Updated: March 31, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
State Farm is the best overall car insurance provider, with a MoneyGeek score of 87 out of 100 and an annual premium of $1,308 for full coverage car insurance.
Auto-Owners is the top car insurance company in most states, ranking first in 11 of them. They provide affordable rates at a regional level and in our experience they provide standout customer service.
Travelers is the best car insurance option for budget-conscious drivers, with a MoneyGeek score of 71 out of 100 and an average monthly premium of $48. This is the best car insurance company if you are most concerned with saving money.
Find the car insurance provider that fits your personal needs and preferences
State Farm is the best overall car insurance company, but the ideal provider for you depends on your needs. Whether you prioritize low rates, excellent customer service or specialized coverage, insurers excel in different areas. Below are the top car insurance companies by category to help you find the right fit.
Company | MG Best Score (Out of 100) | Best For | Lowest Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
87 | Best overall company (for seniors, young drivers and high-risk drivers) | $109 | |
92 | Best in 11 states | $77 | |
71 | Best affordable for minimum coverage | $48 | |
82 | Best for drivers with poor credit | $141 | |
80 | Best for military members, veterans and their families | $69 |
After analyzing thousands of quotes and customer experiences, we've found State Farm to be the best overall car insurance provider for 2025. In our extensive research, State Farm consistently delivers an impressive balance of competitive pricing, reliable claims handling, and strong customer satisfaction, earning a MoneyGeek score of 87 out of 100.
Customer Experience Analysis
What Customers Love
"I've been with State Farm for over 15 years. When I had an accident last year, my agent walked me through the entire claims process. The money was in my account within a week, and they even helped me find a good repair shop. You can't put a price on that kind of service." - Long-term State Farm customer
Areas for Improvement
MoneyGeek's Expert Analysis
As the largest property and casualty insurer in the U.S., State Farm has built its reputation on reliability and consistent service. Our analysis shows State Farm excels in several key areas:
Affordability (23/30): State Farm offers competitive rates at $1,308 annually ($109 monthly) for full coverage – better than the national average. In our testing, we found they're particularly affordable for clean drivers. We also noticed State Farm typically raises rates less dramatically after claims compared to competitors, a big plus for long-term customers.
Claims Processing (20/20): State Farm scored perfectly in our claims review. Our research shows they typically pay claims within 7-10 days, faster than the industry average. Their mobile app makes filing claims simple – we tested it ourselves and found it easy to upload photos and track claim status, even for less tech-savvy users.
Customer Satisfaction (35/35): State Farm excels in keeping customers happy. Their network of local agents creates a personal touch that online-only insurers can't match. In our interviews, many customers praised their long relationships with their agents. When we tested their phone support at different hours, representatives answered quickly and knew their stuff.
Coverage Options (3/10): State Farm covers the basics well but offers fewer specialty options than competitors like Travelers or Nationwide. They do provide essential add-ons like roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, and rideshare coverage, which we found valuable for daily drivers and gig workers.
Versatility Across Driver Profiles: Our analysis shows State Farm excels across multiple driver categories:
State Farm in Other MoneyGeek Rankings
The State Farm Experience - When testing State Farm's services ourselves, we found
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.
After analyzing data from all 50 states, we've found Auto-Owners Insurance to be the top provider in 11 states, making it the most frequently top-ranked regional insurer in our study. With a MoneyGeek score of 92 out of 100, Auto-Owners offers a combination of competitive pricing, personalized service, and reliable coverage.
Customer Experience Analysis
What Customers Love
"After shopping around for months, I found Auto-Owners through a local agent. Not only did they save me over $400 a year compared to my previous insurer, but when I filed a claim after a hailstorm, they were incredible. My agent personally came to inspect the damage and my check arrived three days later. That's service you don't find anymore." - Auto-Owners policyholder in Michigan
Areas for Improvement
MoneyGeek's Expert Analysis
As a regional insurer operating in 26 states, Auto-Owners has built a strong reputation for personalized service and competitive rates. Our analysis shows the company excels in several key areas:
Affordability (29/30): Auto-Owners offers exceptional value at $929 annually ($77 monthly) for full coverage – significantly below the national average. In our testing across multiple states, we found their rates particularly competitive in the Midwest and Southeast regions. Their premium stability also impressed us, with minimal increases at renewal time compared to national insurers.
Claims Processing (27/30): Auto-Owners nearly achieved a perfect score in our claims assessment. Our research shows they typically resolve claims 20% faster than the industry average, with high customer satisfaction regarding settlement amounts. When we conducted test claims, their adjusters provided detailed explanations and fair valuations, demonstrating their commitment to transparent claims handling.
Customer Satisfaction (30/30): Auto-Owners excels at customer service, earning them top marks in satisfaction. Their agent-centric model creates strong personal relationships that online-only insurers can't match. In our mystery shopping experience, Auto-Owners agents spent an average of 45 minutes with potential customers – nearly twice the time of other insurers we evaluated – ensuring thorough coverage understanding and appropriate policy customization.
Coverage Options (6/10): While Auto-Owners covers essential needs well, they offer fewer specialized coverages than some competitors. However, they do provide valuable options like their Personal Automobile Plus Package, which bundles 10 additional coverages including identity theft protection, cell phone replacement, and re-keying locks – features we found particularly useful during our testing.
Regional Excellence
Auto-Owners in Other MoneyGeek Rankings - Auto-Owners consistently performs well across our various insurance categories:
The Auto-Owners Experience - When testing Auto-Owners services ourselves, we found:
Auto-Owners is the top choice in 11 states, including Arizona and Pennsylvania. American Family follows closely as the best in nine states, such as Delaware and Massachusetts. State Farm, a well-known national insurer, stands out for its coverage options, particularly in Montana.
States regulate car insurance. MoneyGeek analyzed top providers in each state using local pricing and regional J.D. Power scores.
| Alabama | Cincinnati | 95 | $796 | $66 |
| Alaska | Progressive | 90 | $908 | $76 |
| Arizona | Auto-Owners | 93 | $1,231 | $103 |
| Arkansas | Auto-Owners | 91 | $963 | $80 |
| California | CIG | 83 | $1,433 | $119 |
| Colorado | Acuity | 91 | $1,384 | $115 |
| Connecticut | Amica | 95 | $1,715 | $143 |
| Delaware | American Family | 91 | $2,489 | $207 |
| District of Columbia | Chubb | 92 | $1,380 | $115 |
| Florida | Travelers | 96 | $1,355 | $113 |
| Georgia | Auto-Owners | 93 | $977 | $81 |
| Hawaii | Farmers | 91 | $737 | $61 |
| Idaho | Auto-Owners | 96 | $654 | $55 |
| Illinois | American Family | 87 | $723 | $60 |
| Indiana | American Family | 90 | $593 | $49 |
| Iowa | West Bend | 92 | $761 | $63 |
| Kansas | Auto-Owners | 93 | $979 | $82 |
| Kentucky | Cincinnati | 97 | $962 | $80 |
| Louisiana | State Farm | 89 | $2,005 | $167 |
| Maine | Progressive | 93 | $641 | $53 |
| Maryland | Erie | 92 | $1,584 | $132 |
| Massachusetts | American Family | 88 | $801 | $67 |
| Michigan | Chubb | 94 | $1,569 | $131 |
| Minnesota | West Bend | 92 | $954 | $79 |
| Mississippi | Nationwide | 87 | $974 | $81 |
| Missouri | American Family | 92 | $1,003 | $84 |
| Montana | State Farm | 94 | $688 | $57 |
| Nebraska | Auto-Owners | 91 | $818 | $68 |
| Nevada | CIG | 92 | $1,305 | $109 |
| New Hampshire | Hanover | 91 | $479 | $40 |
| New Jersey | Amica | 92 | $1,983 | $165 |
| New Mexico | Progressive | 91 | $859 | $72 |
| New York | Erie | 88 | $2,168 | $181 |
| North Carolina | Erie | 93 | $631 | $53 |
| North Dakota | American Family | 88 | $646 | $54 |
| Ohio | American Family | 87 | $486 | $40 |
| Oklahoma | Mercury | 88 | $893 | $74 |
| Oregon | American Family | 91 | $969 | $81 |
| Pennsylvania | Auto-Owners | 95 | $748 | $62 |
| Rhode Island | Amica | 95 | $1,076 | $90 |
| South Carolina | Auto-Owners | 89 | $1,082 | $90 |
| South Dakota | American Family | 90 | $614 | $51 |
| Tennessee | Auto-Owners | 89 | $858 | $71 |
| Texas | Chubb | 88 | $2,081 | $173 |
| Utah | Auto-Owners | 91 | $931 | $78 |
| Vermont | State Farm | 88 | $591 | $49 |
| Virginia | Auto-Owners | 91 | $982 | $82 |
| Washington | Chubb | 93 | $1,434 | $120 |
| West Virginia | Westfield | 92 | $1,144 | $95 |
| Wisconsin | Acuity | 92 | $841 | $70 |
| Wyoming | State Farm | 95 | $745 | $62 |
Travelers is the best choice for budget-conscious drivers, earning perfect claim (20 out of 20) and coverage (10 out of 10) scores. It offers 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.
Car insurance is a recurring expense, so affordability matters. Choosing a company with competitive rates and discounts can help you stay covered without overspending. To save money, consider buying your state’s required minimum coverage.
State Farm has the best car insurance for young drivers. Its high marks in affordability and satisfaction drive 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.
State Farm’s high satisfaction and claims scores boost its strong MoneyGeek rating, making it a top choice for senior drivers. It offers 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.
When choosing car insurance for senior drivers, focus on providers offering mature driver discounts, accident forgiveness and fast claims processing. Look for essential coverages like roadside assistance and rental reimbursement. Prioritize strong customer service and affordability to ensure peace of mind and financial protection.
State Farm is a strong choice for high-risk drivers due to its perfect satisfaction, affordability, claims and financial stability scores, which contribute to its high MoneyGeek score. It offers 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.
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 driving history and credit-based insurance score, which impact the coverage and price.
Nationwide is a great choice for drivers with poor credit, offering excellent affordability and strong claims scores. It provides 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.
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.
USAA offers the best car insurance for veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families, excelling in satisfaction and affordability. It offers roadside assistance for emergencies such as flat tires or dead batteries. It also provides rental car and travel reimbursement to cover costs when your vehicle is being repaired after a covered loss.
Its accident forgiveness option protects your rates after your first at-fault accident. While this coverage may require an extra premium and isn’t available in all states, it’s a valuable feature for those focused on long-term savings.
Nationwide earns a high MoneyGeek score for its strong satisfaction and claims ratings. It offers roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, accident forgiveness and gap insurance.
What sets Nationwide apart are its unique options. Its identity theft coverage reimburses up to $25,000 for fraud-related expenses. The total loss deductible waiver covers your deductible if your car is totaled, and deductible modification adds even more flexibility.
Exceptional service is vital during stressful times. Choosing a company with satisfied customers and few complaints ensures you’ll have reliable support when it matters most.
Allstate balances affordability, reliable customer service and new car replacement coverage.
New cars depreciate quickly, so claims after an accident usually reflect the car’s lower value. However, Allstate’s new car replacement coverage pays for a brand-new car if the vehicle is less than two years old.
When insuring a new car, prioritize comprehensive coverage to protect against theft, vandalism or accidents. Since new cars often have higher repair costs, collision and comprehensive coverages are essential for financial protection.
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
If you don’t drive often, a pay-per-mile insurer like Metromile can help you save. As the only company focused solely on usage-based insurance, it’s ideal for low-mileage drivers.
However, Metromile has a higher complaint rate. For better customer service, consider similar programs from traditional insurers, such as Nationwide’s SmartMiles or Allstate’s Milewise.
Low-mileage discounts are uncommon and typically small, making pay-per-mile insurance a smart choice for those driving just a few miles daily.
Offers 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 right auto insurance can feel overwhelming, but the sections below simplify the process. From comparing coverage options to exploring discounts and customer service ratings, this guide will help you choose a policy that fits your needs and budget.
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 coverages you need, 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.
Ask about discounts like safe driver, multi-policy or low-mileage options to lower your premium. The best policy isn’t always the cheapest, but discounts can help you find the right 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
Car insurance discounts can reduce your premium without compromising coverage. This section covers ways to save, such as bundling policies and safe driving incentives, helping you maximize savings while staying protected.
Save money by bundling auto insurance with homeowners, renters or other policies from the same provider. Combining auto and home insurance, for instance, can cut overall costs by 10% or more.
Insuring more than one car on the same policy can lead to significant savings. This is ideal for households with multiple drivers or vehicles.
Drivers with a clean record — free of accidents and violations for a certain period (usually three to five years) — can qualify for lower rates. Some insurers offer extra savings for completing a defensive driving course.
Full-time students under 25 with a GPA of 3.0 or higher can often receive discounts, as insurers consider good grades a sign of responsible behavior.
Insurers may offer discounts based on your driving habits if you enroll in a telematics program. A small device or mobile app tracks speed, braking and mileage. Safe, low-mileage drivers can save up to 30%.
Drivers who travel fewer miles annually — often below 7,500 or 10,000 — can qualify for lower rates. This is ideal for remote workers or retirees who don’t commute daily.
Taking an approved defensive driving course can reduce premiums, especially for older drivers or those looking to remove points from their records.
Paying your premium upfront instead of in monthly installments can lead to savings, as insurers prefer full payments to reduce administrative costs.
Opting for autopay or electronic billing can slightly lower your premium while making payments more convenient.
Many insurers offer discounts to active-duty military, veterans or members of certain organizations, including professional associations or alumni groups. For example, USAA provides exclusive savings for military families, while some insurers offer discounts for AAA or AARP members.
Vehicles with the latest safety features, such as automatic emergency braking and lane departure warnings, may qualify for lower insurance costs.
Loyalty to the same insurer for several years may qualify you for a discount. However, comparing rates regularly is wise to ensure you get the best deal.
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.
The best car insurance company varies based on individual needs and circumstances. This article identifies top providers for different driver profiles to simplify your search. It also outlines steps to help you find the right company and policy.
State Farm is MoneyGeek’s top overall pick, ranking first for young drivers, seniors and high-risk drivers. Travelers is the best option for budget-conscious drivers.
Below are answers to frequently asked questions to help you find the best car insurance company for your needs and situation:
State Farm offers the best car insurance based on affordability, customer satisfaction and financial stability. However, your best option may vary based on your driver profile and location.
Not all insurers operate in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., and coverage options or pricing can vary by location. To find the best car insurance in your state, request personalized quotes and research local insurers' customer service reputations using MoneyGeek scores or your state’s insurance department.
Many insurers with high ratings for claims service and customer satisfaction also offer competitive rates. Ask insurers if they provide a monthly payment option. While paying in full can save money over time, choosing no down payment car insurance or paying just the first month’s premium can minimize upfront costs.
To find the best car insurance, focus on companies with strong customer service reputations. Compare rates to identify affordable options. Prioritize what matters most to you, such as claims handling, coverage options, or price, and choose accordingly.
MoneyGeek’s ranking system identifies the best car insurance options by analyzing customer satisfaction, affordability, claims service, coverage and financial stability. The data comes from Quadrant Information Services, J.D. Power, AM Best and National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
Overview
Because costs and even service quality can differ drastically between states, the best companies overall were decided based on which companies had the best MoneyGeek score for a particular driver profile in most states. This ensures that whether you live in Texas or Delaware, our recommendations should apply across large parts of the country.
Data Acquisition and Depth
We analyzed 83,056 quotes across 473 ZIP codes and 46 companies. Customer and claims satisfaction ratings were from industry benchmarks like J.D. Power, NAIC and AM Best.
Driver Profile
To get average rates, MoneyGeek uses a standard profile, which includes:
We modified this profile by age, geographic location, driving history, car and coverage type, low mileage and military association to discover particular rates.
Scoring Methodology
We calculated a composite score (up to 5 points) based on these factors:
We tailored weightings to certain needs (e.g., affordability was 0% for customer service-focused drivers). Unique coverage offerings influenced qualitative judgments.
Exclusions
Liberty Mutual and Metromile didn’t receive MoneyGeek scores due to missing data from Quadrant Information Services.
Learn more about MoneyGeek’s car insurance methodology.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.
