Key Takeaways
- While we’ve ranked Travelers as the best auto insurer due to its coverage, costs, availability, reputation and customer service, the best provider for you may be different based on your needs.
- The price you pay for auto insurance depends on your age, driving record, zip code and more.
- While cost is an important factor, the best auto insurers have a balance of affordability, coverage and customer service.
If your car insurance company has given you a big headache, you’re not alone. Filing an insurance claim can be time-consuming, and getting the payout you deserve isn’t always as simple as advertised.
The best car insurance companies provide the coverage you need, a smooth claims experience, and affordable rates — and in this article, we at MarketWatch Guides offer a detailed review of these top providers according to our 2025 auto insurance study.
Best Car Insurance Companies
We found the following options to be the five best car insurance companies on the market:
We’ve put in hundreds of research hours, surveyed thousands of customers and interviewed experts to come up with our car insurance rankings. Our insurance company reviews include the following rating categories:
- Industry standing
- Availability
- Coverage
- Cost and discounts
- Customer experience
The companies below perform well in each of these categories. While we rank providers in order of overall scores, you’ll see some companies are better for certain types of drivers than others. We regularly update insurance ratings to keep our recommendations up to date.
Our provider reviews cite several key industry studies and ratings, including:
J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Insurance Shopping Study
The annual J.D. Power U.S. Insurance Shopping Study measures customer satisfaction and purchase experience with auto insurance providers based on five categories: brand, price, distribution channel, quote process and policy offerings. The study average score is 676/1,000.
J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study
The annual J.D. Power U.S. Auto Claims Study rates the claims experience customers have with different providers based on eight categories: trust, fairness of settlement, time to settle a claim, people, communication, ease of resolving a claim, ease of starting a claim and digital channels. Car insurance providers are assessed at the national level. The study average score is 697/1,000.
NAIC Complaint Index
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners Complaint Index is a representation of the number of complaints auto insurance providers receive relative to the average number of complaints for the industry based on their size. A score of 1 represents the average number of complaints for the industry.
Learn more about our methodology and editorial guidelines.
Avg. Monthly Minimum-Coverage Rate
$57
Avg. Monthly Full-Coverage Rate
$161
J.D. Power Insurance Shopping Study Score
680/1,000
J.D. Power Claims Satisfaction Score
684/1,000
NAIC Complaint Index Score
2.61
Travelers has cheap rates, many coverage options and a strong industry reputation. That’s why we named the company “Best for Most Drivers” in 2025 and awarded it the highest rating out of the dozens of providers we reviewed.
Has add-ons including accident forgiveness, gap insurance and new car replacement
Offers a discount for hybrid and electric vehicles, which is uncommon in the industry
Offers consistently low rates in most states for many driver profiles
Got a below-average score in the J.D. Power Auto Claims Satisfaction Study
Only offers rideshare coverage and accident forgiveness add-ons in some states
See the average rates at Travelers for key driver profiles in the table below.
| Driver Profile | Avg. Monthly Minimum-Coverage Rate | Avg. Monthly Full-Coverage Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Driver | $57 | $161 |
| Young Driver (16-year-olds) | $209 | $498 |
| Senior Driver (75-year-olds) | $64 | $166 |
| Accident | $82 | $228 |
| Speeding Ticket | $72 | $209 |
| DUI | $92 | $237 |
| Texting While Driving Ticket | $80 | $225 |
| Poor Credit | $109 | $268 |
*2025 rates are sourced by Quadrant Information Services and represent a 35-year-old driver with good credit and no driving violations who is insuring a 2023 Toyota Camry.
Travelers received a below-average score in the J.D. Power U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction study. However, in our 2025 auto insurance survey, 76% of Travelers customers told us that they were “somewhat satisfied” or “very satisfied” with their provider.
What Customers Like
In our survey, positive comments from Travelers customers mention:
- Quick, convenient claims processing
- Fast, helpful customer service
- Thorough communication
What Customers Don’t Like
Complaints from Travelers customers in our survey include:
- High premiums
- Worsening customer service experience over time, according to long-standing customers
We reached out to Travelers for a comment regarding negative customer comments and did not receive a response.
We reached out to Travelers about its higher-than-average number of complaints based on its NAIC Complaint Index Score and did not receive a response.
We reached out to Travelers for a comment on its low score in the Auto Claims Satisfaction Study and did not receive a response.
Avg. Monthly Minimum-Coverage Rate
$36
Avg. Monthly Full-Coverage Rate
$143
J.D. Power Insurance Shopping Study Score
711/1,000
J.D. Power Claims Satisfaction Score
726/1,000
NAIC Complaint Index Score
0.99
USAA excels as an auto insurance provider in nearly every aspect. The company offers some of the lowest rates across the U.S. for several driver profiles. It has a wide selection of discounts and consistently performs at or near the top of the list in industry studies like those from J.D. Power. However, take note that coverage from USAA is only available to members of the U.S. armed forces and select family members.
Excellent scores in both J.D. Power studies
Features military-specific savings such as a discount for storing a vehicle while deployed
Offers car replacement assistance, which pays up to 20% above the value of a totaled vehicle
Only available to military members and select family
Limited selection of coverage add-ons
We’ve provided the average rates for key driver profiles from USAA in the table below.
| Driver Profile | Avg. Monthly Minimum-Coverage Rate | Avg. Monthly Full-Coverage Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Driver | $36 | $143 |
| Young Driver (16-year-olds) | $176 | $504 |
| Senior Driver (75-year-olds) | $46 | $151 |
| Accident | $53 | $198 |
| Speeding Ticket | $44 | $169 |
| DUI | $73 | $271 |
| Texting While Driving Ticket | $44 | $168 |
| Poor Credit | $62 | $257 |
USAA has a slightly lower-than-average complaint ratio with the NAIC. Additionally, the results of both J.D. Power studies and the responses to our 2025 auto insurance survey paint a picture of a provider that people trust and appreciate. More specifically, 87% of respondents were either “somewhat satisfied” or “very satisfied” with being USAA customers.
What Customers Like
In our survey, USAA customers mentioned:
- Good communication from agents and adjusters
- Low prices and easy claims process
- Speedy service
What Customers Don’t Like
When policyholders had complaints about USAA, they tended to revolve around issues such as:
- Difficulty reaching a representative
- Poor website design
- Unexplained premium increases
We reached out to USAA for a comment regarding customer experiences with claims and did not get a reply.
Avg. Monthly Minimum-Coverage Rate
$44
Avg. Monthly Full-Coverage Rate
$169
J.D. Power Insurance Shopping Study Score
730/1,000
J.D. Power Claims Satisfaction Score
733/1,000
NAIC Complaint Index Score
0.77
Although Erie Insurance is only available in 12 states and Washington, D.C., it stands out as one of the best options on the market due to its strong customer service and industry reputation. It finished at or near the top of the pack in both J.D. Power studies and has one of the lowest NAIC complaint ratios of any insurer on this list. If Erie Insurance is available in your state, it could be worth checking out.
Erie Rate Lock feature can keep your rates from rising
Exemplary scores in J.D. Power Auto Insurance Studies
Affordable premiums where available
No usage-based insurance option
Only available in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, D.C., West Virginia and Wisconsin
We’ve compiled the average rates at Erie Insurance for several driver profiles in the table below.
| Driver Profile | Avg. Monthly Minimum-Coverage Rate | Avg. Monthly Full-Coverage Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Driver | $44 | $169 |
| Young Driver (16-year-olds) | $119 | $447 |
| Senior Driver (75-year-olds) | $50 | $189 |
| Accident | $70 | $236 |
| Speeding Ticket | $52 | $192 |
| DUI | $93 | $264 |
| Poor Credit | $88 | $331 |
Based on the results of our 2025 auto insurance survey, Erie customers are very happy with their provider. Of the Erie policyholders we surveyed, 87% said they were at least “somewhat satisfied” with their provider.
What Customers Like
Praise from Erie policyholders in our insurance study typically mentioned:
- Friendly, responsive customer service
- Cheap premiums for solid coverage
- Good discount availability
What Customers Don’t Like
There weren’t many complaints from Erie customers in our survey. The only negative thing mentioned was that the claims process could have been faster.
When we reached out about these issues, Erie Director of Strategic Communications Matthew Cummings said of the company,
“Since 1925, we’ve been fulfilling our promise of providing insurance rooted in the principles of honesty, decency, service and affordability…[our] approach has been core to Erie’s affordable pricing, expert claims handling and award-winning customer service for 100 years.”
He also highlighted Erie’s dedication to its customers, noting,
“Our commitment to customer service is unmatched in the industry — from year to year, more than 91% of policyholders stay with Erie Insurance.”
Avg. Monthly Minimum-Coverage Rate
$60
Avg. Monthly Full-Coverage Rate
$204
J.D. Power Insurance Shopping Study Score
678/1,000
J.D. Power Claims Satisfaction Score
672/1,000
NAIC Complaint Index Score
0.94
There is a lot to like about Progressive, from unique add-ons like pet injury coverage, to its below-average number of NAIC complaints. But what especially sets Progressive apart is the company’s discounts tailored for safe drivers. According to its website, drivers with no tickets or accidents on record could pay 34% less than those with violations. It also offers a usage-based insurance program that can further lower your rates for good driving habits.
Earned the highest rating possible for coverage in our 2025 auto insurance study
Offers mechanical breakdown insurance
Large and varied selection of car insurance discounts
Below-average score in J.D. Power Auto Claims Satisfaction Study
Telematics program, Snapshot, could raise rates for some drivers
In the table below, see the average rates Progressive offers different drivers in the U.S.
| Driver Profile | Avg. Monthly Minimum-Coverage Rate | Avg. Monthly Full-Coverage Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Driver | $60 | $204 |
| Young Driver (16-year-olds) | $289 | $494 |
| Senior Driver (75-year-olds) | $71 | $197 |
| Accident | $97 | $304 |
| Speeding Ticket | $82 | $270 |
| DUI | $81 | $263 |
| Texting While Driving Ticket | $83 | $274 |
| Poor Credit | $98 | $319 |
Progressive earned an above-average score in the J.D. Power Insurance Shopping Study, but a below-average score in the Claims Satisfaction Study. The company also has fewer than average complaints with the NAIC. Our 2025 auto insurance survey shows that 85% of Progressive customers are satisfied with the provider.
What Customers Like
Praise for Progressive in our auto insurance study tends to mention:
- Helpful, knowledgeable customer service representatives
- Good options for bundling policies and multiple drivers
- Excellent website and apps
What Customers Don’t Like
When respondents complained about Progressive, they mentioned:
- Premiums going up without explanation
- Issues with the claims process
We reached out to Progressive for a comment regarding customer feedback but did not receive a response.
We reached out to Progressive for a comment on its low score in the J.D. Power Auto Claims Satisfaction Study but did not receive a response.
We reached out to Progressive for a comment regarding customer feedback but did not receive a response.
Avg. Monthly Minimum-Coverage Rate
$79
Avg. Monthly Full-Coverage Rate
$183
J.D. Power Insurance Shopping Study Score
702/1,000
J.D. Power Claims Satisfaction Score
692/1,000
NAIC Complaint Index Score
0.31
American Family earned the superlative of Best Discount Variety. The insurer offers savings for bundling, young drivers, those who don’t drive much, those who switch from a competitor and more. American Family pairs its discounts with affordable rates, a high customer satisfaction score from our team and the lowest NAIC Complaint Index Score out of our top five insurer picks.
Unique, wide variety of car insurance discounts
Above-average score in the J.D. Power Insurance Shopping Study
Offers several discounts specifically tailored to young drivers
Only available in 19 states
Low BBB customer review rating
In the table below, take a closer look at the average minimum- and full-coverage monthly rates American Family offers for various driver profiles.
| Driver Profile | Avg. Monthly Minimum-Coverage Rate | Avg. Monthly Full-Coverage Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Driver | $79 | $183 |
| Young Driver (16-year-olds) | $314 | $479 |
| Senior Driver (75-year-olds) | $128 | $250 |
| Accident | $150 | $288 |
| Speeding Ticket | $130 | $282 |
| DUI | $159 | $320 |
| Texting While Driving Ticket | $130 | $276 |
| Poor Credit | $202 | $328 |
American Family received a slightly below-average score in the J.D. Power Auto Claims Satisfaction study. However, our latest 2025 auto insurance survey results show that 93% of the respondents with a policy from American Family were either “satisfied” or “very satisfied.” The company also has a lower-than-average NAIC Complaint Index Score — the lowest amount of complaints of the providers in this review.
What Customers Like
American Family policyholders in our insurance study noted appreciation for the following:
- Great local agents
- Affordable rates
- Excellent customer service
What Customers Don’t Like
There weren’t many complaints against American Family in our survey. One customer indicated that they experienced a rate increase after filing a claim.
We reached out to American Family about its low ratings but did not receive a response.
Car Insurance Company Reviews
In addition to nationally ranking the best car insurance companies, we’ve looked at more insurers to determine which is the best in each state.
Best Car Insurance Companies by State
Search the table below to find the best car insurance company in your state, according to our review.
How Much Does the Best Car Insurance Cost?
The national average rates for car insurance are $61 per month for minimum coverage and $203 per month for full coverage. However, your rates will differ since insurance costs are customized to each driver, based on their age, driving record, location and more.
In the table below, we list the average minimum- and full-coverage rates for a few key categories of drivers.
| Driver Profile | Avg. Monthly Minimum-Coverage Rate | Avg. Monthly Full-Coverage Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Young Driver (16-year-olds) | $242 | $487 |
| Senior Driver (75-year-olds) | $74 | $212 |
| Accident | $98 | $281 |
| Speeding Ticket | $82 | $247 |
| DUI | $114 | $301 |
| Texting While Driving Ticket | $81 | $244 |
| Poor Credit | $116 | $302 |
| Male Driver | $61 | $203 |
| Female Driver | $62 | $202 |
How To Get the Best Car Insurance
Here are some tips for finding the best auto coverage for your needs:
Figure Out Your Coverage Needs Before You Shop
There are a few things to consider at this step.
Minimum vs. Full Coverage
Every state except New Hampshire requires drivers to carry an auto policy that meets its minimum coverage requirements. While minimum coverage is all you’re required to have, we recommend carrying full-coverage insurance. These policies add collision and comprehensive coverage to protect your assets and others’ in an accident.
There are a few scenarios in which sticking with minimum coverage may make more sense. But generally speaking, if you can’t afford to lose the entire value of your vehicle, full coverage is probably the right choice.
Coverage Add-Ons
Car insurance providers also offer optional coverage items to customize your policy. These add-ons can help cover other costs related to filing an insurance claim. Some of the most popular add-ons include:
- Gap coverage: Covers some or all of the difference between what you owe on a vehicle and its value in the event of a total loss.
- Trip interruption: Covers food, lodging and other travel expenses if you suffer a covered loss far away from home.
- Rideshare insurance: Covers your vehicle while you use it for rideshare or food delivery services at times when providers like Lyft, Uber or GrubHub don’t cover it.
- Accident forgiveness: Prevents your insurance rates from going up following a single collision.
- Roadside assistance: Covers some or all of the cost of emergency roadside services like tire replacement, fuel delivery and towing.
- Rental car reimbursement: Covers some or all of the cost of renting a vehicle to use while yours is unavailable due to a covered loss.
Get Quotes From at Least Three Insurers
The more quotes you get, the more likely you are to find the lowest rates from the best car insurance companies. That said, we recommend getting quotes from at least three providers to find a good deal. You can compare more than that, of course, but we think three is a good starting number that gives you a few quotes to choose from.
Compare More Than Just Cost
While cost should be a key consideration when shopping for car insurance, getting a great price won’t mean much if you aren’t treated well when filing a claim.
It’s important to compare other aspects, such as reputation, customer service and coverage options. Use resources such as J.D. Power studies, online customer reviews and the NAIC complaint index.
Don’t Forget to Apply Discounts
While most insurers offer at least a handful of discounts, they vary widely between providers and sometimes by location. We recommend asking an insurance agent directly which discounts are available to you.
Shop for Better Car Insurance Regularly
Rates can change in an instant. While your current insurer may have offered you the lowest premiums the last time you shopped, that may not be the case when it’s time to renew. Taking a few hours to shop around every renewal cycle could save you a lot of money.
Best Car Insurance: FAQs
Here are our answers to frequently asked questions about car insurance.
State Farm is the most popular auto insurance company in the U.S. According to the most recent NAIC data, the company claimed 18.3% of the country’s car insurance market in 2023.
Broadly speaking, Geico and USAA tend to have some of the cheapest car insurance rates in most markets. However, that isn’t always the case. The provider with the lowest rates depends on the market as well as individual factors about you as a driver.
The car insurance that respondents say they trust the most (in our most recent study) is USAA.The insurer earned a 4.9 out of 5 in our industry standing ratings category, which was the highest score out of the providers featured in this review. Travelers and Progressive also earned high marks for trustworthiness, with a score of 4.8 out of 5.
Our Methodology: Rating the Best Auto Insurance Companies
Because consumers rely on us to provide objective and accurate information, we created a comprehensive rating system to formulate our rankings of the best car insurance companies. We collected data on dozens of auto insurance providers to grade the companies on a wide range of ranking factors. The end result was an overall rating for each provider, with the insurers that scored the most points topping the list.
Here are the factors our ratings take into account:
Our credentials:
*Data accurate at time of publication.
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