American Family: Best for Low Level of Complaints
Auto-Owners: Best Cost for Drivers Who Have Caused an Accident
Nationwide: Good for Usage-based or Mileage-based Insurance
USAA: Best for Military Members & Veterans
Geico: Best Overall Car Insurance Rates
Travelers: Best Price for Gap Insurance
Westfield: Best Family Discounts
Erie: Best Grade from Collision Repair Professionals
Progressive: Best Price for Drivers With a DUI
State Farm: Best Renewal Discount
The Best Car Insurance Companies in More Detail
Based on our investigation, American Family, Auto-Owners, Nationwide, and USAA have been rated five stars, making them the finest car insurance carriers overall. Only active military personnel, veterans, and members of their immediate families may purchase USAA auto insurance.
The state, your driving history, and other unique characteristics will determine which auto insurance provider is ideal for you. Comparing auto insurance quotes from several providers will show you which ones are able to offer the best deal for your circumstances.
Best for Low Car Insurance Rates: Geico
When we compare average rates across a range of driving histories and driver ages, Geico has the lowest rates accessible to the general public worldwide. (USAA is more affordable, but only automobile owners with a military connection are eligible to join.)
Geico offers affordable rates, so drivers with bad credit should check prices. If your credit is bad, it’s important getting estimates because a lot of vehicle insurance firms base their premiums just on bad credit.
Geico Average Annual Car Insurance Costs
| Driving record | Full coverage cost |
|---|---|
| Good drivers | $1,716 |
| Drivers with a speeding ticket | $2,098 |
| Drivers with a DUI conviction | $3,451 |
| Drivers who caused an accident with injury | $2,487 |
Best for Low Complaints: American Family and Travelers
A company’s customer service is reflected in the complaints made against it. Issues with claims are the main source of complaints regarding auto insurance providers. Based on confirmed complaints submitted to state insurance agencies throughout the nation, American Family and Travelers have extremely low levels of vehicle insurance complaints.
American Family Average Annual Car Insurance Costs
| Driving record | Full coverage cost |
|---|---|
| Good drivers | $2,176 |
| Drivers with a speeding ticket | $2,536 |
| Drivers with a DUI conviction | $2,983 |
| Drivers who caused an accident with injury | $2,818 |
Travelers Average Annual Car Insurance Costs
| Driving record | Full coverage cost |
|---|---|
| Good drivers | $1,852 |
| Drivers with a speeding ticket | $2,481 |
| Drivers with a DUI conviction | $3,675 |
| Drivers who caused an accident with injury | $2,630 |
How To Find the Best Car Insurance
Finding the best car insurance starts with figuring out your particular coverage needs. From there you can use our list of best car insurance companies and these tips in your search.
- Decide on the car insurance coverage types you need. Knowing how much you need for auto insurance will enable you to compare prices and shop around for the exact same coverage from other providers. Additionally, you may save money on vehicle insurance by purchasing only the coverages you require and excluding the ones you don’t.
- Comparison shop with multiple companies. Compare the prices of several vehicle insurance providers to identify the best one. Because different auto insurance companies evaluate pricing criteria differently, including your age, driving history, and kind of car, it’s wise to shop around to get the best deal for your particular circumstances.
- Consider companies big and small. When shopping for auto insurance, go beyond the major names and compare the quotes from smaller, local providers. Many smaller businesses, like Westfield with its many family discounts, provide extremely competitive prices or greater savings.
- Buy with confidence. After you’ve checked out coverage options and costs, you can purchase a car insurance policy knowing you made a good comparison.
- Do it again regularly or when you have a change in your situation. It is not a buy-it-and-forget-it policy for auto insurance. It might be a good idea to compare prices when you move, add a driver, purchase a new car, or encounter any other scenario that can affect your rates. You should also shop around frequently. That inexpensive alternative for your circumstances might not be the best insurer for you from a few years ago.
How To Find the Best Price on Car Insurance
You can find methods to save money by being aware of the variables, like your credit score, that influence auto insurance costs. These are the simplest methods for locating affordable auto insurance.
Shop Around
Compare auto insurance quotes for the same level of coverage from at least three different providers to get the best deal. The greatest method to obtain the largest possible discounts is to shop around because pricing can differ significantly between businesses.
Choose a Higher Deductible
Another effective way to reduce your auto insurance costs is to increase your deductible if you have comprehensive and collision coverage. (The liability insurance does not have a deductible.)
Ask About Discounts
Numerous vehicle insurance reductions, such “pay in full” discounts, will be immediately applied to your payment. It’s advisable to inquire as your insurance provider may not always be aware of your eligibility for a discount. For instance, inquire about an excellent student discount if you have a driver who is in high school or college and receives good marks.
Car Insurance Rates by State
| State | Average annual cost for full coverage car insurance |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $1,809 |
| Alaska | $2,323 |
| Arizona | $1,696 |
| Arkansas | $2,061 |
| California | $2,462 |
| Colorado | $2,489 |
| Connecticut | $1,730 |
| Delaware | $2,462 |
| Florida | $4,326 |
| Georgia | $2,181 |
| Hawaii | $1,633 |
| Idaho | $1,021 |
| Illinois | $2,345 |
| Indiana | $1,454 |
| Iowa | $1,238 |
| Kansas | $1,693 |
| Kentucky | $1,979 |
| Louisiana | $3,629 |
| Maine | $1,216 |
| Maryland | $3,349 |
| Massachusetts | $2,333 |
| Michigan | $2,995 |
| Minnesota | $2,360 |
| Mississippi | $1,704 |
| Missouri | $2,323 |
| Montana | $1,770 |
| Nebraska | $1,538 |
| Nevada | $3,342 |
| New Hampshire | $1,411 |
| New Jersey | $2,240 |
| New Mexico | $2,104 |
| New York | $4,769 |
| North Carolina | $1,307 |
| North Dakota | $1,319 |
| Ohio | $1,112 |
| Oklahoma | $2,291 |
| Oregon | $1,459 |
| Pennsylvania | $3,600 |
| Rhode Island | $2,715 |
| South Carolina | $2,387 |
| South Dakota | $1,821 |
| Tennessee | $1,720 |
| Texas | $2,938 |
| Utah | $1,955 |
| Vermont | $1,037 |
| Virginia | $1,486 |
| Washington | $1,829 |
| West Virginia | $1,688 |
| Wisconsin | $1,905 |
| Wyoming | $1,341 |
Types of Car Insurance
Liability Car Insurance
Because liability auto insurance covers damages you cause to other people, it is a necessary form of coverage. Damage to property and injuries are included in this. In the event that you cause an accident, it also includes covering others’ lost earnings and suffering.
Liability auto insurance covers the cost of your legal defence as well as any settlements or judgements rendered against you in the event that you are sued for causing an accident. However, it only covers the amount of your liability limits, therefore it’s critical to have high enough limits. Damages over your limitations of liability are your personal responsibility.
Your personal injuries, auto damage, and non-economic losses like pain and suffering are not covered by liability insurance.
Collision Car Insurance
Your own car’s damage is covered by collision insurance regardless of what triggered the collision. You can file a claim on your collision insurance if you are struck by another vehicle or if you collide with a pole or other item.
You can also file a claim on the other person’s liability insurance if they collide with you. However, there are situations where auto owners find it simpler to deal with their own collision insurance company than to deal with another person’s insurer.
Comprehensive Car Insurance
Purchasing comprehensive insurance is a wise decision since it will cover any auto damage that collision insurance does not cover. This can include flooding, automobile fires, hail, and falling tree limbs.
If your automobile is stolen, it will also reimburse you for its worth.
Typically, comprehensive and collision insurance come in a same package and cannot be purchased individually.
Full Coverage Car Insurance
Liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance are all included in a full coverage vehicle insurance policy, which is just known by this term.
Full coverage auto insurance will provide you with a solid basis for coverage for a wide range of scenarios, even though there are many more beneficial coverage kinds you might add to a policy.
Gap Car Insurance
If you have a lease or a sizable auto loan, gap insurance might be useful. Gap insurance will cover the shortfall between the amount you owe on a loan or lease and the insurance check for your damaged automobile in the event that it is stolen or totaled.
Gap insurance, for instance, can cover the difference if your automobile loan sum is high despite the fact that your car’s current worth is much lower.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost?
Car insurance costs an average of $2,067 a year, based on Forbes Advisor’s analysis of rates from large car insurance companies. That’s $172 per month, on average.
| Company | Average annual car insurance cost for good drivers | Average monthly car insurance cost for good drivers |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $1,412 | $118 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,628 | $136 |
| Geico | $1,716 | $143 |
| Westfield | $1,759 | $147 |
| Travelers | $1,852 | $154 |
| State Farm | $1,959 | $163 |
| Nationwide | $2,041 | $170 |
| Erie | $2,144 | $179 |
| Progressive | $2,157 | $180 |
| American Family | $2,176 | $181 |
| Farmers | $2,381 | $198 |
| Safe Auto | $2,647 | $221 |
| Allstate | $3,000 | $250 |
Car Insurance Costs for Popular Vehicles
The cost of your auto insurance depends on the kind of vehicle you drive. The cost of your liability insurance, which covers you if you unintentionally hurt someone else or damage their property, is influenced by the amount of damage your automobile can cause to other people.
Your collision and comprehensive coverage premiums will be influenced by the worth of your car and the cost of repairs. When calculating auto insurance premiums, auto insurance companies consider the history of claims for the specific make and model of your car.
These are some of the top auto insurance companies’ premiums for covering well-known cars.
Average Annual Auto Insurance Costs for Popular Cars by Company
| Vehicle | Erie | Nationwide | Travelers | USAA* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Equinox | $1,496 | $1,573 | $1,525 | $1,356 |
| Chevrolet Malibu | $1,877 | $2,002 | $1,997 | $1,562 |
| Ford Bronco | $1,504 | $1,443 | $1,604 | $1,541 |
| Ford Escape | $1,448 | $1,441 | $1,452 | $1,447 |
| Ford Explorer | $1,565 | $1,401 | $1,685 | $1,572 |
| Ford F-150 XL | $1,245 | $1,439 | $1,475 | $1,402 |
| GMC Sierra 1500 | $1,469 | $1,509 | $1,610 | $1,492 |
| Honda Accord | $1,691 | $1,629 | $1,644 | $1,469 |
| Honda Civic | $1,688 | $1,623 | $1,740 | $1,370 |
| Honda CR-V | $1,523 | $1,247 | $1,347 | $1,375 |
| Honda HR-V | $1,493 | $1,520 | $1,486 | $1,337 |
| Hyundai Elantra | $1,649 | $1,936 | $1,843 | $1,359 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe | $1,511 | $1,582 | $1,561 | $1,378 |
| Hyundai Tucson | $1,515 | $1,409 | $1,452 | $1,249 |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | $1,790 | $1,583 | $1,654 | $1,513 |
| Jeep Wrangler Unlimited | $1,233 | $1,672 | $1,467 | $1,276 |
| Kia Sportage | $1,585 | $1,444 | $1,499 | $1,298 |
| Kia Telluride | $1,614 | $1,414 | $1,537 | $1,431 |
| Mazda CX-5 | $1,306 | $1,391 | $1,369 | $1,419 |
| Nissan Rogue | $1,597 | $1,581 | $1,633 | $1,529 |
| Subaru Crosstrek | $1,424 | $1,364 | $1,314 | $1,344 |
| Subaru Forester | $1,329 | $1,166 | $1,318 | $1,351 |
| Subaru Outback | $1,184 | $1,156 | $1,321 | $1,345 |
| Tesla Model 3 | $2,730 | $1,809 | $1,933 | $1,834 |
| Tesla Model Y | $2,540 | $1,818 | $2,801 | $2,095 |
| Toyota 4Runner | $1,381 | $1,324 | $1,464 | $1,400 |
| Toyota Camry | $1,677 | $1,653 | $1,607 | $1,616 |
| Toyota Highlander | $1,745 | $1,503 | $1,621 | $1,465 |
| Toyota RAV4 | $1,613 | $1,577 | $1,512 | $1,359 |
| Toyota Tacoma | $1,566 | $1,424 | $1,449 | $1,298 |