Best Car Insurance Companies of October 2022

The companies on our list all offer the five main types of coverage Best Car Insurance Companies of October 2022: collision, comprehensive, personal injury protection, liability, and uninsured/underinsured motorists coverage.

Whether you’re looking to switch insurers or this is your first time picking out a policy, our picks for best auto insurance companies offer all the coverage you need.

Additionally, they offer a wide range of discounts to help lower the price of your monthly premium. By selecting paperless billing, insuring multiple vehicles, enrolling in safe driving classes, and sticking with the same provider, among other things, you can reduce your cost.

To assist you in finding reliable and reasonably priced protection, we have compiled a detailed description of each company’s policies, benefits, and limitations. So join us as we examine the top eight vehicle insurance providers for October 2022.

Our Top Picks for Best Car Insurance Companies of October 2022

Amica Mutual – Best Car Insurance Package
Progressive – Best for Customizable Premiums
State Farm – Best for Young Drivers
Farmers – Best for Essential Worker and First Responder Discounts
Nationwide – Best for Flexible Policies
GEICO – Best Mobile App
Allstate – Best Usage-Based Insurance Program
USAA – Best for Military Members

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Best Car Insurance Companies Reviews

Best Car Insurance Package: Amica Mutual

PROS
Free airbag replacement (after it deploys)
Lock replacement if your keys are stolen
$1K for bail bonds and wage reimbursement if you’re required to appear in court
Offers non-binary option for gender

CONS
Doesn’t offer rideshare insurance
Not all features are available nationwide
Coverage not available in Hawaii

Why we chose it: Amica Mutual made our list for its Platinum Choice Auto policy, which lets drivers earn Advantage Points rewards and save significantly on their deductible.

The Amica Platinum Choice Auto Policy is a pre-packaged option that offers all the fundamental protection that the majority of people require in addition to special extras like identity fraud monitoring.

Additionally, it provides rental car coverage, deductible-free glass coverage, and an Advantage Points program where customers can accumulate points to lower their deductibles or prevent rate increases following a claim.

Amica divides its coverage into two categories: the things you need to have and the items that are great to have, for drivers who want to pick and choose. You can modify your plan to incorporate these benefits, but keep in mind that they might make a considerable difference in your premium.

MedPay, which offers additional medical coverage for bills and funeral costs, is one of these extras. Both collision and comprehensive collision are used to repair damage that isn’t caused by an accident, like damage from a fire, a natural disaster, or theft.

Two significant riders that Amica offers are guaranteed asset protection (GAP), which fills the “gap” between what you owe and the depreciated value of your automobile if it’s totaled, and credit monitoring, which very few competitors provide.

In the J.D. Power Auto Insurance Customer Satisfaction study, Amica consistently received the highest score in the New England region for customer satisfaction. Amica scored a B+ on the 2022 CRASH report card, which rates insurers based on how they manage policies and deliver payments. It also has a low complaint percentage with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) (rate increases and delays in claims handling are common problems).

Amica car insurance discounts

Bundling policies and insuring multiple vehicles
Paperless payments, up-front premium payments and AutoPay
Good driving habits: being claim-free for three years and taking a defensive driving course
Young drivers: for completing a training program, students with good grades and full-time students away at school
Having anti-theft devices, passive restraint or electronic stability features
Loyalty discounts after two years of being insured
Legacy discounts for drivers under 30 whose parents have been insured with Amica for at least five years

Amica car insurance tools

Mobile app: track claims, request roadside assistance, pay bills
Car Connection tool for comparing prices on new and used cars

Best for Customizable Premiums: Progressive

PROS
Save on your premium by signing up for the drive-monitoring program
Look for premiums within your budget with its Name Your Price tool
Compare quotes with Progressive’s comparison tool
Loyalty Reward program

CONS
Pricing may vary depending on whether you buy online or over the phone
Discounts vary and are not available in all states

Why we chose it: Because Progressive’s Name Your Price service enables users to select coverage that matches their budget, we chose it as the best auto insurance for individualized pricing.

Customization distinguishes Progressive from the competition. Customers can specify a budget using the Name Your Price tool, and Progressive will tailor a policy to fit that budget. Then, policyholders have a variety of coverage limits and deductibles to select from.

You can reduce your premium by raising the deductible on your collision insurance, for instance, but keep in mind that you’ll have to pay more out of pocket if you get into an accident before your insurance starts to pay.

GAP insurance is one of the standout add-ons that Progressive provides. This coverage pays up to 25% of the difference between the value of the vehicle and what you owe for an additional $14 each month. A useful extra is the custom equipment coverage, which you may use to fix any mobility-enhancing devices, a GPS system, or other modifications you’ve made to the car.

A few things are also covered by Progressive that are uncommon among other insurers. One is ridesharing coverage, which protects you whether you work for a rideshare company full-time or on the side (such as Uber, Lyft, or food delivery). Additionally, the collision insurance from Progressive provides medical coverage for any wounds that your pet receives in an accident.

Progressive’s telematics Snapshot program uses driving data including acceleration, braking, and distance to calculate savings and rewards drivers for safe driving practices. Customers can also choose to join its deductible savings bank. Every six months that pass without a claim, this program puts $50 into savings, and so on, up to the amount of your deductible. If you then submit a claim, your deductible will already be covered.

Regarding complaints and customer satisfaction, Progressive’s 862 out of 1,000 in the JD. Powers Auto Claims Satisfaction Study places them second to last on the list and 20 points below the industry average, but its NAIC complaint index is close to the national average.

Progressive car insurance discounts

Bundling auto insurance policy with home, renters or life insurance
Insuring multiple vehicles
Anti-theft alarms and other vehicle safety features
Choosing automatic and paperless payments
Maintaining continuous coverage with Progressive
Teen driver discounts: full-time students with good grades and students away from home

Progressive car insurance tools

Find coverage options within your budget with the Name Your Price tool
Car insurance calculator based on your state and personal details
Get personalized rates with Snapshot, a usage-based insurance program (not available in California or North Carolina)
Mobile app: view your driving status, see recent trips and learn ways to improve your driving

Best for Young Drivers: State Farm

PROS
Available in most states
Save money with Drive Safe & Save and Steer Clear programs
Travel expenses coverage

CONS
Drive Safe & Save program not available in CA, MA or RI

Why we chose it: State Farm is the best auto insurance for young drivers since it offers discounts of up to 25% to teen drivers with GPAs of 3.0 or higher.

The most expensive drivers to insure are teen drivers, but State Farm distinguishes out from other insurers by providing significant discounts for teen drivers that can help lower the high premiums. If a young driver maintains a GPA of 3.0 or above until they are 25, policyholders can save up to 25% by taking advantage of the Good Student Discount. A driver’s ed course may also qualify drivers under the age of 21 for a discount.

Additionally, by just covering the student while they are at home for vacation and holidays, the “Student Away at School” discount aids consumers in saving money.

The close to 19,000 agents that State Farm has spread across all fifty states are well known. This makes it perfect for those who value more individualized service and prefer to speak with a specific agent about their needs.

In terms of its insurance plans, State Farm provides rental automobiles and travel fee coverage for accidents that occur more than 50 miles from home. Others provide roadside assistance if your vehicle breaks down

(for example, if you get a flat tire, need a jumpstart, or lock your keys inside the vehicle), but State Farm’s travel expenses coverage also provides roadside assistance if you are involved in an accident and your comprehensive and collision insurance policies cover the damages. This provides up to $500 per loss for lodging, meals, and a rental car while your automobile is being repaired.

The Drive Safe and Save telematics program, which tracks your speed, braking, and other driving conditions and provides feedback, is one of State Farm’s standout discounts. You receive a discount from State Farm just for signing up, and after you start using the app, you can receive discounts of up to 30% for safe driving practices.

State Farm placed first in the Southwest region and second in Texas, New York, the New England and Northwestern regions in J.D. Power’s 2021 Auto Insurance Customer Satisfaction survey. State Farm reduced its score from 0.71 to 0.67 on the NAIC consumer complaint index.

State Farm car insurance discounts

Bundling with renters, homeowner’s or life insurance policies
Insuring multiple vehicles
Drive Safe & Save telematics program rewards you for good driving habits
Defensive driving courses (in select states)
Vehicle safety features (seatbelt, airbags on older vehicles)

State Farm car insurance tools

Mobile app: pay bills, file claims, request roadside assistance, view ID cards and link your bank account
Make car reservations through Enterprise or Hertz
Directory of reliable auto repair shops

Best for Essential Worker and First Responder Discounts: Farmers

Why we chose it: We chose Farmers as the best car insurance for essential workers due to its array of discounts tailored specifically for teachers, healthcare workers and other first responders.

PROS
Guaranteed Value coverage pays out an “agreed value” if your car is totaled
Has multiple discount categories available
Discount for alternative-fuel vehicles (first insurer to offer this)

CONS
Discount eligibility and percentage varies depending on your place of residence
Does not offer GAP insurance

Why we choose it: Because of its selection of discounts targeted specifically at teachers, healthcare professionals, and other first responders, Farmers is our choice for the best vehicle insurance for important workers.

Farmer’s rates aren’t the cheapest on the market, but they are made up for by the fact that it offers coverage and savings that few other insurers do. One illustration is its Affinity discount, which extends to active-duty, reserve, or honorably discharged military people as well as members of specific organizations and healthcare professionals.

Another major discount is the Senior Driving discount, which is available to those who complete a state-approved safe driver training program and are over 55 (or 65, depending on the state). This is important because older drivers, like young drivers, pay higher prices since insurance companies view them as higher-risk drivers.

Farmers offers classic and collector car insurance for fans of vintage automobiles. You can safeguard your treasure when traveling or even at the local auto show with this coverage. When combined with spare parts coverage, policyholders can receive up to $750 in spare component repair or replacement at no additional cost.

Farmers’ slightly higher than average rates are a downside, but its distinctive offers make it a wonderful choice for individuals prepared to pay a little extra for personalized coverage.

Farmers car insurance discounts

Bundling insurance policies and insuring multiple vehicles
Student discounts for good grades and being away from home
Automatic, paperless and on-time payments
Shared family car (not available in California)
Anti-theft, anti-lock brake and passive restraint systems
Hybrid/electric vehicles or those powered by other alternative fuels (only in California)
Discounts for military members and other essential service professionals

Farmers car insurance tools

Mobile app: chat with an agent, request roadside assistance, get a quote
Specialty insurance options like motorcycle and boat insurance

Best for Flexible Policies: Nationwide

PROS
Get discounts with the SmartRide safe driving app
Pay based on how many miles you drive
Get up to a $500 cash bonus with the purchase or lease of a qualified new car or vehicle

CONS
SmartRide and SmartMiles discount availability vary per state and coverage selected
Accident forgiveness is not available in all states

Reasoning: Nationwide’s free annual policy evaluation allows drivers to assess their coverage, raise any concerns they may have, make any necessary adjustments, and check for any applicable discounts, making it our top pick for adaptable plans.

There is a vast range of coverage options, both basic and supplementary, provided by Nationwide. Nationwide’s On Your Side Review is a policy evaluation where drivers can ask questions regarding their coverage and determine if the policy’s discounts and perks are still appropriate for their needs and budget.

You may tailor your savings with Nationwide’s two programs to your own driving patterns. Telematics system SmartRide monitors your driving habits (distance traveled, time at rest, speed and braking while driving at night) and provides you with suggestions on how to become a safer driver.

If you sign up, you’ll get a discount of 10%, and your safe driving will earn you savings of up to 40%. SmartMiles, the alternative program, has a monthly base fee of $60 and an additional variable fee of $0.07 per mile driven.

A unique feature provided by Nationwide is the Disappearing Deductible. Every year you go without filing a claim results in a $100 reduction in your deductible, up to a $500 savings.

Let’s imagine you’ve been working for Nationwide without issue for four years. A fifth-year accident would result in a $100 deductible and no change to your annual benefit for the following year.

The NAIC complaint index for Nationwide is 0.39, the lowest of any company on the list; nonetheless, the company’s position in J.D. Power’s U.S. Customer Satisfaction study was below average.

Nationwide car insurance discounts

Save an average of $646 when bundling auto and home insurance
Vehicle safety and anti-theft devices
Automatic and paperless billing
Safe driver rewards for customers who go five years without major violations or at-fault accidents
Complete a defensive driving course
Good student discounts for drivers aged 16 to 24 who maintain a minimum B average

Nationwide car insurance tools

Mobile app: manage insurance policies, make payments, file and track claims and request roadside assistance
SmartMiles, a pay-per-mile car insurance program for low-mileage drivers
SmartRide, a usage-based car insurance program for safe drivers

Best Mobile App: GEICO

PROS
Pay bills or request roadside assistance with the mobile app
Coverage calculator
Discounts available to federal and military employees, seniors and students

CONS
Accident forgiveness not available in CA, CT and MA
Does not offer GAP insurance

Reasons for picking it: The GEICO mobile app integrates with CARFAX, allowing you to view your vehicle’s history and recalls, as well as access digital insurance cards and submit claims.

While GEICO’s gecko mascot may be the first thing that springs to mind, the company’s focus on providing a seamless online experience for customers (rather than relying on phone support) is what truly sets it apart.

GEICO’s mobile app allows policyholders to submit claims, get roadside help, and get damage estimates. Additionally, it can act as a “agent in your pocket” by providing information on insurance and sending reminders for service and recalls based on your vehicle’s specific history.

GEICO provides all the typical insurance options, including bodily injury liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist, and medical. Its website details each of these, as well as coverage limits, premiums, and deductibles, so that buyers can tailor a policy to their specific requirements and financial situation.

It also provides a number of price reduction incentives. These are broken down into four categories: vehicle features, driver profiles, group memberships, and repeat business. Members can save as much as 23% with the anti-theft system discount, and 22% for being accident-free on the road for five years.

There are two significant military discounts available from GEICO: one for active or retired service, and another in the event of an unexpected deployment. Policyholders can enjoy cost savings of 15% and 25% with these. Only GEICO and one other company on our list provide discounts to active-duty military members.

J.D. Power’s 2022 U.S. Auto Insurance Customer Satisfaction research found that GEICO had above-average scores in all but three of the regions surveyed: Texas, the Middle Atlantic, and the Southeastern United States.

GEICO car insurance discounts

Equipment discounts for new cars, airbags, anti-lock brakes, anti-theft systems and others
Being accident-free for five years
Using a seatbelt, taking defensive driving or driver’s education courses and being a good student
Affiliation discounts for military members and federal employees
Insuring multiple vehicles and having multiple policies
Senior driver discounts for drivers over 50

Geico car insurance tools

Mobile app: access ID cards, pay bills and request roadside assistance or customer support 24/7
DriveEasy telematics program rewards safe driving behavior
Car insurance coverage calculator

Best Usage-Based Insurance Program: Allstate

PROS
Get driving insights and discounts for safe driving with Drivewise
Safe Driving Bonus for every 6 months you’re accident-free
Get discounts for new cars and teen drivers

CONS
Drivewise program not available in every state
Premiums vary depending on whether you buy online or through a local agent

Our research showed that Allstate’s Drivewise telematics feature helped customers save money by monitoring their driving habits, providing constructive criticism, and providing incentives for safe driving.

Our research has shown that Allstate Drivewise is the most effective telematics solution currently available from an auto insurance provider.

This telematics system gives you suggestions on how to improve your driving and rewards you for being a cautious motorist. The total savings for new customers can reach 40% once they factor in the 10% sign-up discount and the other available reductions.

Crash detection is a prominent safety element in Drivewise. Whether you’re the driver or a passenger, it can tell when an accident has occurred and offer to call roadside assistance or 911.

Bundle savings are another area where Allstate stands out. When customers bundle their auto and home insurance, they save 10%. Because Allstate’s house insurance policies contain flood coverage in contrast to those of other carriers, they make a great candidate for bundling.

Allstate, unlike many of its rivals, will insure your car or a rented one while it’s in Mexico. Customers in Texas and other border areas have a good reason to consider them.

However, the fact that Allstate’s customer satisfaction ratings were so poor in the J.D. Power 2020 Claims Satisfaction and Auto Insurance Customer Satisfaction studies and haven’t improved much in the J.D. Power 2022 Auto Insurance Study is cause for concern.

Please be aware that the Claims Satisfaction study for the year 2022 has not yet been released. In order to find out if Allstate is a good fit for you, we recommend looking into the quality of service provided in your area.

Allstate car insurance discounts

Vehicle equipment discounts for new cars, anti-lock brakes and anti-theft devices
Multiple policies
Safe driving
Signing your policy seven days before it becomes effective
Not missing any payments for a year
Discount for students with good grades, those who study away from home and complete a driver’s education program
Automatic payments, full payments and paperless billing

Allstate car insurance tools

Mobile app: access ID cards, pay bills, report claims, request roadside assistance and accident support
Drivewise, a usage-based insurance program
Milewise, a pay-per-mile car insurance program
Bumper-to-Bumper Basics, a tool for selecting the right coverage limits and deductible

Best for Military Members: USAA

PROS
The highest overall customer satisfaction rating out of the companies we reviewed
Offers family discount for members whose parents were customers of USAA
Available in all 50 states, including Washington, D.C.

CONS
Not available to civilians
Offers fewer specialty coverages compared to other car insurance providers

Our research showed that USAA had the highest customer satisfaction rates among the auto insurance providers we looked at, and that it also catered exclusively to military families and veterans, so we went with them.

With the exception of California, USAA ranked highest in J.D. Power’s Auto Customer Satisfaction Study 2022. (It’s worth noting that USAA didn’t place because, per J.D. Power’s research, the company doesn’t qualify for the award requirements.)

USAA, like many other companies, provides various discounts, but theirs have some interesting twists. Military members who store their cars on base might save money by taking advantage of this perk.

Customers who keep their vehicles on a military base or installation can save as much as 60% on their premiums and as much as 15% on comprehensive coverage. In addition, it provides a low-mileage discount for both domestic and overseas service members.

The Safepilot telematics initiative is another another area where USAA excels. When members sign up, they immediately qualify for a 10% discount, and they can earn an additional 20% to 30% off their insurance premiums through safe driving.

However, keep in mind that Safepilot requires the use of an app, and that recent reviews have consistently panned the most recent update as “buggy” and annoying to operate.

Although they have built a solid reputation for excellent customer service, certain recent complaints filed with the BBB raise red flags. Customers had issues with the claims procedure and inconsistent customer service, which was a common complaint.

In spite of USAA’s standing as one of the top insurance companies for service members, you should compare USAA’s policies to those of other companies to see if you can get a better overall package elsewhere.

USAA car insurance discounts

Safe driver discount for being accident-free for more than five years
Defensive driving discount for taking an approved course
Driver training discount for completing a basic driver training course
Good student discount for teenage drivers with good grades
New vehicle discount for a car that’s less than three years old
Multi-vehicle discount
Vehicle storage discount
Family discount
Length of membership savings
Military installation discount
Automatic payments

USAA car insurance tools

Mobile app: manage policy, get car insurance quotes, get auto ID cards and transfer funds

Other companies we considered

PROS
Above-average customer satisfaction rating with J.D. Power
Ability to lock in rates until you change covered drivers, covered car or home address

CONS
It only operates in IL, IN, KY, MD, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WI and DC

According to J.D. Power’s 2022 Vehicle Customer Satisfaction Study, Erie is the best auto insurance provider in the Mid-Atlantic and North-Central states.

Erie stands apart from the competition thanks to its Rate Lock function. When a policyholder files a claim, this unique feature keeps their annual premium the same. This service is unique to our company, and no other vendor appears to offer it.

Erie’s discounts are competitive with those of the other companies we looked at, including decreasing deductibles, first-accident forgiveness, and vehicle storage.

Liberty Mutual

PROS
Save up to 30% on your policy for safe driving with RightTrack app
Get a discount for your hybrid or electric vehicle
Get a better price when you purchase your policy online

CONS
Second highest NAIC complaint ratio out of all insurers on our list
Accident forgiveness not available in CA

Among the firms we looked at, Liberty Mutual had the greatest rate of complaints filed with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), so it was left off our final list. This is not to imply that the scope of its coverage is inadequate.

Liberty Mutual, like many other insurers, provides PIP, medical payments, uninsured motorist, liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. It also has optional extras like towing and labor coverage, gap insurance, and car rental reimbursement.

Not only do we not put any limits on the amount of money you can save, but we also offer special coverage for instructors who keep expensive materials in their vehicles. You may also use the site’s built-in coverage calculator to figure out how much coverage you need.

Travelers

PROS
Features two accident forgiveness plans
Intellidrive program can reduce rates by as much as 20%
Optional premier program combines new car replacement, loan/lease GAP coverage and a glass deductible

CONS
High NAIC complaint index compared to other insurers
Rideshare coverage only available in CO and IL
Not available in AL, HI, LA, MI, ND, SD or WV

You can get a quote from Travelers in just five minutes, and they don’t even need your driver’s license number! It’s possible to save 10% or more on your auto insurance premium if you shop around and get a quotation while you’re still covered by another provider.

Liability, collision, comprehensive, PIP, and medical payments are all available as forms of traveler’s insurance. Loan/lease GAP coverage, rental reimbursement, accident forgiveness, new automobile replacement, and roadside assistance are all available as optional extras. Please be aware that this coverage is specifically for drivers in Colorado and Illinois who use ridesharing services like Uber or Lyft.

Since Travelers doesn’t provide auto coverage in the states of Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana, Michigan, South Dakota, North Dakota, or West Virginia, we didn’t include them in our rankings.

QuoteWizard

PROS
Compare online quotes from multiple top insurance providers at the same time
Users can compare other types of policies such as home, renters and life insurance

CONS
Doesn’t offer quotes, the website redirects you to lender websites
May share information you provide with lenders and other third parties

The QuoteWizard marketplace is an excellent resource for comparing auto insurance rates from many providers. In lieu of contacting each individual provider, you can quickly and easily compare pricing and types of coverage on its site.

Do note that the quotes provided are estimates as there are many factors that affect your premium and average rates, including your vehicle make and model, location and, of course, the type of coverage you want. Furthermore, you should verify the minimal liability rules in your jurisdiction and state.

Since QuoteWizard is a marketplace and not an insurance carrier, its pricing estimates do not correspond to what clients actually pay.

Spark Auto Insurance

PROS
Partners with other auto insurance companies
Requires you to enter personal information before connecting you with its provider network

CONS
Allows drivers to compare coverage from comparing multiple companies
Coverage varies by provider

On Spark Auto Insurance, consumers can shop around for car insurance from a variety of top-rated providers, including Progressive, State Farm, Liberty Mutual, Travelers, and Allstate.

All the usual suspects are represented in this group of service providers: bodily injury liability, property damage liability, collision, comprehensive, personal injury, medical payments, and underinsured motorist.

To acquire a price estimate, customers must first provide information about themselves, including their home address, vehicle make and model, and marital status.

After determining whether insurance companies have policies that fit the user’s needs, Spark displays the results. When we sought to gather price quotes for a made-up client, however, we got only one hit.

Vehicle Insurance Basics

Here, you’ll find information about the many types of auto insurance policies available and the factors that might significantly affect your regular premium payment.

We also provide an in-depth buying guide for auto insurance and outline the many ways in which this coverage may protect you.

When it comes to cars, how does insurance work?

Theft, collision, and legal liability are all risks that can be mitigated with auto insurance. Damage to other vehicles and injuries sustained by those involved are just two examples of the types of losses that are typically covered by insurance policies.

All of these policies need you to pay an initial out-of-pocket sum known as a “deductible” before the insurer begins paying its share. From two hundred and fifty dollars to two thousand dollars is a possible range. A greater deductible on your policy will result in a cheaper premium, as you will be responsible for a larger portion of the repair or replacement costs in the event of an accident.

However, most auto policies exclude coverage for personal belongings. If someone breaks into your car and takes your laptop, for instance, the insurer will cover the cost of replacing the window and any other damage to the vehicle, but not the laptop itself. That’s why having renters or homeowners insurance is so important.

The minimum liability limits of your auto insurance coverage will be set by state law. All states except New Hampshire and Virginia mandate that motorists get auto insurance or pay a fine if they are uninsured.

Specific Categories of Automobile Insurance

The seven basic parts of auto insurance are as follows:

Both property damage and physical injury responsibility are covered by liability insurance. In the case of the latter, it is used to pay for the medical bills of those who were injured due to an insured party’s negligence.
In the event of an accident caused by another driver who carries inadequate or no insurance, uninsured/underinsured motorist protection will pay for your medical care and vehicle repairs.

All-in-one insurance, or comprehensive, pays for repairs if something besides another vehicle causes damage to your vehicle (including hail, fire, floods, theft and vandalism).

In the event of an at-fault car accident, collision insurance will pay to have your vehicle repaired.
In the event that you or a passenger are hurt in a collision, medical payments coverage will pay for related medical care costs.

If you or a passenger are injured in an accident, regardless of who was at fault, your personal injury protection (PIP) policy will pay for related expenses.

When the amount you owe on your car is higher than its current market worth, guaranteed asset protection (GAP) kicks in to help cover the difference. It’s unlikely that a standard insurance coverage would pay for something like this.

Insurance riders are available for an additional premium and can provide benefits like roadside assistance, glass replacement, and rental car reimbursement.

What does a fully comprehensive auto policy include?

The term “full coverage” is used to describe car insurance policies that include not only liability but also collision and comprehensive protection. These policies reimburse policyholders for losses incurred as a result of collisions with other vehicles or their passengers, as well as third-party property damage and bodily injury.

Cost of auto insurance?

The most up-to-date report from the Auto Insurance Database Project of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) shows that the national average cost of car insurance is $1,204 per year. However, there may be wide variations in this based on numerous conditions.

There is a great deal of variation on insurance requirements and other criteria from state to state, making it difficult to make comparisons between them, as the NAIC notes explicitly.

Prematurity, driving record, and claims history are all variables that might drive up your premiums.
There are a number of criteria besides your driving record and the type of car you drive that contribute to your premium. The more the perceived risk you provide to an insurance, the higher your premium will be.

Why do premiums for auto insurance keep going up?

Your premium will depend on a number of variables, some of which are listed below.

Reduce your risk of being in an auto accident by limiting your time behind the wheel. It’s also true that the more you drive, the more claims your insurer will have to pay out, and hence the higher your premiums will be.

Your auto insurance premium will be different depending on where you call home. Vehicle theft and vandalism are more common in urban regions like New York City compared to more rural areas, therefore these places pose a greater threat.

When it comes to auto insurance, drivers under the age of 25 typically pay more than those over the age of 25 because their inexperience is viewed as a risk factor by most companies. As a result, insurance rates for teenage drivers are typically the highest because of the added danger they pose.

Statistics show that female drivers have fewer automobile accidents than male drivers do and, as a result, pay cheaper premiums.

As a general rule, insurance companies will charge married people a lower premium than unmarried people.
Transportation to and from work: Insurance companies want to know how many miles you drive annually or how far you commute each day, because drivers with longer commutes are more likely to be involved in an accident.

Lower premiums may be available from some providers if you meet their criteria for driving your car mostly for enjoyment (often less than 7,500 miles per year, or 20 miles per day).
Insurance companies typically see homeowners as a lower risk due to their greater financial stability compared to renters.

Having a high-end or sports automobile will increase your insurance premiums due to their higher replacement costs, greater susceptibility to theft, and powerful engine.

A three-year or longer increase in your payments may result from an accident or traffic penalty.
In spite of bans on the use of credit information by insurers in some states, many others still permit such use. Those with lower credit scores are more likely to file insurance claims, according to the research.

How to lower your car insurance premium

Group similar policies together

The average savings from bundling premiums is 8 percent. If you’re wanting to save money by bundling your vehicle and house insurance, you should look into one of the companies we recommend.

Raise the amount of your deductible.

The deductible is the out-of-pocket amount you must pay before your insurance company begins paying for any repairs. If you raise your deductible, you’ll pay less each month for car insurance. For those who rarely use their cars, this could be a good risk to take.

Keep your policy under constant review.

If you want to be sure you’re getting the right amount of coverage at a price you can afford, it’s a good idea to review your policy each year before renewal and again anytime there has been a change in the people who will be using your vehicle.

Apply for discounts

Companies offer discounts to policyholders that maintain a clean driving record and drive vehicles with good safety features.

Although discounts vary from one lender to the next, they often include:

Bundling policies with the same company
Insuring multiple vehicles
Taking a drivers education course
Automatic and paperless payments
A higher deductible
Maintaining continuous coverage
Safe driving
Student driver with good grades
Low annual mileage
Students away at college
Vehicle safety features

Decrease coverage for classic vehicles

If your car is 10 years old or more, you can save money on insurance by removing collision and/or comprehensive coverage. You should think about reducing collision insurance on cars you don’t drive or have in storage for the same reason.

Think about getting insurance that is contingent on how much you use it.

When determining your premium, usage-based insurance (UBI) plans factor in how you actually use your car.

Pay-per-mile insurance, for instance, can assist occasional or short-distance drivers save 20% to 40%, while pay-how-you-drive insurance can help safe drivers save up to 40%, plus a discount just for signing up.

Insurance premiums may rise if you are not a careful driver and opt for a policy that bases payments on usage data, such as your average speed, number of sharp turns, and number of hard stops.

Check out many bids/prices

Your best bet for finding a low cost on vehicle insurance without having to skimp on coverage is to acquire quotes from multiple companies. Finding the best auto insurance policy for your needs can be a breeze when you use a comparison tool.

There are a number of ways to receive insurance estimates, but the most convenient are online or over the phone. The insurance commissioner in your state may also be a good source for information on the state average for vehicle insurance costs.

You should compare not just average rates, but also discounts, coverage limitations, and deductibles. An independent insurance agent or broker can help you narrow down your options if you’re overwhelmed.

Learn more about how to save money on auto coverage by reading our breakdown of the most cost-effective online providers.

If you’re looking for further strategies to reduce your automobile insurance costs, be sure to read our article on the topic.

Learn the ins and outs of acquiring auto coverage.

You’ll need both your driver’s license and registration information while shopping for auto insurance. If your car is already covered by insurance, you’ll need to provide a copy of the declaration page from your policy.

If you want to know exactly what to look out for before signing on the dotted line, read our article on How to Buy Car Insurance.

It’s not like vehicle insurance is cheap to begin with, so why switch?

In spite of your contentment with your current policy, it is still wise to evaluate it once a year to ensure that your coverage and any applicable discounts are still appropriate. Have a look at Money’s how-to guide on auto insurance switching if you’re thinking about making the change.

Some reasons you might consider switching are:

You want to save money: it’s never a bad idea to shop around, especially since prices and your life circumstances can change.

You want to add a teen driver: Teens are expensive to insure. While including your child in your car insurance will increase your rates, some companies offer teen driver discounts available (State Farm is one such example) to help offset these increases.

You moved: A factor that affects your rate is location and your rate might be affected if you move. It’s not a bad idea to shop around to see if your provider is still the best option given where you’re living.

Your credit score improved: While some states are banning the use of credit scores to set car and home insurance rates, it is still used in many states. You may want to switch car insurance if your score has improved because you could get a lower rate as a result.

Your commute has changed: With hybrid schedules or work from home, some find themselves using their car substantially less. These drivers could now be eligible for low-mileage discounts.

New developments in auto insurance

New automobile customers are stuck making payments of $1,000 or more each month due to different circumstances like semiconductor shortages, manufacturing shutdowns, port backlogs, and other supply chain challenges. You can save a lot of money by following the advice in Money’s guide on buying a car in 2022 if you’re still in the market for a new vehicle this year.

There have been major price hikes among several automakers, so if you’re in the market for a new vehicle you might want to rethink the make and model you originally had in mind. Used cars, which conventional sense suggests would be less expensive, are also fetching above-average prices.

A new law in Washington state will prohibit insurance companies from using applicants’ credit histories when determining premiums for auto and homeowner’s policies.

All of these states have passed legislation along these lines, as have others, including Hawaii, California, Michigan, Massachusetts, and Maryland. Companies that provide insurance coverage for motorists say this will increase their customers’ monthly premiums.

As a result of the recent spike in traffic fatalities on American roadways, experts predict that auto insurance premiums will rise in 2022.

One reason why the average automobile price is approaching $50,000 is the rising popularity of electric vehicles (EVs), which are typically classified as luxury vehicles. Even while prices are still sky high, there may be some respite in sight now that the average cost of a used automobile has dropped by 4.6%.

Methods We Used to Select Premier Auto Insurers
Using data from the NAIC’s 2021 Property/Casualty Market Share report for Private Passenger Auto and J.D. Power’s 2021 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, we evaluated 23 insurance providers to determine the best ones to work with when insuring your vehicle.

According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, we only looked at firms with a low number of complaints about their private passenger coverage (NAIC).

In addition, we gave preference to national vehicle insurers with high ratings for financial stability, generous savings opportunities, technological integration (such as with telematics programs), and above-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction ratings.

Finally, we reviewed the most current report from CRASH Network, which ranks insurers according to payment methods and policy management based on input from 1,100 car collision repair experts.

For the sake of brevity, consider the following areas where we placed special emphasis:

Reliability of payments AM Best credit ratings are a good indicator of an insurance company’s reliability of payments to policyholders. When selecting an insurer, we looked for at least an A+ rating.

Automobile insurance premiums that provide coverage for anything other than basic liability may be rather pricey, so discounts are always welcome. Because of this, we prioritized selecting providers who provided flexible bundles and affordable prices.

The majority of the insurance providers we reviewed use automated systems to deliver instantaneous quotations for auto insurance and maintain a round-the-clock claims service. Car insurance providers that facilitate mobile claims filing from insureds fared better on our list.

Experiencing difficulties when filing a claim can be frustrating for customers. We picked firms with good customer satisfaction scores, as indicated by J.D. Power’s 2021 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, to assist lessen the burden.

Car Insurance FAQ

How much is car insurance a month?

Per the NAIC’s most recent Auto Insurance Database Report, the national combined average cost of car insurance is $1,204 a year, which is about $100 a month.

Keep in mind however that the cost of car insurance will ultimately depend on a number of factors such as your age, location, gender, driving experience and annual mileage.

How much car insurance do I need?

In addition to state minimums, you should get additional liability insurance for bodily injury and property damage to protect your assets in the event of an accident. The same goes for Uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance.

As for collision and comprehensive insurance, these cover the cost of damage to your car so you should focus on the deductible you want to pay. A high deductible will mean a low premium, whereas with a low deductible you’ll pay a higher premium.

How much is car insurance for a 16 year old?

As insurance premiums depend on various factors, it is hard to get reliable data on rates for 16-year old drivers. What we can say for sure is that premiums for this age group are higher than most. Since younger drivers have less experience and are statistically more likely to get into accidents, insurers will charge a higher premium.

What is liability car insurance?

Liability car insurance covers drivers in the event of an at-fault accident. In most states, this type of coverage is a requirement. Liability insurance consists of bodily injury liability and property damage liability coverage.

Bodily injury liability protects drivers if they’re at fault for an accident by covering the medical expenses of the other driver or their passengers.

Property damage liability, on the other hand, protects at-fault drivers by covering the cost of the other person’s property repairs.

What is the best car insurance company?

The best car insurance company for you will be the one that best fits your needs and budget.

That being said, Money’s top pick for the best coverage package is Amica Mutual, which also garnered the highest overall customer satisfaction rating with J.D. Power.

We also consider Progressive to have the best offerings for customizable premiums and State Farm to have the best policies for younger drivers.

What is comprehensive car insurance?

Although comprehensive auto insurance sounds like it provides coverage for everything, the truth is the name can be misleading and it is often confused with “full coverage.”

However, comprehensive insurance only covers damage to your car that results from something other than a vehicle, such as theft, damage from fire, hail or vandalism.

The best car insurance companies provide what’s called “full coverage,” which refers to the combination of collision and comprehensive coverage. Although these two policies are optional, cars with both policies are considered “fully insured.”

Best Car Insurance Companies of October 2022