Finding the right car insurance ? This guide identifies the Best car insurance companies of 2024 USA, outlining their strengths, weaknesses, average rates for various driver profiles, and customer complaint levels. It also explores public rating and review sources to provide a comprehensive picture of each company.
1. Nationwide
(Average Customer Complaint Level: Low)
Best Overall Car Insurance
Pros:
Lowest average rate for drivers with poor credit and parents adding a teen driver, good customer service, various coverage options (including accident forgiveness and gap insurance).
Cons:
Not always the cheapest option for all drivers.
Customer Reviews:
Reviews are mixed, with some praising affordability and Nationwide’s handling of teen drivers, while others critique customer service. Review sources include
Average Rates:
Good Driver: $1,436/year ($120/month)
After Accident (Injury): $2,337/year ($195/month)
After Accident (Property Damage): $2,298/year ($192/month)
Young Driver (18-25): $2,881/year ($240/month)
Senior Driver: $1,402/year ($117/month)
After DUI: $3,083/year ($257/month)
Parents Adding Teen Driver: $2,819/year ($235/month)
Poor Credit: $2,051/year ($171/month)
After Speeding Ticket: $1,878/year ($157/month)
2. USAA
(Average Customer Complaint Level: Average)
Best Car Insurance for Military
Pros:
Exceptional service, competitive rates, strong financial backing, accident forgiveness, new car replacement coverage.
Cons:
Membership restricted to active military, veterans, and their families. Rideshare insurance not offered.
Customer Reviews:
Reviews can be mixed, with some praising USAA’s customer service and others critiquing it. Review sources include NerdWallet
Average Rates:
Good Driver: $1,364/year ($114/month)
After Accident (Injury): $1,958/year ($163/month)
After Accident (Property Damage): $2,021/year ($168/month)
Young Driver (18-25): $2,368/year ($197/month)
Senior Driver: $1,455/year ($121/month)
After DUI: $2,604/year ($217/month)
Parents Adding Teen Driver: $3,025/year ($252/month)
Poor Credit: $2,450/year ($204/month)
After Speeding Ticket: $1,661/year ($138/month)
After Gap in Coverage: $1,556/year ($130/month)
3. Travelers
(Average Customer Complaint Level: Low)
Best Car Insurance for New Car Owners
Pros:
Excellent financial strength, customizable policies (including accident forgiveness and minor violation forgiveness), new car replacement for the first 5 years (longer than most competitors).
Cons:
Not the cheapest option for parents adding a teen driver. Rideshare insurance only available in some states.
Customer Reviews:
Reviews can be mixed, with some praising affordability and the ease of filing claims, while others critique the cost for teen drivers.
Average Rates:
Good Driver: $1,521/year ($127/month)
After Accident (Injury): $2,293/year ($191/month)
After Accident (Property Damage): $2,215/year ($185/month)
Young Driver (18-25): $2,638/year ($222/month)
Senior Driver: $1,668/year ($139/month)
After DUI: $2,610/year ($218/month)
Parents Adding Teen Driver: $3,963/year ($330/month)
Poor Credit: $2,699/year ($225/month)
After Gap in Coverage: $1,772/year ($148/month)
After Speeding Ticket: $2,062/year ($172/month)
4. Erie Insurance
(Average Customer Complaint Level: Low)
Best Car Insurance for New Drivers
Pros:
Lowest average rate for teen drivers on their own policy, strong claims process, competitive rates for young drivers and parents adding a teen driver.
Cons:
Availability limited to 12 states and Washington, D.C. Does not offer usage-based car insurance.
Customer Reviews:
Reviews are generally positive, highlighting Erie’s customer service and focus on young drivers. Review sources include Consumer Reports
Average Rates:
Good Driver: $1,642/year ($137/month)
After Accident (Injury): $2,224/year ($185/month)
After Accident (Property Damage): $2,125/year ($177/month)
Young Driver (18-25): $2,575/year ($215/month)
Senior Driver: $1,831/year ($153/month)
After DUI: $2,665/year ($222/month)
Parents Adding Teen Driver: $3,215/year ($268/month)
Poor Credit: $3,701/year ($308/month)
After Speeding Ticket: $1,899/year ($158/month)
After Gap in Coverage: $1,796/year ($150/month)
5. Geico
(Average Customer Complaint Level: Low)
Best Car Insurance for Bad Credit
Pros:
Competitive rates for drivers with poor credit, senior drivers, young drivers, and 16-year-olds on a parent’s policy. Below-average rates for most other drivers (except DUI). Offers DriveEasy usage-based insurance for potential savings.
Cons:
Higher-than-average rates for drivers with a DUI. Does not offer gap insurance or rideshare insurance. New car replacement or vanishing deductible not available.
Customer Reviews:
Reviews can vary depending on the service needed. Some praise Geico’s affordability and user-friendly platform, while others mention frustration with claim processing.
Average Rates:
Good Driver: $1,597/year ($133/month)
After Accident (Injury): $2,748/year ($229/month)
After Accident (Property Damage): $2,718/year ($227/month)
Young Driver (18-25): $2,781/year ($232/month)
Senior Driver: $1,793/year ($194/month)
After DUI: $3,723/year ($310/month)
After Speeding Ticket: $2,150/year ($179/month)
Parents Adding Teen Driver: $3,866/year ($322/month)
Poor Credit: $2,482/year ($207/month)
After Gap in Coverage: $2,029/year ($169/month)
Progressive
(Average Customer Complaint Level: Low)
Best Car Insurance for DUI (improves record)
Pros:
Lowest average rate for drivers with a DUI on their record. Below-average rates for most drivers. Coverage available in all 50 states. Offers rideshare insurance and gap insurance.
Cons:
Limited accident forgiveness options.
Customer Reviews:
Reviews can vary depending on the coverage chosen and the review platform.Reviews for Nationwide are mixed. Some praise affordability and their handling of teen drivers, but others criticize customer service.
Average Rates:
Good Driver: $1,472/year ($123/month)
After Accident (Injury): $2,119/year ($177/month)
After Accident (Property Damage): $2,054/year ($171/month)
Young Driver (18-25): $2,598/year ($217/month)
Senior Driver: $1,321/year ($110/month)
After DUI: $2,352/year ($196/month)
Parents Adding Teen Driver: $3,412/year ($284/month)
Poor Credit: $2,987/year ($249/month)
After Speeding Ticket: $1,784/year ($149/month)
After Gap in Coverage: $1,685/year ($140/month)
Important Note:
These are average rates based on national data and may vary depending on your location, driving record, and other factors. It is important to get quotes from multiple companies to find the best rate for you.
Finding the Best Choice
Remember, the “best” car insurance company depends on your individual needs and priorities. Consider factors like:
- What type of coverage do you need?
- Do you qualify for any discounts like good driver, multi-policy, or low mileage?
- How important is customer service to you?
- Is the company financially stable?
- What do other customers say about their experience with the company?
By understanding your needs and comparing quotes from different companies, you can find the best car insurance at an affordable price.
