Best car insurance companies for May 2023

Why this company made our list: Geico’s long history as a trusted, household-name auto insurer is reflected in its high Bankrate Score. Coverage is available for virtually every type of driver, making its car insurance coverage generally accessible, even for consumers with blemished driving histories. Geico’s winning combination of metrics helped it tie for the Best Auto Insurance Company Overall in our 2023 Bankrate Awards. The insurer also won in the Best Budget Auto Insurance Company category.

Why Geico is best overall: Geico’s low average premiums, combined with its long list of discounts, make it an attractive option, especially as inflation squeezes household budgets and car insurance costs continue to rise. Geico also offers strong digital tools and above-average claims satisfaction from J.D. Power.

• Long list of potential discounts
• DriveEasy telematics program
• Robust digital tools
• Nationwide availability
• Offers coverage to drive in Mexico 

Why this company made our list: Amica’s exceptional claims service and customer-centric business model make it a standout choice for drivers seeking the best auto insurance company, based on Bankrate’s analysis. In fact, Amica tied with Geico for the Best Auto Insurance Company Overall in the 2023 Bankrate Awards. You can learn more about Amica at www.amica.com or by calling 1-800-242-6422.

Why Amica is best overall: Amica earned the highest official ranking in the latest J.D. Power claims satisfaction study. Customer representatives are also available to support policyholders 24/7. Amica also offers a robust array of coverage options and discounts to help you personalize your policy.

• Exceptional claims handling satisfaction according to J.D. Power
• Robust online claim center
• Dividend policies available
• Loyalty discount available if you’ve maintained a policy for at least two years
• Platinum Choice Auto policy offers several perks

Why this company made our list: USAA is a top scorer in J.D. Power customer satisfaction surveys (although it doesn’t qualify for official ranking due to its eligibility requirements), has impeccable ratings with several financial strength rating institutions and provides some of the lowest-priced auto insurance quotes in the industry, on average. However, USAA is only available to active-duty military, veterans and their eligible family members. Still, our analysis shows that this company could be the best for military-focused benefits, including a discount of up to 60 percent for military members who put their vehicle in storage while deployed. 

Why USAA is best for military-focused coverage: USAA earns top marks from all major third-party rating agencies for customer service and financial strength. Coupled with having a lower-than-average full coverage premium, USAA is a powerhouse. Customers can access multiple coverage options, benefits and discounts, including unique circumstances like deployment for active-duty members. While not all drivers qualify for coverage from USAA, the company is a standout for millions of military families across the country.

• SafePilot telematics program
• Military on-base discount
• MyUSAA Legacy discount
• USAA Perks offers savings on a variety of brands and experiences
• Also offers banking and investment products

Why this company made our list: Our real-world agency experience has taught us that the best car insurance company offers more than just the cheapest rates. Instead, some drivers may want to consider the overall value their company can provide. Although average rates aren’t available for Safeco, the company offers numerous perks that may pique your interest. From its extensive list of unique add-on coverage options to the fact that it is sold by knowledgeable local agents, you may want to consider Safeco if you value additional perks in your car insurance policy.

Why Safeco is best for added perks: Of the companies we studied, Safeco offers an above-average value to consumers with options like its Claims Free Cash Back program, which could pay you back a portion of your premium if you are claims-free for six months. The company also offers a Guaranteed Repair Network for auto claims in most states. If you get your vehicle repaired at a Safeco-approved shop after a covered loss, your repairs will be guaranteed for as long as you own the vehicle.

• Claims Free Cash Back perk
• RightTrack telematics program
• Guaranteed Repair Network
• Diminishing deductible option
• Sold by local, independent agents

Why this company made our list: Our current macroeconomic climate of record-high inflation might make it tough for drivers across the country to fit car insurance into their budgets. Depending on where you live, Auto-Owners might be able to help. This carrier has a strong reputation for providing excellent auto coverage at a competitive price. Its wide range of coverage and discount options are available to drivers in 26 states through a distribution network of independent agents.

Why Auto-Owners is best for discounts: Auto-Owners offers an impressive menu of 12 discounts, which many drivers are likely eligible to receive. Drivers could save by getting a quote ahead of their current policy’s expiration, or by opting for paperless billing and payment options. The company provides three types of student discounts, making it a great option for parents of teens or young drivers who have their own policy to consider.

• Offers an auto insurance discount for having a qualifying life insurance policy
• Three discounts geared toward young drivers
• Personal Automobile Plus package includes 10 helpful endorsements
• Offers diminished value coverage
• Sold by independent agents

Why this company made our list: As the largest national auto insurer based on market share, State Farm's reach and reputation highlight the carrier as one of the best auto insurance companies for drivers in most states. Its extensive local agent network showcases its customer-first approach to providing consumers with various personal and commercial insurance products. We chose State Farm as the Best Auto Insurance Company for High-Risk Drivers in the 2023 Bankrate Awards.

Why State Farm is best for local agents: State Farm boasts over 19,000 licensed insurance professionals, available in communities across the U.S., who can offer guidance to those who value expert insight when discussing their policy. Digital management options allow for an on-the-go approach, including a mobile app where you can file auto claims and contact your agent.

• Knowledgeable, local agents available in most communities
• Two safe driving programs — Drive Safe & Save and Steer Clear
• Numerous discounts offered
• Sells many other kinds of insurance
• Also offers banking and investment products

Why this company made our list: Members of our editorial team have sold car insurance to drivers nationwide, and we’ve found that one of the most challenging things shoppers face is understanding their coverage options, especially those new to insurance. Progressive’s digital tools might help break that barrier.  Consumers can find options to save based on their own budget and driving habits with a Progressive policy anywhere in the U.S., backed by a financially strong company that generally earns high ratings from third-party agencies.

Why Progressive is best for digital policy management: Progressive provides several ways for drivers to save time and money by managing their policy online, such as its Snapshot app, a usage-based telematics program that monitors driving and offers discounts for safe driving. When deciding the right policy for you, you can use its online Name Your Price tool to personalize your buying experience and review coverage options based on your budget. The Progressive mobile app offers instant access to review coverage, ID cards, bill payment and claims submissions.

• Snapshot telematics program
• Name Your Price shopping tool
• AutoQuote Explorer lets you compare rates from multiple companies
• Online quote and sign online discounts
• Offers numerous other insurance products

Why this company made our list: Although it’s only available in five states (Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio and Pennsylvania), New Jersey Manufacturers (also called NJM) is an impressive insurer. In fact, a regional insurer might even be a boon to some drivers since, hypothetically, agents who specialize in a region should be more familiar with the needs of the drivers they serve. The company earned the second-highest official ranking for claims satisfaction from J.D. Power, offers low average rates and has local agents available for its customers.

Why NJM is best for coverage on a budget: According to our analysis of proprietary rate data from analytics company Quadrant Information Services, NJM’s average rates tend to be much lower than the national average. Additionally, the company offers an impressive list of discounts, many of which are tailored to the individual states it serves. NJM even offers a discount for full coverage car insurance policies, which means you may get more coverage for a lower price than you would elsewhere.

• Offers coverage for trailer and camper bodies
• Transportation Network Companies (ridesharing) endorsement is extensive
• Quotes offered online, by phone or in a local agency
• Has insurance options for classic and collector cars
• Offers limited pet coverage for pet injuries sustained in auto accidents

Why this company made our list: Our licensed team members have sold a wide range of products from home, renters and umbrella insurance, so we know the ability to bundle can be a convenient, budget-friendly benefit. Liberty Mutual offers plenty of lines of insurance and boasts a savings of up to $950 per year if you bundle your home and auto. Average rates aren’t available, though, so you may want to request a quote to find out if the company is within your budget.

Why Liberty Mutual is best for bundling numerous products: Liberty Mutual offers a long list of insurance products, including auto, home, umbrella, life, pet, small business and identity theft. If you like to keep your insurance products in one place for ease of management, Liberty Mutual might be a good fit.

• Sells multiple insurance products
• Local agencies available
• Offers a military discount
• Offers specialized coverage for teachers
• Sells coverage to drive in Mexico

Why this company made our list: Travelers has over 150 years of experience in the auto insurance industry. Its strong independent agent network, numerous endorsement options, robust savings opportunities and proven financial track record make it a worthwhile option for drivers nationwide.

Why Travelers is best for personalized coverage: Travelers offers many ways to personalize coverage to specific needs. Options like new car replacement, accident forgiveness, rideshare coverage and gap coverage may increase premiums but also provide increased financial protection for a broader range of incidents. Customers do not rank Travelers’ claims satisfaction as highly when compared to other companies Bankrate analyzed, which may be worth considering.

• Hybrid/electric car discount
• New car replacement endorsement
• Online quotes available
• Travelers Affinity offers special rates if you are affiliated with certain groups
• Sells many other types of coverage, including event and travel insurance