CarInsurance.com Insights
- The “best” car insurance company isn’t one-size-fits-all.
- The right fit for you depends on your needs and how well they’re served by the strengths of the individual company.
- Smaller, regional and membership-based carriers can outperform national providers on value, satisfaction and loyalty.
- Travelers, Auto-Owners, Erie and GEICO stand out as some of the best car insurance companies of 2026.
- USAA is the best company for military members and their families.
Choosing the best car insurance company for you comes down to matching an insurer’s strengths to your needs and budget. That means looking at factors like price, of course, but also the company’s claims handling, customer service and corporate stability.
Our 2026 analysis is based on more than 2,000 consumer surveys, as well as pricing, complaint and financial strength data. We found that the cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive insurers can be hundreds of dollars per month, making shopping and comparing essential.
Our findings reveal a few clear leaders (like Travelers and GEICO), but they also show why the “best” insurer varies by driver.
What does the best car insurance company actually mean?
The best car insurance company is the one that can reliably pay claims, offers the coverage you need and delivers good service at a price you can afford.
To finalize our 2026 rankings, we surveyed customers on service, claims, digital experience, discounts, bundling, trust and their intent to renew. We combined those measures with AM Best financial strength ratings, NAIC complaint index scores and average premiums data to rank the best car insurance companies overall.
What are the best national car insurance companies for 2026?
The best national insurers for 2026 are Travelers, GEICO and Nationwide, followed by Progressive, Amica, State Farm, Allstate and Farmers. These companies each operate in at least 40 states nationwide.
Travelers is the top national insurer for the second year in a row, scoring 4.55 out of 5 overall in our ratings. We found that Travelers combines strong customer experience with competitive pricing and solid stability metrics.
How do regional carriers compare to national insurers in 2026?
Of course, there are plenty of smaller car insurance providers that offer exceptional service, too. These regional carriers often deliver standout customer satisfaction and value, though their availability is limited by state.
When regional companies are included alongside nationally ranked carriers in our ratings, Auto-Owners ties Travelers at 4.55 points overall. Close behind is Erie, which ties GEICO at 4.50 points. Clearly, strong regional brands can compete head-to-head with national giants.
| 2026 rank | 2025 rank | Company | Overall score | Customer survey score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (t) | 3 | Auto-Owners | 4.55 | 4.30 |
| 1 (t) | 1 | Travelers | 4.55 | 4.37 |
| 3 (t) | 2 | Erie | 4.50 | 4.50 |
| 3 (t) | 5 | GEICO | 4.50 | 4.27 |
| 5 | 7 | American Family | 4.44 | 4.27 |
| 6 | NR | Auto Club Group | 4.30 | 4.39 |
| 7 | 4 | Nationwide | 4.19 | 4.41 |
| 8 | 8 | Progressive | 4.05 | 4.15 |
| 9 | 9 | Amica | 4.02 | 4.19 |
| 10 | 6 | State Farm | 3.91 | 4.38 |
| 11 | NR | Auto Club Enterprises | 3.76 | 4.48 |
| 12 | NR | CSAA Insurance Group | 3.68 | 4.37 |
| 13 | 11 | Allstate | 3.57 | 4.35 |
| 14 | NR | Mercury | 3.56 | 4.46 |
| 15 | 10 | Farmers | 3.52 | 4.30 |
| NR | NR | USAA* | 4.53 | 4.55 |
Check which top-rated regional insurers operate in your state. Requesting a quote from carriers like these can help you find an insurance company with the right blend of service, features and price.
| Category | National insurers | Regional insurers |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Available in almost all states | Limited to select states |
| Pricing | Competitive, but can vary by state | Often cheaper where available |
| Digital tools | Strong apps and online tools | Varies by company |
| Customer satisfaction | Consistently high | Often higher than national brands |
| Brand recognition | Very high | Moderate |
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Start by identifying what matters most to you
The first step in choosing the best car insurance company is deciding on your priorities. Every driver is different, so your choice should reflect your budget, coverage needs and driver characteristics.
Which factors are most important to you?
- Cheap premiums
- Claims handling and customer service
- Digital tools and policy management
- Special rates or features for teen drivers, college students or seniors
- Discounts and savings
Once you know your top priorities, it’s much easier to determine which car insurance company will be best.
A company with a high overall rating still may not be the best choice for you if it doesn’t offer features you value or has high premiums in your ZIP code.
Financial strength is a non-negotiable
An insurer’s financial stability determines whether it can pay claims promptly, especially after major disasters or catastrophic storms. One common way to assess an insurer’s financial strength is through ratings from agencies such as AM Best.
Travelers, GEICO and USAA hold A++ (Exceptional) AM Best ratings, indicating exceptional financial strength. Allstate, Amica, Progressive and State Farm hold A+ (Superior) ratings, while Farmers and Nationwide hold A (Strong) ratings.
Choosing a company with a high financial strength rating means you’re more likely to receive a swift insurance payout if you need to file a claim.
How much does full coverage car insurance cost in 2026?
Across the 19 insurers with available rate data, we found that full coverage car insurance averages about $209 per month. However, keep in mind that premiums vary widely by company.
For example, we found that USAA offered the lowest average premium at $131 per month, while Mercury was the most expensive at $270 per month. The spread between those premiums is $139 per month or more than $1,600 per year. That’s why comparing quotes is the single most important step to finding a good rate on car insurance.
Note that USAA car insurance is limited to eligible military members, veterans and their families.
| Company | Monthly premium |
|---|---|
| USAA* | $131 |
| American Family | $159 |
| Erie | $159 |
| Auto-Owners | $171 |
| Travelers | $175 |
| GEICO | $179 |
| Auto Club Group (AAA) | $185 |
| Nationwide | $205 |
| Progressive | $223 |
| Amica | $231 |
| State Farm | $239 |
| Auto Club Enterprises (AAA) | $243 |
| CSAA Insurance Group (AAA) | $251 |
| Farmers | $257 |
| Allstate | $267 |
| Mercury | $270 |
*USAA eligibility is limited.
Which insurers are best for your specific needs in 2026?
Sometimes, it’s easier to whittle down a short list of contenders when you can focus on your specific needs or preferences. Our 2026 ratings spotlight the top first and second-place insurers in the following categories, from cheapest rates to best online experience and more.
Note that we’ve included both national and regional insurance carriers in this breakdown.
| Category | Top insurer(s) |
|---|---|
| Cheapest auto insurance | Erie, American Family |
| Best for customer satisfaction | CSAA, Erie |
| Best for ease of service | Mercury, Erie |
| Best for policy offerings | Erie, Travelers |
| Best for claims handling | Auto Club Enterprises, Erie and Auto Club Group |
| Best website/online experience | CSAA Insurance Group, Mercury |
| Best discounts | Liberty Mutual, Allstate |
| Best for young drivers and teens | Allstate, American Family |
| Best for college students | CSAA, Allstate |
| Best for senior drivers | Allstate, Auto Club Enterprises |
| Best for drivers with tickets | Allstate, Amica |
| Best for auto/home bundling | Auto Club Group, Allstate and Auto Club Enterprises |
| Highly recommended | Erie, Mercury |
| Most trustworthy | Mercury, Auto Club Enterprises |
| Most likely to renew | CSAA, Auto Club Enterprises |
How much car insurance do you need?
You need at least your state’s minimum required liability insurance, but that’s often not enough to truly protect you after an accident.
Your state may require a minimum of 15/30/10 liability coverage, which means $15,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $30,000 total and $10,000 in property damage liability. Considering the cost of hospital stays and car prices, many drivers choose much higher limits, such as 100/300/100. Higher coverage limits better protect your savings from costly lawsuits and unexpected bills.
CarInsurance.com editors recommend that most drivers purchase full coverage insurance with liability limits of 100/300/100.
You may also need or want other coverages, such as comprehensive and collision coverage, to help pay to repair or replace your own vehicle after an accident. Some auto loans or lease agreements require these coverages, so make sure to review your contracts.
Sophie’s Tip
- The best deal isn’t the one with the lowest premium; it’s the best protection you can afford if an accident becomes a financial event.
How to shop and choose the best car insurance company for you
Finding the right fit for your needs and budget is a process with several steps. Insurance pricing can vary dramatically across carriers, so getting multiple quotes is essential.
First, create a shortlist of insurance providers based on your priorities. Use our ratings to narrow down your options. Then request rate quotes from each company, ensuring coverage levels match. Compare the quotes side by side to find the insurance company with the right combination of coverage, service, features and price.
Here’s a step-by-step guide you can follow:
- Define your needs: Decide how much liability coverage you need and whether you want collision and comprehensive coverage. You may also want other optional coverages for more complete protection.
- Pick your non-negotiables: These are the must-haves that account for your preferences (agent vs. app-based customer service, for example).
- Build a shortlist: Look for the insurance providers that offer what you need and are available in your ZIP code.
- Get at least three quotes: Compare apples to apples using the same coverage limits and deductibles.
- Check value, not just price: Low premiums may not be worth it if filing a claim is a hassle. Consider the company’s reputation for complaints and customer service experience.
- Re-shop regularly: If your rates rise or your life changes (new car, teen driver, moving homes), compare again. This is the best way to keep your rates down.
Get at least three quotes from different insurers, says Mark Friedlander, senior director of media relations of the Insurance Information Institute. Prices vary greatly from one insurance company to another, so it pays to shop around and compare rates before you commit.
Average full coverage rates by state
Where you live also influences the rate you’ll pay for car insurance. Different states have different laws, and risk varies from one area to another. You could pay vastly different rates just by moving from one city or state to another.
For example, the average annual rate for full coverage car insurance is $1,689 in New Hampshire, but $3,999 in Louisiana. Below are the average annual full coverage rates for liability limits of 100/300/100.
2026 average annual full coverage rate by state
| State | Annual full coverage rate |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $2,116 |
| Alaska | $2,167 |
| Arizona | $2,420 |
| Arkansas | $2,942 |
| California | $3,444 |
| Colorado | $3,181 |
| Connecticut | $2,742 |
| Delaware | $3,157 |
| Florida | $3,916 |
| Georgia | $2,503 |
| Hawaii | $1,757 |
| Idaho | $1,901 |
| Illinois | $1,938 |
| Indiana | $1,894 |
| Iowa | $2,460 |
| Kansas | $2,496 |
| Kentucky | $2,624 |
| Louisiana | $3,999 |
| Maine | $1,808 |
| Maryland | $1,999 |
| Massachusetts | $2,429 |
| Michigan | $3,964 |
| Minnesota | $2,591 |
| Mississippi | $2,397 |
| Missouri | $2,151 |
| Montana | $2,476 |
| Nebraska | $2,095 |
| Nevada | $3,963 |
| New Hampshire | $1,689 |
| New Jersey | $3,122 |
| New Mexico | $2,577 |
| New York | $2,596 |
| North Carolina | $2,638 |
| North Dakota | $2,439 |
| Ohio | $1,783 |
| Oklahoma | $2,993 |
| Oregon | $2,048 |
| Pennsylvania | $2,327 |
| Rhode Island | $2,878 |
| South Carolina | $2,417 |
| South Dakota | $2,575 |
| Tennessee | $2,235 |
| Texas | $3,106 |
| Utah | $2,356 |
| Vermont | $1,660 |
| Virginia | $1,835 |
| Washington | $2,389 |
| Washington, D.C. | $3,465 |
| West Virginia | $2,415 |
| Wisconsin | $2,343 |
| Wyoming | $2,061 |
Final thoughts: How to use these rankings the right way
There’s no single perfect insurer for every driver. In 2026, rising premiums, declining scores for customer satisfaction and weaker discounts make it even more important to compare quotes.
Use the 2026 rankings to create a shortlist of options, then shop several insurers available in your state to find the best combination of cost, coverage and service for you.
Frequently Asked Questions: How to choose the best auto insurance company in 2026
What is the best auto insurance company in 2026?
Travelers is the top national auto insurance company in our 2026 ranking with an overall score of 4.55 out of 5, reflecting strong performance across customer experience, price, financial strength and complaint data.
Who has the cheapest auto insurance rates in 2026?
USAA is the cheapest at $131 per month for full coverage in the dataset, but eligibility is limited to the military community.
Among insurers available to all consumers, American Family and Erie are the most affordable, with average monthly rates of $159, followed by Auto-Owners and Travelers.
Which auto insurance companies have the highest customer satisfaction?
Erie and CSAA Insurance Group share the top customer satisfaction result at 92%, with USAA and Auto Club Enterprises close behind at 90%, indicating that regional and membership-based carriers can outperform large national carriers in this category.
Which insurer offers the best claims handling?
USAA and Auto Club Enterprises earned the highest claims handling scores at 87%, followed by Erie and Auto Club Group at 84%. Travelers and American Family also scored above average.
How much does full coverage car insurance cost on average in 2026?
Across the 19 companies with rate data, full coverage averages about $209 per month. However, the spread between the cheapest and most expensive insurers is more than $100 monthly, which is why shopping for multiple quotes matters.
Why wasn’t USAA ranked with other national companies?
USAA scored extremely well, but its products are limited to military members, veterans and eligible families. Because it isn’t available to the general public, USAA is listed as a top performer but not ranked against widely available insurers.
How should I use these rankings when I shop for car insurance?
Use rankings to build a short list of options that matches your priorities (such as cheap rates or exceptional claims handling). Then, request at least three quotes with the same limits and deductibles from a mix of national and regional insurers available in your state.
Compare prices, discounts and service features side by side and look for the insurer that offers the best value.
Methodology: How we ranked the best auto insurers for 2026
CarInsurance.com’s rankings are based on a mix of real customer feedback and independent third-party data to help drivers compare auto insurers with confidence.
We used results from a 2025 national survey of over 2,000 auto insurance customers, conducted by research firm Dynata. Respondents rated their insurer across several key factors, including customer satisfaction, claims handling, digital experience, discounts, policy options, bundling and overall trust. They also shared whether they planned to renew or recommend their provider.
For insurers with enough survey responses, we added objective performance data, including:
- AM Best financial strength ratings (claims-paying ability)
- NAIC complaint index scores (frequency of complaints vs. company size)
- Average premium estimates from Quadrant Information Services, based on a standardized driver profile: a 40-year-old with good credit, clean driving history and full coverage on a Honda Accord LX
Together, these inputs offer a balanced perspective on each company’s pricing, service and reliability.
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