Choosing the right car insurance can be challenging. This guide highlights the best car insurance companies in the USA, covering their strengths, weaknesses, average rates for different driver profiles, and customer complaint levels. It also draws on public ratings and review sources to give you a clear picture of each insurer.
1. Nationwide – Best Overall Car Insurance
Average Customer Complaint Level: Low
Pros:
- Lowest average rate for drivers with poor credit and parents adding a teen driver
- Good customer service
- Multiple coverage options, including accident forgiveness and gap insurance
Cons:
- Not always the cheapest option for all drivers
Customer Reviews:
Feedback is mixed—some praise affordability and teen driver policies, while others report customer service issues.
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 – Best Car Insurance for Military Members
Average Customer Complaint Level: Average
Pros:
- Exceptional service and competitive rates
- Strong financial stability
- Accident forgiveness and new car replacement coverage
Cons:
- Membership limited to active military, veterans, and their families
- No rideshare insurance
Customer Reviews:
Some customers praise USAA’s service, while others share mixed experiences.
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 – Best Car Insurance for New Car Owners
Average Customer Complaint Level: Low
Pros:
- Strong financial stability
- Customizable policies, including accident forgiveness and minor violation forgiveness
- New car replacement for up to 5 years
Cons:
- Not the cheapest for parents adding a teen driver
- Rideshare insurance only in select states
Customer Reviews:
Many customers appreciate affordability and claims handling, though some report high costs 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 – Best Car Insurance for New Drivers
Average Customer Complaint Level: Low
Pros:
- Lowest average rates for teen drivers on their own policy
- Strong claims process
- Competitive rates for young drivers and families
Cons:
- Available in only 12 states and Washington, D.C.
- No usage-based insurance option
Customer Reviews:
Generally positive, with praise for customer service and focus on young drivers.
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 – Best Car Insurance for Drivers with Bad Credit
Average Customer Complaint Level: Low
Pros:
- Competitive rates for poor credit, seniors, and young drivers
- Affordable for most driver categories (except DUI)
- Offers DriveEasy usage-based program
Cons:
- Higher rates for drivers with a DUI
- No gap insurance or rideshare coverage
Customer Reviews:
Many customers praise affordability and a user-friendly platform, though some express frustration with claims 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)
6. Progressive – Best Car Insurance for DUI Cases
Average Customer Complaint Level: Low
Pros:
- Lowest rates for drivers with a DUI
- Below-average rates for most drivers
- Coverage available in all 50 states
- Offers rideshare and gap insurance
Cons:
- Limited accident forgiveness
Customer Reviews:
Mixed feedback—some praise affordability, while others note limited forgiveness options.
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 national rates and may vary based on location, driving history, and personal factors. Always compare quotes from multiple insurers before making a decision.
How to Choose the Best Car Insurance Companies
The right choice depends on your needs and priorities. Consider:
- Coverage types required
- Eligibility for discounts (good driver, multi-policy, low mileage)
- Importance of customer service
- Financial strength of the company
- Customer reviews and ratings
By comparing quotes and benefits, you can secure the Best Car Insurance Companies at an affordable price.