Best Car Insurance Companies of February 2025
What Is the Best Car Insurance Company?
Our analysis finds that Travelers, Erie, Nationwide and USAA are the best car companies.
The best car insurance company for you will depend on your driving record, state and other individual factors. We recommend shopping around to compare car insurance quotes, as the company with the lowest rates will depend on your specific profile.
| Company | Editors’ take | Forbes Advisor rating | Customers satisfied with customer service and pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall |  | 86% | |
| Best for claims handling | | 93% | |
| Best rates for the general public | | 86% | |
| Best for military members and veterans | | 90% | |
| Great for drivers with poor credit |  | 90% | |
| Best for drivers with a DUI | | 83% | |
| Best for family discounts | | 84% |
Best Overall: Travelers
Travelers is the best overall car insurance company thanks to its superb rates for a variety of driver ages and driving records, its wide selection of coverage options, decent digital experience and very low level of complaints.
Travelers’ average cost for good drivers is 26% lower than the national average. It’s one of the cheapest companies for good drivers as well as drivers who have caused an accident with injury, have a DUI or have poor credit of the companies we analyzed.
| Company | Average cost per year for good drivers |
|---|---|
| $1,452 | |
| USAA* | $1,475 |
| $1,597 | |
| $1,849 | |
| $1,866 | |
| $2,000 | |
| $2,044 | |
| National average | $2,149 |
Best for Claims Handling: Erie
Erie has the top score by repair specialists among the companies we analyzed. Its score ranked it fourth overall with CRASH Network, which surveyed more than 1,100 repair experts on auto insurers and the quality of their claims procedures.
Erie also received top scores on claims handling from our survey of 3,000 drivers who have filed a car insurance claim within the past 12 months. Erie had a high percentage of survey respondents satisfied with the ease of claim filing, communication during the claim, the claim outcome and overall satisfaction.
| Company | % satisfied at ease of filing a claim | % satisfied at outcome of claim | % satisfied at communication during the claim process | % overall satisfied with claims experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 92% | 93% | 91% | 90% | |
| 87% | 87% | 86% | 85% | |
| 87% | 84% | 85% | 84% | |
| 86% | 89% | 89% | 87% | |
| 86% | 85% | 86% | 86% | |
| 85% | 87% | 89% | 85% | |
| 77% | 76% | 77% | 77% |
Best Rates for the General Public: Nationwide
Nationwide has the best rates overall that are available to all drivers. USAA beats Nationwide’s costs with some driver profiles, but USAA is only available to military members, veterans and their immediate family members.
For drivers in the general public, Nationwide has the cheapest rates for good drivers, drivers with a speeding ticket or poor credit, and drivers who caused an accident with injury. It is also the cheapest for parents adding a teen driver to their policy and senior drivers 65 to 80.
| Driver Type | Nationwide’s cost per year | $ annual savings compared to national average | % difference from the national average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good drivers | $1,452 | $697 | 32% cheaper |
| Drivers with a speeding ticket | $1,928 | $741 | 28% cheaper |
| Drivers who caused an accident with injury | $2,407 | $803 | 25% cheaper |
| Drivers with poor credit | $2,076 | $2,097 | 50% cheaper |
| Teen drivers added to parents’ policy | $2,808 | $1,626 | 37% cheaper |
| Senior drivers (age 65 to 80) | $1,504 | $820 | 35% cheaper |
Best for Military Members: USAA
USAA is the best car insurance option for military members year after year with its consistently cheap rates and variety of coverage options. USAA sells exclusively to military members, veterans and their family members. It offers a discount of up to 15% for drivers who garage their cars on a base and up to 60% if you store your car while you’re deployed.
USAA’s average rate for good drivers is 31% below the national average. Costs are 32% lower for drivers with a speeding ticket and those who caused an accident with injuries.
USAA’s Average Car Insurance Costs
| Driving record | Cost per year | National average per year |
|---|---|---|
| Good drivers | $1,475 | $2,149 |
| Drivers with a speeding ticket | $1,803 | $2,669 |
| Drivers with a DUI conviction | $2,781 | $3,593 |
| Drivers who caused an accident with injury | $2,174 | $3,210 |
| Drivers with poor credit | $2,799 | $4,143 |
Great for Drivers With Poor Credit: Geico
Geico offers lower rates to drivers with poor credit compared to other top insurers. Its rates are 32% cheaper than the national average.
| Company | Average cost per year for drivers with poor credit |
|---|---|
| $2,076 | |
| USAA* | $2,799 |
| $2,826 | |
| $2,830 | |
| $3,556 | |
| $3,576 | |
| $4,173 | |
| National average | $4,143 |
Best for Drivers With a DUI: Progressive
Progressive offers the cheapest rates for drivers with a DUI among the companies we analyzed. A DUI is considered a major offense so it can really hike up your insurance costs. Our analysis found rates go up by 72% on average for drivers with a DUI, but Progressive’s rates only increase by 24%.
| Company | Average cost per year for a driver with one DUI |
|---|---|
| $2,485 | |
| $2,766 | |
| USAA* | $2,781 |
| $2,961 | |
| $3,198 | |
| $4,251 | |
| $4,909 | |
| National average | $3,593 |
Best for Family Discounts: Westfield
Compared to other top-rated companies, Westfield has an excellent assortment of discounts so family members can save on auto insurance. It offers a family discount, next generation discount and companion car insurance discount.
Best Digital Experience: Geico
We analyzed mobile app ratings and website functionality to see if auto insurers are keeping up with increasing demands for a delightful digital experience. We found that Geico has the overall best digital experience among the top-rated companies in our analysis.
| Company | Forbes Advisor rating for digital experience | Our Expert Take |
|---|---|---|
| Geico | | Geico leaves its competitors in the dust thanks to the live chat on its website, high user ratings for its mobile apps (4.8 out of 5) and a Spanish website version. You can also get online quotes and buy a policy online. |
| Progressive |  | Progressive scored well for its mobile app ratings (4.8 out of 5), helpful site search and ability to get quotes and buy a policy online. But there’s no Spanish version of its site or live chat. |
| Travelers | | Travelers’ average mobile app rating (4.7 out of 5) is fairly good and has a good site search. But it lacks a Spanish version and online chat. You can obtain an online quote, but you must call to purchase a policy. |
| Erie | | Erie’s mobile app fails to impress, with a low user rating (2.8 out of 5). It has a good site search but lacks online chat and a Spanish version. You can get an online quote but must contact an agent to buy a policy. |
| USAA | | USAA’s mobile app has OK user ratings (4 out of 5) and you can get a quote and buy a policy online. But it has no Spanish website version and its live chat leaves a lot to be desired: There are only five pre-set questions, none of which could answer our test question about how to get policy documents. |
| Nationwide | | Nationwide’s app has a good user rating (4.5 out of 5) and a helpful site search, but it lacks website live chat and a Spanish version. It has an online quote form, but we could not obtain quotes. Instead, it diverted to partners or told us to call for a quote. |
| Westfield | No stars | Westfield lacks basic digital features: No mobile app, no online quotes, no website chat and a site search that delivered poor results. |
Other Car Insurance Companies We Rated
Here are other car insurance companies we analyzed but that did not make our top picks.
| Company | Forbes Advisor rating | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| | 26 states | |
| Shelter | | 15 states |
| | 48 states and Washington, D.C. | |
| | 50 states and Washington, D.C. | |
| | 11 states | |
| | 42 states | |
| | 15 states |
Tips for Finding the Best Car Insurance
Marty Ellingsworth
Advisory Board Member
Penny Gusner
Insurance Senior Writer
Amy Danise
Insurance Managing Editor
Michelle Megna
Insurance Lead Editor
Les Masterson
Insurance Editor
Jason Metz
Insurance Lead Editor
Shop Around Frequently
When it comes to auto insurance shopping advice, early, often and regularly are the three watchwords to remember. I recommend making insurance shopping a regular exercise and not once a decade, when you trade in a vehicle or only when rates go up. Take advantage of all your resources—call your company to ask for discounts, use the internet to get multiple quotes, ask a local agent to describe options, and don’t forget to ask your family and neighbors.
Advisory Board Member
Don’t Overlook Small Insurers
I recommend looking at companies of all sizes when searching for the best insurance company. If you count out small insurers, you may miss out on a company that offers good coverage perks and superb rates.
Insurance Senior Writer
Be Cautious About Usage-Based Insurance
Your car insurance company might suggest you become part of a telematics program, aka usage-based auto insurance. If you like your privacy, I’d say this isn’t a good option for you. Your data could be shared with other insurers and even affect future car insurance quotes from other companies. Also, most people in usage-based programs do not drive well enough to get a discount.
Insurance Managing Editor
Confirm There’s a Mobile App
If digital experience is important to you, make sure the insurer you’re considering has a mobile app. Believe it or not, not all insurers do! I like to have the ability to show my insurance ID card from my phone, for example.
Insurance Lead Editor
Don’t Skimp on Liability Insurance
With an increasingly litigious society, I think it’s very important to make sure you have generous liability insurance. If you haven’t paid much attention to this line item on your declarations page, I recommend taking a look. You want enough liability insurance to equal your net worth, which is essentially what you can be sued for. Buy umbrella insurance for extra liability insurance at a good price.
Insurance Editor
Consider Rental Reimbursement Insurance
I think rental reimbursement insurance is an underappreciated coverage. Car repair times have been going up. Your vehicle could easily be in the shop for a collision repair for three weeks or more, waiting to get worked on and waiting for parts. This coverage can help pay for a rental, so you’re not footing the whole bill yourself.
Insurance Lead Editor
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost?
Car insurance costs an average of $2,149 a year, based on our analysis of rates. That’s an average of $179 per month.
| Company | Average annual car insurance cost for good drivers | Average monthly car insurance cost for good drivers |
|---|---|---|
| $1,452 | $121 | |
| USAA* | $1,475 | $123 |
| $1,597 | $133 | |
| $1,849 | $154 | |
| $1,866 | $156 | |
| $1,979 | $165 | |
| $2,000 | $167 | |
| $2,044 | $170 | |
| $2,167 | $181 | |
| Shelter | $2,223 | $185 |
| $2,334 | $195 | |
| $2,974 | $248 | |
| $3,062 | $255 | |
| $3,066 | $256 |
Car Insurance Rates by State
Auto insurance rates vary by state for many reasons, including the coverage limits required in each state, severe weather that leads to claims, and local costs of repair parts and labor.
| State | Average annual cost for full coverage |
|---|---|
| $1,836 | |
| $2,217 | |
| $2,257 | |
| $2,321 | |
| $2,848 | |
| $2,315 | |
| $2,310 | |
| $2,500 | |
| $3,536 | |
| $2,410 | |
| $1,655 | |
| $1,339 | |
| $2,004 | |
| $1,668 | |
| $1,683 | |
| $2,171 | |
| $2,807 | |
| $3,718 | |
| $1,408 | |
| $2,290 | |
| $1,777 | |
| $2,859 | |
| $2,021 | |
| $2,008 | |
| $2,326 | |
| $2,048 | |
| $1,839 | |
| $2,535 | |
| $1,480 | |
| $2,687 | |
| $1,921 | |
| $2,898 | |
| $1,412 | |
| $1,825 | |
| $1,422 | |
| $2,576 | |
| $1,857 | |
| $2,334 | |
| $2,414 | |
| $2,407 | |
| $2,150 | |
| $1,787 | |
| $2,260 | |
| $2,002 | |
| $1,237 | |
| $1,776 | |
| $1,519 | |
| $2,135 | |
| $1,750 | |
| $1,720 |
We Answer Your Questions
Les Masterson
Insurance Editor
Amy Danise
Insurance Managing Editor
Ashlee Valentine
Insurance Editor
Penny Gusner
Insurance Senior Writer
Should I buy gap insurance when I buy a new car?
– Jolene A., Roanoke, Virginia
Gap insurance should be considered if you’ll owe much more on your car than it’s worth. Collision or comprehensive coverage total loss claims only pay the car’s value at the time of the incident, leaving you to pay any remaining amount due on a car loan or lease. Gap insurance pays this difference (minus your deductible). You don’t need gap insurance if you owe less than the car’s value.
Insurance Editor
Should I get full coverage if I buy a new car?
– Justice W., Mount Dora, Florida
Yes, you should buy full coverage car insurance for a new car. If you have a loan or lease, the financial institution will require you to carry it. If you own the car outright, it’s still wise to have it. The comprehensive and collision portion pays to repair or replace the car if it’s stolen or damaged from an auto accident, fire, vandalism, falling objects, striking an animal or severe weather. You could face a financial crisis without full coverage if you cause major damage to or total your vehicle.
Insurance Managing Editor
Does where I live impact my car insurance rates?
– Dolores S., Arlington, Texas
Yes, location will affect auto insurance costs. Those living in urban areas tend to have higher rates due to a greater chance of being in an accident. Also, living in an area with more claims (such as vehicle theft or weather-related claims), higher vehicle repair costs and high medical expenses can result in higher rates.
Insurance Editor
What is a non-renewal and what should I do if I get a non-renewal notice?
– Jay H., BLowing Rock, North Carolina
A non-renewal means that at the end of your current term your auto policy will end because you’re not being offered a new policy. If you receive a non-renewal notice, you should compare car insurance quotes with other auto insurers as soon as possible in order to avoid a gap in coverage.
Insurance Senior Writer
More About Our Customer Satisfaction Survey
We surveyed 3,000 American drivers with car insurance who had purchased a new policy or renewed a policy within the last 12 months. Our analysis found that car insurance customers by and large have a high level of satisfaction: 86% of survey respondents said they were somewhat to exceptionally likely to recommend their car insurance company to friends and family.
We found that a high portion (87%) of survey participants said they were somewhat to completely satisfied with customer service but only 82% thought their car insurance was somewhat to exceptionally competitively priced compared to other car insurance companies.
We also surveyed 3,000 drivers who had car insurance claim with their insurer. A good percentage (average of 86%) said they were somewhat to completely satisfied with their claims experience. However, there are areas for improvement, as just 82% said their insurers were somewhat to exceptionally responsive when they reached out for updates on their claims.
Only 80% of the survey respondents rated the convenience of submitting a claim as convenient or very convenient.
Methodology
To identify the best car insurance companies we evaluated each company based on its average rates for a variety of drivers, the coverage options offered, complaints against the company, digital experience, collision repair grades from auto body professionals and our surveys of customer service, pricing and claims satisfaction.
Auto insurance rates (40% of score): We analyzed average rates from each company for good drivers, drivers who have caused an accident, drivers with a speeding ticket, drivers with a DUI, drivers with poor credit and drivers caught without insurance.
Unless otherwise noted, rates are based on a 40-year-old female driver with a Toyota RAV4 and coverage of:
- $100,000 for injuries to one person, $300,000 for injuries per accident and $100,000 of property damage (known as 100/300/100).
- Uninsured motorist coverage of 100/300.
- Collision and comprehensive insurance with a $500 deductible.
Source: Quadrant Information Services.
Car insurance coverage options (20% of score): Any auto insurance company can provide the basics of liability insurance, collision and comprehensive coverage and other standard offerings. But it’s also important to have access to additional coverage types that can provide greater protection or cost savings. In this category, we gave points to companies that offer:
- Accident forgiveness
- Gap insurance
- New car replacement
- Nonowners policies
- Usage-based insurance
- Pay-per-mile insurance
- Rideshare insurance
- SR-22s
- Vanishing deductibles
Source: Forbes Advisor research.
Complaints (15% of score): We used complaint data from state departments of insurance across the country. Most auto insurance complaints center on claims, including unsatisfactory settlements, delays, and denials.
Source: National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
The industry complaint average is 1.00, so companies with a ratio below 1.00 have lower levels of complaints.
Collision repair (5% of score): We incorporated insurance company grades from collision repair professionals. We used data provided by CRASH Network, a weekly newsletter covering the collision repair and auto insurance market segments.
Source: CRASH Network’s Insurer Report Card provides grades from more than 1,100 collision repair professionals to gauge auto insurers on the quality of their collision claims service.
Auto Insurance Collision Repair Grades
| Company | CRASH Network collision repair grades |
|---|---|
| A- | |
| B | |
| C | |
| C | |
| C | |
| C- | |
| D+ |
Digital experience (5% of score): We analyzed the quality of each company’s mobile app and website. We evaluated car insurers on:
- Mobile app ratings for Android and Apple.
- If there’s a useful website search function.
- If there’s a live chat that provides helpful information.
- If there’s a Spanish version of the website.
- If you can get a quote online.
Source: Forbes Advisor research.
Likelihood to recommend car insurers to others (5% of score) and satisfaction with customer service and price (5% of score): We surveyed 3,000 American drivers with car insurance who purchased a new policy or renewed their policy within the last 12 months, 200 per company.
Source: This online survey was commissioned by Forbes Advisor and conducted by market research company Talker Research, in accordance with the Market Research Society’s code of conduct. Data was collected from October 11-29, 2024. The margin of error is ± 1.5 point with 95% confidence. This survey was overseen by Talker Research, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society (MRS) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).
Satisfaction with claims process (up to 5% of score): We surveyed 3,000 American drivers who have filed a car insurance claim within the past 12 months.
Source: This online survey was commissioned by Forbes Advisor and conducted by market research company Talker Research, in accordance with the Market Research Society’s code of conduct. Data was collected from October 11 to November 12, 2024. The margin of error is ± 1.8 point with 95% confidence. This survey was overseen by Talker Research, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society (MRS) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).
Read more: How Forbes Advisor rates car insurance companies
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Best Car Insurance Companies Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is car insurance?
Car insurance is a contract between you and the insurance company that provides you with specific coverage in exchange for your premium payments. A car insurance policy is a contract that outlines what you can make claims for and your duties as a customer.
The best car insurance policies cover liability (meaning damage and injuries you cause to others), damage to your own vehicle and car accident injuries to you and your passengers.
How can I find the best price on car insurance?
The key to finding a good deal is to get car insurance quotes from multiple companies. That’s the only way you’ll know what companies are going to charge and which companies are coming in with the lowest rates.
Another good savings strategy is to bundle auto insurance with another policy, such as homeowners or renters insurance. Buying more than one policy from the same company typically results in a decent discount.
What car insurance discounts should I look for?
Look for car insurance discounts that fit your driving profile. Seek out a good driver discount if you have a clean driving record. Look for a bundling discount if you buy your auto and home insurance with the same company or a multi-car discount if you have two or more cars on your policy.
There is a wide variety of car insurance discounts offered by insurers, so ask your agent if there are any you are missing out on—like going paperless by receiving insurance bills and policies electronically for a small saving. Check what car insurance discounts for students you can obtain if you have a young driver in your household.
Is car insurance getting more expensive?
The cost of auto insurance continues its upward trend. Auto insurance rates have continually escalated due to increased claims costs for insurers, which pass on the higher costs to customers in the form of higher rates. The uptick in claims expenses is fueled by more costly car parts, labor and medical bills.
How does car insurance work?
Car insurance works like this: Once you pay your bill, your auto insurer agrees to pay for incidents specified by your policy (up to your chosen limits). If a problem covered by your policy occurs, you can file a claim. Your insurer will assess the loss and pay the claim accordingly.
