Our experts answer readers' insurance questions and write unbiased product reviews (here's how we assess insurance products). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own.
If you drive, you probably need car insurance. Nearly all states have liability insurance requirements for drivers, and New Hampshire's lack of insurance requirements should not be mistaken for a free pass to get on the road unprotected.
Generally, it's a good idea to go beyond state minimums and opt for full coverage, which can be a mix of liability, comprehensive, and collision insurance to ensure you've covered your bases in a wide range of scenarios. Car insurance is a safeguard and can lessen the financial burden of an auto accident, but only if you have the proper coverage.
Best Car Insurance of 2023
- Best Customer Satisfaction:
Amica Auto Insurance - Product Name Only - Best Affordable Coverage:
GEICO Auto Insurance - Product Name Only - Best for Military:
USAA Auto Insurance - Product Name Only - Best for Teen Drivers:
State Farm Auto Insurance - Product Name Only - Best for Discounts:
Farmers Auto Insurance - Product Name Only - Best for Teachers:
Liberty Mutual Auto - Product Name Only - Best for Accident Forgiveness:
Progressive Auto Insurance - Product Name Only
Experts recommend going beyond the minimum liability coverage limits. Unfortunately, the medical and property damage costs can go far beyond state minimums in a severe accident. Depending on the state, this could leave you vulnerable to more significant financial losses. Whatever affordable car insurance companies you choose, your coverage will shape your experience after an accident.
Read on to learn more about our top picks.
Compare the Best Car Insurance Companies
Why You Should Trust Us: How We Chose the Best Car Insurance Companies
To determine the best auto insurance companies, we compare numerous factors included in our insurance rating methodology. These include affordability, customer satisfaction, coverage options, optional coverage, benefits for policyholders, financial strength, and accessibility. No single factor accounts for everything consumers need; not all auto insurance companies are created the same.
We compared quotes, customer reviews, financial stability, and the company's history. With all these factors combined, we rate numerous competitors to see which companies rise to the top.
Auto insurance, in particular, is primarily run on a state and regional basis. In short, most auto insurance providers are only licensed in some states. As such, the best car insurance companies for a driver in New York may differ from the best option for similar drivers in California.
We use numerous sources to get an objective view of each provider. Our reviews are not sponsored by the companies being reviewed. Each review reflects our opinion based solely on the facts gathered. Reviews may be updated as facts change (for example, JD Power rankings are updated when new reports are released). However, requests from insurers that conflict with public-facing websites are not factored into our reviews.
Car Insurance Frequently Asked Questions
Is there one car insurance company that provides the best coverage in all 50 states?
State Farm is highly ranked in many JD Power surveys and maintains the highest market share of any auto insurance company in the United States. The company is known for exclusive insurance quoted only by State Farm agents. However, it is outperformed in some areas by smaller regional carriers. Some insurers are even limited to just one state, like 21st Century auto insurance, which only serves California.
Who has the best car insurance?
JD Power's latest auto claims satisfaction study shows Amica Mutual earned the top spot. Amica's Consumer Affairs ranking is also high at 4.1 out of 5 stars. In
What is the average cost of car insurance, and how do I save money?
Many auto insurance companies offer discounts for safe driving, especially if you're willing to install an app to track certain driving behaviors. Paying your premium in full instead of month-by-month also reduces rates.
Some states allow auto insurance companies to factor in your credit score. So being financially and otherwise responsible goes a long way. However, one of the best ways to reduce costs is by getting multiple quotes to compare quotes. The cheapest auto insurance might surprise you.
How can I find the best price on car insurance?
The easiest way to compare quotes is by working with a licensed independent insurance agent. They can run quotes, compare prices and coverage so you know you're getting the best value. Some customers also prefer to go online. Companies like GEICO, Progressive, and Lemonade offer online-only quotes to give consumers back control.
What is collision vs. liability?
Liability is required in most states. However, New Hampshire allows drivers to fulfill liability requirements with other proof of financial responsibility. Collision insurance covers your car in the event of a collision with another car, certain standing objects, etc. While liability alone is cheaper, it could cost you more in the event of an accident.
Best Car Insurance for Customer Satisfaction
Amica Mutual
Founded in 1907 as The Automobile Mutual Insurance Company of America,
Amica car insurance also has an A+ rating from AM Best, which looks at a company's financial stability. The more financially stable a company is, the more likely it is to be around to pay your claims when you need it. So its excellent AM Best ranking gives many consumers peace of mind.
Amica offers liability, collision, comprehensive, and other common types of auto insurance. It also provides gap coverage, which can be helpful if you get into an accident with a vehicle you're currently financing. This covers any difference between your car's value and your loan balance in the event of a total loss. The exact limits and terms may vary based on the plan you buy. As such, we recommend speaking with an Amica agent to ensure you understand everything you need to know.
You can also opt for roadside assistance or get its premium option, Platinum Choice® Auto. It comes with glass repair with no deductible, rental coverage, new car replacement, and more. Amica also offers a mobile app to manage all your insurance needs.
Best Affordable Car Insurance
GEICO
If you want competitive and affordable car insurance rates, look no further than
To keep prices low, GEICO also offers numerous discounts to drivers, including discounts for safety devices like anti-lock brakes, seat belt use, defensive driving courses, and being a good student. In addition, policies can be managed online or via GEICO's app with 24/7 access to all policy documents.
The reviews we saw indicated GEICO's claims team was similarly quick, with a few mentions of adjusters who took additional steps to minimize or eliminate policyholders' out-of-pocket costs in a claim. From what we've gathered, rate hikes after an accident seem small compared to many other discount car insurance companies.
Best Car Insurance for Military
USAA
USAA offers standard car insurance options like liability, collision, comprehensive coverage, and uninsured and underinsured coverage. Optional coverage includes roadside assistance and rental reimbursement. USAA also sells home, pet, and life insurance, to name a few. So bundling insurance products is extremely common for military members and their families.
USAA also has plenty of discounts that only make sense for military members. For example, you could get up to a 15% discount when your vehicle is parked in a garage on base. You can also qualify for savings if you store your car or drive infrequently (which may apply to active duty military members being deployed).
Bundling home and auto insurance coverage with USAA gives policyholders a 10% discount. Setting up automatic payments for your car insurance premiums can reduce premiums by an additional 3%. If you insure two cars or more or your teen driver has good grades, you may be eligible for other discounts. USAA also has an app and offers 24/7 support online. USAA is unique in that whether you have a strong driving record or tickets and DUIs, USAA will still beat the nearest competitor's quote.
Best Car Insurance for Teen Drivers
State Farm
Given the increased risk factors, car insurance for teen drivers can be costly. Teen drivers don't have the same levels of experience behind the wheel and may engage in risky driving behaviors. In fact, car crashes are the top cause of teen deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Experts recommend adding any licensed driver in your home as soon as you know they'll drive your car regularly.
The Steer Clear discount offers young drivers below 25 up to a 15% discount with no at-fault accidents or moving violations in the previous three years. In addition, if you're willing to use State Farm's Drive Safe & Save app, you may qualify for up to a 30% discount.
Along with its liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, State Farm offers emergency roadside service, rideshare coverage, and other auto coverages. You can work with one of its many insurance agents nationwide to find the best coverage for you and your teen driver.
State Farm Auto Insurance Review
Best Car Insurance for Discounts
Farmers Insurance
Policyholders paying premiums in full, senior drivers taking safe driving training, California drivers driving hybrids or electric vehicles, homeowners, good students, and young drivers are just a few groups enjoying discounts on auto insurance with Farmers. You also stand to save up to 20% by bundling plans or qualify for another discount insuring multiple vehicles.
Along with liability, collision, and comprehensive, Farmers offers umbrella policies to boost coverage on multiple plans (if you're bundling). All plans can be managed through the Farmers app.
Best Car Insurance for Teachers
Liberty Mutual Insurance
Many teachers enjoy lower prices, more perks, and greater customer satisfaction with
Perks include a $0 deductible on collision coverage if you get into an accident during school hours or while working (ex: a coach driving to another school for an after-school sports game). Teachers also enjoy up to $2,500 in personal property coverage if teaching items or school-owned items are damaged or stolen. In addition, Liberty Mutual automatically applies a $0 deductible when qualifying cars are vandalized on school property or when driving on school-specific business.
Through Liberty Insurance, you can get typical collision or comprehensive coverage. It also offers optional coverages like original parts replacement coverage, gap coverage, 24-hour roadside assistance coverage, rental car reimbursement coverage, and more.
Unlike competitors, Liberty Mutual also has a Liberty Mutual Deductible Fund®. You pay $30 toward the deductible fund each year, and Liberty Mutual drops your deductible by $100. If you file a claim, the fund can lower out-of-pocket costs. You can download the company's app to check in with your policy or file a claim.
Liberty Mutual Car Insurance Review
Best Car Insurance for Accident Forgiveness
Progressive
Accidents happen, and the best car insurance companies can help. But rates inevitably rise after even a minor accident.
- Small Accident Forgiveness. This option is available to new Progressive customers in most states through the Loyalty Rewards program and won't increase your premiums if your claim is at or below $500. This said, it's worth noting that when deciding whether to file a claim, you should always consider your deductible and how much your insurance will pay.
- Large Accident Forgiveness. Customers in most states may qualify for this option through the Loyalty Rewards program. Drivers eligible for Large Accident Forgiveness won't see increased rates even if claims exceed $500. You must be a Progressive customer for five consecutive years with no accident or moving violations within that time frame.
- Progressive Accident Forgiveness. You may qualify to have one accident forgiven in a specific period, but you can buy additional accident forgiveness through this program. In a sense, you are prepaying to keep your rates consistent if you're involved in an accident. Check if your state qualifies, as it's not available everywhere.
You can obtain liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage through Progressive. Interestingly, Progressive specifies if your pet is injured and you have collision coverage, your policy will cover some vet expenses.
It also offers gap coverage, rental car reimbursement coverage, custom parts and equipment value, rideshare coverage, and roadside assistance. Progressive also has a Name Your Price option that allows you to state your desired price, and the website will show what's available. You can also use their mobile app or contact Progressive agents for support.
Progressive Car Insurance Review