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9 Best Car Insurance Companies of May 2023
NJM tops our list of the best car insurance companies for 2023, followed by American Family and Nationwide.
Kayda Norman is a NerdWallet authority on auto insurance. She previously worked in communications at The Walt Disney Co. and as a web producer and writer at several health and fitness publications, including Health magazine. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post and USA Today.
Lacie Glover Assigning Editor | Auto insurance, home insurance, other insurance
Lacie Glover spent more than five years covering health care costs and all types of insurance as a NerdWallet writer before becoming an assistant assigning editor in 2019 and later an assigning editor on the insurance team. As a writer, her work was featured in The Associated Press, The Motley Fool and U.S. News & World Report. Lacie is a NerdWallet authority on insurance products and loves data, analytics and solving SEO mysteries.
Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.
The best car insurance companies give their customers more than just the coverage they want at a reasonable price. Those insurers also provide a customer-first experience, including a headache-free way to manage policies and make payments.
To pinpoint the best auto insurance companies, NerdWallet looked at customer complaints data, consumer experience and financial strength. We also researched coverage offered and how easily you can interact with the insurer online when you’re getting a quote or filing a claim.
Based on these factors, here are NerdWallet's picks for the best car insurance companies for 2023.
See what you could save on car insurance
Easily compare personalized rates to see how much switching car insurance could save you.
Did your premium go up? You're not alone. The best car insurance companies are also often affordable, so compare quotes from a few of our top picks to see if you can get a better rate.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet’s editorial team considered pricing, discounts, complaint data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and more to determine the best car insurance companies. Our “ease of use” category includes factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim. As we continue to evaluate more insurance providers and receive fresh market data, this list of best auto insurance companies is likely to change.
Why you can trust NerdWallet
Our writers and editors follow strict editorial guidelines to ensure fairness and accuracy in our coverage so you can choose the insurance policy that works best for you. These carrier ratings are specific to auto insurance — a company's rating for other products may be different on our site. That's why it's smart to compare car insurance rates from several companies before choosing an insurer.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
NJM is among our best car insurance companies for 2023, but it is available in only five states.
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
Ease of useRatings are determined by our editorial team. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim.
Average
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Far fewer than expected
Pros
Customer satisfaction is high.
Complaints are low.
Possible dividend payments for New Jersey policyholders.
Cons
Not available in many states.
No mobile app for managing policy.
With fewer complaints than most other insurers its size, high customer satisfaction rates and perks such as free pet coverage and new car replacement if you buy collision and comprehensive insurance, NJM is a strong choice for Mid-Atlantic drivers.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
NJM is among our best car insurance companies for 2023, but it is available in only five states.
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
Ease of useRatings are determined by our editorial team. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim.
Average
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Far fewer than expected
Pros
Customer satisfaction is high.
Complaints are low.
Possible dividend payments for New Jersey policyholders.
Cons
Not available in many states.
No mobile app for managing policy.
With fewer complaints than most other insurers its size, high customer satisfaction rates and perks such as free pet coverage and new car replacement if you buy collision and comprehensive insurance, NJM is a strong choice for Mid-Atlantic drivers.
New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance, or NJM, tops our list as the insurer with the highest score in 2023 out of the companies we ranked.
NJM also ranked highly in J.D. Power’s satisfaction studies. It's ranked No. 4 among 13 insurers in the mid-Atlantic region in the 2022 U.S. Auto Insurance Satisfaction Study,
You can get all the standard auto coverage options from NJM, along with extras including new car replacement coverage and pet coverage, which pays for veterinary bills if your pet is injured in a covered car accident. You can also add gap insurance to help pay off your car loan if your vehicle is stolen or totaled.
Policies available in: Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Average national rate: $1,898 per year.
Bottom line: NJM is one of a handful of insurers with a five-star rating, offering some of the cheapest car insurance rates on average. However, its policies are available in only five states.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
American Family offers a long list of insurance discounts, and it receives fewer consumer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
Ease of useRatings are determined by our editorial team. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim.
Average
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Far fewer than expected
Pros
Fewer customer complaints than expected for a company its size.
Many coverage types offered.
Wide range of discounts.
Cons
Not available in all states.
American Family offers a long list of insurance discounts, and it receives fewer consumer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
American Family offers a long list of insurance discounts, and it receives fewer consumer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
Ease of useRatings are determined by our editorial team. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim.
Average
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Far fewer than expected
Pros
Fewer customer complaints than expected for a company its size.
Many coverage types offered.
Wide range of discounts.
Cons
Not available in all states.
American Family offers a long list of insurance discounts, and it receives fewer consumer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
American Family stands out this year as our best large insurer of 2023.
ranked American Family No. 8 out of 21 companies for auto insurance claims satisfaction in 2022.
American Family offers a range of discounts to drivers in some states, including for loyalty, completing a defensive driving course and students away at school. The company also has apps to monitor driving, allowing good drivers to earn discounts.
Policies available in: 19 states, mainly throughout the Midwest and Pacific Northwest.
Average national rate: $2,059 per year.
Bottom line: Offering various coverage options, American Family shines when it comes to discounts, with savings for insuring multiple vehicles, completing a defensive driving course and having a student away at school.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Nationwide’s great set of discounts and low number of complaints make it a solid choice for many consumers.
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
Ease of useRatings are determined by our editorial team. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim.
Above average
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Pros
Fewer than the expected number of complaints to state regulators.
Wide variety of options for customers who want to buy multiple products from one company.
Generous extras for loyal customers such as minor accident forgiveness, pet injury coverage and car key replacement.
Cons
Customer satisfaction for auto insurance is lower than average, according to recent J.D. Power studies.
Doesn't sell auto insurance policies in all states.
Nationwide offers many types of insurance products, making it easy for you to bundle and save on coverage. You can also lower your premium by taking advantage of the company’s wide range of discounts.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Nationwide’s great set of discounts and low number of complaints make it a solid choice for many consumers.
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
Ease of useRatings are determined by our editorial team. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim.
Above average
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Pros
Fewer than the expected number of complaints to state regulators.
Wide variety of options for customers who want to buy multiple products from one company.
Generous extras for loyal customers such as minor accident forgiveness, pet injury coverage and car key replacement.
Cons
Customer satisfaction for auto insurance is lower than average, according to recent J.D. Power studies.
Doesn't sell auto insurance policies in all states.
Nationwide offers many types of insurance products, making it easy for you to bundle and save on coverage. You can also lower your premium by taking advantage of the company’s wide range of discounts.
Nationwide offers multiple discounts and auto insurance options, with plenty of extras for loyal customers. Benefits include up to $400 to replace your lost or stolen car keys if you have comprehensive insurance and pet injury protection if you have collision coverage.
The company also includes minor accident forgiveness in its loyalty rewards program, which means your rates won’t go up if you get in a fender bender and file a claim that’s under Nationwide’s accident threshold. There’s no limit on the number of accidents.
Policies available in: All states and Washington, D.C., except for Alaska, Louisiana and Hawaii.
Average national rate: $2,441 per year.
Bottom line: Nationwide’s wide variety of coverage options and low number of complaints make it a solid choice for many consumers.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Progressive offers a variety of discounts and insurance products to cater to most people, though there’s room for improvement when it comes to customer satisfaction.
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
Ease of useRatings are determined by our editorial team. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim.
Above average
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Pros
Second-largest personal auto insurer in the country.
If your pet is injured in a car accident and you have collision insurance, Progressive will help pay your vet bills in most states.
Rideshare coverage available.
Cons
Below average rating for car insurance shopping and claims satisfaction from J.D. Power.
Progressive has few complaints and offers free perks other insurers don’t, such as free pet injury coverage and accident forgiveness for certain customers.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Progressive offers a variety of discounts and insurance products to cater to most people, though there’s room for improvement when it comes to customer satisfaction.
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
Ease of useRatings are determined by our editorial team. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim.
Above average
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Pros
Second-largest personal auto insurer in the country.
If your pet is injured in a car accident and you have collision insurance, Progressive will help pay your vet bills in most states.
Rideshare coverage available.
Cons
Below average rating for car insurance shopping and claims satisfaction from J.D. Power.
Progressive has few complaints and offers free perks other insurers don’t, such as free pet injury coverage and accident forgiveness for certain customers.
Progressive has different features and options depending on your state.
Some of the more interesting additions include two free accident forgiveness options so your rates won’t increase after a crash. Small accident forgiveness is automatically included with your policy in most states and forgives accidents with $500 or less in repairs. Customers who have been with the company for at least five years without any accidents or traffic violations are eligible for large accident forgiveness that covers bigger crashes.
For pet owners, Progressive offers pet injury protection, which is included with collision coverage, and a deductible “savings bank,” which knocks your deductible down by $50 each claim-free policy period to a minimum of $0.
Policies available in: All 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Average national rate: $2,833 per year.
Bottom line: Progressive’s customer satisfaction scores aren’t as high as those of other companies, but it offers enough discounts and insurance products to accommodate most people.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Country Financial has few customer complaints for auto insurance, but is available in only 19 states.
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
Ease of useRatings are determined by our editorial team. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim.
Average
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Far fewer than expected
Pros
Fewer than expected consumer complaints for auto insurance.
Offers rideshare insurance in Oregon.
Cons
Not available in all states.
Country Financial offers a wide variety of insurance products and offers coverage some insurers don’t, including rideshare insurance and new car replacement.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Country Financial has few customer complaints for auto insurance, but is available in only 19 states.
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
Ease of useRatings are determined by our editorial team. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim.
Average
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Far fewer than expected
Pros
Fewer than expected consumer complaints for auto insurance.
Offers rideshare insurance in Oregon.
Cons
Not available in all states.
Country Financial offers a wide variety of insurance products and offers coverage some insurers don’t, including rideshare insurance and new car replacement.
Country Financial may have started out as a farm and crop insurer, but it now offers a wide selection of products such as business, boat and motorcycle insurance. In addition, it received far fewer customer complaints for auto insurance than similar-sized companies and received the least complaints out of the insurers on our 2023 best list.
In addition to a variety of discounts, Country Financial also gives customers an opportunity to save based on their driving habits through its app, DriverIQ. Drivers who sign up earn an automatic discount, and driving behavior won’t increase rates.
Policies available in: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Washington and Wisconsin.
Average national rate: $2,175 per year.
Bottom line: Country Financial has few customer complaints for auto insurance but is available in only 19 states.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
People who need several insurance policies may benefit from the convenience and discounts of bundling them with Auto-Owners, which has many coverage options and few customer complaints.
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
Ease of useRatings are determined by our editorial team. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim.
Below average
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Far fewer than expected
Pros
Offers a wide variety of products with the opportunity to bundle.
Fewer complaints than other companies for auto insurance.
Cons
Available only in 26 states.
Online quotes aren’t available.
People who need several insurance policies may benefit from the convenience and discounts of bundling them with Auto-Owners, which has many coverage options and superior financial strength.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
People who need several insurance policies may benefit from the convenience and discounts of bundling them with Auto-Owners, which has many coverage options and few customer complaints.
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
Ease of useRatings are determined by our editorial team. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim.
Below average
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Far fewer than expected
Pros
Offers a wide variety of products with the opportunity to bundle.
Fewer complaints than other companies for auto insurance.
Cons
Available only in 26 states.
Online quotes aren’t available.
People who need several insurance policies may benefit from the convenience and discounts of bundling them with Auto-Owners, which has many coverage options and superior financial strength.
Auto-Owners earned an A++ rating from AM Best for financial strength, one of the most important factors to consider when choosing an insurer. A company’s financial strength is a strong indicator of the company’s ability to pay a claim.
Auto-Owners also offers perks to customers, including waiving your deductible in certain situations. The insurer will waive your collision deductible if you get in an accident with another Auto-Owners customer. It will also waive or reduce your auto insurance deductible if you have home and auto coverage through the company and make a claim due to the same covered loss.
Auto-Owners ranked No. 5 among 11 mid-sized insurers for customer satisfaction regarding insurance shopping and ranked No. 14 out of 21 companies for customer claims satisfaction in 2022.
Policies available in: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin.
Average national rate: $2,524 per year.
Bottom line: People who need several insurance policies may benefit from the convenience of bundling them with Auto-Owners, which has many coverage options and superior financial strength.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
High marks for customer satisfaction and low consumer complaints make Amica a great choice for good drivers.
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
Ease of useRatings are determined by our editorial team. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim.
Below average
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Pros
High customer satisfaction ratings and low consumer complaints.
Many policy perks and discounts.
Potential to earn dividends.
Cons
Some policy types aren’t available in Alaska or Hawaii.
Boasting few customer complaints, Amica offers free perks for good drivers including accident forgiveness and a disappearing deductible. The company also gives customers the option to buy a dividend-paying policy, which can save money in the long run.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
High marks for customer satisfaction and low consumer complaints make Amica a great choice for good drivers.
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
Ease of useRatings are determined by our editorial team. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim.
Below average
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Pros
High customer satisfaction ratings and low consumer complaints.
Many policy perks and discounts.
Potential to earn dividends.
Cons
Some policy types aren’t available in Alaska or Hawaii.
Boasting few customer complaints, Amica offers free perks for good drivers including accident forgiveness and a disappearing deductible. The company also gives customers the option to buy a dividend-paying policy, which can save money in the long run.
If you’re looking to save on your auto policy, Amica may be worth a look. The company offers more discounts than most other insurers, including discounts for owning a home, insuring more than one vehicle, taking a defensive driving course and setting up automatic payments.
If you have to go through the claims process, you may not even see an increase in your rates. Customers who opt for certain upgrades can earn “Advantage Points” for good driving, renewing a policy and referring other drivers. These points can be used to keep your current rate after an accident.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
With generous coverage and discounts for good driving habits, State Farm is a popular insurer with fewer complaints compared to other large competitors.
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
Ease of useRatings are determined by our editorial team. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim.
Above average
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Pros
Numerous discounts offered, including two programs — one for safe driving and the other for young drivers.
Generous rental car and travel expenses coverage.
Customer satisfaction rating for buying auto insurance is better than average, according to J.D. Power.
Cons
Doesn't offer gap insurance.
With generous coverage and discounts for good driving habits, State Farm is a popular insurer with fewer complaints compared to other large insurers.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
With generous coverage and discounts for good driving habits, State Farm is a popular insurer with fewer complaints compared to other large competitors.
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
Ease of useRatings are determined by our editorial team. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim.
Above average
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Pros
Numerous discounts offered, including two programs — one for safe driving and the other for young drivers.
Generous rental car and travel expenses coverage.
Customer satisfaction rating for buying auto insurance is better than average, according to J.D. Power.
Cons
Doesn't offer gap insurance.
With generous coverage and discounts for good driving habits, State Farm is a popular insurer with fewer complaints compared to other large insurers.
The largest personal auto insurer in the country, State Farm ranked No. 1 among eight large insurers in J.D. Power's 2022 U.S. Insurance Shopping Study.
The company offers discounts to drivers for having multiple cars, being a good driver and taking a defensive driving course. State Farm has a safe driving app where you can earn a discount by following the rules and driving sensibly.
Policies available in: You can buy a State Farm auto insurance policy in all states except for Massachusetts and Rhode Island, where it does not sell new policies. You can also buy a car insurance policy in Washington, D.C.
Average national rate: $2,470 per year.
Bottom line: With generous coverage and discounts for good driving habits, State Farm is a popular insurer with better customer satisfaction ratings compared with other large competitors and low customer complaints.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Auto Club Group provides AAA-branded auto insurance in over a dozen states.
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
Ease of useRatings are determined by our editorial team. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim.
Average
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Pros
May receive an auto insurance discount for being a member of AAA.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Auto Club Group provides AAA-branded auto insurance in over a dozen states.
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
Ease of useRatings are determined by our editorial team. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim.
Average
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Pros
May receive an auto insurance discount for being a member of AAA.
Multiple insurance products offered.
Cons
Not available in all states.
-
With a wide variety of discounts and fewer complaints for auto insurance than other companies its size, the Auto Club Group is a good option for many drivers. You don’t need to be a AAA member to get a policy, but if you do join, you’ll receive an additional discount on your auto insurance. Members also have access to AAA’s perks, including discounts on hotels and restaurants.
Auto Club Group offers plenty of auto insurance options, such as rideshare insurance and gap insurance, which pays the difference between your car’s value and the balance of your loan or lease if the car is totaled or stolen.
Policies available in: Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Carolina, Tennessee and Wisconsin. Auto Club Group may not cover all counties in each state.
Average national rate: $4,804 per year.
Bottom line: Auto Club Group insurance is available to members and nonmembers, but the perks and discount on your auto insurance might make joining worth it.
Pricing and discounts made up a portion of each insurer’s score, but we know that cost is the top factor for many auto insurance shoppers. Because pricing is based on personal factors including your age, location, vehicle, credit history and gender (in most cases), it’s important to shop around for car insurance quotes to find the cheapest option.
You may find that your shopping experience also sheds light on a company’s customer service standards.
To find the top car insurance companies:
Visit your state insurance commissioner’s website to find complaints and other information about companies in your area.
Ask your agent or a customer service representative questions to make sure you’re getting all the coverage you need — and nothing you don’t want.
Consider smaller auto insurance companies, too. Small companies offer rates well below those of large competitors in many locations.
If you’ve had a ticket, DUI or other violation, be sure to shop three to five years after the incident, when surcharges can drop significantly.
Want to see rates? Use the cheap full coverage calculator and compare average rates from the three cheapest car insurance companies where you live.
When you're looking for the best car insurance company, remember that location can have a big impact on your auto insurance rates — each state has different insurance requirements.
To give you a better idea of what you'll pay in each state, NerdWallet analyzed full coverage insurance rates for 35-year-old drivers with good credit and no recent accidents, DUIs or traffic violations.
The map below shows the average annual car insurance rate in each state. For more information, including the cheapest insurer on average from each state, visit the state page linked in the map.
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There is no single best car insurance company. The best company for you will depend on your needs.
To help you with your search, NerdWallet ranked insurers based on pricing, discounts, complaint data and more. The following companies received 5 stars out of 5 in NerdWallet's analysis of the best auto insurers: American Family, Amica, Auto Club Group, Auto-Owners, Country Financial, Nationwide, NJM, Progressive and State Farm.
How can I find the best car insurance?
To find the best auto insurance policy for you, think carefully about what kind of coverage you need. For instance, if you're looking for a specific type of coverage such as rideshare insurance, check to make sure the company offers this before buying a policy.
When comparing insurers, make sure to select the same coverage levels so you can compare quotes equally. You'll also want to look at a company's customer complaints on your state insurance commissioner’s website and financial strength through a rating site like AM Best.
What company has the cheapest car insurance?
Across the U.S., State Farm has the cheapest car insurance on average per year for minimum coverage. However, this is based on average premiums, and your rate will vary based on factors such as your age, location and car make and model. Shop around to find the cheapest rate for you.
What is the best car insurance company?
There is no single best car insurance company. The best company for you will depend on your needs.
To help you with your search, NerdWallet ranked insurers based on pricing, discounts, complaint data and more. The following companies received 5 stars out of 5 in NerdWallet's analysis of the best auto insurers: American Family, Amica, Auto Club Group, Auto-Owners, Country Financial, Nationwide, NJM, Progressive and State Farm.
How can I find the best car insurance?
To find the best auto insurance policy for you, think carefully about what kind of coverage you need. For instance, if you're looking for a specific type of coverage such as
, check to make sure the company offers this before buying a policy.
When comparing insurers, make sure to select the same coverage levels so you can compare quotes equally. You'll also want to look at a company's customer complaints on your state insurance commissioner’s website and financial strength through a rating site like AM Best.
on average per year for minimum coverage. However, this is based on average premiums, and your rate will vary based on factors such as your age, location and car make and model. Shop around to find the cheapest rate for you.
Methodology
Insurer complaints methodology
NerdWallet examined complaints received by state insurance regulators and reported to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in 2019-2021. To assess how insurers compare to one another, the NAIC calculates a complaint index each year for each subsidiary, measuring its share of total complaints relative to its size, or share of total premiums in the industry. To evaluate a company’s complaint history, NerdWallet calculated a similar index for each insurer, weighted by market shares of each subsidiary, over the three-year period. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. Ratios are determined separately for auto, home (including renters and condo) and life insurance.
Auto insurance ratings methodology
NerdWallet’s auto insurance ratings reward companies for customer-first features and practices. Ratings are based on weighted averages of scores in several categories, including financial strength, consumer complaints and discounts. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim. Using our editorial discretion, we also consider customer satisfaction surveys. These ratings are a guide, but we encourage you to shop around and compare several insurance quotes to find the best rate for you. NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our editorial guidelines and full ratings methodology for auto insurance.
Average rates methodology
NerdWallet averaged rates based on public filings obtained by pricing analytics company Quadrant Information Services. We examined rates for men and women for all ZIP codes in any of the 50 states and Washington, D.C. Although it’s one of the largest insurers in the country, Liberty Mutual is not included in our rates analysis due to a lack of publicly available information.
In our analysis, “good drivers” had no moving violations on record; a “good driving” discount was included for this profile. Our “good” and “poor” credit rates are based on credit score approximations and do not account for proprietary scoring criteria used by insurance providers.
These are average rates, and your rate will vary based on your personal details, state and insurance provider.
Sample drivers had the following coverage limits:
$100,000 bodily injury liability coverage per person.
$300,000 bodily injury liability coverage per crash.
$50,000 property damage liability coverage per crash.
$100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage per person.
$300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage per crash.
Collision coverage with $1,000 deductible.
Comprehensive coverage with $1,000 deductible.
In states where required, minimum additional coverages were added. We used the same assumptions for all other driver profiles, with the following exceptions:
For drivers with minimum coverage, we adjusted the numbers above to reflect only the minimum coverage required by law in the state.
We changed the credit tier from “good” to “poor” as reported to the insurer to see rates for drivers with poor credit. In states where credit isn’t taken into account, we only used rates for “good credit.”
For drivers with one at-fault crash, we added a single at-fault crash costing $10,000 in property damage.
For drivers with a DUI, we added a single drunken-driving violation.
For drivers with a ticket, we added a single speeding violation for driving 16 mph over the speed limit.
We used a 2020 Toyota Camry L in all cases and assumed 12,000 annual miles driven. We analyzed rates for drivers of the following ages: 20, 30, 35, 40, 50, 60 and 70.
These are rates generated through Quadrant Information Services. Your own rates will be different.
