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Kat Tretina is a personal finance writer for Compare.com, specializing in insurance and debt management. For the past seven years, she’s been writing for several notable personal finance publications, including U.S News & World Report, NerdWallet, Forbes, Yahoo! Finance, Fortune, and more. She’s passionate about using her expertise to help people understand their financial options.
Kat earned her bachelor’s degree in English and Communications from Elizabethtown College and her master’s from West Chester University. She also holds certifications in financial education and student loan counseling.
Kat has been writing for Compare.com since 2025.
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Nick Versaw leads Compare.com's editorial department, where he and his team specialize in crafting helpful, easy-to-understand content about car insurance and other related topics. With nearly a decade of experience writing and editing insurance and personal finance articles, his work has helped readers discover substantial savings on necessary expenses, including insurance, transportation, health care, and more. As an award-winning writer, Nick has seen his work published in countless renowned publications, such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and U.S. News & World Report. He graduated with Latin honors from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Digital Journalism.
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Senior Director, Media Relations, with Triple-I
30+ years of industry experience
Leadership positions at several trade organizations
Mark Friedlander is Senior Director, Media Relations, at the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I), where he serves as a national spokesperson, handling a wide array of insurance industry media issues. His responsibilities also include spearheading the association’s hurricane season communications strategy and its member company support and media outreach.
Throughout his 30+ years in the insurance industry, Mark has held leadership positions across multiple trade groups, including serving as Board Chair and President of the Insurance Marketing & Communications Association (IMCA). He has also advised editorial teams at organizations such as U.S. News & World Report, Insurify, Bankrate, and more.
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At Compare.com, it’s our mission to give you the tools to find the best (and most affordable) insurance for your unique needs and budget. We strive to provide information that’s helpful, clear, and unbiased, and we believe that comparing insurance companies should never put you at risk of spam. Our editorial team — which is made up of experienced writers, editors, insurance agents, and data analysts — has spent thousands of hours researching and creating the coverage overviews, side-by-side comparisons, and detailed reviews you see across our site.
While we make money through partnerships with some of the brands we discuss in our articles, our editorial team operates 100% independently, and these partners never influence or affect the topics, reviews, ratings, or recommendations we provide. We never guarantee favorable reviews or mentions in exchange for compensation from any brands or partners, and we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure our content is always independent, truthful, and unbiased.
In This Article
GEICO is often the best choice for price-conscious shoppers who prioritize low rates.
Progressive is our top pick for people with less-than-perfect driving records.
If you’re a military member or veteran, USAA’s competitive rates and highly rated customer service are hard to beat.
Compare.com’s Best Car Insurance Companies
Average Premium Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance $115/mo* | Average Premium Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance $110/mo* | Average Premium Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance $82/mo* | Average Premium Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance $124/mo* | Average Premium Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance $77/mo* | Average Premium Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance $77/mo* | Average Premium Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance $160/mo* | Average Premium Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance $144/mo* | Average Premium Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance $177/mo* | Average Premium Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance $130/mo* |
Overall Rating 3.9 | Overall Rating 3.4 | Overall Rating 3.9 | Overall Rating 3.0 | Overall Rating 4.3 | Overall Rating 4.2 | Overall Rating 4.0 | Overall Rating 4.1 | Overall Rating 3.4 | Overall Rating 3.3 |
Value 4.4/5 | Value 3.8/5 | Value 4.2/5 | Value 3.6/5 | Value 4.9/5 | Value 2.0/5 | Value 3.8/5 | Value 4.4/5 | Value 3.6/5 | Value 3.1/5 |
Customer Service 4.3/5 | Customer Service 4.0/5 | Customer Service 4.4/5 | Customer Service 3.6/5 | Customer Service 4.4/5 | Customer Service 4.2/5 | Customer Service 4.2/5 | Customer Service 4.5/5 | Customer Service 4.0/5 | Customer Service 3.2/5 |
Claims Handling 4.1/5 | Claims Handling 3.5/5 | Claims Handling 4.1/5 | Claims Handling 3.4/5 | Claims Handling 4.3/5 | Claims Handling 3.4/5 | Claims Handling 4.1/5 | Claims Handling 4.9/5 | Claims Handling 3.8/5 | Claims Handling 3.2/5 |
Special Highlight Best for Affordable CoverageAI-generated from 648 user reviews | Special Highlight Best for DiscountsAI-generated from 454 user reviews | Special Highlight Best for Drivers With DUIsAI-generated from 770 user reviews | Special Highlight Best for Spotty Driving RecordsAI-generated from 812 user reviews | Special Highlight Best for MilitaryAI-generated from 153 user reviews | Special Highlight Best for Balancing Cost and ServiceAI-generated from 1 user reviews | Special Highlight Best for Personalized ServiceAI-generated from 110 user reviews | Special Highlight Best for Maximum CoverageAI-generated from 67 user reviews | Special Highlight Best for Basic CoverageAI-generated from 116 user reviews | Special Highlight Best for SR-22sAI-generated from 61 user reviews |
Our team analyzed and scored each company based on criteria such as customer satisfaction, ease of use, availability, and industry reputation.
To calculate ratings, we chose the following 10 companies based on factors such as average rates and discounts, available coverage, customer satisfaction, and claims process.
GEICO: Best for Affordable Coverage
| User Reviews | 3.9 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.6 /5 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $87/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $143/mo |
Drivers appreciate the easy communication and good customer service, but many are unhappy with the regular and significant price increases.
Drivers appreciate the easy communication and good customer service, but many are unhappy with the regular and significant price increases.
In general, GEICO tends to be one of the more affordable companies for car insurance, according to our data. And it doesn’t matter what kind of coverage you need. GEICO usually has lower-than-average rates for both liability-only and full-coverage policies.
Plus, it has multiple discount programs that can make auto insurance even more affordable.
GEICO is best for drivers who prefer a digital insurance buying process, as it has few actual agents. But keep in mind that it has lower-than-average customer satisfaction ratings.[1]
Lower-than-average rates
Multiple discount programs
Offers mechanical breakdown coverage
Few local agents available
Gap insurance not available
Lower-than-average customer satisfaction
Allstate: Best for Discounts
| User Reviews | 3.4 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.5 /5 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $76/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $144/mo |
Customers appreciate the insurer's efficient service and knowledgeable agents but find the consistently rising rates and lack of communication to be major drawbacks.
Customers appreciate the insurer's efficient service and knowledgeable agents but find the consistently rising rates and lack of communication to be major drawbacks.
Allstate is a national insurer that offers broad coverage options. And thanks to its plentiful discount programs, it can be cheaper than many of its competitors. It has a longer list of discounts than many other companies, offering less common discounts like early signing payments, auto-pay, new car, and usage-based insurance and pay-per-mile programs.
Unfortunately, Allstate’s customer reviews are often negative, with many customers complaining about the company’s mobile tracking app.
Many unique discounts
Offers usage-based and pay-per-mile coverage
Rideshare insurance available
Below-average customer satisfaction ratings[1]
Gap insurance not available
Poor Trustpilot rating
State Farm: Best for Drivers With DUIs
| User Reviews | 3.9 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.7 /5 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $56/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $107/mo |
Customers appreciate the helpful agents and prompt claim handling, but many are unhappy with the constant rate increases, even for safe drivers. Some also reported poor customer service.
Customers appreciate the helpful agents and prompt claim handling, but many are unhappy with the constant rate increases, even for safe drivers. Some also reported poor customer service.
After a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction, your car insurance premiums will typically increase significantly. Our research shows that a DUI causes a staggering 61% average increase in rates industrywide.
But with State Farm, your rates will increase less severely. It offers more competitive rates for drivers with a DUI on their record, and the company has strong customer satisfaction ratings.
That said, State Farm isn’t available everywhere. Residents of Massachusetts and Rhode Island aren’t eligible for coverage, but the insurer will be reopening the Massachusetts market in 2027. And it has restrictions on gap insurance, so people who want gap coverage for financed vehicles may need to look elsewhere.
Better-than-average rates
Strong J.D. Power customer satisfaction ratings
Smaller rate increases after DUI
Not available in all states
Accident forgiveness coverage not available
Higher rates after an accident
Progressive: Best for Spotty Driving Records
| J.D. Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale. | 622 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.3 /5 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $93/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $155/mo |
Customers appreciate the initial affordability and claim handling but dislike the frequent and unexplained rate increases, as well as the poor customer service.
Customers appreciate the initial affordability and claim handling but dislike the frequent and unexplained rate increases, as well as the poor customer service.
Drivers with spotty driving records, such as speeding tickets or at-fault accidents, can typically find cheaper rates through Progressive than with other companies. It also offers robust coverage options and many discount programs to make coverage more affordable.
That said, Progressive’s customer satisfaction ratings and reviews are poor, and how you decide to buy your policy can affect your rates.
Offers protection plans
Lower-than-average rates
Loan/lease payoff coverage available
Poor ratings for customer satisfaction[1]
Purchase method can affect rates
Poor Trustpilot reviews
USAA: Best for Military
| User Reviews | 4.3 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.5 /5 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $53/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $100/mo |
Customers appreciate the prompt customer service and claims handling but are frustrated by the significant and frequent price increases.
Customers appreciate the prompt customer service and claims handling but are frustrated by the significant and frequent price increases.
If you’re a military member, veteran, or a direct family member of either group, USAA is tough to beat. The company consistently offers some of the best average rates, according to our research. But USAA also shines when it comes to overall customer service, ranking in the top three companies in J.D. Power’s most recent customer and claims satisfaction studies.
That said, USAA isn’t available to non-military drivers, and its digital-first approach may not be the best fit for shoppers seeking the face-to-face customer service you get with a local agent.
Outstanding customer satisfaction
Extremely competitive pricing
Exclusive benefits for military members
Available only to military, veterans, and their families
Limited in-person support
Gap insurance not available for leased vehicles
NJM: Best for Balancing Cost and Service
| User Reviews | 4.2 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.5 /5 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $58/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $95/mo |
Drivers appreciate the overall service but note a recent increase in prices.
Drivers appreciate the overall service but note a recent increase in prices.
NJM is a regional insurer. It currently offers auto insurance only in Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. But don’t let its small size fool you. NJM is a top-rated insurer for customer satisfaction with better-than-average rates. Plus, it has a telematics program with usage-based insurance that can help you save even more on your policy.
But NJM has a limited footprint, and, according to customer reviews, it can be harder to qualify for coverage if you’re a high-risk driver.
Highly rated for customer satisfaction
Lower-than-average premiums
Telematics program available
Only available in five states
Harder to get coverage for high-risk drivers
Fewer discount programs
Farmers: Best for Personalized Service
| User Reviews | 4.0 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.3 /5 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $110/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $210/mo |
Customers appreciate the helpful staff and quality of coverage but dislike the frequent and unexplained premium increases.
Customers appreciate the helpful staff and quality of coverage but dislike the frequent and unexplained premium increases.
If you want personalized help with your car insurance, Farmers could be a good choice. It has a large network of Farmers-exclusive agents. But it also partners with thousands of independent agents so you can get assistance choosing the right coverage and navigating a claim.
It also has a highly rated mobile app, so you can manage your policy or file a claim with your phone.
But the downside is that it tends to be more expensive than some competitors, and its reviews on Trustpilot are less than stellar.
Broad network of agents
Highly rated mobile app
Multiple discount programs
Higher-than-average rates
Poor Trustpilot reviews
Not available in all states
Travelers: Best for Maximum Coverage
| User Reviews | 4.1 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.3 /5 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $100/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $188/mo |
Drivers value the reliable coverage but find the policy costs high and the rate increases too frequent. Communication and claim settlement speed also need improvement.
Drivers value the reliable coverage but find the policy costs high and the rate increases too frequent. Communication and claim settlement speed also need improvement.
Travelers auto insurance is a good option for people who want financial peace of mind. With extensive coverage options, including loan or lease gap insurance, new car replacement protection, and limited rideshare insurance, it does a solid job of ensuring you have coverage no matter the situation.
Travelers’ rates are competitive, but its coverage and discount programs aren’t available in all states. Customer reviews also tend to be mixed.
Multiple discount programs
Offers add-ons and optional coverages
Non-owner coverage available
Below-average customer satisfaction ratings[1]
Limited availability for some discounts and coverage
Poor Trustpilot reviews
Liberty Mutual: Best for Basic Coverage
| User Reviews | 3.4 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 3.9 /5 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $148/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $205/mo |
Customers appreciate the excellent customer service and efficient claim processing but are frustrated with the high and consistently increasing premiums. Some also found the website difficult to navigate.
Customers appreciate the excellent customer service and efficient claim processing but are frustrated with the high and consistently increasing premiums. Some also found the website difficult to navigate.
Liberty Mutual may be best known for Limu Emu and Doug, but it’s a well-respected insurer with high ratings in J.D. Power’s most recent U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study.[2] It offers a broad range of coverage, including optional add-ons like new car replacement, gap coverage, and rental car reimbursement.
That said, many customers left the company poor reviews on Trustpilot, and a higher-than-usual number of complaints were submitted to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
Strong J.D. Power customer satisfaction ratings
Gap insurance available
New car replacement available
Higher-than-average rates
Negative customer service reviews
Higher-than-usual number of consumer complaints
National General: Best for SR-22s
| User Reviews | 3.3 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 3.5 /5 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $90/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $169/mo |
Drivers value the affordable initial rates and good coverage but dislike the unexpected price increases and poor customer service.
Drivers value the affordable initial rates and good coverage but dislike the unexpected price increases and poor customer service.
National General is backed by Allstate, but it caters to drivers with spotty records, such as multiple speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, or driving under the influence (DUI) convictions. Drivers with those issues typically need an SR-22 or FR-44 — a certificate of financial responsibility filed with the state department of motor vehicles. But not all insurers will file one on your behalf.
National General specializes in this type of non-standard coverage. And it offers lower rates than many other insurers for drivers who need it.
Competitive rates for drivers with spotty records
Multiple discount programs
Convenient payment options
Poorly rated mobile apps
Low customer satisfaction ratings
Gap and rideshare insurance not available
Find the Best Company for You
Compare personalized quotes from several insurers in minutes.
3 Tips to Find the Best Car Insurance for You
Get as many quotes as you can
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John Leach
Licensed P&C Insurance Agent and Expert Reviewer, Insurify
Many shoppers don’t realize how many options they truly have when it comes to auto insurance. Depending on where you live, you could have up to 100 or more companies to choose from.
With so many options, the only way to ensure you find the best deal is to compare quotes from as many as possible. That may seem daunting, but insurance-comparison sites like Compare.com, Insurify, and Jerry bring the insurers to you. That means you only need to enter your info once to compare quotes from several companies side by side.
Compare apples to apples
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MacK Korris
Licensed P&C Insurance Agent and Expert Fact-Checker, Insurify
When comparing quotes, make sure you take a close look at the policy details. Sometimes, you’ll find that cheaper quotes have lower limits than others or that they exclude certain types of coverage.
If you can, customize your quotes to show roughly the same coverage so that you can find the best price for your specific needs.
Consider smaller, regional insurers
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Nick Versaw
Senior Managing Editor, Insurify
Companies like State Farm and GEICO are household names advertising substantial savings. But that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re the best choice for everyone. Often, smaller insurers provide better, more personalized customer service without sacrificing price.
Erie, NJM, and COUNTRY Financial are just a few examples of regional insurers offering great service at competitive prices.
How to Get Car Insurance
No insurance company is best for everyone. Picking a good fit depends on your location, driving history, and vehicle. To find the best and most affordable coverage, follow these steps:
1. Decide how much coverage you need
Set a baseline by outlining how much coverage your state and lender require. If you’re unsure how much coverage you need, keep in mind that full-coverage insurance is optional, but nearly every state requires liability insurance.
For example, a driver from Texas who finances their vehicle will need to purchase a liability policy that includes at least $30,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per person, $60,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident, and $25,000 of property damage liability coverage. They’ll also need to purchase comprehensive and collision coverage since lenders and leasing companies require them.
Full-coverage insurance typically includes comprehensive, collision, and liability coverage. You should consider purchasing it if you have a new or expensive car or can’t afford to repair or replace it after an accident.
You can stick with a liability-only policy as long as you purchase your state’s minimum requirements and are prepared for the potential out-of-pocket expense if you cause an accident. But buying higher liability limits is always a good idea. Most experts recommend getting at least enough to cover your net worth.[3]
2. Gather driver and vehicle information
Before you jump directly into getting quotes, it’s worth compiling all the information you’ll need to ensure your quotes are accurate. Here’s an overview of what you’ll need:
Driver info (for all drivers on the policy):
Name
Date of birth
Age when you began driving
Driver’s license number
Social Security number
Vehicle info (for all cars on the policy):
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
Year, make, and model
Trim and engine details
Garaging address
Relevant safety and anti-theft features
3. Compare quotes with an insurance comparison site
Rates can vary significantly by insurer, so shopping around is a critical step to find affordable coverage. In general, it’s a good idea to request quotes from multiple insurers when your policy is about to renew.
It doesn’t have to be a time-consuming or tedious process, either. Insurance comparison sites simplify it, allowing you to get quotes from multiple insurance companies at one time.
4. Find relevant discounts
If you have an existing policy, contact your agent or your insurance company’s customer service department and ask about potential discounts you may be eligible for. Discount programs vary by insurer, but common auto insurance discounts include:
Bundling: If you have multiple forms of insurance through a single insurer — such as a homeowners policy and auto coverage — you can often qualify for a multi-policy discount of up to 30%.
Defensive driving: Some insurers give drivers a discount of up to 15% on their premiums upon completing an approved safe driving or defensive driving class.
Good student: If there’s a high school or college student driver in the household, you may qualify for a discount of up to 35% if the student maintains a “B” average or better.
Low-mileage: If you drive fewer than 7,500 miles per year, you may be eligible for a low-mileage discount.
Multi-vehicle: If you have more than one vehicle on the same policy, insurers will typically give you a discount. Overall savings can be as high as 25% on both vehicles.
Pay-in-Full: Insurers will reward drivers for paying the entirety of their policy premium up front rather than monthly. Depending on the insurance company, this could save you up to 15%.
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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 history, and your age. Here’s some additional guidance to help you find the right insurer for your needs.
No single company is best for every driver, so it’s hard to choose just one insurer. We’ve found that GEICO is the best for affordable coverage, while State Farm and Progressive are likely better choices for drivers with recent infractions on their records. Likewise, regional companies, like NJM or SafeAuto, might be worth considering if you have specialized needs.
COUNTRY Financial offers the cheapest average rate for car insurance, at $46 per month, according to Compare.com data. But Auto-Owners isn’t far behind, with an average monthly premium of $48.
That said, these insurers may not be the cheapest option for everyone, so compare car insurance quotes from several insurers before purchasing a policy.
The best car insurance companies for teen drivers include GEICO, State Farm, and Nationwide. But the best company for you depends on your driver profile. Compare.com data shows that COUNTRY Financial offers the overall cheapest rate of $64 per month when you add your teen to your policy.
The best way to find a low rate on auto insurance is to get car insurance quotes from different companies. You can use an auto insurance calculator to compare rates from dozens of top insurers in minutes.
Auto insurance costs can vary a great deal from one state, ZIP code, or city to the next. That’s because your location can determine a number of risk factors, such as accident rates, costs of vehicle repairs and medical care, auto theft and vandalism rates, and the potential of damage caused by natural disasters.
GEICO wins on price, with lower average premiums nationwide, while Progressive tends to be cheaper for drivers with speeding tickets or accidents on their record. Your driving history will likely help decide which one works better for you.
Yes. Allstate is rated as a good company by customers and third parties. You’ll find plenty of discounts and coverage in all 50 states and Washington D.C. Customers also report high satisfaction. But some folks complain about the claims process and glitches within the Allstate app.
To choose the best car insurance for you, first figure out what coverage you actually need, then shop around for quotes from different companies. Don’t just look at national insurers, as regional companies can offer great deals, too.
USAA and State Farm often top the trust charts based on customer satisfaction scores and fewer complaints filed with state regulators. But trust is personal. The company that handles your policy and claims fairly earns your loyalty.
State Farm gets picked more often than most, with nearly 19% of the U.S. market, according to the NAIC.[4] The company also has 19,000 local agents, so you’ll likely find one near you.
The most “reliable” car insurance company comes down to what’s most important to you: fast claims service, discounts to save on coverage, or great customer support. Companies like Farmers, State Farm, and GEICO each have strengths, so check reviews and ratings that matter most to your situation.
Methodology
Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance quotes from more than 75 partner insurers in order to compile the rates 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 rates listed in this article have been collected 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 readers with insights into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.
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Sources
- Jdpower.com. "2025 U.S. Auto Insurance Study."
- J.D. Power. "2024 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study."
- Insurance Information Institute. "How much auto coverage do I need?."
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners. "Property and Casualty Insurance Industry Market Share."
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Learn more about us, our team, and what makes us tick.
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Kat Tretina is a personal finance writer for Compare.com, specializing in insurance and debt management. For the past seven years, she’s been writing for several notable personal finance publications, including U.S News & World Report, NerdWallet, Forbes, Yahoo! Finance, Fortune, and more. She’s passionate about using her expertise to help people understand their financial options.
Kat earned her bachelor’s degree in English and Communications from Elizabethtown College and her master’s from West Chester University. She also holds certifications in financial education and student loan counseling.
Kat has been writing for Compare.com since 2025.
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Nick Versaw leads Compare.com's editorial department, where he and his team specialize in crafting helpful, easy-to-understand content about car insurance and other related topics. With nearly a decade of experience writing and editing insurance and personal finance articles, his work has helped readers discover substantial savings on necessary expenses, including insurance, transportation, health care, and more. As an award-winning writer, Nick has seen his work published in countless renowned publications, such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and U.S. News & World Report. He graduated with Latin honors from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Digital Journalism.
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Senior Director, Media Relations, with Triple-I
30+ years of industry experience
Leadership positions at several trade organizations
Mark Friedlander is Senior Director, Media Relations, at the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I), where he serves as a national spokesperson, handling a wide array of insurance industry media issues. His responsibilities also include spearheading the association’s hurricane season communications strategy and its member company support and media outreach.
Throughout his 30+ years in the insurance industry, Mark has held leadership positions across multiple trade groups, including serving as Board Chair and President of the Insurance Marketing & Communications Association (IMCA). He has also advised editorial teams at organizations such as U.S. News & World Report, Insurify, Bankrate, and more.