Among the most affordable insurers if you drive very little
Offers roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement
Expensive for those who commute or regularly drive for pleasure
Available in only eight states
Metromile's pay-per-mile model makes it ideal for low-mileage drivers but has a higher complaint rate. For better customer service, consider exploring similar programs from traditional insurers like Nationwide's SmartMiles or Allstate's Milewise.
Liberty Mutual has eight coverages that are rarely or occasionally available from other companies. While many insurers provide only the coverages required by state law, Liberty Mutual goes the extra mile with options tailored to unique drivers and situations.
Offers original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coverage
Offers better car replacement coverage, allowing you to upgrade to a better vehicle if your current one is totaled
Run-of-the-mill service reputation and affordability
Liberty Mutual offers eight unique coverages, including new car replacement, accident forgiveness, gap insurance and OEM coverage, ensuring repairs using original manufacturer parts for top quality. It also provides all common coverages like roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement. However, Liberty Mutual's rates aren't the cheapest, and its customer service scores aren't the highest.
Finding the best car insurance company involves more than just comparing rates. It's about finding the right balance of coverage, affordability, customer service and financial strength. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing your car insurance provider:
Determine the types and levels of coverage you need based on your driving habits, vehicle type and state requirements.
Gather quotes from multiple insurers to understand the price range for your desired coverage and find the most affordable option that meets your needs.
Ensure the company offers the specific coverages you require, such as comprehensive, collision or specialized options like gap insurance or new car replacement.
Research customer reviews and satisfaction ratings to see how well the insurer handles claims and provides customer support. Strong customer service ensures you're supported during stressful situations.
Inquire about discounts relevant to your situation, such as safe driver, multi-policy or low-mileage discounts, which can help reduce your premium. The best isn’t always the cheapest. Discounts can help you find a balance.
Verify the insurer’s financial strength through ratings from agencies like AM Best. This helps guarantee that the insurance company can pay claims, even in challenging economic times.
Ensure the insurer is licensed and operates in your state or region.
Investigate how straightforward and efficient the claims process is. An easy-to-use claims system minimizes stress and gets you back on the road quickly after an accident.
Don’t just focus on price — balance cost with quality coverage and dependable service. Choose an auto insurer that offers the protection you need, with a smooth claims process and a strong reputation for customer care.
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
Finding the right car insurance for high-risk drivers may seem impossible, but several strategies can help you secure coverage.
They work with multiple insurance companies and can help you find coverage that fits your needs and budget.
These companies specialize in insuring high-risk drivers but often charge higher premiums.
Some states offer insurance programs for high-risk drivers who can't find coverage in the private market.
Take a defensive driving course or maintain a clean driving record for a period to potentially qualify for lower rates in the future.
If your credit score is a factor, try to improve it over time, as this can positively impact your insurance premiums.
Opting for a higher deductible can lower your monthly premiums, but you'll have to pay more out-of-pocket after an accident.
If you have other insurance needs, like homeowners or renters insurance, bundling them with your auto insurance can often lead to discounts.
Don't get discouraged if you're initially denied coverage. Explore these options and proactively improve your risk profile to increase your chances of finding the right car insurance for your needs.
Finding the right car insurance company for your needs can be challenging. However, you can get on the right track with some research. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about quality car insurance.
Not every insurance company writes policies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. 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 research the customer service reputation of local insurers using our MoneyGeek scores or with your state's department of insurance.
Many insurance companies with strong ratings for claims service and overall customer satisfaction offer also some of the most affordable rates.
You can also 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 paying only the first month's premium allows you to get insured with the lowest upfront cost.
You can take several steps to find the best car insurance. Start by narrowing your list to companies with a strong customer service reputation. Then, compare rates to see if any offer more affordable quotes. Finally, decide which part of the insurance experience matters most to you and choose a company based on that.
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.
