Our 2022 picks for the best car insurance companies in the industry include GEICO, Amica, State Farm, USAA, and more — depending on what you're looking for.
Anna Swartz is a managing editor and auto insurance expert at Policygenius, where she oversees our car insurance coverage. Previously, she was a senior staff writer at Mic.com, as well as an associate writer at The Dodo.
Andrew Hurst is a senior editor and a licensed auto insurance expert at Policygenius. His work has also been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, USA Today, NPR, Mic, Insurance Business Magazine, ValuePenguin, and Property Casualty 360.
Expert reviewed
Expert reviewed
This article has been reviewed by a licensed Policygenius expert to ensure that sources, statistics, and claims meet our standard for accurate and unbiased advice.
Fabio Faschi is a licensed property and casualty insurance agent. His expertise on home and auto insurance has been featured on Forbes, Consumer Affairs, Realtor.com, Apartment Therapy, SFGATE, Bankrate, and Lifehacker.
The best car insurance companies combine cheap rates with highly rated customer service and strong coverage options, along with convenient online tools that make it easy to pay your premiums, file a claim, and add more protection when you need it.
Choose a company from the table below to skip ahead and learn more about them.
How Policygenius ranked the best car insurance companies
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Our experts ranked the top auto insurance companies by weighing several factors, including the average annual cost of a car insurance policy and the availability of coverage. Our rankings also incorporate a few third-party sources, including:
Claims satisfaction ratings from J.D. Power's Claims Satisfaction Study
Customer complaint data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners
Financial strength ratings from A.M. Best
Because some companies offer low rates but have fewer coverage options, while others have great customer service but are more expensive, we recommend thinking about what’s most important to you when shopping for car insurance. Then, compare quotes from multiple companies to find the best rates and coverage for your needs.
Compare rates and shop affordable car insurance today
How we score: Policygenius’ ratings are determined by our editorial team. Our methodology takes multiple factors into account, including pricing, financial ratings, quality of customer service, and other product-specific features.
Best for discounts
One of the most recognizable car insurance carriers on the market is also a reliable go-to for standard auto insurance.
Pros
Available nationwide
Easy-to-use website and mobile app
Plenty of discounts
Comprehensive customer service
Wide array of other coverages, including rideshare insurance and collector’s insurance
Cons
Average claims satisfaction
Middling customer ratings
Doesn’t underwrite all their other insurance products
Why GEICO is the best car insurance for cheap rates
Our analysis found that a full coverage policy with GEICO is 35% cheaper than average. In fact, GEICO's low rates could save some drivers an average of $622 per year on coverage.
GEICO's long list of discounts also helps make it the best car insurance company for cheap rates, especially since many of these savings are easy for most people to get. Some of GEICO’s discounts include savings for taking a defensive driving course, owning a brand-new car, and insuring multiple vehicles on the same policy.
How we score: Policygenius’ ratings are determined by our editorial team. Our methodology takes multiple factors into account, including pricing, financial ratings, quality of customer service, and other product-specific features.
Best for claims satisfaction
Amica, while expensive, is a great option for shoppers interested in top-of-the-line service.
Pros
Top-rated customer service and claims satisfaction
Why Amica is the best car insurance for customer service
If customer service is your top priority, Amica may be the best company for you. In 2021, J.D. Power ranked Amica fourth in the country for claims satisfaction, and it’s consistently scored well for customer happiness.
Amica isn't just the best car insurance company for customer service, it's also 4% cheaper than industry average. However, drivers with an accident or ticket on their record will see significantly higher rates compared to drivers with spotless records.
State availability
Available in every state and the District of Columbia, with the exception of Hawaii.
How we score: Policygenius’ ratings are determined by our editorial team. Our methodology takes multiple factors into account, including pricing, financial ratings, quality of customer service, and other product-specific features.
Best for coverage options
Safeco boasts some less standard coverage options that might make it appealing to certain shoppers, like ride-share drivers, pet owners, and drivers with customized vehicles.
Pros
More nonstandard coverage options than competitors
Why Safeco is the best car insurance for coverage options
Safeco is the best car insurance company for people who want to get the most out of their auto coverage. Besides offering a full range of standard coverage options, Safeco also offers some extra forms of coverage and perks that you might not find at other car insurance companies, including:
Diminishing deductible: For every year of safe driving, your deductible will drop by $100, up to $500 total.
New car replacement: Pays to replace your car with a brand-new model if your vehicle is less than one year old when it's totaled.
Rental car reimbursement: Pays for the cost of a rental car if yours is in the shop after a covered accident.
Roadside assistance: Covers the cost of assistance or towing if you’re stranded on the side of the road because of a flat tire, dead battery, empty gas tank, an accidental lockout, and more.
Original parts replacement: Pays to replace your car's damaged parts with high-quality manufacturer parts, or comparable parts if the originals aren't available.
How we score: Policygenius’ ratings are determined by our editorial team. Our methodology takes multiple factors into account, including pricing, financial ratings, quality of customer service, and other product-specific features.
Best for safe drivers
A regional carrier with standout claims satisfaction ratings, Erie’s main drawback is that it’s simply not available in many states.
Pros
Standout customer service
Premium coverage options
Well-designed, sleek website
Accident forgiveness is offered as a loyalty perk
Cons
Not available in most states
May drop you if you have multiple accidents or moving violations
Why Erie is the best smaller car insurance company
Erie isn't available everywhere, but if you live in one of the 12 states where it’s offered, it’s a great choice for coverage with a reputation for top-notch customer service. It’s also a good deal — our analysis found that A full-coverage policy with Erie costs 36% less than industry average, meaning it’s cheaper than a lot of bigger companies.
It may not be a national carrier, but Erie offers all the perks of a major insurer. Erie customers can choose from plenty of coverage options, like new car replacement, rental reimbursement, and roadside assistance.
State availability
Available in the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
How we score: Policygenius’ ratings are determined by our editorial team. Our methodology takes multiple factors into account, including pricing, financial ratings, quality of customer service, and other product-specific features.
Best for teen drivers
With above-average claims satisfaction, a range of discounts, and great options for teen drivers, it makes sense that State Farm is the largest auto insurer in the U.S.
Why State Farm is the best car insurance for teenage drivers
Typically, teenage drivers pay much more for auto insurance than drivers with more experience behind the wheel. A 16-year-old pays an average of 255% more for insurance than the typical adult — but our analysis found that State Farm is a much cheaper option for young drivers.
In fact, State Farm charges teen drivers who have their own policy nearly $2,000 less for coverage than industry average for the same age group.
State Farm also offers ways to offset the cost of adding a teenage driver to an auto insurance policy, like its Steer Clear program for drivers under 25, which tracks driving behavior through an app that also includes informational quizzes and videos.
How we score: Policygenius’ ratings are determined by our editorial team. Our methodology takes multiple factors into account, including pricing, financial ratings, quality of customer service, and other product-specific features.
Best for mobile app and digital tools
Root offers shoppers the chance to pay their rates based on driving behavior while tracked by a mobile app, but lacks the coverage options and features of more established carriers.
Why Root is the best car insurance for mobile app and digital tools
A relative newcomer to the auto insurance industry, Root sets rates based on driving behavior instead of the usual factors like your location or age. Root tracks your driving habits with a mobile app and calculates your rates based on a trial period. We found that safe drivers could pay 63% less for full coverage with Root compared to industry average.
Root also allows drivers to manage their policies, pay their premiums, and file and monitor claims through its mobile app, which earned good reviews on both the Google Play store and App Store.
State availability
Available in Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Best for military families: USAA
USAA
Best for military families
USAA ranks well for superior customer service at industry-leading rates, but it’s only for members of the U.S. military and their families.
Pros
Excellent customer service and claims ratings
Industry-leading financial ratings
Unique discounts for service members
Cons
Only available to drivers affiliated with the military
Why USAA is the best car insurance for military families
Unlike other insurance companies, USAA is only available to active and retired members of the military and their families. But if you're eligible for coverage, you could get the best rates around. Our analysis found that a full coverage policy with USAA is 37% cheaper than average, meaning big savings.
In addition to low rates, USAA is also known for stellar customer service and high claims satisfaction. In fact J.D. Power ranked it first in its 2021 survey of overall customer claims satisfaction.
State availability
All 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Top car insurance companies in 2022
Our top picks are standouts, but there are other great, affordable car insurance options that may be the best choice for some drivers. Check out our extended list of the best car insurance companies of 2022.
Company
Average annual premiums
J.D. Power score
MAPFRE
$1,040
844
USAA
$1,048
890
Auto-Owners Insurance
$1,070
890
Erie
$1,139
880
GEICO
$1,187
871
American Family
$1,227
862
State Farm
$1,383
881
Nationwide
$1,463
876
NJ Manufacturers
$1,481
909
COUNTRY Financial
$1,543
863
Travelers
$1,580
861
Amica
$1,687
907
Progressive
$1,758
856
National General
$1,819
815
Farmers
$1,934
872
The Hartford
$1,939
888
Allstate
$1,974
876
CSAA
$2,318
862
MetLife
$2,431
886
Mercury Insurance
$2,554
849
Policygenius analysis of rates provided by Quadrant Information Services. Rates are a sample of costs. Your actual quotes may differ.
What are the different types of car insurance?
All of our picks for the top car insurance companies have the basic coverage that every driver needs in order to be fully protected. It’s a good idea to get familiar with the different types of car insurance coverage before you shop for insurance, so you know exactly what’s going into your policy.
Coverage type
What it does
Property damage liability
Covers the cost of the other party's repairs if you're at-fault in a car accident
Bodily injury liability
Pays for the other party's medical bills and related expenses if you cause an accident
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
Covers the costs if you're hit by a driver without insurance, or who doesn't have enough insurance to pay for the damage
Collision coverage
Pays for damage to your own car after an accident, even if you were the one at-fault
Comprehensive coverage
Covers damage to your car not caused by a collision, like damage from extreme weather, fire or theft
Personal injury protection
Required in no-fault states, pays for your own medical expenses after an accident
MedPay
Available in at-fault states, pays for medical bills after an accident, usually up to a limited amount
According to our analysis, car insurance costs the average driver $1,652 per year (or $138 per month) for a full-coverage policy. For minimum coverage, drivers pay an average of $617 per year (or $51 per month) for less protection, but risk being uninsured after an accident.
But what you pay for auto insurance depends on lots of factors, like your driving record, age, credit and claims history, and the type of car you drive.
How much you pay for car insurance also depends on where you live. In fact, location is one of the most important factors that goes into car insurance rates.
Drivers in some states may pay hundreds dollars more for coverage than someone with the same background who lives in a different state. That’s because car insurance companies consider local factors like repair costs, state insurance requirements, and even the number of uninsured drivers on the road in your state.
Average rates for male and female drivers ages 30, 35, and 45. Rates provided by Quadrant Information Services. Rates provided are a sample of costs. Your actual quotes may differ.
Choosing the best car insurance company in 2022
Policygenius makes it easy to choose the best car insurance company, because we show you quotes from the top companies and help you choose the policy that’s best for you.
Whether you’re looking for a company with white glove service or you want the most affordable option out there, here’s what every driver should look for.
Here’s what to consider when you’re comparing car insurance policies:
Customer service and claims handling. Policygenius hasdetailed company reviews of top car insurance carriers, so read up on how some of the best providers fare on customer service and claims satisfaction.
Cost. Policygenius can help you compare quotes from top companies, so you can see which one offers you the best coverage at the best price. Remember to make sure you’re comparing apples to apples — one company may offer you a 6-month policy for $750 and another may offer you a yearlong one for $900, so take a look at the specifics before you choose your coverage.
Additional coverage options. While most car insurance companies offer the same range of standard auto insurance options that make up a full coverage policy, some offer a wider range of coverage options than others, including coverage for things like personal belongings stolen from your car, or extra coverage if your pets are injured in an accident. You should also check to see which other insurance products are on offer – you can’t bundle your car and home insurance with a company that only offers auto policies.
Discounts and savings opportunities. The best auto insurance companies can offset the cost of your premiums byoffering discounts on car insurance for things like safe driving, bundling your auto and home insurance, paying your bill in full at the start of the year, or taking a defensive driving course.
The best car insurance companies will all offer a wide range of discounts that can help you find your best rates. Some of the most common car insurance discounts include:
Multi-policy discount: For bundling your auto insurance with home or renters coverage from the same company
Multi-car discount: For insuring more than one vehicle on the same car insurance policy
Claims-free discount: For drivers with no recent claims on their record
Student discount: For young drivers who maintain above a certain GPA in school
Telematics program: Savings in exchange for safe driving, usually tracked through a smartphone app or plug-in device
Defensive driving course for 55+: For older drivers who complete a defensive driving course
Paying in full upfront discount: For drivers who pay their full annual premium at the start of the policy term
Frequently asked questions
Are there different types of car insurance companies?
Yes — some car insurance companies are smaller, regional carriers that only offer coverage in a few states, while others are national companies that offer policies no matter where you are in the U.S. Some companies only offer auto insurance, while others can also insure your home, boat, RV or trailer.
How do I find the best car insurance rates?
The most surefire way to get the best car insurance rates is to shop around, and compare quotes from at least three different companies before you choose coverage. Policygenius can help you see quotes from top companies in one go, so you know you’re choosing the best price.
Can anyone get USAA car insurance?
No, USAA insurance is limited to current and former members of the U.S. military, as well as their spouses and children. If that doesn’t describe you, you’ll have to look for car insurance coverage elsewhere.
How do I find the best discounts?
Discounts will be automatically applied to your policy when you buy insurance, but to make sure you’re getting all the best savings, ask about specific discounts during the car insurance application process. Savings for bundling policies and insuring multiple cars can typically net you bigger savings than discounts for vehicle features.
Methodology
Policygenius ranked the best car insurance companies by evaluating affordability, customer service quality and satisfaction, and availability.
Our cost analysis is based on auto insurance quotes from every ZIP code across the country, plus the District of Columbia. These rates were provided by Quadrant Information Services for a full-coverage policy with the following limits:
Bodily injury liability: $50,000 per person/$100,000 per crash
Property damage liability: $50,000
Uninsured/underinsured motorist: $50,000 per person/$100,000 per crash
Comprehensive: $500 deductible
Collision: $500 deductible
Our rates were determined using averages for single drivers ages 30, 35, and 45, who drove a 2017 Toyota Camry LE for an average of 10,000 miles/year. Rates for driving violations and “Poor” credit determined using average rates for a single male 30-year-old driver with a credit score under 578.
Some carriers may be represented by affiliates or subsidiaries. Rates provided are a sample of costs. Your actual quotes may differ.
To evaluate customer service and satisfaction, we used data from marketing research firm J.D. Power's Auto Insurance Claims Satisfaction Study.
We also considered complaint data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). NAIC's Complaint Index charts consumer satisfaction and reports complaints relative to the amount expected from each company. Finally, A.M. Best's credit ratings provide consumers with an idea of each insurer's financial strength.
Anna Swartz is a managing editor and auto insurance expert at Policygenius, where she oversees our car insurance coverage. Previously, she was a senior staff writer at Mic.com, as well as an associate writer at The Dodo.
Andrew Hurst is a senior editor and a licensed auto insurance expert at Policygenius. His work has also been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, USA Today, NPR, Mic, Insurance Business Magazine, ValuePenguin, and Property Casualty 360.
Fabio Faschi is a licensed property and casualty insurance agent. His expertise on home and auto insurance has been featured on Forbes, Consumer Affairs, Realtor.com, Apartment Therapy, SFGATE, Bankrate, and Lifehacker.
