When shopping for auto insurance, there are numerous factors to consider, including what company to choose, what coverages to buy and what policy features or discounts you might want to take advantage of. To help you find the best car insurance company of 2021 for your needs, Bankrate’s insurance editorial team researched dozens of insurance providers to narrow down this year’s best options. We calculated a Bankrate Score for each carrier by evaluating each company’s 2021 car insurance rates, as well as average financial strength and customer experience ratings from several trusted third-party sources.
Each driver has unique preferences to consider when choosing the best car insurance company. Factors such as your vehicle type, ages of the drivers on your policy, availability of insurer discounts and a company’s financial strength and customer service ratings will all be part of the decision-making process.
Comparing the best car insurance companies
The following car insurance companies have been rated using Bankrate’s scoring system based on each featured company’s quoted 2021 premiums. Scores from industry-trusted sources such as AM Best, Standard and Poor’s (S&P), J.D. Power and others have also been weighed and used as a point of comparison. The rates included are pulled from Quadrant Information Services and analyzed across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
| Car insurance company | Bankrate rating | Average annual premium for full coverage |
|---|---|---|
| USAA* | 4.7 | $1,255 |
| Amica | 4.6 | $1,378 |
| Geico | 4.6 | $1,405 |
| State Farm | 4.5 | $1,457 |
| Erie* | 4.4 | $1,233 |
| Nationwide | 4.2 | $1,485 |
| Progressive | 4.1 | $1,509 |
| MetLife | 3.8 | $2,123 |
| The Hartford | 3.8 | $2,270 |
| Allstate | 3.6 | $1,921 |
*This provider may not be available in all states or to all drivers
When narrowing down the best car insurance companies, you may find it beneficial to consider more than just average annual premiums. Our Bankrate Score takes into account how these companies stack up in the market according to customer satisfaction and ability to payout claims, but you should also take time to consider your own personal criteria for consumer experience.
Finding an insurance company that scores 4.5 and above may be your initial target focus, but you may find another company offers more of what you need, such as a car insurance rate directly in your price range, even if it ranks lower on the list. Some providers will have more local agents, others may have special coverages for things like your vehicle or fuel type and yet another may have benefits specifically for your occupation. Ultimately, the best car insurance company will likely be the one closest aligned with all of your coverage needs, including meeting your specific requirements for an insurance premium price, collision coverage, underinsured motorist coverage, medical expenses, personal injury protection and so on.
Below, we explain why each of these car insurance companies is included on our list and where each stands out in its policy options. We have tailored this information to the everyday driver, including a car insurance quotes comparison for most of the providers, showcasing how average credit and common events related to your driving record may impact your rates.
Looking to save money on auto insurance?
USAA
Why this provider made our list: Not many providers offer military- and veteran-specific coverage or discounts, but USAA builds its policies entirely around these service members’ needs. Throughout every region of the nation, USAA earns the highest customer satisfaction scores among its dedicated customer base, meaning most policyholders vouch for its reliable customer service and claims processing.
Third-party ratings
- J.D. Power: 890/1,000 points (Not ranked)
- AM Best: A++ (Superior)
USAA writes car insurance policies across the nation for military personnel, veterans and their eligible family members, including the states with the highest number of military service members — Alaska and Hawaii. The company received the highest scores in both of the 2020 J.D. Power auto insurance studies, including for overall customer satisfaction and auto claims satisfaction. However, due to limited availability, USAA is technically rank-ineligible by J.D. Power.
USAA members receive benefits beyond generally low rates. With the company’s latest SafePilot program, members who use the designated app to track safe driving will see their earned discount — up to 30% — at the end of the policy term and be able to apply it during renewal. As part of USAA’s core focus, its policies can also take care of you on deployment and you can even receive discounts for garaging your vehicle on a military base. Your family can receive benefits as well and when your children or others meet eligibility criteria, they can receive up to a 10% discount on a new insurance policy (as long as they were previously covered under USAA for at least three years and continue to meet criteria).
Though auto insurance losses are not always foreseeable, it can give you greater confidence to know that your insurer is financially sound. USAA ranks highly across several financial strength rating scales — an A++ (Superior) AM Best rating, AAA Moody’s rating, and AA S&P rating — which are all credits to its ability to make timely claim payouts. For its stability and more, USAA is a top provider to consider for those who qualify for eligibility.
| Clean record | One speeding ticket | One accident | Average credit | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USAA | $1,225 | $1,423 | $1,681 | $1,277 |
| National average | $1,674 | $2,029 | $2,405 | $1,865 |
Learn more: USAA Insurance review
Amica
Why this provider made our list: Amica has earned the highest customer satisfaction of auto insurers in New England for more than 20 years straight, which offers peace of mind to those looking for a customer-centric business model. The benefit is you can get a great experience without compromising the appeal of an affordable premium. Amica recognizes its customers in ways such as paying out dividends each year, giving you money back where possible.
Third-party ratings
- J.D. Power: 907/1,000 points (#2)
- AM Best: A+ (Superior)
Amica ranked number one for car insurance companies in New England in the 2020 J.D. Power Auto Insurance Satisfaction Survey. It also earned the second rank overall in the 2020 J.D. Power Auto Claims Satisfaction Study. Amica currently offers car insurance in a limited number of states.
Amica is one of the few providers that offer drivers an option to receive up to 20% back on their annual premiums through dividends. Dividend policy benefits include lowering your long-term policy cost as well as offering flexible dividend payment options, typically ranging from 5%-20% of your annual premium. Amica policyholders even have the option to apply the dividends to future years’ policy premiums.
Of Bankrate’s best car insurance companies, Amica has one of the best overall customer satisfaction scores based on the 2020 J.D. Power Auto Claims Satisfaction Study combined with its NAIC complaint index rating, where “1” represents the industry median and anything below “1” means fewer than average complaints.
| Clean record | One speeding ticket | One accident | Average credit | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amica | $1,378 | $1,712 | $1,818 | $1,478 |
| National average | $1,674 | $2,029 | $2,405 | $1,865 |
Learn more: Amica Insurance review
Geico
Why this provider made our list: Geico is a trusted, household-name insurer that provides one of the best mobile policy-management apps. The car insurance company received top honors in a customer respect survey for its pleasant online experience, in which customers commented on its ease-of-use and trustworthy security standards for their personal information.
Third-party ratings
- J.D. Power: 871/1,000 points (#12)
- AM Best: A++ (Superior)
Geico offers insurance in all 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C., with offices set up in more than 10 major cities. For each of the 11 U.S. regions examined within the 2020 J.D. Power Auto Insurance Satisfaction Study, Geico ranks within the top five for overall customer satisfaction, which is one of the key reasons we include among the best car insurance providers. In the North Central, North West and Southwest regions, the company either has the highest score or ties with other high ranking best car insurance companies.
Geico has five categories of auto insurance discounts, each of which contain two or more discount offerings. The insurance company has excellent offerings for military members and federal employees as these discounts could save qualifying drivers more than 10% on insurance premiums or individual coverages.
When it comes to mobile apps, Geico provides one of the best user experiences compared to competitors, based on app scores. The Geico app allows policyholders to access mobile ID cards, roadside assistance, vehicle service history, vehicle damage estimates, safety recall updates and more.
| Clean record | One speeding ticket | One accident | Average credit | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geico | $1,405 | $1,681 | $2,032 | $1,505 |
| National average | $1,674 | $2,029 | $2,405 | $1,865 |
Learn more: Geico Insurance review
State Farm
Why this provider made our list: State Farm is an excellent option for those seeking in-person insurance advice and wanting to get to know their insurance agent. With over 19,000 agents throughout the country, you can feel confident in talking through your insurance needs with an easily accessible local agent who knows the area in which you live really well.
Third-party ratings
- J.D. Power: 881/1,000 points (#6)
- AM Best: A (Excellent)
State Farm retains the largest auto insurance market share of private passenger car insurance writers. The insurance provider often ranks well on J.D. Power auto studies. For example, State Farm ranked particularly well as being the number one company in the Mid-Atlantic and New York regions in the 2020 Auto Insurance Satisfaction Study. AM Best gives it a A++ (Excellent) rating, signifying superior financial strength.
A mobile app allows drivers to manage their policies, bills and directly interact with agents, although policyholders who prefer in-person interactions may find even more comfort in knowing that State Farm has more than 19,000 agents across the nation. While the company has discounts available for good driving or being accident free, many will be pleased to find that the company maintains lower insurance rates on average even after an accident, making it one of the best car insurance companies for drivers who are working to improve their driving record or habits. On average, drivers with State Farm will pay $571 less in rates than the national average following an accident.
| Clean record | One speeding ticket | One accident | Average credit | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,457 | $1,719 | $1,834 | $1,656 |
| National average | $1,674 | $2,029 | $2,405 | $1,865 |
Learn more: State Farm Insurance review
Erie
Why this provider made our list: Erie is offered in 12 states and provides exceptional customer experience and an opportunity for those insured with Erie to plan their budget in advance. Drivers in its covered states are generally offered low rates and a Rate Lock feature, which helps prevent your premium from increasing over time, as long as your coverage stays the same.
Third-party ratings
- J.D. Power: 880/1,000 points (#7)
- AM Best: A+ (Superior)
Insurance through Erie is only available in 12 U.S. states and Washington, D.C., but the provider’s ratings in the 2020 J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study rivals top ranking best car insurance companies. Young drivers who live in Erie’s covered states will be pleasantly surprised, as Erie not only offers the lowest annual premiums on average, but also the lowest car insurance premiums for 18-year-olds* (who typically pay more for auto insurance due to their limited driving experience). And regardless of age, if you do make a claim, Erie’s Rate Lock feature could help you maintain your same rate as long as no other changes are made to your policy — a huge benefit from a financial standpoint.
Beyond coverage for drivers, the auto insurance company offers protections for your pet if it is hurt in an accident. What about if your favorite shoes experience a loss from damage or theft while stored in your car? Erie also offers physical damage coverage for personal items like clothing and luggage up to $350.
Erie also offers a special auto insurance policy called Erie Auto Plus, which features a diminishing deductible and a $10,000 death benefit, among other advantages, for just an additional eight cents a day (about $30 annually).
| Clean record | One speeding ticket | One accident | Average credit | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erie | $1,233 | $1,320 | $1,453 | $1,403 |
| National average | $1,674 | $2,029 | $2,405 | $1,865 |
Learn more: Erie Insurance review
Nationwide
Why this provider made our list: Nationwide offers several easy ways for drivers to save, including two usage-based programs that can offer substantial savings. For drivers who like to closely manage their policies, Nationwide offers a free annual review with an insurance professional to make sure your coverage options still work for your ever changing needs.
Third-party ratings
- J.D. Power: 876/1,000 points (#9)
- AM Best: A+ (Superior)
Nationwide ranks above average in the 2020 J.D. Power Auto Claims Satisfaction Study and is located in 46 states and Washington, D.C. For drivers working to improve their skills on the road, Nationwide is a particularly appealing choice to consider among our best car insurance companies. Optional coverage is offered for accident forgiveness and personalized savings are possible with Nationwide’s SmartRide and SmartMiles program.
The SmartRide program can save you up to 40% the safer you drive, in addition to a 10% discount just for signing up. Similarly, the SmartMiles program tracks your driving distance and allows you flexible premiums based on your vehicle usage. Nationwide’s On Your Side Review is also offered free of charge and helps policyholders ensure their coverages are still sufficient for their needs.
| Clean record | One speeding ticket | One accident | Average credit | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nationwide | $1,485 | $1,939 | $2,226 | $1,577 |
| National average | $1,674 | $2,029 | $2,405 | $1,865 |
Learn more: Nationwide Insurance review
Progressive
Why this provider made our list: Progressive is a pioneer in helping drive innovation in the auto insurance space. Since 1997, customers looking for a modern experience have had the ability to purchase its policies online. Continuing to digitalize the insurance experience, Progressive offers a price-planning tool for coverage and a mobile app for accessible ID cards, bill payment and claims submission.
Third-party ratings
- J.D. Power: 856/1,000 points (#21)
- AM Best: A+ (Superior)
Progressive holds 12.2% of the auto insurance industry market share and has more than 38,000 agents located across the entire country in addition to Canada. The company offers several types of vehicle insurance such as for ATV, classic cars, motorcycles and RVs. In the 2020 J.D. Power Auto Insurance Satisfaction Study, it ranks above average in regions such as U.S.’s central states and Texas.
Drivers can save up to $750 on average when signing up for an auto insurance policy through Progressive. The provider also offers multiple options for discounts, including unique ones such as its Snapshot program, which allows you to save an average of $145 a year the safer you drive and the less miles you use. Progressive even recently added an option for drivers currently insured with another company to test what their savings would be by switching to Progressive with Snapshot Road Test, making it one of the best car insurance companies to visualize savings before making the switch.
| Clean record | One speeding ticket | One accident | Average credit | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $1,509 | $1,946 | $2,067 | $1,629 |
| National average | $1,674 | $2,029 | $2,405 | $1,865 |
Learn more: Progressive Insurance review
MetLife
Why this provider made our list: MetLife (soon to be rebranded as Farmers) is a great option for those who want to bundle both their home and auto policies, as it offers significant multi-policy savings with policies that are buildable to individual needs. MetLife also has a trusted repair network to help ensure quality service for your vehicle. Claims can be easily submitted through its app or discussed with an agent at any time with 24/7 customer service.
Third-party ratings
- J.D. Power: 886/1,000 points (#5)
- AM Best: A+ (Superior)
Among the top 15 insurers in market share, MetLife has provided auto and homeowners insurance since 1972. It is available in all 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C., and in the 2020 J.D. Power Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, MetLife landed the fifth overall spot with a score of 886 out of 1,000 for customer satisfaction. In addition to its basic coverage, the company offers a good amount of coverage options including rental car coverage, gap insurance, major parts replacement and legal defense fees coverage. MetLife even has personal excess liability policies to cover expenses that are typically excluded from standard policies, such as costs for lawsuits and court proceedings regarding defamation of character or a false arrest.
On our list of auto insurance companies, MetLife is likely the best for bundling your home and auto policies. The provider states that its customers save $906 on average by consolidating their bills through MetLife. Additionally, bundled packages can be built based on customer preference for coverage from standard insurance needs to fuller protection with blanket property limits and worldwide liability coverage. Customers can feel confident in MetLife as an insurer as it has an A+ (Superior) financial strength rating and lower-than-average NAIC complaint index.
| Clean record | One speeding ticket | One accident | Average credit | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MetLife | $2,123 | $2,612 | $3,533 | $2,566 |
| National average | $1,674 | $2,029 | $2,405 | $1,865 |
Learn more: MetLife Insurance review
The Hartford
Why this provider made our list: The Hartford is a top all-around insurer for older drivers wanting additional membership benefits to consider. Its partnership with AARP Auto Insurance Program offers unique perks, like house cleaning if you become injured in a covered accident. The company has strong customer satisfaction ranks, financial strength, mobile app ratings and a digitally-optimized claims process to make filing simple.
Third-party ratings
- J.D. Power: 888/1,000 points (#4)
- AM Best: A+ (Superior)
The Hartford offers car insurance under AARP in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., with physical locations for agents in 43. Anyone age 50 and above is eligible for full AARP membership, making The Hartford’s auto insurance available as well. The insurance company earned the number four spot in the 2020 J.D. Power Auto Claims Satisfaction Study.
Though it is the most expensive insurance provider among the best car insurance companies on Bankrate’s list, The Hartford also offers an Advantage Program that allows drivers to lock in their annual premium for a full year and get benefits like coverage for home services that they may be unable to perform following an accident, like snow removal. The Advantage Program features a disappearing deductible as long as your driving record remains clean. The Hartford covers a range of vehicle types, making it particularly appealing for motor enthusiasts.
Overall, The Hartford checks off all boxes for a well-rounded customer experience. Aside from its high J.D. Power customer satisfaction rank, it has a “Superior” AM Best rating, a below average amount of customer complaints and a combined 8 out of 10-star score for its mobile app (between Google Play and the App store). The ability for policyholders to handle claims digitally from start to finish make it an easy pick for drivers looking for a modernized insurance experience.
| Clean record | One speeding ticket | One accident | Average credit | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Hartford | $2,270 | $3,715 | $5,010 | $2,450 |
| National average | $1,674 | $2,029 | $2,405 | $1,865 |
Learn more: The Hartford Insurance review
Allstate
Why this provider made our list: As one of the largest insurance writers in the nation, Allstate is a trusted insurer with 90 years of experience and strong consumer rankings. Even with how long Allstate has operated in the insurance industry, it continues to innovate by providing a mobile app that streamlines the user experience, including direct access to local agents and policy documents.
Third-party ratings
- J.D. Power: 876/1,000 points (#8)
- AM Best: A+ (Superior)
Allstate offers coverage beyond basic auto insurance including sound systems, rideshare vehicles and will reimburse expenses for rental cars. Available in all U.S. states and Washington, D.C., Allstate ranks above average in the 2020 J.D. Power Auto Claims Satisfaction Study. For Florida, Allstate received the most customer satisfaction points for auto insurance among providers in the 2020 J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study. It offers a convenient mobile application which includes two key features: policy management and its Drivewise program.
Within the app, policyholders can access ID cards, reach roadside assistance, upload photos following a claim and even keep inventory of their personal property to make claim filing easier. Allstate’s in-app Drivewise program reviews your driving habits, offers driving insights and allows you to earn cash back every six months with safe driving.
Rewards for safe driving are redeemable through Allstate’s rewards program, making it an appealing option for drivers looking to save both on their policy and in their everyday lives. You can earn points by signing up for Drivewise, activating your rewards account and avoiding speeding and sudden braking.
| Clean record | One speeding ticket | One accident | Average credit | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $1,921 | $2,227 | $2,570 | $2,312 |
| National average | $1,674 | $2,029 | $2,405 | $1,865 |
Learn more: Allstate Insurance review
Clearcover
Why this provider made our list: Clearcover is a relatively new insurance company that focuses on technology to provide low-cost policies and a hands-on digital experience. Although not yet available all in states, Clearcover’s unique approach to auto insurance makes it worth considering for drivers looking to handle their insurance needs digitally.
- Third-party ratings:
- J.D. Power: Not rated
- AM Best: A- (Excellent)
Clearcover was founded in 2016 and is based in Chicago, Illinois. Its policies are underwritten by Fortegra, an established company with an A- (Excellent) financial strength rating from AM Best. Clearcover is disrupting the auto insurance industry by putting its technology in the spotlight. The carrier uses the digital age to its advantage, revamping how car insurance is quoted, purchased and serviced. This business model allows Clearcover to sell highly affordable policies and gives customers the ability to handle their insurance through a highly-rated mobile app.
Clearcover is currently only available in 16 states. If you are eligible for coverage, getting a quote is fast and simple. The quoting tool on Clearcover’s website is user-friendly, guiding you through by asking clear and focused questions. If you are unsure what kind of coverage to purchase, Clearcover’s 60-second Coverage Wizard might help you decide what coverages and levels are right for you.
Filing a claim with Clearcover is meant to be a technology-driven, seamless experience. You can file a claim right from the app, which will guide you to input information about the claim and take photos. Clearcover’s app uses machine learning to confirm your coverage and some claims are paid in a matter of minutes. The fastest claim payment to date took just 13 minutes. However, Clearcover also understands that sometimes you need to talk to a live agent. If you need help, you may contact Clearcover at 855-444-1875. You could also send an email or use the chat feature on the company’s website.
Learn more: Clearcover Insurance review
Why location matters when choosing car insurance
Auto insurance rates are based on several factors, and your specific city, state and ZIP code are among the most impactful. If you have moved recently, it may be a good idea to compare companies to ensure that your car insurance provider is still the best fit for your needs. This is especially true if you have moved across state lines, as auto insurance is not standardized across the country.
Adding a review of your auto insurance to your moving checklist is a good way to remember this important step. To view the best car insurance in your state, select it from the table below.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best insurance company for a financed vehicle?
Depending on which state you live in, you will likely have set minimum requirements for liability insurance, otherwise known as minimum coverage car insurance. Minimum coverage typically has set limits for medical expenses relating to bodily injury caused to other parties, personal injury protection (PIP) for you and your passengers, property damage liability (PDL) or uninsured motorist coverage.
However, if you are financing or leasing a vehicle, you are typically required to insure your vehicle with both collision coverage and comprehensive coverage, also known as “full” coverage, in addition to your minimum liability. This is to cover your vehicle in instances of loss or damage, such as in the event of a car accident and also to shield the lender from financial responsibility.
The best insurer for your financed car will likely be one that offers your desired coverage at affordable rates, but you may also consider ones with handy coverage options such as original equipment coverage, gap insurance and even accident forgiveness.
Do car insurance companies offer military discounts?
A few auto insurers offer military discounts, but many do not. Geico, for example, offers a military discount on its car insurance policies, whereas USAA caters exclusively to military personnel and their families, offering great car insurance rates and a host of financial products and services. Military discounts may be available with other carriers depending on where you live. In Louisiana, more providers offer a discount if you are on active duty and stationed there.
Which company offers the lowest auto insurance premiums for teenagers and young adults?
Young drivers are generally more expensive to insure than older drivers, since they do not have as much experience behind the wheel. In most states, a young driver’s gender, driving history, vehicle type and the coverage you choose will impact how expensive they are to insure. However, car insurance companies typically offer discounts to help offset the cost of insuring a teenager or young adult driver.
Common discounts for young drivers include good student, distant student and driving training program discounts. You may also consider signing your teen up for a usage-based telematics discount, where you may earn a discount based on your young driver’s driving habits.
Who offers the cheapest auto insurance?
A car insurance premium is determined by the kind of driver being insured and the type of car insurance policy they choose, so the “cheapest” is relative to each driver. Seeking out an auto insurance company that offers discounts for which you qualify, purchasing the proper amount of coverage for your needs and comparing rates on a regular basis can help you keep your premiums reasonable.
What types of coverages do you need?
Every driver has a unique set of circumstances, meaning that determining the types and amounts of auto insurance coverage that you need is an individualized process. Factors such as your budget, the age of your vehicle, your financial stability and your comfort with risk all impact the coverage decision that you make. If you are unsure of what you need in the auto insurance buying process, it may be helpful to consult with an insurance agent.
Will an accident affect car insurance rates?
During the underwriting process, auto insurance companies often run motor vehicle reports (MVR) and a comprehensive loss underwriting exchange report (CLUE) to determine rates for drivers. These reports will typically include information regarding your prior accidents, traffic violations, license status, claims history and other pertinent details. Although it may not be the only method used, car insurance companies often use these reports to gauge how risky a driver will be to insure.
Ask the industry experts
Do I need car insurance if I am not driving my car?
Coverage that is contractually mandated by your lender or coverage required by law is not optional. While this varies from state to state, some jurisdictions allow an individual to bind a seasonal policy or car storage policy. This tends to be a safer bet as property damage such as vandalism, fire, falling objects and theft may still occur.
-Ben Bingham, Benson & Bingham
How important is car maintenance to stay safe on the road?
Preventative car maintenance can seem like a pricey chore, but failing to properly take care of your car is even more expensive and dangerous. Being proactive can prevent bad things from happening like flat tires, leaks and dead batteries. Plus, it can help you avoid hazardous situations like getting stranded on the side of a busy highway, or worse, accidents. With healthy tires, windshield wipers, fluids, spark plugs, etc., you can be confident your car will perform and get you where you need to go safely regardless of weather.
-Ed Petersen, CEO of Wrench
How and when should parents introduce children to insurance as a part of financial literacy?
We asked Adjunct Business Professor John Colletti of North Central College in Naperville, IL.
“As families discuss a child’s registration to driver education class, include a talk explaining monetary considerations and important terms to improve financial literacy [to] help in grasping concepts [of] vehicle ownership […] Given the significant costs of typical vehicle and home insurance products I recommend instructional driving institutions encompass the relevant terms as part of student driving courses. Additionally, state driver licensing examinations could easily add basic questions to written tests to ensure new drivers understand applicable and relevant terms […] Other frequently used terms include: collision, uninsured motorist, co-pays and waivers. Just like my students you may need to do a little homework to prepare for your talk with your family members.”
The insurance industry is closely tied to crucial economics principles Professor Colletti teaches his economics students:
“Let’s consider a prospective purchaser of auto insurance, Bob. He is very well aware of his own driving behavior and history. When seeking a quote for auto insurance he knows the number of tickets received and accidents he caused in recent years. The prospective insurance company will request Bob’s driving record from state authorities to reduce asymmetric information. Gaining access to Bob’s data reduces chances of adverse selection. The firm may opt to deny coverage should past records indicate he is a high risk for future accidents. […] A deductible represents the amount of funds the insured must pay in the future should an accident claim be made to his insurance firm. A higher deductible is an attempt to mitigate moral hazard. Bob understands poor driving resulting in damage or injury claims will result in a substantial payment from him as part of the overall settlement with the victim of his actions.”
Looking to save money on auto insurance?
Methodology
Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze 2021 rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quoted rates are based on a 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit and the following full coverage limits:
- $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $50,000 property damage liability per accident
- $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
- $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
- $500 collision deductible
- $500 comprehensive deductible
To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverages that meet each state’s requirements. Our base profile drivers own a 2019 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.
These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes.
Credit: Rates were calculated based on the following insurance credit tiers assigned to our drivers: “poor, average, good (base), and excellent.” Insurance credit tiers factor in your official credit scores but are not dependent on that variable alone. The following states do not allow credit to be a factor in determining auto insurance rates: CA, HI, MA
Incident: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the following incidents applied: clean record (base), at-fault accident, single speeding ticket, single DUI conviction and lapse in coverage.
Bankrate Scores
Bankrate Scores primarily reflect a weighted rank of industry standard ratings for financial strength (AM Best, S&P, Moody’s) and customer experience (J.D. Power, NAIC), in addition to average quoted rates from Quadrant Information Services. The J.D. Power studies utilized include the 2020 Auto Insurance Study and the 2020 Auto Claims Study. Our Bankrate editorial team’s extensive research and analysis provided a secondary assessment of each insurer’s online and mobile resources and policy management options, which also contributed to overall ratings.
J.D. Power scores
J.D. Power is a global market research company that has decades of experience within automotive, financial and health industries, among others. It conducts annual surveys on customer satisfaction across these sectors to help provide insight into the qualities that matter most between consumers and businesses. Its auto insurance studies take into account customer satisfaction across several lines, including customer service, claims processing, policy offerings and premiums, which make its scores a useful qualitative tool in assessing providers.
Why trust us
Bankrate demystifies the insurance industry by making it easier to find insurance information. Regardless of where you are in your journey, Bankrate helps you make informed decisions.
We use two key sets of customer priorities to evaluate insurance carriers and help you decide what to consider:
First: we evaluated customer satisfaction and complaints, financial strength and stability and overall costs based on average rates quoted to real drivers.
Second: we evaluated customer experience by assessing each provider’s customer service options through online capabilities and agent accessibility.
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