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Car insurance is a non-negotiable part of driving, and you probably already know the importance of finding the best auto insurance for your needs. But the best auto insurance companies will be different for every type of driver.
Whether you’re looking to save money, have an excellent customer experience, or personalize your coverage, the best company for you may depend on important factors, like age, driving record, military status, and ZIP code.
We’ve compiled this list of top insurance options to help you find the best auto insurance company for your specific circumstances.
Key Takeaways
- There’s not one company that’s best for every driver.
- The level of coverage you need can affect how much you pay for your auto insurance.
- People with DUIs, tickets, or accidents on their records will pay the highest auto insurance premiums — but several companies specialize in high-risk drivers.
Compare.com’s Best Car Insurance Companies of 2023
Just as no two drivers have the exact same driving history, no two insurance companies will be the best fit for every driver. Not only do some insurers specialize in certain types of drivers or coverage, but each driver’s unique circumstances can affect the quotes they receive from insurance companies.
In order to choose the best car insurance companies of 2023, we analyzed the average rates, customer satisfaction scores, available discounts, bundling options, customer service availability, purchasing process, and claims procedures to formulate the Compare.com Ratings you see below.
Using these ratings, we found that the following 10 insurance companies are the best options for drivers in a variety of circumstances.
| Insurance Company | Best For | Average Monthly Premium | Compare.com Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEICO | Affordable coverage | $70 | 4.65 |
| Allstate | Discounts | $155 | 4.63 |
| State Farm | Drivers with DUIs | $86 | 4.30 |
| Progressive | Spotty driving records | $109 | 4.20 |
| SafeAuto | Bad credit | $136 | 4.15 |
| Hugo | Flexible coverage | $193 | 4.10 |
| Farmers | Personalized service | $154 | 4.08 |
| Travelers | Maximum coverage | $128 | 3.98 |
| Liberty Mutual | Basic coverage | $112 | 3.95 |
| The General | SR-22s | $187 | 3.95 |
Find the Best Company for You In Minutes
GEICO: Best for Affordable Coverage
Compare.com Rating: 4.65
Average Monthly Quote: $70
Pros:
- Wide variety of insurance products
- Affordable rates for high-risk drivers
- Highly rated mobile app
Cons:
- Limited discounts
- Doesn’t offer gap insurance
- Few local agents
If you’re looking for lower rates, it may be a good idea to get a quote from GEICO, which offers the cheapest national average rates of any insurance company.
But the low cost may come with less satisfactory customer service. J.D. Power gives GEICO a customer satisfaction score of 874 (out of 1,000) — only one point above the industry average of 873. Additionally, the NAIC reports that GEICO has a company complaint index of 1.21, which is significantly higher than the national average of 1.0.
Read more: GEICO Auto Insurance Review
Allstate: Best for Discounts
Compare.com Rating: 4.63
Average Monthly Quote: $155
Pros:
- Broad selection of coverage options
- Investment and retirement offerings
- Available in all 50 states
Cons:
- Potential issues with Drivewise and Milewise mobile apps
- High volume of customer service complaints
- Reportedly slow, frustrating claims process
With 40 distinct discounts, Allstate offers drivers the most possible ways to lower their auto insurance premiums. Discounts include savings for purchasing multiple policies, driving a new car, being a good student, and going paperless.
Allstate also scored well in the J.D. Power customer satisfaction study, with a score of 889. Unfortunately, Allstate receives nearly two-and-a-half times the number of complaints compared to the industry average, with an NAIC complaint score of 2.42.
Read more: Allstate Auto Insurance Review
State Farm: Best for Drivers with DUIs
Compare.com Rating: 4.30
Average Monthly Quote: $86
Pros:
- Among the best customer service satisfaction in the industry
- 24/7 claims service with large repair network
- Lots of available discounts
Cons:
- High rates for high-risk drivers
- Limited coverage options
- More customer complaints than average
Drivers often find it difficult to find affordable insurance after a DUI conviction. But with an average monthly cost of $85, State Farm has the cheapest average liability policy rates for drivers with a DUI.
State Farm also has a higher-than-average J.D. Power customer service satisfaction rating, scoring 882 on a scale of 1,000. However, it has an NAIC complaint rating of 1.48, which is higher than the national average.
Read more: State Farm Auto Insurance Review
Progressive: Best for Spotty Driving Records
Compare.com Rating: 4.20
Average Monthly Quote: $109
Pros:
- Great discount programs
- Snapshot can save drivers as much as 30%
- 24/7 customer service and claims availability
Cons:
- Potential rate hikes
- Vague loyalty program requirements
- Snapshot mobile app issues
Having a less-than-perfect driving history can result in higher premiums. If you have traffic citations, accidents, or other moving violations on your driving record, you may want to get a quote from Progressive. This popular company used to specialize in non-standard policies for high-risk drivers, and Progressive still offers affordable rates for drivers with tickets, accidents, and DUIs.
Customer satisfaction with Progressive is below average, however, and the company scored an 861 with J.D. Power on that measure — significantly lower than the industry average of 873. The company also has a higher-than-average number of complaints, with an NAIC complaint rating of 1.46.
Read more: Progressive Auto Insurance Review
SafeAuto: Best for Bad Credit
Compare.com Rating: 4.15
Average Monthly Quote: $136
Pros:
- Affordable full-coverage rates
- Plenty of discounts
- Solid online tools and mobile app
Cons:
- Higher-than-average number of customer complaints
- Actual discount amounts unknown
- Difficult-to-navigate website
With the exception of insurance companies in California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Michigan, auto insurers may use a driver’s credit score as a factor in determining premium rates. But SafeAuto is the best auto insurance company for drivers with bad credit because it offers some of the most affordable rates for drivers with “poor” credit (a FICO score of 600 or below). Such drivers pay an average of just $107 per month for liability policies.
SafeAuto isn’t ranked by J.D. Power, and consumers should be aware of SafeAuto’s complaint rating of 14.25 with the NAIC. This means the company receives more than 14 times as many complaints as the national average.
Read more: SafeAuto Insurance Review
Hugo: Best for Flexible Coverage
Compare.com Rating: 4.10
Average Monthly Quote: $193
Pros:
- Get coverage for as little as three days
- Turn coverage on and off as needed
- Same-day policies with no down payment
Cons:
- No SR-22 insurance
- Higher rates for drivers with spotty records
- Full-coverage policies available only in IL and CA
Drivers who spend very little time behind the wheel can sometimes struggle to find the kind of coverage that fits their minimal needs. Hugo’s “Flex Plan” allows drivers to pay for as little as three days at a time and turn coverage on or off as needed, meaning you don’t have to pay for coverage you don’t need.
J.D. Power doesn’t currently rank Hugo, and the company is underwritten by Aspire General Insurance Company, which has an NAIC complaint index rating of 9.29. That said, Hugo is a relatively new company, first launching in 2021, so some early kinks are to be expected.
Read more: Hugo Insurance Review
Farmers: Best for Personalized Service
Compare.com Rating: 4.08
Average Monthly Quote: $154
Pros:
- Lots of coverage options
- Plenty of discounts and bundling opportunities
- Local agents
Cons:
- Above-average premiums
- Telematics can raise rates
- Doesn’t offer coverage in all 50 states
Drivers looking to work with an insurance agent may want to check out Farmers. This company has a large network of local insurance agents, which means you can count on more personalized service than an online-only insurer can offer.
Farmers also boasts a higher-than-average customer service rating from J.D. Power, with a score of 882. This company also reports fewer complaints compared to the national average, according to the NAIC. Farmers has a complaint index score of 0.79, which means it has over 20% fewer complaints than average (and among the fewest of any company on this list).
Read more: Farmers Insurance Review
Travelers: Best for Maximum Coverage
Compare.com Rating: 3.98
Average Monthly Quote: $128
Pros:
- Very few customer complaints
- Low average costs for full-coverage policies
- Offers accident forgiveness
Cons:
- Low customer satisfaction scores
- Higher-than-average rates for basic liability coverage
- Not available in all 50 states
Drivers who want maximum coverage to protect them against more potential losses don’t want to pay maximum premiums. Travelers is the best auto insurance policy for drivers who want or need full-coverage auto insurance since it offers competitive rates on full-coverage policies — averaging $171 per month.
That said, Travelers has a low J.D. Power customer satisfaction score of 854 — nearly 20 points below the industry average. However, this company has a very low NAIC complaint index rating, with a score of 0.31, meaning it has nearly 70% fewer complaints than the national average.
Read more: Travelers Insurance
Liberty Mutual: Best for Basic Coverage
Compare.com Rating: 3.95
Average Monthly Quote: $112
Pros:
- Competitive rates and plenty of discounts
- RightTrack program can help good drivers save money
- Lots of information about coverage details
Cons:
- Mixed customer service reviews
- Long and frustrating claims process reported by customers
- Technical issues with quote process
Drivers who only want the minimum coverage legally required by their state may want to get a quote from Liberty Mutual. This insurer offers great rates for state-minimum liability policies, with an average cost of only $75 per month.
But keep in mind that Liberty Mutual scores an 870 on J.D. Power’s customer service satisfaction rating, which is slightly below the industry average of 874. The company also has a high NAIC complaint index rating of 3.10, which means it receives more than three times the average number of complaints for the industry.
Read more: Liberty Mutual Auto Insurance Review
The General: Best for SR-22s
Compare.com Rating: 3.95
Average Monthly Quote: $187
Pros:
- Great website and mobile app
- Getting your SR-22 or FR-44 filed is easy
- Policy options for very high-risk drivers
Cons:
- Limited coverage options
- Higher average premiums
- Few discount opportunities
High-risk drivers may be required to file an SR-22 form as proof of insurance with their state’s department of motor vehicles. Since you’re not required to file an SR-22 unless you’ve been deemed high-risk (because of accidents, DUIs, or other moving violations), most insurers willing to file an SR-22 are considered “non-standard” companies.
The General offers highly competitive rates compared to most non-standard companies and is willing to insure high-risk drivers who need SR-22s. In part because of its specialized clientele, The General is not ranked by J.D. Power for customer satisfaction. However, the company has a high NAIC complaint index rating of 3.62, which means it receives almost four times as many complaints as the average insurer.
Read more: The General Auto Insurance Review
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost?
The cost of car insurance will vary from one driver to the next since there are several different factors that help determine your rate. For example, marital status can affect the amount you pay, and the average married driver pays about 5% less for car insurance than single drivers.
Age can also be an important factor in your auto insurance costs, and young drivers tend to have the highest premiums. An 18-year-old driver pays an average of $344 per month for liability-only coverage, while a 25-year-old pays $142 and a 40-year-old pays just $122 for the same coverage.
Car insurance costs are also rising rapidly. The cost of car insurance rose 17% in the first six months of 2023, according to data from Insurify.com. Drivers looking to save money on car insurance may want to compare quotes and make sure they take advantage of discounts to keep these rapidly rising premiums from hurting their budgets.
Get the Best Rates and Avoid Rising Costs
Types of Car Insurance Coverage
You may encounter a number of different types of car insurance coverage when shopping for auto insurance. Some of the most common types of coverage include:
- Bodily injury liability: This mandatory coverage pays for the medical bills and other associated costs of a person who was injured because of an accident you caused.
- Property damage liability: Another mandatory coverage, this type of liability insurance will pay to repair or replace property damaged in an accident you caused.
- Personal injury protection (PIP): Mandatory in some states, PIP covers your medical bills and associated costs if you’re injured in an auto accident.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorists coverage: Some states require this coverage, which pays your medical bills and associated costs if you’re injured by a driver who doesn’t have adequate insurance.
- Collision coverage: This coverage isn’t legally mandated, but drivers who lease their vehicles may be required to have it. Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your vehicle if it’s damaged in an accident, no matter who’s at fault.
- Comprehensive coverage: This optional coverage will pay to repair or replace your vehicle if it’s damaged by anything other than a car accident. This might include things like vandalism, weather damage, fire, or theft.
Best Car Insurance FAQs
The best car insurance company for you will depend on your particular circumstances, including your driving history, where you live, your credit score, and your age. Here’s some additional guidance to help you find the right insurer for your needs.
How do you choose a car insurance company?
The process of finding a quality car insurance company will depend on what you need. When you start your search, the first thing you should do is write a list of the things you’re looking for in an auto insurance company. Maybe you want several online customer service options, or perhaps you’re looking for certain discounts.
Once you know what you want, it’ll be easier to narrow down your options. Comparing auto insurance quotes and checking out company ratings can also help you make your decision.
How can you find the best price on car insurance?
The best way to find a low rate on auto insurance is to get car insurance quotes from different companies. You can use our auto insurance comparison calculator to compare rates from 65+ top insurers in minutes.
Which company has the highest customer satisfaction rating?
According to the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study, the following auto insurance companies have the highest satisfaction ratings in these regions.
- California: Wawanesa
- Central: Shelter
- Florida: The Hartford
- Mid-Atlantic: Erie Insurance
- New England: GEICO
- New York: New York Central Mutual
- North Central: Erie Insurance
- Northwest: The Hartford
- Southeast: Farm Bureau Insurance Tennessee
- Southwest: State Farm
- Texas: Auto Club of Southern California (AAA)
What factors should you consider when selecting the best car insurance?
It’s not enough to simply compare rates between car insurance companies. Consumers should also pay attention to additional factors, such as:
- Complaints: Checking your state’s department of insurance can help you find local complaint filings, and the NAIC keeps national indexes of complaint filings.
- Financial rating: Both S&P and AM Best rate the financial strength of insurance companies.
- Customer satisfaction rating: D. Power releases a customer satisfaction report about auto insurance companies each year.
How does your location affect the cost and coverage of car insurance?
Auto insurance costs can vary a great deal from one state to the next, one ZIP code to the next, and even within a single city. That’s because your location can determine a number of risk factors, such as the amount you drive, your area’s crime rates, and the likelihood of weather-related damage to your vehicle.
Methodology
Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance rates from more than 75 partner insurance providers in order to compile the quotes and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.
All the quotes listed in this article have been gathered from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide drivers with insight into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.
Sources
- Consumer’s Advocate “Hugo Car Insurance Review”, accessed September 7, 2023.
- J.D. Power “2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study,” accessed September 7, 2023.
- NAIC, “Consumer Research,” accessed September 7, 2023.
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- All of the content you see on Compare.com is based on comprehensive analysis and all data is gathered and vetted from trustworthy sources.
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