Top Picks for the Best Auto Insurance Company in 2024

Looking for the best auto insurance company? This guide breaks down top picks for 2024 based on coverage, customer service, and affordability. Whether you’re a new driver, high-risk, or military member, find the right auto insurance quickly and easily.

Key Takeaways

• USAA and Travelers are recognized as the best overall auto insurance companies for 2024 due to their competitive rates and comprehensive coverage options, with USAA being particularly notable for serving military personnel and veterans.
• For customer service, USAA, State Farm, and Erie Insurance lead the pack, all earning high marks for customer satisfaction, efficient claims handling, and personalized service.
• Auto-Owners, Geico, and Progressive are highlighted for their exceptional claims handling and discounts, providing an easy and quick claims process along with valuable savings for policyholders through various discount programs.

Introduction

Finding an auto insurance policy that suits your unique needs can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. The goal is to find a car insurance policy that offers all the necessary benefits, but at a price that won’t leave your wallet reeling. Whether you’re a first-time car owner, a high-risk driver, or a military member, there’s a policy out there that’s just right for you.

In this journey, we will dissect some of the best car insurance companies for 2024, including top auto insurance companies such as:

• Travelers
• Auto-Owners
• USAA
• American Family
• State Farm
• NJM
• Amica
• Geico

We’ll explore their services, customer satisfaction ratings, and unique selling points, making your hunt for the perfect auto insurance policy a breeze.

Best Overall Auto Insurance Company

When it comes to the best car insurance company for overall auto insurance, USAA and Travelers take the crown. These two companies have consistently earned high rankings, thanks to their competitive rates and comprehensive coverage options. Whether you’re looking for liability coverage, collision insurance, or comprehensive insurance, these companies have you covered.

USAA, in particular, is noted for its commitment to provide high-quality service, especially to military personnel and veterans. With competitive rates and a wide array of coverage options, USAA has positioned itself as a top choice among auto insurance companies. Similarly, Travelers offers an extensive range of coverage options, catering to a broad spectrum of drivers’ needs.

Why it’s the best

But what sets these companies apart? Let’s delve deeper. NJM is often highlighted as the best auto insurance company based on its competitive rates. It offers a broad range of coverage options, ensuring that drivers with various needs can find a policy that suits them perfectly. Whether it’s rideshare insurance or gap insurance, NJM has got you covered.

Similarly, Travelers is another top choice that offers standard car insurance coverage along with extras like new car replacement coverage and gap insurance. These additional features ensure that drivers can enjoy peace of mind, knowing that they are covered in case of any eventuality.

Best for Customer Service

While affordability and coverage options are crucial, customer service can make or break an insurance company’s reputation. For this category, the winners are:

• USAA, which stands out for its stellar customer satisfaction ratings and financial strength. It’s often the first choice for many car owners.
• State Farm, which is known for its excellent customer service and wide range of coverage options.
• Erie Insurance, which consistently receives high marks for its customer service and claims handling.

State Farm, on the other hand, shines in customer satisfaction. It ranks first in overall satisfaction in the Southwest, according to J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. Insurance Shopping Study. Erie Insurance is also a contender for the best in customer service, with high satisfaction ratings and personalized customer service.

Key highlights

These companies not only excel in providing excellent service but they also back it up with impressive statistics. USAA, for instance, has a customer satisfaction score of 890 out of 1,000, showcasing its commitment to addressing customer needs promptly and effectively. Geico, too, shines with a high J.D. Power score and an A++ ranking from AM Best, demonstrating its commitment to customer satisfaction.

But these companies do not stop at providing excellent customer service. They also offer various customer resources to enhance the overall customer experience. For instance, AAA offers a roadside assistance program, and Amica offers extensive coverage options, further cementing their positions as top-tier auto insurance providers.

Best for Claims Handling

When the inevitable happens, and it’s time to file a claim, the last thing you want is a tedious and complicated process. That’s why USAA and Auto-Owners stand out as the best auto insurance companies for claims handling. These companies ensure a smooth and efficient process, reducing stress during an otherwise challenging time.

Another company that shines in this category is GEICO. With its convenient and easy claims and repairs process, GEICO has made the claims process easier for its customers, ensuring they receive the support they need when they need it most.

Claims process overview

Erie Insurance, known for its liability insurance, is recognized for its claims handling efficiency, ensuring that clients can expect a smooth process when filing a claim. The company has consistently received high marks for its efficient claims handling process, making it a top choice for many policyholders.

Auto-Owners is another company that excels in claims handling. With 61% of its customers reporting complete satisfaction with how their claim was resolved, it’s clear that Auto-Owners puts its customers first when it comes to claims handling.

Best for Discounts

Everyone loves a good discount. And when it comes to auto insurance, discounts can make a significant difference in your premiums. With that in mind, USAA and Auto-Owners are highlighted as the best auto insurance companies for discounts. These companies offer attractive discounts that can help policyholders save on their insurance premiums.

Other companies that offer impressive discounts include American Family and Farmers. American Family provides an average 18% multi-policy discount, while Farmers Insurance offers a multitude of discounts, including a military discount. Such discounts not only make these companies attractive to potential policyholders but also demonstrate their commitment to offering value to their customers.

Types of discounts available

Auto insurance companies offer a variety of discounts, making coverage more affordable for drivers with different needs and qualifications. For instance, good driver discounts reward policyholders with safe driving records, with discounts ranging between 10% to 40%. Qualifying drivers who have been accident-free for five years or more are eligible for Accident Forgiveness as part of their coverage. This benefit allows them to maintain a clean driving record and avoid premium increases after their first at-fault accident..

Multi-car insurance discounts, benefiting families with more than one vehicle, range from 8% to 25%. Good student discounts reward secondary or college students with good grades, with discounts typically ranging from 8% to 25%. These discounts not only make auto insurance more affordable but also encourage good driving habits and academic excellence.

Best for High-Risk Drivers

High-risk drivers often face significant challenges in securing affordable auto insurance. This is primarily due to their less-than-perfect driving records, which can include infractions like speeding tickets or at-fault accidents. Thankfully, some auto insurance companies cater to high-risk drivers, offering them affordable rates and coverage options.

Geico stands out in this regard, offering the best rates for drivers with poor credit among high-risk insurance companies. These rates are 36% lower than the national average for such drivers. Travelers also cater to high-risk drivers, providing rates for drivers with a speeding ticket that are 19% lower than the national average.

Why it’s suitable for high-risk drivers

While high-risk drivers often face higher car insurance premiums, certain auto insurance companies offer more affordable options. Comparing car insurance rates can help you find the best deal. USAA, for instance, provides the cheapest high-risk car insurance with an average rate of $2,379 annually, while Geico offers a competitive rate of $2,704.

Nationwide is another company that offers comprehensive coverage options for high-risk drivers. With an average annual rate of $3,049, Nationwide ensures that high-risk drivers are adequately covered without breaking the bank.

Best for Military Members

Military members have unique needs when it comes to auto insurance. Thankfully, some companies cater specifically to this demographic. USAA is one such company. With its military-focused coverage and strong customer satisfaction, USAA is the top choice for military members.

Another top choice for military members is Geico. This company provides military-specific discounts and support from a dedicated team of veterans. For deployed personnel in imminent danger zones, Geico offers an additional 25% discount, making it a budget-friendly option for military members.

Exclusive benefits

USAA and Geico offer several exclusive benefits for military members. For instance, USAA offers a 15% discount for drivers who garage their cars on a base. This discount extends to 60% for military members when deployed. USAA also provides a 10% legacy discount if your parents were USAA members, demonstrating its commitment to serving military families.

Geico, on the other hand, provides a dedicated phone line staffed by veterans. This ensures that military members can receive assistance from individuals who understand their unique needs and challenges.

Best for New Cars

If you’ve just bought a new car, you’ll want to ensure that it’s adequately protected. Progressive and Auto-Owners are the best auto insurance companies for new cars. They offer new car replacement coverage and gap insurance, ensuring comprehensive protection for new car owners.

Progressive stands out for its new car replacement coverage, which is crucial for new vehicle owners. Similarly, Auto-Owners offers new car replacement coverage and gap insurance, providing additional peace of mind to new car buyers.

Coverage options

New car replacement coverage replaces a totaled new car with another new car of the same make and model. Some insurers offer better car replacement coverage, which upgrades to a newer model of the same vehicle if totaled.

Gap insurance is essential for covering the difference between the car’s value and the remaining loan or lease amount if the car is totaled. If a new car is totaled or stolen, Auto-Owners’ gap insurance covers the difference between the insurance payout and the remaining amount owed on a lease or loan. This can help provide financial protection and peace of mind for policyholders.

Best for Digital Experience

In today’s digital age, having a user-friendly digital interface is crucial. Progressive, USAA, and Geico offer the best digital experience. They provide user-friendly digital tools and resources for policy management and claims handling.

Progressive, for instance, offers digital policy management tools, making it easier for users to handle their policies online. USAA provides an intuitive mobile app tailored to meet the unique needs of its military member customers. Geico is dedicated to improving app and online features that matter most to its customers.

Digital tools and resources

Nationwide, Progressive, and Liberty Mutual have highly-rated mobile apps and user-friendly websites for easy policy management. Nationwide’s mobile app has a rating of 4.4 stars on Apple’s App Store and 4.2 stars on Google Play.

Similarly, Progressive’s mobile app is highly rated with 4.5 stars on Apple’s App Store and 4.7 stars on Google Play, allowing for easy bill payment and policy management.

Liberty Mutual’s mobile app holds strong ratings with 4.8 stars on Apple’s App Store and 4.7 stars on Google Play from over 200,000 reviews.

How to Choose the Right Auto Insurance Company

Choosing the right auto insurance company isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. It requires a careful assessment of your needs, a comparison of quotes, and a check of third-party ratings. By considering these factors, you can find the best car insurance company for your unique circumstances.

It’s essential to evaluate your specific circumstances to narrow down the selection of insurance carriers. Consider the following factors when assessing your needs:

• Policy options
• 24/7 customer service
• Self-service options
• Available discounts

Assess your needs

When it comes to insurance, one size doesn’t fit all. The type of car insurance required varies based on individual personal and financial situations. It’s important to consider these factors when choosing the right coverage. By assessing your needs, you can determine the level of coverage you need, the types of coverage that are most important to you, and the deductible you can afford.

Compare quotes

Comparing car insurance quotes from different companies is a critical step in finding the best auto insurance. This involves obtaining at least three price quotes from different companies, agents, and online sources.

Ensure that your coverage choices, limits, and deductibles are the same across all carriers to make an accurate rate comparison.

Check third-party ratings

Before committing to an auto insurance company, it’s advisable to check third-party ratings. These ratings provide an independent assessment of the company’s performance and financial stability. Trusted sources for finding verified third-party ratings include J.D. Power and AM Best.

These ratings can provide insight into a company’s financial strength, customer service, and claims handling.

Summary

Navigating the world of auto insurance can be overwhelming. However, by understanding your unique needs, comparing quotes, and checking third-party ratings, you can find an auto insurance company that fits your needs perfectly. Whether you’re a first-time car owner, a high-risk driver, or a military member, the top-rated auto insurance companies of 2024 have something to offer.

The insurance market is filled with a plethora of options, but not all of them are created equal. By doing your due diligence, you can find an insurance company that not only provides the coverage you need but also offers excellent customer service, efficient claims handling, and attractive discounts. Remember, the best auto insurance is the one that provides the right coverage at a price that fits your budget.