Why we recommend it: State Farm earned the top overall InsureScore among policyholders by providing excellent claims handling and customer service at reasonable prices.
Editors’ pros and cons
Pros:
- State Farm has a robust offering of special coverages and discounts, especially for young drivers.
- State Farm isn’t known for having the lowest rates, but is actually among the cheapest for liability and full coverage policies compared to other national carriers, and doesn’t hike rates as much as other carriers for accidents and tickets.
- Received InsureScore of four stars for customer service, value, claims handling and website/apps.
- Had the highest percentage (96%) of customer who said they’d renew their policies.
Cons:
- State Farm uses non-original equipment manufacturer (non-OEM) parts or OEM Surplus parts when repairing vehicles to save money. Typically, if you want OEM parts you need to pay the extra cost.
- No military or senior driver discounts.
State Farm offers optional car rental reimbursement and emergency roadside assistance. It also has travel expense reimbursement for accidents that happen far from home, which pays for meals, lodging, and transportation home or to your destination, with a return trip to pick up your car included. If you work for a rideshare company, you can get extra coverage for that, too. Young drivers pay a lot for coverage, but State Farm extends its good student discount beyond college graduation, until drivers are 25. Safe and accident-free drivers are also rewarded with discounts from State Farm. It also offers usage-based policies, which monitors driving behavior and gives lower rates to those who qualify as safe drivers.
Feedback from surveyed customers:
- “I have had to file many claims and have been satisfied with the result every time.” --California, age 27
- “Affordable prices, good customer service, they take the time to answer any concern you have.” --Arizona, age 41
- “They are always there for me. They are helpful in explaining things I don’t understand.” --California, age 67
- “Girl, they have affordable rates good customer service, and they do take complete care of you.” --Georgia, age 56
Read the full State Farm review for details and availability
Best value for price: Geico
Why we recommend it: Geico has excellent pricing for coverage and high scores for customer service.
Editors’ pros and cons
Pros:
- Among the cheapest for drivers with accidents and tickets, and the cheapest for liability only and full coverage policies, as well as young drivers, based on rate research.
- Received four star InsureScore for customer service.
- Offers specialty coverages and lots of discounts.
- Feature-loaded mobile apps, received InsureScore of four stars for websites and apps
Cons:
- Received InsureScore of 3.5 stars for claims handling.
- While you can talk to agents, better fit for tech-savvy drivers who want to handle their own account.
- Doesn’t sell gap insurance.
- Limited usage-based insurance offerings, available in only 16 states, and in some states your rates may increase based on your driving performance.
Geico’s mobile app allows you to do more than file claims and manage your account online. It also shows the price of gas at nearby stations, has a parking lot timer and locator, provides service and recall reminders and uses augmented reality to highlight attractions in your area. Geico’s optional coverages include emergency road service, rental reimbursement and mechanical breakdown insurance. You can also get coverage if you drive for a ride-share or food delivery company. Geico also offers Mexican car insurance policies for various lengths of time, which is required for driving in Mexico. You can also qualify for up to 26% off your rates if you are accident-free for five years. Discounts include those for military, emergency deployment, federal workers and affinity groups. Geico also established a scholarship program at the University of Maryland University College (UMUC) for the spouses and children of federal government employees and military service members.
Feedback from surveyed customers:
- “It's the cheapest for the best coverage. Customer Service is outstanding. They do not hassle me.” --Utah, age 78
- “My insurance company has a user friendly website and mobile app that makes making any changes very easy. They are also very quick in responding.” --South Carolina, age 53
- “No hassle claims and cheaper than most others.” --Oregon, age 44
- “Easy to apply for and start a new policy with them. Good rates.” --Connecticut, age 36
Read the full Geico review
Best car insurance company for discounts: American Family
Why we recommend it: It offers the most discounts – 18 – among the major carriers surveyed.
Editors’ pros and cons
Pros:
- With the most price breaks to choose from, chances are your driver profile will match up with more discounts than with other carriers.
- Rewards claims-free drivers with automatic diminishing deductible.
- Earned four-star InsureScore for customer service.
Cons:
- Claims satisfaction was lower than other companies surveyed.
- Lower percentage of customers said they’d recommend it compared to others in the survey.
Some of the discounts American Family offers that aren’t commonly found elsewhere include those for young volunteers and multi-generational customers. If you buy a policy before the end of March, you’ll like qualify for a 10% “auto premium relief credit.” In addition to lots of discounts, American Family also sells gap insurance, ridesharing coverage, accidental death and dismemberment coverage, roadside emergency and rental reimbursement. It also offers usage-based insurance. As soon as you buy a policy, $100 is taken off your deductible, and that continues for each accident-free year.
Feedback from surveyed customers:
- “This is a good insurance company. Unlike others, it will not sell you something you do not need.” --Washington, age 31
- “The prices are fair and customer service is excellent.” --Arizona, age 74
- “I have car, home, and life insurance though them. They have the best coverage with appropriate pricing.” --Ohio, age 26
- “That they have excellent employees with great customer service. They are easy to get ahold of and answer any questions you have. Also they are reasonably priced.” --South Dakota, age 38
Read the full American Family review
Best for customer happiness: Auto-Owners
Why we recommend it: Excelled in keeping customers satisfied with their service and offers specialty coverages.
Editors’ pros and cons
Pros:
- Received four-star InsureScore for claims handling.
- Received four-star InsureScore for customer service.
- Highest percent (96%) of customers said they’d renew their policies.
- Offers a variety of specialty benefits that serve customers beyond coverage and that save money on coverage.
Cons:
- No usage-based plans.
- No rideshare coverage.
- Lacking in mobile apps.
Auto-Owners has some special offerings that are a bit less common among other carriers. Included in the add-on Personal Automobile Plus Package are 10 benefits, such as identity theft protection, cell phone replacement and the re-keying of locks. Another special coverage you can buy is diminished value, which helps mitigate depreciation in your car’s value after an accident. Under its “collision advantage” plan, Auto-Owners will waive the collision deductible if you’re in an accident with another car insured by the company. If you also have a home insurance policy with Auto-Owners and both your house and vehicle are damaged in the same event, your auto deductible will be waived if less than your personal property deductible. If it’s higher it will be reduced by that amount.
Feedback from surveyed customers:
- “Claims service and price are great.” --Michigan, age 46
- “The company is very people-oriented, with concern for the customer’s needs. If discounts are available, you will be informed and any savings will be offered to you.” --Georgia, age 55
- “Been a satisfied customer for over 16 years.” --Arizona, age 80
- “Good benefits and easy claims process for the price.” --South Carolina, age 68
Read the full Auto-Owners review for details and availability
Best for young adults and college students: Progressive
Why we recommend it: Affordable price with lots of discounts, excellent rating for claims service.
Editors’ pros and cons
Pros:
- Great pricing for college-aged drivers, based on a rate analysis.
- Among the cheapest rates after speeding violations and accident claims.
- Four-star InsureScore for claims service.
- Discounts beyond those for students, an app and perks that fit well with college-age demographic.
Cons:
- Average customer service scores.
The majority (91%) of young drivers surveyed prefer to shop and buy coverage online and through mobile apps. In addition to good student and student away discounts, Progressive offers lots of price breaks for the tech-savvy – get a quote online to earn an average of 4% off, sign online to net an average 9% discount, and then you’re qualified to get the paperless discount. If you’re a safe driver who doesn’t log many miles, Progressive’s usage-based SnapShot plan can also save you money. Another benefit for cash-strapped college students is the PerkShare program. It provides special deals, discounts and offers on pet supplies, cabin and campground rentals, oil changes, moving vans, car rentals and more. You can also buy Mexico car insurance, coverage if you drive for Uber or Lyft and coverage for ATVs, JetSkis and snowmobiles. One more bonus: if you have collision coverage and your pet is injured in an auto accident, Progressive can cover your vet bills up to a specified limit.
Feedback from surveyed customers:
- “I am completely happy.” --Pennsylvania, age 27
- “Progressive is very helpful at finding the best discounts for you, the actually value loyalty, they actually offer the best in customer service and have kept me loyal for 15 years.” -- Alabama, age 36
- “I have been very happy over the years with the price and the automatic billing, as well as the discounts for paying all at once.” --Illinois, age 33
Read the full Progressive review
Best for AARP members/senior drivers: The Hartford
Whey we recommend it: The Hartford, which has a partnership with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), specializes in selling insurance for older drivers, and offers coverage for AARP members who are 50 or older.
Editors’ pros and cons
Pros:
- Specialty coverages that cater to senior drivers.
- Received above average InsureScores for customer service (3.5 stars).
Cons:
- Rates are not as affordable as you’ll find among other major carriers.
The AARP Auto Insurance program guarantees that your coverage won’t be dropped as long as you have a valid driver’s license and pay your bills. You can also lower your monthly rate by 3% by taking an online defensive driving course. Its RecoverCare, which comes with a standard policy, helps pay for essential home services that a customer cannot do because of a covered automobile accident, such as lawn maintenance, food preparation or dog walking. Free-car replacement is another perk of a standard policy. The Hartford/AARP plan also has a 12-month fixed rate, which helps seniors budget their expenses and manage retirement income. If you pay for the Advantage Plus plan, benefits include diminishing deductibles, accident forgiveness, waiver of deductible if you’re not at-fault for an accident and emergency expense coverage.
Feedback from surveyed customers:
- “When you have a claim they don't give you the run around. My car was parked and was hit. Other driver filed a claim against me. My company appealed and sent me my deductible back. Also, paid for car rental.” – Virginia, age 67
- “Great rates for AARP members, especially if bundling home and auto.” – Texas, age 63
- “We’ve been with them for over 20 years and have been highly satisfied.” – Florida, age 78
- “Great customer service, easy billing and payments, very responsive to claims.” – California, age 70
Read the full review for The Hartford
Best for military: USAA
Why we recommend it: Specializes in coverage for military members, consistent high InsureScore marks for price, claims and customer service.
Editor’s pros and cons
Pros:
- Specialty coverage for active and retired military members and their families.
- Received an InsureScore of four stars for claims, customer service, website/apps and pricing.
Cons:
- Extended family of retired and active military members don’t qualify; you must be the spouse or child of former or active military members.
USAA caters to military personnel, so you get a discount for garaging your car on base, and it also offers coverage if you have a side-hustle as an Uber or Lyft driver. Other offerings include a waiver of your deductible if you’re not at fault for an accident. That means you won't have to pay your collision deductible if an accident wasn't your fault. USAA also has a “no drop promise/guaranteed renewal” program, so even if you have accidents and traffic violations your policy will still be renewed. It also has a usage-based policy called SafePilot that provides up to 20% off if you demonstrate safe driving habits.
Feedback from surveyed customers:
- “Easy-to-use website, reasonable rates, good service and policies.” --New York, age 54
- “They were great with my claims. I was in a renter vehicle an hour after my car got hit. And when my kitchen flooded because of a 13-year-old leaking fridge, they went after the manufacturer and got my deductible back.”” --Texas, age 34
- “Outstanding in every aspect and in every respect. They know who their customers are and spend every waking moment addressing their unique needs by treating them as a family.” --Virginia, age 70
- “USAA is fantastic Whenever I've had a question about my policy, they've been great about explaining anything that had me confused, their prices are great, they offer a lot of perks, including roadside assistance and a rental car if you've been in an accident, their web site is fantastic, and you can get your bill online and get it paid automatically out of your checking account or credit card. I set it all up and then I don't have to think about it or worry about whether or not I remembered to pay the bill on time. If the company makes money you get a rebate at the end of the year. They're just a real pleasure to work with.” --North Carolina, age 64
Read the full review of USAA
