Updated: April 1, 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 |
Our research shows Travelers is the best option for budget-conscious drivers in 2025. With a MoneyGeek score of 71 out of 100 – lower than some competitors overall – Travelers stands out by offering the lowest monthly premium at just $48. They're the clear choice for drivers who want to keep costs low without giving up essential coverage.
Customer Experience Analysis
What Customers Love
"I was skeptical when my agent said Travelers could save me money without cutting my coverage, but they delivered. I'm saving almost $600 a year with identical coverage limits, and when I needed to file a windshield claim, the entire process took less than 15 minutes online. The repair was scheduled the next day. Can't beat that combination of price and service." - Travelers customer in Colorado
Areas for Improvement
MoneyGeek's Expert Analysis
As one of America's oldest insurance companies, Travelers has developed efficient operations that lead to lower premiums. Our analysis shows they excel in several key areas:
Affordability (27/30): Travelers offers the best value at just $579 annually ($48 monthly) for full coverage – about 17% cheaper than the next best competitor. In our research across different driver types and states, they consistently offered competitive quotes. When we tracked rates over three years, Travelers showed the smallest increases among major insurers.
Claims Processing (20/20): Travelers scored perfectly in our claims review. They process claims in about 8 days on average, with especially quick handling of common issues like windshield damage. When we tested their digital claims system, we got responses within hours and clear updates throughout the process.
Customer Satisfaction (14/30): This is not their strongest area. Their approach means less personalized service than agent-based insurers, but problems get solved efficiently. When we made anonymous service calls, representatives were knowledgeable and handled most issues on the first call, though wait times sometimes exceeded 10 minutes during busy periods.
Coverage Options (10/10): Travelers earned a perfect score here, offering all standard protections plus valuable extras like new car replacement, accident forgiveness, and gap insurance. Their rideshare coverage impressed us during testing, extending personal policy benefits to cover driving for services like Uber or Lyft.
Value-Focused Benefits
Our analysis shows Travelers delivers exceptional value for specific groups:
Travelers in Other MoneyGeek Rankings
The Travelers Experience
When testing Travelers services ourselves, we found:
Our analysis shows State Farm is the best car insurance for young drivers in 2025. With competitive rates for teens and young adults, this insurer ranks first in our young driver category with a MoneyGeek score of 86 out of 100. While many insurers charge high premiums for inexperienced drivers, State Farm offers more reasonable rates while maintaining strong service and claims handling.
Customer Experience Analysis
What Young Drivers Love
"After getting my license, my parents added me to their State Farm policy and we were surprised how reasonable the increase was. When I had my first fender bender six months later, the app made filing a claim super easy, and the agent walked me through everything. For a nervous first-time driver dealing with insurance, they made it painless." - 18-year-old State Farm customer
Areas for Improvement
MoneyGeek's Expert Analysis
With nearly 100 years in the insurance industry, State Farm has fine-tuned its approach to young drivers. Our analysis shows they excel in key areas important to teens and their parents:
Affordability (23/30): State Farm offers exceptional value for young drivers, with family policy additions averaging $2,329 annually – significantly below competitors. When we compared quotes for teen drivers across 50 states, State Farm consistently offered better rates than most national insurers. For teens with their own policies, State Farm's rates average $3,732 annually – still high, but about 15% lower than the national average for independent teen policies.
Claims Processing (20/20): State Farm earned a perfect score in our claims assessment for young drivers. When we analyzed first-time claims processes, we found their step-by-step guidance especially helpful for inexperienced drivers. Their mobile app's photo claim feature is particularly valuable for tech-savvy young drivers, allowing them to document accidents quickly and accurately.
Customer Satisfaction (33/35): Young drivers and their parents gave State Farm high marks for service. In our interviews with teen drivers, many praised how agents took time to explain coverage basics without condescension. When we placed test calls posing as new young drivers with questions, representatives showed patience and clarity, demonstrating why they excel with this demographic.
Coverage Options (5/10): While not offering the widest range of specialized coverages, State Farm provides all essential protections young drivers need. Their Steer Clear program stands out, allowing drivers under 25 to complete safe driving courses for discounts of up to 15% – one of the most generous young driver programs we evaluated.
Youth-Focused Benefits
Our research shows State Farm delivers exceptional value for young drivers:
State Farm in Other MoneyGeek Rankings
The State Farm Experience for Young Drivers
Our analysis ranks State Farm as the best car insurance choice for senior drivers with a MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100. Offering competitive rates averaging $1,202 annually ($100 monthly) for drivers over 60, State Farm delivers a perfect balance of affordability, reliable claims handling, and personalized service that seniors particularly value. For more details on State Farm's overall performance, see our comprehensive review above.
Customer Experience Analysis
What Seniors Love
"After turning 70, I worried my rates would skyrocket, but State Farm has been fair. When I had a claim last year, my agent of 15 years personally handled everything. No automated systems or confusing apps – just simple, human service when I needed it." - 72-year-old State Farm policyholder
Areas for Improvement
Key Benefits for Senior Drivers
State Farm in Senior Driver Rankings
State Farm ranks as the top choice for drivers with violations, earning a MoneyGeek score of 95 out of 100. With rates averaging $1,598 annually ($133 monthly) for high-risk drivers – significantly lower than the industry average – State Farm offers excellent value without sacrificing service quality. For a complete analysis of State Farm's strengths, see our main review above.
Customer Experience Analysis
What High-Risk Drivers Appreciate
"After my speeding ticket, my previous insurer wanted to nearly double my premium. State Farm's rate was just 20% higher than my clean record price, and my agent outlined exactly when the surcharge would disappear if I maintained a clean record." - State Farm customer with recent violation
Areas for Improvement
Key Benefits for Drivers with Violations
State Farm in High-Risk Driver Rankings
Our analysis identifies Nationwide as the best car insurance for drivers with poor credit, earning a MoneyGeek score of 82 out of 100. With rates averaging $1,692 annually ($141 monthly) for drivers with lower credit scores, Nationwide offers significant savings compared to other major insurers who often charge credit-challenged drivers 50-100% more than the standard rate.
Customer Experience Analysis
What Credit-Challenged Drivers Appreciate
"After my divorce wrecked my credit, most insurers quoted me astronomical rates. Nationwide's premium was nearly half what others offered, and they explained exactly how my rate would improve as I rebuilt my credit. That kind of transparency meant everything." - Nationwide customer with credit challenges
Areas for Improvement
Key Benefits for Credit-Challenged Drivers
Nationwide in Credit-Based Rankings
USAA is the top choice car insurance for military members, veterans, and their families with a MoneyGeek score of 80 out of 100. Offering the lowest rates in this category at $823 annually ($69 monthly), USAA combines military-specific benefits with exceptional service tailored to the unique needs of service members.
Customer Experience Analysis
What Military Families Appreciate
"During my third deployment, USAA automatically applied my storage discount and paused my coverage while my vehicle sat on base. When I returned and filed a claim for parking lot damage, they processed everything in days – all through their app. They truly understand military life." - USAA member and active-duty service member
Areas for Improvement
Key Benefits for Military Members
USAA in Military Insurance Rankings
Nationwide is the leader in customer service quality with a MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100. At $1,260 annually ($105 monthly), Nationwide combines competitive pricing with exceptional service experiences, particularly excelling in claims support and policyholder communication.
Customer Experience Analysis
What Service-Focused Customers Appreciate
"After a tree fell on my car during a storm, I called Nationwide at 3 AM expecting voicemail. Instead, a live representative answered, arranged emergency towing, confirmed my rental coverage, and had an adjuster contact me by 9 AM. They even called daily with updates until everything was resolved." - Nationwide customer in Ohio
Areas for Improvement
Key Customer Service Benefits
The Nationwide Service Experience
Based on our research and analysis of user experiences, Metromile stands out as the best insurance option for low-mileage drivers in 2025. This pay-per-mile insurer offers potentially significant savings for those who drive infrequently, with a unique pricing model that combines a low base rate plus a per-mile charge that accurately reflects actual vehicle usage.
Customer Experience Analysis
What Low-Mileage Drivers Appreciate
"I work from home and only drive about 200 miles monthly. With Metromile, my premium dropped from $115 to just $42 per month. Their app gives me complete visibility into how each trip affects my bill, and when I did have a claim, everything was handled digitally with minimal hassle." - Metromile customer in Arizona
Areas for Improvement
Key Benefits for Infrequent Drivers
The Metromile Experience
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.
To get the best insurance, you will need to choose a policy type and coverage level
Who should choose full coverage?
Full coverage (liability + comprehensive + collision) protects your car and damage you do to others. It is generally best for:
Who Should Consider Liability Only?
Liability-only coverage might be sufficient for:
Coverage Levels: Common liability coverage options are typically expressed as three numbers (e.g., 25/50/25):
State Minimum Coverage: Varies by state but often inadequate
Mid-range Coverage: 50/100/50 or 100/300/50
Typically Recommended Coverage: 100/300/100
High Coverage: 250/500/100 or higher
Remember: The extra cost between minimum coverage and recommended coverage is often relatively small compared to the significant additional protection it provides.
Your deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance kicks in after an accident. Choosing the best deductible means balancing what you can afford to pay immediately after an accident against how much you want to spend on monthly premiums.
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.
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.
