--- title: 7 Best Car Insurance Companies of September 2026 description: Discover the best car insurance companies of September 2026, including Amica, Best Overall; State Farm, Best for Young Drivers; GEICO, Best Mobile App authors: - name: Andrea Agostini Ferrer role: Lead Staff Writer url: https://money.com/author/andrea-agostini/ bio: Andrea has been our in-house insurance expert since 2021. She's dedicated hundreds of hours to researching and evaluating a wide range of insurance products — from niche plans like pet insurance to everyday essentials like auto and homeowners coverage — and applies her knowledge to help readers understand the ins and outs of these policies. education: University of Puerto Rico at_money_since: 2020 articles: 62 covers: - Insurance - Banking - Business - Credit - Credit Cards - Debt - Economy and Politics - Education - Health and Wellness - Housing - Identity Theft - Lifestyle - Loans - Mortgages - Personal Finance - Pets - Professional Services - Retirement - Shopping - Taxes - name: Christina Majaski role: Contributing Writer url: https://money.com/author/christina-majaski/ bio: Christina Majaski is a decade-long personal finance writer and expert in credit cards, credit card and finance compliance and consumer financial products. Her 10+ years of experience analyzing credit card details includes insight into rewards programs, fees and the best strategies for maximizing benefits. Her work ensures consumers have the accurate and up-to-date information they need to make informed financial decisions. Christina specializes in breaking down complex financial topics, from regulatory compliance to the evolving landscape of personal finance and fintech. She believes financial literacy is key to empowerment and aims to deliver clear, accurate and helpful information in every piece she is part of, whether writing, editing or in compliance. Christina’s work has been featured and behind the scenes in compliance and SEO for a range of personal financial publications, including Credit Karma, Forbes, MSN and Yahoo Money. at_money_since: 2024 articles: 7 covers: - Insurance - Credit - Housing - Investing - Lifestyle - Loans former_staff: true editors: - name: José Omar Rodríguez role: Content Manager url: https://money.com/author/jose-omar-rodriguez/ bio: As an editor, José Omar specializes in personal finance topics and in-depth company reviews. His work has been featured in publications such as the Sacramento Bee, the Miami Herald, and the Kansas City Star. education: University of Puerto Rico at_money_since: 2019 articles: 21 covers: - Insurance - Banking - Business - Career Advice - Credit - Credit Cards - Economy and Politics - Housing - Identity Theft - Investing - Lifestyle - Loans - Mortgages - Pets - Professional Services - Retirement - Taxes - Technology updaters: - name: Christina Majaski role: Contributing Writer url: https://money.com/author/christina-majaski/ bio: Christina Majaski is a decade-long personal finance writer and expert in credit cards, credit card and finance compliance and consumer financial products. Her 10+ years of experience analyzing credit card details includes insight into rewards programs, fees and the best strategies for maximizing benefits. Her work ensures consumers have the accurate and up-to-date information they need to make informed financial decisions. Christina specializes in breaking down complex financial topics, from regulatory compliance to the evolving landscape of personal finance and fintech. She believes financial literacy is key to empowerment and aims to deliver clear, accurate and helpful information in every piece she is part of, whether writing, editing or in compliance. Christina’s work has been featured and behind the scenes in compliance and SEO for a range of personal financial publications, including Credit Karma, Forbes, MSN and Yahoo Money. at_money_since: 2024 articles: 7 covers: - Insurance - Credit - Housing - Investing - Lifestyle - Loans former_staff: true published: '2026-09-01T20:18:40.000Z' modified: '2026-09-01T20:18:40.000Z' section: Insurance tags: - Best - cars word_count: 2549 canonical: https://money.com/best-auto-insurance/ type: Article source: structured-blocks --- > **Disclosure:** We research all brands listed and may earn a fee from our partners. Research and financial considerations may influence how brands are displayed. Not all brands are included. [Learn more](https://money.com/page/disclaimer/). ![7 Best Car Insurance Companies of September 2026](https://img.money.com/2023/12/Best-Car-Insurance-Companies-mbci_e5wy3__d2mvlx.jpg?quality=85&w=1012&h=569&crop=1) [Watch video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kto8G9PiXjo) ## Key Takeaways - Amica is the best overall auto insurance company because it consistently ranks near the top of industry benchmarks for customer satisfaction, particularly in handling claims. - We also picked Progressive as "best quote customization" and State Farm as "best for young drivers" - Every state except New Hampshire requires car owners to have liability insurance at minimum. If you're leasing or paying off your car loan, the lender will also require comprehensive and collision coverage. - Once your policy is up for renewal, it pays to shop around for better rates with other providers. According to Consumer Reports, drivers who switched providers saved over $460 a year on average. - Our writing and editing team independently reviewed 15+ auto insurance companies to ensure the accuracy and reliability of our information. We dedicated 1,000+ hours of research to reviewing over 15 insurers across more than 25 factors. ## Our top picks for car insurance companies - [Amica Mutual](https://money.com/best-auto-insurance/#amica) - Best Overall - [Progressive](https://money.com/best-auto-insurance/#progressive) - Best Quote Customization - [State Farm](https://money.com/best-auto-insurance/#state-farm) - Best for Young Drivers - [Nationwide](https://money.com/best-auto-insurance/#nationwide) - Best Usage-Based Insurance Program - [GEICO](https://money.com/best-auto-insurance/#geico) - Best Mobile App - [USAA](https://money.com/best-auto-insurance/#usaa) - Best for Military Members - [Travelers](#travelers) - Best for Coverage Options ## Best Overall: Amica Mutual ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/16971/large_d1c3ccbb-f988-4900-97e3-cfffd2ea8574.png) [View Rates](https://money.com/pr/oa854aee9df4?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-auto-insurance%2F&apxa1=state-farm-car-insurance-refunds-2026) **Pros** - Top marks in customer satisfaction from multiple third-party evaluators - Free airbag replacement (after it deploys) - Credit monitoring services and lock replacement for stolen keys - $1,000 for bail bonds/wage reimbursement if required to appear in court - Non-binary option for gender **Cons** - Often more expensive than competitors - Good driving rewards are gift cards, not premium discounts ### HIGHLIGHTS A.M. Best Rating A+ Crash Network’s Insurer Report Card B+ J.D. Power U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study Above average (735/1,000 vs. a 700 study average) J.D. Power U.S. Insurance Shopping Study N/A NAIC Complaint Index Better than most (0.62) Discounts 19 discount options, including legacy discounts for drivers whose parents have been insured with Amica for at least five years **Why we chose it:** [Amica Mutual](https://money.com/pr/zad8474f3bcd?data-trk-company=amica-auto-insurance-review&data-trk-imp=true&data-trk-pcu-type=direct_link&data-trk-pcu-uuid=zad8474f3bcd&encoded_id=&ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-auto-insurance%252F&apxa1=state-farm-car-insurance-refunds-2026) consistently ranks near the top of industry benchmarks for customer satisfaction, particularly in handling claims. Amica Mutual ranks highly in J.D. Power's 2025 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, which measures the consumer's experience filing a claim, communicating with the insurer, and their satisfaction with the settlement. Amica has also ranked highest in J.D. Power's New England regional study 13 times in 14 years, including the 2026 study. This survey measures auto insurers across the U.S. 12 geographic regions, looking at pricing, coverage benefits, and digital tools. Amica is also well-regarded by repair shops nationwide for its handling of repairs and payments once a car is in the shop. CRASH Network awarded Amica a B+ in its most recent Insurers Report Card. This rating is rarely given out for insurers of Amica's size — the largest insurers nationwide received poor grades (C or lower). Finally, its perks like free airbag replacement, identity theft support, and legacy discounts add value beyond standard coverage. While premiums may be higher than average, drivers who prioritize reliability and hassle-free claims over the lowest price find the added cost worth a smoother claims experience. ## Best Streamlined Quote Match Tool: Progressive ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/28633/large_22128f12-61f8-4d31-8983-934970ea3734.png) **Pros** - Name Your Price tool matches consumers with the right policy for their budget - GAP insurance, pet injury coverage and rideshare coverage for Uber and Lyft drivers - Loyalty Rewards program helps get a lower rate **Cons** - Risk factors recorded by the telematics program might raise premiums - Coverage for OEM parts only available for motorcycle insurance ### HIGHLIGHTS A.M. Best rating A+ (Superior) Crash Network’s Insurer Report Card C- J.D. Power U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study Below average (672/1,000) J.D. Power U.S. Insurance Shopping Study Below average (645/1,000) NAIC Complaint Index Average (1.02) Discounts 18 including discounts for automatic and paperless statement, continuous coverage, and teen and student drivers **Why we chose it:** [Progressive](https://money.com/pr/uf45b4e3c1e5?ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-auto-insurance%252F&apxa1=state-farm-car-insurance-refunds-2026) offers the best customizable premiums and is ideal for drivers who want more control over how much they pay. Its well-known “Name Your Price” tool lets users build a policy around a specific budget, adjusting deductibles and coverage levels in real time. For example, you can quickly and easily increase the deductible for collision coverage and save on your premium. However, note that if you're in an accident, you'll have to pay a higher amount before the insurance kicks in. In terms of savings, Progressive's telematics Snapshot program uses driving data such as acceleration, braking and distance to provide drivers a discount for safe driving behavior. It also gives customers the option of joining its deductible savings bank. This program puts $50 into savings every six months that pass without a claim or driving violation, until it reaches its limit. Then, if you file a claim, your deductible will already be paid for. [Read full review of Progressive Car Insurance](https://money.com/progressive-car-insurance-review/) ## Best for Young Drivers: State Farm ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/3496/large_16a73637-3218-436a-836c-f3f31995d7e4.png) [View Rates](https://money.com/pr/ie3b947abe80?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-auto-insurance%2F&apxa1=state-farm-car-insurance-refunds-2026) **Pros** - Multiple discounts opportunities for young drivers that offset the high rates for that age range - Rideshare and classic car insurance coverage - Premiums won't increase based on telematics data **Cons** - Often more expensive than competitors, particularly for drivers with poor credit - Deductible waiver available by state - Complaint volume is far above the industry norm ### HIGHLIGHTS A.M. Best rating A+ (Superior) Crash Network’s Insurer Report Card D+ J.D. Power U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study Above average (648/1,000) J.D. Power U.S. Insurance Shopping Study Above average (674/1,000) NAIC Complaint Index (Worse than most) 1.43 Discounts Over 12, including discounts for safe driving, loyalty, low-mileage and teen/student drivers **Why we chose it:** Young drivers typically face the highest premiums, but [State Farm](https://money.com/pr/uecfdb8e05b8?ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-auto-insurance%252F&apxa1=state-farm-car-insurance-refunds-2026) offers one of the most generous discount structures to offset those costs. Its Good Student Discount can reduce premiums significantly for eligible drivers, and additional savings are available for driver training and low-mileage use. With the Good Student Discount, policyholders can save up to 25% if their teen driver maintains a GPA of 3.0 or higher until the teen turns 25. Many competitors offer a smaller good-grades discount or don't disclose the amount at all. Drivers under 21 can also get a discount for taking a driver’s ed course. Additionally, the “Student Away at School” discount helps customers save by only covering the student while at home on vacation and holidays. State Farm also pairs these savings with solid customer satisfaction scores and a large agent network, making it easier for younger policyholders (and their families) to get support when needed. ## Best Usage-Based Insurance Program: Nationwide ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/1318/large_JIDOQdMPjZCqOoPjtcaRMbdDQcEDBy.png) [View Rates](https://money.com/pr/ue66a11b5f8e?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-auto-insurance%2F&apxa1=state-farm-car-insurance-refunds-2026) **Pros** - Top position in J.D. Power's Usage-Based Insurance Satisfaction Study - Often less expensive than competitors, particularly for drivers with poor credit - Guarantees your rates won't increase for enrolling in its telematics program **Cons** - No automatic crash detection tools in the SmartRide telematics program ### HIGHLIGHTS A.M. Best rating A (Excellent) Crash Network’s Insurer Report Card C J.D. Power U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study Above average (698/1,000) J.D. Power U.S. Insurance Shopping Study Above average (715/1,000) NAIC Complaint Index Worse than most (1.36) Discounts 10% when you enroll; safe driving history; good grades; policy bundles; automatic payments ; and paperless statements **Why we chose it:** [Nationwide](https://money.com/pr/de74c0815613?ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-auto-insurance%252F&apxa1=state-farm-car-insurance-refunds-2026) offers one of the strongest usage-based insurance (UBI) ecosystems, combining its SmartRide (behavior-based) and SmartMiles (pay-per-mile) programs. SmartRide rewards safe driving behavior. Customers get 10% off just for signing up and can save up to 40% for safe driving. The second program is SmartMiles, which charges you based on how much you drive — a monthly bill made up of a base rate plus a per-mile rate, both of which vary by driver, vehicle and state. Unlike many competitors, Nationwide guarantees that rates won’t increase just for signing up, which is a major advantage for cautious users. ## Best Mobile App: GEICO ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/11826/large_6297f3e8-094d-4fef-a035-2e3e4ecb7c23.png) [View Rates](https://money.com/pr/k44ca1c64ca7?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-auto-insurance%2F&apxa1=state-farm-car-insurance-refunds-2026) **Pros** - Second place in J.D. Power's Usage-Based Insurance Satisfaction Study - 23 discount opportunities to get a better rate, including a discount for military personnel - Typically offers low to moderate premium rates for a variety of driver profiles **Cons** - Rideshare coverage is only available through a commercial auto policy - No GAP insurance and new car replacement coverage - Risk driving recorded by the telematics program could increase your premiums ### HIGHLIGHTS A.M. Best rating A++ (Superior) Crash Network’s Insurer Report Card C- J.D. Power U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study Below average (660/1,000) J.D. Power U.S. Insurance Shopping Study Below average (656/1,000) NAIC Complaint Index Better than most (0.61) Discounts 23 discounts including safe and defensive driving, federal employee, military deployment and good student discounts **Why we chose it:** [GEICO](https://money.com/pr/q800b03ab912?ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-auto-insurance%252F&apxa1=state-farm-car-insurance-refunds-2026) offers a fully digital experience that is ideal for those who prefer to go online rather than call customer service. It delivers one of the most seamless digital insurance experiences available. Policyholders can manage nearly every aspect of their policy through the mobile app, including accessing ID cards to filing claims and requesting roadside assistance. GEICO policyholders can use the company’s app to request roadside assistance, upload photos to get damage estimates and submit and manage their claims. The app can also serve as a type of “agent in your pocket” that answers insurance-related questions and helps you stay on top of your car's history, sending you alerts about recalls or when it's time for maintenance. Integration with vehicle tools like CARFAX adds extra utility, helping users track maintenance and recalls directly from the app. While its claims satisfaction scores are more mixed, its pricing and convenience make it a strong contender for tech-first consumers. ## Best for Military Members: USAA ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/5084/large_e3e4ec59-a885-42f3-81d5-5da9def5bf69.png) [View Rates](https://money.com/pr/s79ca659275e?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-auto-insurance%2F&apxa1=state-farm-car-insurance-refunds-2026) **Pros** - One of most affordable car insurance companies in several premium surveys - Top marks across several J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Surveys, though USAA is not rank-eligible for awards - Premiums won't increase based on negative telematics data **Cons** - Limited to military members, veterans and their immediate families - Low rating in CRASH Network's Insurer Report Card - Above-average complaint volume ### HIGHLIGHTS A.M. Best rating A++ (Superior) Crash Network’s Insurer Report Card C- J.D. Power U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study Below average (679/1,000 vs. a 700 study average) J.D. Power U.S. Insurance Shopping Study Above average (719/1,000) NAIC Complaint Index Worse than most (1.62) Discounts 15 discounts, including discounts for newer vehicles, if you're deployed and storing your car and if your parents already have a USAA policy **Why we chose it:** [USAA](https://money.com/pr/t9f3f92fa737?ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-auto-insurance%252F&apxa1=state-farm-car-insurance-refunds-2026) is consistently among the higher-rated insurers for affordability and customer satisfaction. However, it’s only available to military members, veterans and their families. It offers specialized benefits tailored to military life, such as vehicle storage discounts during deployment and strong low-mileage savings. While it doesn’t officially rank in some industry studies due to eligibility restrictions, its scores often exceed top competitors. Like other companies, USAA offers a variety of discounts with some unique features. These include a car storage discount for members who store their vehicles at a military base or installation. In this case, customers get up to 60% off their policy and could save up to 15% on comprehensive coverage. It also offers a low-mileage discount that both stateside and deployed members can benefit from. [Read full review of USAA Car Insurance](https://money.com/usaa-car-insurance-review/) ## Best for Coverage Options: Travelers ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/383/large_76b14c2c-822b-4374-9b56-93a222debbaf.webp) [View Rates](https://money.com/pr/ee2b7543d6eb?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-auto-insurance%2F&url=&apxa1=state-farm-car-insurance-refunds-2026) **Pros** - Wide range of optional coverages (gap, accident forgiveness, new car replacement) - IntelliDrive telematics program with valuable discounts - Good bundling options for home and auto policies **Cons** - IntelliDrive may increase premiums depending on driving behavior ### HIGHLIGHTS A.M. Best Rating A++ (Superior) Crash Network’s Insurer Report Card C J.D. Power Claims Satisfaction: Below average (626/1,000) J.D. Power Shopping Study: Below average (650/1,000) NAIC Complaint Index: Better than most (0.22) Discounts: Multiple, including safe driver, multi-policy, hybrid/EV and telematics-based savings **Why we chose it:** [Travelers](https://money.com/pr/udd572b89a87?data-trk-company=travelers-car-insurance-review&data-trk-imp=true&data-trk-pcu-type=direct_link&data-trk-pcu-uuid=udd572b89a87&encoded_id=&apxa1=state-farm-car-insurance-refunds-2026) is a top auto insurance provider, especially for drivers who want more than standard coverage. It offers a wide range of optional coverages, including accident forgiveness, new car replacement and gap insurance. These features are not always available across competitors. Travelers also performs well financially (with strong A.M. Best ratings) and maintains a broad national footprint. Its IntelliDrive telematics program allows drivers to earn discounts based on real-world driving behavior. Travelers provides a strong balance of customization, financial stability and coverage depth. ## What you need to know about car insurance Auto insurance helps you cover losses stemming from theft, collision, natural disasters and liability involving your vehicle. In simple terms, you pay a premium to an insurer, and it pays for losses as stipulated in your policy. Liability policies don’t require you to pay a deductible, but other coverages typically do. Your deductible is how much you must pay out of pocket — from $250 all the way to $2,000 — before the insurer covers the rest. Policies with higher deductibles will cost less than those with lower ones because you’ll assume more of the cost of repair or replacement in the event of an incident. ### Types of car insurance coverage Here are common types of auto insurance coverage you'll encounter when considering policies: - **Liability insurance** includes property damage and bodily injury liability. It only covers damages that you cause others in an at-fault accident. - **Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage** covers medical bills and repairs if you’re in an accident caused by another driver with little or no insurance. It can also cover the cost of damages that result from a hit-and-run. - **Comprehensive coverage** pays for repairs if your vehicle is damaged by something other than another vehicle (including hail, fire, floods, theft and vandalism). - **Collision coverage** covers repair costs to your vehicle if you're involved in an at-fault accident. - **Full coverage car insurance** refers to comprehensive and collision policies, along with the state minimum. - **Medical payments coverage** pays for medical expenses if you or your passengers are injured in an accident. - **Personal injury protection (PIP)**, also known as no-fault insurance, covers medical bills, loss of wages and funeral costs for you or your passengers if you're in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. - **Guaranteed asset protection (GAP)** pays the difference between how much you owe on your vehicle and how much your insurance will pay out if your vehicle is totaled or stolen. In addition to these, optional [insurance riders](https://money.com/what-are-insurance-riders/) can give you additional coverage such as roadside assistance, glass replacement and rental reimbursement at an extra cost. ### How much is car insurance? Car insurance costs vary greatly based on a wide range of factors. In fact, the NAIC explicitly notes that state-to-state comparisons are difficult due to the high degree of variability in insurance requirements and other factors. According to Consumer Reports, drivers in Florida shell out nearly $4,000 a year, while drivers in Vermont typically pay less than $1,500. To determine your premium, insurers consider your driving history, the type of vehicle you own, where you live, [your credit score](https://money.com/bad-credit-higher-car-insurance-premiums/) and even where you park. Your choice of deductible will also affect the cost of your policy — the higher the deductible, the lower your rate. As of July 2026, Experian puts the national average at about [$2,926 a year](https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/cheapest-car-insurance/) ($244 a month) for full coverage and about $1,576 a year ($131 a month) for minimum coverage. The best way to see [how much you’ll pay for car insurance](https://money.com/how-much-is-car-insurance/) is to get quotes from several companies. ### How to lower your car insurance premium There are things you can do to [lower the cost of your car insurance](https://money.com/how-to-lower-car-insurance-premiums/). You may already know about bundling, but there are other strategies to use to help offset the high cost of insurance. ![icon of many squares and a plus sign bundled together](https://img.money.com/2021/10/Best-Car-Insurance-Icon-Shop-Bundle.png?w=190) #### Bundle insurance policies On average, bundling home, renters, auto or life insurance with the same provider can save you over 15% on your combined premiums. ![icon of many upward facing arrows](https://img.money.com/2021/10/Best-Car-Insurance-Icon-Shop-Deductible.png?w=300) #### Increase your deductible Increasing your deductible can make your payment more affordable. However, you want to ensure that you can afford to pay it out of pocket in case you’re in an accident. ![Icon of a document with an eye on it](https://img.money.com/2021/10/Best-Car-Insurance-Icon-Shop-Review.png?w=300) #### Review your policy regularly Reassessing your current policy before renewal, or whenever you make life changes that affect who is driving your car, can ensure you’re getting the type and level of car insurance coverage you need and can afford. (If you’re interested in changing insurers to get a lower price, take a look at Money’s guide on how to [switch car insurance](https://money.com/how-to-switch-car-insurance/).) ![](https://img.money.com/2021/01/pros-icon-e1636081344983.jpg?w=422) #### Apply for discounts Companies offer discounts to policyholders who maintain a clean driving record (e.g., no speeding tickets, DUI, etc.) and drive vehicles with good safety features. Although discounts vary from one lender to the next, common ones include safe driver, multi-vehicle and multi-policy discounts. ![icon of a hand with a dollar](https://img.money.com/2021/10/Best-Car-Insurance-Icon-Shop-Discounts.png?w=300) #### Reduce coverage You can reduce your annual premium by dropping collision or comprehensive coverage on vehicles that don’t have a lease or loan. ![Car tire icon](https://img.money.com/2021/10/Best-Car-Insurance-Icon-Shop-Usage.png?w=300) #### Consider usage-based insurance Usage-based insurance (UBI) policies (also called telematics programs) take into account your current driving habits to determine your premium. They measure how fast you drive, how quickly you turn and how abruptly you brake, among other risk factors. Depending on your driving habits, you could earn a discount on your policy. Make sure to ask whether negative driving marks will increase your rates and how the insurer will protect your personal data. ![icon of a magnifying glass with a money sign](https://img.money.com/2021/10/Best-Car-Insurance-Icon-Shop-Rate.png?w=300) #### Shop around for cheaper rates Comparing online quotes from at least three different insurance providers can help you get a low rate without sacrificing important coverage. Using a [car insurance comparison](https://secure.money.com/car-insurance/lp/compare-car-insurance) tool can help match you with a provider that offers the best policy for your vehicle. Besides average rates, consider the available discounts, coverage limits and deductible options of each company when shopping for car insurance coverage. If you don’t know where to start, an independent insurance agent or broker could help you narrow down your options. If you want to read more about savings opportunities with online insurers, read our guide to the [best cheap car insurance](https://money.com/best-cheap-car-insurance/) companies. ### How to get car insurance Whether you’re getting car insurance for the first time or shopping around for a new policy, it’s a good idea to review the [steps to buying car insurance](https://money.com/how-to-buy-car-insurance/). While the exact process may vary depending on the insurance company you select, here’s what you can expect. - **Gather your personal and vehicle information:** You’ll need your driver's license, vehicle registration and a copy of your existing insurance declaration page if the vehicle is already insured. - **Get quotes:** Since insurance rates can vary drastically, we recommend getting quotes from 3-5 insurers. - **Compare your options:** As you’re comparing premiums, be sure to look at the type of coverage and limits. It’s important to compare apples to apples. - **Read customer reviews and third-party ratings:** Read reviews from current and previous customers and note any negative patterns or red flags. - **Don't cancel your old policy until the new one is active:** You don’t want to cancel your old policy until you have your new one in place, you can have a lapse in coverage. ## Car Insurance FAQs ### What's the cheapest car insurance company? No single company is cheapest for everyone — the ranking reorders depending on the driver. Among our picks, USAA is typically lowest for military families, Nationwide for drivers with poor credit, and GEICO across the widest range of profiles. Our top overall pick, Amica, often costs more than competitors. ### Will my car insurance go up after an accident? In most cases, yes... if you caused it. However, you can also be surcharged for an accident you didn't cause: only California and Oklahoma bar insurers from raising rates after a not-at-fault crash. ### Does your credit score affect car insurance rates? In most states, yes. Good drivers with poor credit paid an average of $1,012 a year for state-minimum coverage, compared with $470 for the same drivers with excellent credit, according to a 2023 Consumer Federation of America study. California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan prohibit the practice. You should know, however, that insurers don't use your FICO score; instead, they use a separate credit-based insurance score drawn from your credit file. ### Does car insurance follow the car or the driver? Generally, it follows the car. If you lend your vehicle to a licensed friend and they cause a crash, your policy pays first, and the claim goes on your record, not theirs. ## How we chose the best car insurance companies For this roundup, we focused on insurers widely available in the U.S. Unfortunately, this meant we had to exclude regional insurers that excelled in several of our metrics. That includes Erie Insurance and NJM, which ranked first and second in J.D. Power's 2025 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study but aren't available nationwide. Notwithstanding, we strongly encourage you to get quotes from household names and local insurers. You may find a better rate and overall better customer experience with a small, regional provider. The team at Money reviewed 23 auto insurers based on 25+ factors, which we grouped into five broad categories: customer satisfaction, cost, coverage options, digital tools and financial stability. We then assigned a percentage value to each category, giving the most weight to customer satisfaction and cost, and rated insurers on a one-to-five scale. - **Customer satisfaction:** We considered the volume of complaints recorded with the [National Association of Insurance Commissioners](https://content.naic.org/cis_consumer_information.htm) (NAIC) and rankings from four J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Surveys ([the U.S. Insurance Shopping Study](https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2026-us-insurance-shopping-study/), the [U.S. Auto Insurance Study,](https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2026-us-auto-insurance-study/) the [U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study](https://www.jdpower.com/business/u-s-auto-claims-satisfaction-study-acs/) and the Usage-Based Insurance Study). We also looked at the [CRASH Network’s Insurer Report Card](https://www.crashnetwork.com/irc/), which rates insurers based on feedback from automotive collision repair professionals. - **Cost:** We compiled third-party auto insurance rate data, noting which insurers typically offered the most affordable and most expensive rates. We also took into account the number of discount opportunities available to policyholders. - **Coverage options:** Our top picks offer comprehensive, collision, liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist, medical payments, personal injury protection, and riders such as roadside assistance, travel expenses, ridesharing, pet injury, and classic cars. - **User experience:** For this category, we considered how easy it is for customers to get a quote, file a claim and manage their policy with each company. We also considered availability and excluded insurers that only operated in a small number of states. - **Digital tools:** Car insurance companies that allow policyholders to file car insurance claims via apps ranked higher on our list. We also looked at the insurer's usage-based insurance program, noting whether the company explicitly states that it won't increase your premiums for poor driving. - **Financial stability:** An insurance company’s financial stability can be gauged by its AM Best financial strength rating. We gave the most points to insurers that earned an A++ rating from A.M. 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