Why should you have car insurance? Well, for one thing, it is required in almost every state in the Union (and the two states that currently do not require insurance, New Hampshire and Virginia, hold that you are responsible for covering any bodily injury or property damage caused by a vehicle you own). Like many other types of insurance, even if it is not a legal requirement, the peace of mind that auto insurance coverage provides extends from sea to sea.
However, not all auto insurance policies are created equal, and all auto insurance companies offer something unique to their clients. When comparing providers, it's important to look at the big picture, including customer service, coverage options, discount offers, and even the digital experience offered by the company's website.
Based on our findings, here is a group of companies that we believe represent the best in the industry in terms of pricing and sales deals, military families, personal experiences, claim satisfaction, and high-risk drivers. We chose the following as the top six auto insurance companies.
Below you'll find auto insurance deals available from our advertising partners, followed by our comprehensive and detailed list of the best auto insurance companies we found.
Geico: best prices and discounts
Their satirical ads may be a scratch, but GEICO offers deep discounts, great customer service, and some of the lowest premiums in the industry. A well-designed and highly efficient website and mobile app also make the company stand out among lower-priced operators.
coverage
GEICO's comprehensive coverage options include:
- Liability coverage
- Collision and everything possible
- Protection against personal injury
- Uninsured motorist coverage
- Guaranteed asset protection insurance (GAP)
- Mechanical failure insurance
- Travel insurance
- Emergency assistance is on the road
- Pay car rental expenses
In addition to vehicle coverage, GEICO offers insurance policies for a variety of vehicles: motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), boats, and recreational vehicles. The company also offers other types of coverages, like home and renters insurance, that you can combine with your auto insurance.
Discounts
Another great strength of GEICO is the breadth and variety of its discount options. Some breaks if the car has it:
- Airbags
- Anti-lock brakes
- Anti-theft system
- It is a new vehicle
Other breaks relate to you and your behavior. You may qualify for a discount if:
- Good driver
- Wear a seat belt
- Polite driver
- student
- Federal employee
- Member of the army
The company also cooperates with hundreds of groups, associations and companies to offer special rates to members or employees. GEICO also offers customer loyalty discounts: there are discounts for multiple vehicles and multiple policies. Some of the gaps listed above increase the longer you keep your GEICO insurance coverage.
Digital experience
Besides the great sale offers, another reason people love GEICO is its second mobile app. Although many auto insurance companies are going digital, Geico is at the forefront when it comes to connectivity, providing the latest online tools and ease of service through the company's website and mobile app.
As the logo says, GEICO offers a quick quote process through their website. Once registered with GEICO Insurance, you can manage your policy and make changes 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through the online customer portal. You can also submit claims or check the status of pending claims, receive quotes to add new drivers or vehicles to your policy, and more.
The GEICO mobile app is also an incredible asset to customers. Through the GEICO app, you can request emergency roadside assistance, view digital insurance ID cards, report a claim (or track current claims), and receive virtual assistance. The Mobile Vehicle Care feature, a joint venture with CARFAX, allows you to view repair costs, vehicle recalls and your vehicle's service history.
Additionally, GEICO now provides connectivity to Amazon Echo or Google Home, as well as offering voice command options with your smartphone so you can access policy information or request assistance anywhere, anytime.
Customer satisfaction
GEICO consistently receives high marks from both its customers and industry experts. In fact, the company maintains an A + rating with the Better Business Bureau1 (BBB) and an A ++ rating for financial strength with AM Best. Additionally, JD Power recently ranked Geico # 1 in its 2020 Insurance Purchasing Study.
Our judgment on Geico
If you are looking for a great auto insurance company that offers competitive rates and a long list of incredible discounts, then GEICO is definitely the best option for you. Additionally, some of the amazing features of the GEICO mobile app make this company truly stand out from the rest of the nation's top insurance providers.
State Farm - Best Personal Experience
Over the past century, State Farm has become a national name for a variety of insurance products, including vehicle coverage. And, rarely in this digital age, does outsourcing maintain a network of employees across the United States, which means you can always reach out to a local State Farm dealer for your insurance questions and needs.
Coverage and discount options
State Farm offers comprehensive auto insurance coverage, such as:
- Liability coverage
- Collision and everything possible
- Medical Payment Coverage and Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
- Uninsured and Uninsured Motorist Coverage
- Gap insurance
- Travel insurance
- Emergency assistance is on the road
- Pay travel expenses and car rental
In addition, State Farm offers coverage for other vehicles, such as motorcycles, boats, and ATVs. You can combine your car coverage with one of the other insurance policies.
When it comes to discounts, State Farm offers many options for safe drivers, safe vehicles, and customer loyalty. Combining different insurance policies can save up to 17% and multi-vehicle policies up to 20%.
Digital experience
Compared to some of the other major insurance companies, State Farm is a bit behind when it comes to an optimized digital experience. With that said, State Farm started a partnership with SalesForce in 2018 to improve the online experience for its customers. Like most other insurance sites, you can now manage your account through the State Farm customer portal.
Customer satisfaction
State Farm has received numerous awards and recognitions for its customer service. JD Power's 2019 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study ranked State Farm 7th out of 25 insurers
Of course, what sets State Farm apart is the local service agents, who score highly for being efficient, knowledgeable, and easy to reach (no 1-800 calls, enduring claims and endless waits).
Our judgment on State Farm
Although State Farm doesn't offer as many digital benefits as some of the other big insurance companies, the company does offer an extensive network of agents to help you meet your insurance needs at any time. Additionally, State Farm is one of the oldest insurance companies in the industry with a proven track record with clients.
Amica Mutual: The Best Claims of Satisfaction
Amica Mutual has been ranked # 1 in JD Power's Automatic Claims Satisfaction Study for several years in a row, including 2019. From low complaints to low premiums, it is gaining ground in many areas. We rate it the best based on satisfaction of claims.
Coverage and discount options
Like most other auto insurance companies, Amica offers all the necessary and useful optional coverages you need: 24/7 roadside assistance, reimbursement of rental car cost, and even glass coverage. (windshield or window repair, without any deduction). Also an all-inclusive package called Platinum Choice Auto, which includes benefits like Accident Waiver, the aforementioned glass coverage, identity theft monitoring, and premium rental car coverage. Customers can also get discounts for referrals and loyalty.
Amica's rates are competitive. Although it does not offer many discounts, the company has:
- Safe Vehicle Discounts on Airbags, Anti-theft Systems and More
- Multiple car discounts and multiple policies
- Loyalty discounts for customers who stay with Amica for more than 2 years
- Automatic payment and discounts fully paid
- Online discount for paperless customers
Digital experience
Overall, the Amica website and mobile app are very basic and don't do anything impressive. However, it is easy to navigate and can perform standard tasks like paying bills or accessing ID cards. Amica also allows its clients to submit claims through the app and online. Customers can also request roadside assistance through the app.
Customer satisfaction
Amica customer feedback is extremely positive. Additionally, the company had a 0.36 complaint rating with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, which is one of the lowest in the industry. Customers say that Amica handles claims quickly and efficiently and that customer service representatives are always available to answer questions.
Our judgment on Amica
While Amica Mutual does not offer one-time discounts or digital whistles, their reputation for customer service and claims satisfaction speaks for itself. The deadlines are not out of line; In fact, they are among the lowest in this field. We highly recommend this company if you are looking for a reliable seller when making a claim.
USAA: Best for Military Families
If you or a loved one has military ties, USAA vehicle coverage is the best option for you. A respected financial institution open to members of the military (active or retired) and their immediate family members (spouses and children) offers some of the lowest premiums in the industry, along with excellent customer service.
Coverage and discount options
Like most other insurance companies, USAA offers:
- Liability for bodily injury
- Liability for material damage
- Collision and universal coverage
- Uninsured motorist coverage
- Protection against personal injury and medical payments
Additionally, USAA offers rideshare coverage for Lyft and Uber drivers, 24/7 roadside assistance, and towing coverage. USAA clients can also combine their own auto and homeowners policies, or select other coverages such as life, renter, apartment or boat insurance.
When it comes to discounts, USAA offers:
- Safe driver discounts
- Student discounts for drivers under 21
- Multiple car discounts and multiple policies
- Foundation and storage discounts
- Mileage-based discounts
- Refund of customer discounts
Current military personnel living on a base or deployed overseas can receive discounts of up to 60%. Additionally, USAA offers accident amnesty if you do not have an accident for five years or if you end up in an accident in which you are deemed not to be at fault.
Digital experience
Believe it or not, USAA truly does deliver a great digital experience through the USAA website and mobile app. With the USAA website, customers can use the free pricing tool and get prices without providing an email address or phone number. The site also includes a wealth of information on coverage options, planning and calculation tools, general insurance, and money management tips. The USAA mobile app also provides secure access for customers to pay their bills, access digital ID cards and insurance policies, or even start the claims process.
When it comes to the claims process, USAA makes it easy for you to complete the entire process digitally, which is great for people on the go. When you end up in a car accident, you can simply go to the USAA website or open the mobile app and submit your claim. If additional information is required, the Claims Officer will notify you by text message or email. Additionally, you can upload photos of damage and other required information via the website or app to attach to your claim.
Customer satisfaction
When it comes to ratings, USAA auto insurance is the highest. In fact, JD Power USAA gave some of the highest ratings in its 2020 American Auto Insurance Study2, and US News & World Report also included the company as its first pick in its review of Best Insurers in 20204. it also earns the highest financial strength score from AM Best's rating services5. Finally, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) reports that USAA has complaints from clients below the industry.
Our USAA judgment
If you meet the criteria for USAA auto insurance coverage, you should definitely take advantage of it. The company offers great rates, deep discounts for existing military personnel, and a great online experience.
Progressive - best for high-risk drivers
If your driving record is less than Excellent, Progressive can help you avoid the financial burden on your driving record. In fact, Progressive's Name Your Price tool allows you to sign up for a coverage plan that meets the minimum coverage requirements in your state while still meeting your budget. Plus, you can get your driving history back and save more with Progressive Snapshot. This is why many high-risk drivers choose to overtake other auto insurance companies.
coverage
When it comes to automatic coverage, Progressive offers:
- Liability for bodily injury
- Liability for material damage
- Collision and universal coverage
- Uninsured motorist coverage
- Protection against personal injury and medical payments
- Gap coverage
- General insurance policies
Additionally, Progressive offers some unique items such as rideshare coverage for Lyft and Uber drivers, classic car coverage for vintage cars, Mexican travel insurance for cross-border crossers, and aftermarket parts coverage. For those who wish to switch all of their insurance policies to Progressive, the company also offers coverage for homeowners and other property, as well as life insurance and other personal policies.
Discounts
Progressive's Snapshot rates your price based on your actual driving habits, which not only helps good drivers save money, but can also help drivers who have a history of lowering their premiums over time. Progressive offers an average discount of about $ 26 from the first policy period just to enroll in the Snapshot program, and most drivers save an average of $ 145 every six months with the Snapshot software.
If you are looking for more ways to save money, Progressive also offers:
- Online discounts for those who get quotes and sign up for online policies
- Discounts on multiple cars and multiple policies for policy-cashing customers
- Teen driver discounts for drivers under the age of 18, plus student discounts for high school and college students with good grades
- Automatic payment discounts for document holders using automatic payments
- Paperless discounts for members who don't use paper
- Fully paid discount for customers who pay their full installments instead of monthly installments
- Loyalty discounts for those who renew policies or add additional policies in the future
Digital experience
In fact, Progressive offers one of the best digital experiences of any major insurer in the country, with a variety of features like its name pricing tool and comparison tool, allowing you to compare rates side by side when shopping a policy.
Additionally, Progressive (available through the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store) allows you to manage your policy from anywhere. With the app, you can get 24/7 roadside assistance, file a claim, make payments or policy changes, and even get a digital ID card to provide proof of insurance. However, you are not currently able to manage your homeowners policy through the app, so people with multiple policies may also want to use the portal through the Progressive website when making policy changes.
Customer satisfaction
While the benefits of Progressive seem endless, not all customers feel the same way. In the 2019 Claims Satisfaction Survey, JD Power received a progressive rating in the bottom half (17 out of 25) of insurance companies, meaning policyholders are not satisfied with their claim payments. The BBB gives a progressive A + rating, however the company only averages 1 star in customer reviews. When we looked at BBB's complaint logs, it appeared that the majority of complaints focused on handling claims and accident-related error decisions. This probably explains why JD Power posted the rating it did.
Our judgment is progressive
Overall, Progressive really shines in discount offers and a willingness to accept high-risk drivers. For this reason, we recommend Progressive for any driver with a history of accidents or any other negative aspect of their driving record. In fact, we suggest that you enroll in the Instant program and allow your current registration to help reduce the rates that your past may currently affect.
Erie Insurance: Best for Young Drivers
Founded in Erie, Pennsylvania, Erie Insurance has provided auto, homeowners and other types of insurance since 1925. With specific discounts geared towards those under 21, as well as some of the lowest prices in the industry for new drivers, It is an excellent option for young people and university students. Looking for affordable car insurance.
coverage
Like most of the other companies on this list, Erie offers:
- Liability for bodily injury and property damage
- Collision and universal coverage
- Uninsured motorist coverage
- Protection against personal injury and medical payments
- General insurance policies
However, where Erie really shines are the extras it does for insurance clients. These add-ons include: roadside assistance with trailer coverage, coverage for pets and personal items, discounted car windshield repairs and protection for new vehicles. Erie also offers ridesharing insurance, extended coverage for non-owned vehicles like moving trucks, and many other benefits. Of course, Erie also offers homeowners and renters insurance, life insurance policies, and recreational vehicle coverage policies for motorcycles, boats, and recreational vehicles.
Discounts
Erie offers a complete package with coverage, but the company also offers a wide range of discounts for its customers. These savings include:
- Discounts of up to 20% for single drivers under the age of 21 who live with their parents
- Discounts on driving training for drivers under the age of 21 who have completed an approved training course.
- Erie Rate Lock, which keeps premiums the same every year regardless of accidents
- Discounts of up to 25% on various cars and various policies
- Driving discounts for those who maintain a clean driving record
- Safety discounts for cars with features like airbags, antitheft devices, and antilock brakes.
- Discounted usage discount for drivers who keep their cars for at least 90 days
Digital experience
Erie Insurance is not the best in terms of digital customer experience, but the company is working on it. Erie currently offers website features that allow customers to obtain an auto insurance quote, locate local Erie insurance agents, pay bills online, and file a claim.
However, Erie does not offer a smartphone app at this time, which could be a deal breaker for some customers.
Customer satisfaction
Erie maintains a largely positive rating when it comes to customer satisfaction. In fact, Erie Insurance was ranked among the top 5 insurers in the country in the JD Power 2019 US Auto Claims Satisfaction Study and the 2020 Insurance Buying Study. Additionally, Erie Insurance maintains a A + rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Our verdict on Erie Insurance
Erie Insurance has an excellent reputation in the insurance industry and a long history of continued stability. Plus, Erie offers some of the best insurance premiums in the state, especially for young drivers under 21, along with generous discounts, making it an obvious choice for teen and college drivers.
What are the coverage options available?
With a few exceptions, most auto insurance companies offer the following types of coverage:
- Liability for bodily and property damage, which is paid for the other party's medical care and property damage if a fault is found in a car accident
- Collision coverage, which covers damage to your vehicle, regardless of the fault.
- Comprehensive coverage, which pays for damage to your vehicle in the event of weather damage or theft.
- Personal Injury Protection / Medical Payments, which covers your medical expenses regardless of fault.
- Uninsured motorist coverage, which pays for your medical and repair bills if you are in an accident with an uninsured motorist.
- Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) coverage, which covers the gap between what you owe on your car lease or loan and its present value if the accident causes a total loss.
What coverage do I need?
Many drivers opt for the minimum amounts of coverage specified by their state regulations because it appears to be the most expensive option. However, it is important that you understand exactly what is included in each policy, before choosing which coverages to add and which to leave.
What Should I Do When Comparing Auto Insurance Companies?
When comparing insurance rates between various insurance companies, it is important to take into account many considerations, including the actual coverage you receive (including dollar amounts for each coverage), available discounts, an assessment of the financial strength of the company and the company's customer service evaluations. Make sure you understand everything about how car insurance works before making your final decision.
When choosing an auto insurance company, consider your needs and prioritize your selection based on what is most important to you. While GEICO offers the lowest prices across the board, other companies like Amica offer the best claims satisfaction, Allstate offers great coverage for high-risk drivers, State Farm offers the most personalized experience, and USAA offers incredible staff discounts. military.
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