Best Car Insurance Companies of September 2024
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In this article, we call out the best car insurance companies based on NerdWallet's rankings in areas like affordability, customer satisfaction, discounts and financial strength.
Here are the best car insurance companies in 2024:
Best car insurance category | Company winner |
|---|---|
Travelers | |
American Family | |
Geico | |
NJM | |
Auto-Owners | |
Amica | |
State Farm | |
USAA |
Did your premium go up? You're not alone. The best car insurance companies are often among the cheapest, so compare quotes from a few of our top picks to see if you can get a better rate.
How we found the best auto insurance
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. As we continue to evaluate more insurance companies and receive fresh market data, this collection of best auto insurance companies is likely to change.
Here are the categories we evaluated each car insurance company on, plus the weights we placed on each:
Financial strength (30%). The best auto insurers are financially stable. Financial strength ratings indicate an insurer's ability to pay future claims. This category is based on assessments from independent agencies like AM Best, Moody's and Fitch.
Consumer complaints (30%). The best car insurance companies have a low number of customer complaints relative to their size and are able to keep their customers happy. This category is based on complaints received by state insurance regulators and reported to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
Ease of use (20%). The best auto insurers provide the information people need to make a purchase without any surprises along the way. This category is based on how easy it is to get quotes, file and track claims, learn about coverage and payment options, plus mobile app ratings.
Affordability (20%). The best auto insurance companies offer multiple ways to get a lower price, and this category is based on how many discounts a company offers.
See our full methodology for more details.
See what you could save on car insurance
Easily compare personalized rates to see how much switching car insurance could save you.8 best car insurance companies
Here’s our list of the best auto insurance companies for each category, plus their average rates and what makes them the best.
Best auto insurance company overall: Travelers
Travelers
Discounts
Ease of use
NAIC complaints
Travelers
Discounts
Ease of use
NAIC complaints
Why it’s the best:
Travelers tops our list as the company with the best overall score in 2024 out of the insurers we ranked. Because our auto insurance ratings reward companies for customer-first features and practices, this category represents an overall solid choice for drivers seeking a well-rounded insurance company.
You can get all the standard auto coverage options from Travelers, along with extras like new car replacement coverage and gap insurance, both of which are useful if you drive a relatively new vehicle. Travelers also offers a host of car insurance discounts.
» Read the full review: Travelers auto insurance review
Travelers average annual rates for a 35-year-old driver
| Driver profile | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Clean driving record, good credit | $1,412 | $436 |
| One speeding ticket, good credit | $1,780 | $554 |
| One at-fault crash, good credit | $1,903 | $566 |
| One DUI, good credit | $2,382 | $693 |
| Clean driving record, poor credit | $2,299 | $647 |
See what you could save on car insurance
Easily compare personalized rates to see how much switching car insurance could save you.Best for your budget: American Family
American Family
Discounts
Ease of use
NAIC complaints
American Family
Discounts
Ease of use
NAIC complaints
Why it’s the best:
American Family is the best car insurance company when it comes to your wallet. According to our analysis, American Family's average rate for full coverage insurance is $1,281 per year, the lowest out of our list of the best car insurance companies.
The company spotlights its Facebook customer reviews on its main website. It also encourages customers to voice concerns and opinions through multiple customer support channels, including over the phone, email and site feedback.
» Read the full review: American Family auto insurance review
American Family average annual rates for a 35-year-old driver
| Driver profile | Full coverage rate | Minimum coverage rate |
|---|---|---|
| Clean driving record, good credit | $1,281 | $484 |
| One speeding ticket, good credit | $1,583 | $579 |
| One at-fault crash, good credit | $2,143 | $817 |
| One DUI, good credit | $2,087 | $680 |
| Clean driving record, poor credit | $2,101 | $770 |
Best for accident forgiveness: Geico
Geico
Discounts
Ease of use
NAIC complaints
Geico
Discounts
Ease of use
NAIC complaints
Why it’s the best:
Geico offers two potential ways to get accident forgiveness so your rates won’t increase and you won’t lose your good driver discount after a crash. You can earn it for free by remaining an accident-free Geico customer for five years, or you can pay for it. Accident forgiveness can be used for any eligible driver on your policy, but it isn’t available in California, Connecticut and Massachusetts.
» Read the full review: Geico auto insurance review
Geico average annual rates for a 35-year-old driver
| Driver profile | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Clean driving record, good credit | $1,303 | $353 |
| One speeding ticket, good credit | $1,751 | $445 |
| One at-fault crash, good credit | $2,207 | $565 |
| One DUI, good credit | $3,052 | $793 |
| Clean driving record, poor credit | $1,874 | $479 |
» MORE: How accident forgiveness works
Best for having few customer complaints: NJM
NJM
Discounts
Ease of use
NAIC complaints
NJM
Discounts
Ease of use
NAIC complaints
Why it’s the best:
New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance, or NJM, received far fewer customer complaints for auto insurance than similar-sized companies. Although American Family boasts the lowest complaint levels among insurers in NerdWallet’s 2024 best companies list, NJM comes in at a close second.
NJM received a 5-star NerdWallet rating, meaning it scored similarly to some of the nation’s largest insurers, in spite of only selling auto policies in Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
» Read the full review: NJM auto insurance review
NJM average annual rates for a 35-year-old driver
| Driver profile | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Clean driving record, good credit | $1,551 | $660 |
| One speeding ticket, good credit | $2,031 | $876 |
| One at-fault crash, good credit | $1,680 | $718 |
| One DUI, good credit | $2,031 | $876 |
| Clean driving record, poor credit | $2,598 | $1,244 |
Best for financial strength: Auto-Owners
Auto-Owners
Discounts
Ease of use
NAIC complaints
Auto-Owners
Discounts
Ease of use
NAIC complaints
Why it’s the best:
A company’s financial strength is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing an insurer, since it indicates a company’s ability to pay a claim. For this category, NerdWallet leaned on AM Best’s financial strength rating, which measures an insurer’s ability to meet its policy and contract commitments. Auto-Owners exhibits a strong financial backing and ability to pay insurance claims.
Geico, State Farm, Travelers and USAA tied Auto-Owners for financial strength.
» Read the full review: Auto-Owners insurance review
Auto-Owners average annual rates for a 35-year-old driver
| Driver profile | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Clean driving record, good credit | $1,451 | $370 |
| One speeding ticket, good credit | $1,966 | $568 |
| One at-fault crash, good credit | $1,951 | $521 |
| One DUI, good credit | $2,986 | $910 |
| Clean driving record, poor credit | $4,124 | $1,011 |
Best for discounts: Amica
Amica
Discounts
Ease of use
NAIC complaints
Amica
Discounts
Ease of use
NAIC complaints
Why it’s the best:
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. Just keep in mind that the company with the most discounts will not necessarily be the cheapest. For that, check out NerdWallet's analysis of the cheapest car insurance.
American Family tied with Amica for the number of discounts drivers may qualify for.
» Read the full review: Amica auto insurance review
Amica average annual rates for a 35-year-old driver
| Driver profile | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Clean driving record, good credit | $2,335 | $768 |
| One speeding ticket, good credit | $2,987 | $974 |
| One at-fault crash, good credit | $2,805 | $909 |
| One DUI, good credit | $8,022 | $2,541 |
| Clean driving record, poor credit | $6,353 | $2,019 |
See what you could save on car insurance
Easily compare personalized rates to see how much switching car insurance could save you.Best for customer satisfaction: State Farm
State Farm
Discounts
Ease of use
NAIC complaints
State Farm
Discounts
Ease of use
NAIC complaints
Why it’s the best:
The largest personal auto insurance company in the country, State Farm ranked No. 1 among eight large insurers in J.D. Power's 2023 U.S. Insurance Shopping Study. The same year, it ranked No. 5 out of 24 companies in J.D. Power’s U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study and first for overall satisfaction in the Southwest.
» Read the full review: State Farm auto insurance review
State Farm average annual rates for a 35-year-old driver
| Driver profile | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Clean driving record, good credit | $2,040 | $465 |
| One speeding ticket, good credit | $2,373 | $547 |
| One at-fault crash, good credit | $2,636 | $610 |
| One DUI, good credit | $3,099 | $783 |
| Clean driving record, poor credit | $7,107 | $1,715 |
Best for military members: USAA
USAA
Discounts
Ease of use
NAIC complaints
USAA
Discounts
Ease of use
NAIC complaints
Why it’s the best:
USAA is the top auto insurance company for military members. Only available to active military, veterans and their families, the company has relatively low insurance rates and provides other financial solutions for qualifying customers, such as banking and investment products. USAA has high customer satisfaction ratings and offers a discount for storing your car on a military base.
» Read the full review: USAA auto insurance review
USAA average annual rates for a 35-year-old driver
| Driver profile | Full coverage rate | Minimum coverage rate |
|---|---|---|
| Clean driving record, good credit | $1,273 | $308 |
| One speeding ticket, good credit | $1,516 | $370 |
| One at-fault crash, good credit | $1,856 | $460 |
| One DUI, good credit | $2,352 | $582 |
| Clean driving record, poor credit | $2,267 | $509 |
See what you could save on car insurance
Easily compare personalized rates to see how much switching car insurance could save you.Best car insurance companies: Honorable mentions
If you’re looking for even more options, here’s a list of other top-tier car insurers that earned a NerdWallet star rating of 4.5. While these companies didn’t win in any of our “best of” categories like our 5-star rated companies above, they represent well-rounded options worthy of consideration.
Company | Auto insurer ratings |
|---|---|
Acuity | 4.5 NerdWallet rating |
Best car insurance companies by state
Car insurance company availability and their offerings can vary widely between states, so the best insurance companies nationwide might not be the best for you.
NerdWallet analyzed the auto insurance offerings available in different states to put together the best car insurance companies in 15 states in terms of four different categories: Best overall star rating, budget pick, best for customer satisfaction, and best for ease of use.
Find the best car insurance companies in your state below.
How to find the best car insurance for you
While our best car insurance company winners can serve as a jumping off point in your quest for the best policy, everyone’s needs and circumstances are different.
Here are some tips on how to get the best insurance company for you:
Shop around. Price is a key consideration for many people, especially with car insurance rates on the rise. Pricing is based on many factors like your age, location, vehicle and driving history. Because every insurance company weighs these factors differently, it’s best to shop around for car insurance quotes to find the cheapest option.
Check for complaints. Most people don’t deal with their insurance company until they need to file a claim. Read NerdWallet’s guide on how to find complaints about insurance companies in your area and other information before you sign on the dotted line.
Check your coverage. Ask your agent or a customer service representative if you’re getting the coverage you need so that you’re not under or over-insured.
Consider smaller insurance companies. Small car insurance companies offer prices well below those of large competitors in many locations, and can often provide a better customer experience, too.
Shop strategically. If you’ve gotten a speeding ticket, DUI or other violation recently, be sure to shop three to five years after the incident, when surcharges can drop significantly.
» MORE: Compare car insurance
Different types of car insurance
As you shop for the best car insurance, familiarize yourself with the different car insurance coverage types so you’ll know what to include in your coverage.
Use our tool below for a breakdown of common insurance coverage types and what each pays for:
Should you get minimum or full coverage car insurance?
If all you care about is getting the lowest price, consider minimum coverage car insurance. Minimum coverage is the least amount of insurance needed to drive legally in your state.
But it's typically not enough to cover damage from a major accident, and you could end up paying out of pocket for any damage you cause once your insurance pays out. Minimum coverage also won’t pay for damage you cause to your own car.
For greater financial protection, go with full coverage insurance. There’s no standard definition of full coverage car insurance, but it typically includes your state’s minimum requirements, plus comprehensive and collision insurance. Full coverage costs more than minimum coverage, but the peace of mind may be worth the extra money. If you’re financing or leasing your car, you probably already have full coverage insurance.
» MORE: Get free car insurance quotes
Why is car insurance so expensive?
You’ve probably noticed car insurance keeps getting more and more expensive. The cost of car insurance increased 20% in June 2024 compared to the year prior, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
While this rise in prices is largely due to inflation and other economic factors, your own rates will fluctuate based on many things, including:
The insurance company you choose. The insurer you go with is often the single most important factor in determining the price you pay for car insurance. Every insurer has their own method for determining rates, so don’t be surprised if you get different car insurance quotes from different companies.
Your age. Insurers charge higher prices for teenagers and drivers in their 20s. That’s because young drivers tend to be less experienced behind the wheel, and therefore more likely to get in an accident. Rates get lower once you hit your thirties, and generally creep back up when you reach your 70s.
Where you live. If you live in an area that has lots of extreme weather, high crime rates or busy roadways, you can expect to pay more for car insurance than if you live in a quiet, temperate part of the country.
Your driving history. Having an at-fault accident or driving violation on record — like a speeding ticket or DUI — can wreak havoc on your car insurance premiums. Sometimes, even an accident that wasn’t your fault can cause rates to go up. Depending on the incident, you may find your rates to go back to normal after two to five years.
The car you drive. Typically, the more expensive your car, the more expensive your car insurance. That’s because your insurance company will have to shell out more money to fix your car if you wreck it. Insurers also consider how likely your car is to be stolen or get into an accident.
» MORE: Why is my car insurance so high?
See what you could save on car insurance
Easily compare personalized rates to see how much switching car insurance could save you.Why you can trust NerdWallet
Our writers and editors follow strict editorial guidelines to ensure fair, unbiased and accurate information so you can choose the best insurance company for you. These company ratings are specific to auto insurance — a company's rating for other types of insurance may be different on our site.
See our criteria for how we evaluate auto insurance companies.
Insurer complaints methodology
NerdWallet examined complaints received by state insurance regulators and reported to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in 2020-2022. 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.
Here’s how we evaluated each car insurance company in 2024 and the weights we placed on each category:
Financial strength (30%).
Consumer complaints (30%).
Ease of use (20%).
Affordability (20%).
The best auto insurers excel at all of these categories. They provide the information people need to make a purchase without any surprises along the way. They offer insurance at a fair price and provide more than one way to buy and manage a policy. They're financially strong and able to keep their customers happy throughout the relationship.
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” credit rates are based on credit score approximations and do not account for proprietary scoring criteria used by insurance providers.
These are median 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.
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 2021 Toyota Camry LE in all cases and assumed 12,000 annual miles driven. We analyzed rates for 35-year-old drivers.
These are rates generated through Quadrant Information Services. Your own rates will be different.
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