We compared over 25 auto insurance providers on price, coverage options, customer satisfaction, and financial strength. Here are our top picks.
Zogby is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. We may receive compensation from the companies whose products appear on this site. This compensation may impact how, where, and in what order products appear. Zogby does not include every financial company or every product available in the marketplace.
Key Takeaways
- 1 USAA offers the lowest average premiums ($1,190/year) but is only available to military members and their families.
- 2 Bundling auto with home or renters insurance can save you 10–25% annually—State Farm leads in bundling discounts.
- 3 Usage-based programs like Progressive's Snapshot® and Allstate's Drivewise® can lower premiums by up to 30% for safe drivers.
- 4 Every insurer on our list holds an AM Best rating of A+ or higher, indicating exceptional financial strength and claims-paying ability.
- 5 Re-shopping your car insurance every 6–12 months is one of the easiest ways to save, as rates fluctuate frequently across providers.
Our Top Picks for Car Insurance
1. GEICO
Avg. Annual Premium
$1,375
AM Best Rating
A++
Discounts Available
15+
Founded in 1936 by Leo and Lillian Goodwin in Washington, D.C., GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is now the second-largest auto insurer in the U.S., covering over 28 million vehicles. A wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway since 1996 under Warren Buffett, GEICO operates from its Chevy Chase, Maryland headquarters with 17+ million policyholders. Their famous '15 minutes could save you 15% or more' campaign has made them a household name, and their direct-to-consumer model—with no local agents—keeps overhead low and premiums among the most competitive in the industry.
Pros
- Second-largest U.S. auto insurer with 28M+ vehicles covered
- Berkshire Hathaway-backed financial strength since 1996
- 15+ discount categories including military, federal employee, and good student
Cons
- No local agents—all service is phone, app, or online
- Bundling discounts less competitive than State Farm or Allstate
2. State Farm
Avg. Annual Premium
$1,450
AM Best Rating
A++
Discounts Available
12+
Founded in 1922 by retired farmer George J. Mecherle in Bloomington, Illinois, State Farm commands nearly 19% of the U.S. private auto insurance market—making it the nation's #1 auto insurer by market share. The company collected approximately $68 billion in premiums in 2024 and maintains a network of over 19,000 exclusive agents across all 50 states. State Farm's bundling discount of up to 17% when combining auto with homeowners insurance is one of the most reliable savings opportunities in the industry, and their Drive Safe & Save™ telematics program offers up to 30% off for safe driving behavior.
Pros
- #1 U.S. auto insurer with ~19% market share
- 19,000+ local agents for face-to-face service
- Drive Safe & Save™ telematics program for up to 30% savings
Cons
- Single-policy rates can be 10-15% higher than GEICO
- Digital tools and mobile app lag behind Progressive and GEICO
3. Progressive
Avg. Annual Premium
$1,520
AM Best Rating
A+
Discounts Available
14+
Founded in 1937 by Joseph Lewis and Jack Green, Progressive is headquartered in Mayfield Village, Ohio, and ranks as the third-largest auto insurer in the U.S. Progressive pioneered usage-based insurance with its Snapshot® program in the early 2000s, which tracks driving habits via a mobile app or plug-in device and can reduce premiums by up to 30%. Their unique Name Your Price® tool lets drivers set a budget and see matching coverage options, while their comparison rate tool—rare in the industry—shows competitor quotes alongside Progressive's, demonstrating confidence in their pricing. Progressive is also widely recognized as the best option for high-risk drivers, often offering rates 20-40% lower than competitors for those with at-fault accidents or DUI convictions.
Pros
- Snapshot® usage-based program can save up to 30%
- Name Your Price® tool matches coverage to your budget
- 20-40% lower rates for high-risk drivers vs. competitors
Cons
- J.D. Power customer satisfaction scores rank below average
- Claims resolution can take longer than GEICO or State Farm
4. USAA
Avg. Annual Premium
$1,190
AM Best Rating
A++
Discounts Available
10+
Founded in 1922 by 25 U.S. Army officers in San Antonio, Texas, USAA serves over 13 million members from its 286-acre headquarters campus with 38,000+ employees worldwide. USAA consistently earns the highest J.D. Power customer satisfaction scores in auto insurance—ranking #1 for 20+ consecutive years among insurers studied. Their average premiums run 30-40% below the industry average, and they offer unique military-specific benefits including deployment-related storage discounts, overseas coverage for stationed personnel, and premium adjustments when vehicles are garaged during deployment. Membership is restricted to active-duty military, veterans with honorable discharge, and their immediate family members.
Pros
- #1 in J.D. Power satisfaction for 20+ consecutive years
- Premiums average 30-40% below industry standard
- Military-specific benefits including deployment storage discounts
Cons
- Eligibility limited to military members, veterans, and families
- No local agent offices—service is phone, app, and online only
5. Allstate
Avg. Annual Premium
$1,680
AM Best Rating
A+
Discounts Available
13+
Founded in 1931 as part of Sears, Roebuck and Co. and headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois since 1967, Allstate became an independent public company in 1993 through what was then the largest IPO in U.S. history. Today Allstate is the fourth-largest personal auto insurer in the country. Their Drivewise® telematics program is free to enroll and rewards safe driving with cash back of up to $800 over 6 months—unlike competitors that only offer premium discounts. Allstate's add-on menu is the broadest in the industry, featuring accident forgiveness (available after 5 claim-free years), new car replacement for vehicles under 1 year old, deductible rewards that reduce your deductible by $100 annually, and gap coverage for leased or financed vehicles.
Pros
- Drivewise® offers cash back up to $800, not just premium discounts
- Broadest add-on menu: accident forgiveness, new car replacement, gap coverage
- Deductible Rewards reduces deductible by $100/year for safe driving
Cons
- Base premiums average 15-20% above GEICO and Progressive
- Accident forgiveness and some add-ons require extra premium payments
How to Choose Car Insurance
When shopping for car insurance, it's important to compare quotes from multiple providers. Your rate depends on many factors including your age, driving record, location, vehicle type, and credit score (in most states).
Beyond price, consider the insurer's financial strength (AM Best rating), customer satisfaction scores, claims handling reputation, and the availability of discounts you qualify for. Bundling your auto policy with home or renters insurance can often save 10-25%.
Re-shop your car insurance every 6-12 months. Rates change frequently, and you may find significantly lower premiums with a different provider—even if your driving record hasn't changed.
Pro Tip
Re-shop your car insurance every 6-12 months. Rates change frequently, and you may find significantly lower premiums with a different provider—even if your driving record hasn't changed.
Car Insurance Companies Compared
| Provider | Avg. Annual Premium | AM Best Rating | Discounts Available | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
GEICO
Top Pick
|
$1,375 | A++ | 15+ |
4.9
|
|
State Farm
|
$1,450 | A++ | 12+ |
4.8
|
|
Progressive
|
$1,520 | A+ | 14+ |
4.7
|
|
USAA
|
$1,190 | A++ | 10+ |
4.9
|
|
Allstate
|
$1,680 | A+ | 13+ |
4.6
|
Our Methodology
Our editorial team evaluated over 25 car insurance providers using a rigorous, data-driven methodology. We collected rate quotes across multiple driver profiles, analyzed J.D. Power and AM Best ratings, reviewed customer complaint data from the NAIC, and tested each company's digital tools and claims process.
Pricing & Affordability
30%We compared average annual premiums across multiple driver profiles including young drivers, safe drivers, and those with at-fault accidents to assess overall cost competitiveness.
Financial Strength & Claims
25%We evaluated AM Best financial strength ratings and analyzed J.D. Power claims satisfaction scores to ensure each insurer can reliably pay claims.
Customer Satisfaction
25%We reviewed J.D. Power customer satisfaction surveys, NAIC complaint ratios, and user reviews to gauge real-world policyholder experiences.
Coverage & Discounts
20%We assessed the breadth of coverage options, add-ons, and the number and value of available discounts including bundling, safe driver, and usage-based programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sarah Chen
Senior Senior Financial Editor
Sarah Chen is a certified financial planner (CFP®) and senior editor at Zogby with over 12 years of experience covering auto insurance and vehicle coverage. She holds a degree in Economics from Columbia University and has been published in The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, and Forbes. Sarah's work focuses on making complex financial products accessible to everyday consumers.
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Important Insurance Disclaimers
- Insurance quotes and premiums shown are estimates only and may vary based on your location, coverage level, deductible, driving record, claims history, and other factors. Contact the insurer directly for an accurate quote.
- Coverage availability, terms, conditions, and exclusions vary by state, insurer, and policy. Not all coverage types or discounts are available in all states. Review the policy documents carefully before purchasing.
- Insurance products are underwritten and issued by the respective insurance companies, not by Zogby. We are an independent comparison service and do not sell, bind, or issue insurance policies.
- Filing a claim or having a lapse in coverage may affect your premium at renewal. Rates may increase based on your claims history, changes in coverage, or other factors.
- Pre-existing condition exclusions may apply to pet insurance and certain health-related policies. Waiting periods typically apply before coverage becomes effective.
The information provided on this page is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as, and should not be construed as, financial, legal, tax, or investment advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any financial decisions.
Editorial Independence
Our recommendations are based on independent research and analysis. While Zogby may receive compensation from some partners listed on this page, our editorial team maintains full independence over our rankings and ratings. Compensation does not influence which products we recommend or how we rate them.