The size of an insurance company can impact your experience. Larger companies have more resources, meaning a smoother experience for policyholders. However, the larger volume of policies can also lead to customer service issues.
This guide explores the biggest private auto insurance companies.
- Large auto insurance companies tend to have more resources than smaller companies.
- But large auto insurance companies aren’t always better.
- Some of the largest insurance companies include Allstate, Geico, Progressive, and State Farm.
Why the biggest auto insurers matter, but aren’t always the best
State Farm, Progressive, Allstate and Geico, the four biggest insurers, are easily recognized. However, making great commercials and writing a lot of policies doesn’t always mean the company is the best fit for you.
In terms of customer satisfaction rates, smaller insurance companies consistently outperform these large companies. A smaller insurer might better fit people looking for low rates and top-tier customer service.
What is auto liability insurance and why does it matter?
In most states, drivers must carry a minimum amount of auto liability insurance. This includes liability coverage for third-party bodily injury and property damage claims. It kicks in after you cause damage or injuries in an accident to help pay for covered damages.
Without auto liability insurance, you’ll be on the hook for the damages you cause to another vehicle or driver. With liability insurance, you’ll share this cost with your insurance company after a covered event.
The largest private auto liability insurers in 2025
Within the auto insurance industry, some companies are significantly larger than others. Even within the top 15 largest auto liability insurers, you’ll find significant differences in market share. For example, according to annual data released in March by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), State Farm boasts 18.87% market share while Sentry has less than a 1% share.
The big four carriers – State Farm, Progressive, Geico, and Allstate – all have at least a 10% share; together, they control about 57% of the market. USAA, which serves the military community, has 6.16% of the market share, while Farmers and Liberty Mutual have a little less than 4%. The other carriers in the top 15 each have less than a 2% market share.
The table below shows how the top 15 private auto liability insurers rank by size in 2025.
| Rank | Company | Market Share | Direct Premiums Written |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | State Farm | 18.87% | $67.8 billion |
| 2 | Progressive | 16.72% | $60.1 billion |
| 3 | Geico | 11.63% | $41.8 billion |
| 4 | Allstate | 10.19% | $36.6 billion |
| 5 | Farmers | 3.76% | $13.5 billion |
| 6 | Liberty Mutual | 3.27% | $11.7 billion |
| 7 | Travelers | 2.00% | $7.2 billion |
| 8 | Auto Club Enterprises (AAA) | 1.80% | $6.5 billion |
| 9 | American Family | 1.72% | $6.2 billion |
| 10 | Auto-Owners | 1.44% | $5.2 billion |
| 11 | Erie | 1.39% | $5.0 billion |
| 12 | Nationwide | 1.34% | $4.8 billion |
| 13 | CSAA Insurance Group (AAA) | 1.33% | $4.8 billion |
| 14 | Mercury | 0.94% | $3.4 billion |
| 15 | Sentry | 0.86% | $3.1 billion |
| * | USAA | 6.16% | $22.1 billion |
*USAA isn’t included in the ranking because it’s only available to military community members and their families.
How the biggest insurers compare on service and satisfaction
Big insurance companies often have more brand recognition, which draws more people to their company. A larger company doesn’t necessarily mean high customer satisfaction and trust rates. However, many do boast relatively high levels of customer satisfaction.
For example, State Farm holds the largest market share and has an above-average customer satisfaction rating in the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study of 710, compared to the average of 697.
The J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study evaluates the customer experience across eight key areas, ranked by importance: trust, fairness of settlement, time to settle the claim, interactions with people, communication, ease of resolving the claim, ease of starting the claim and use of digital channels.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Complaint Index measures how often consumers file complaints against insurers relative to their size. A score of 1.0 represents the industry average: Scores above 1.0 mean more complaints than expected, while scores below indicate fewer complaints and stronger performance.
AM Best’s scoring system evaluates an insurer’s financial strength and ability to meet its obligations, using ratings from A++ (Superior) to C (Weak). Insurers rated A++ or A+ are considered the most financially stable, while A or A-minus indicate excellent strength. B++ and B+ reflect good stability, though slightly more risk. B and B-minus suggest fair strength with more vulnerability to financial stress, and a C rating indicates a weak ability to meet financial commitments. These ratings help consumers assess an insurer’s reliability.
Below, see how the biggest insurers compare among various scoring systems.
| Company | J.D. Power rating | NAIC rating | AM best rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm | 710 | 0.79 | A++ |
| Progressive | 672 | 0.71 | A+ |
| Geico | 692 | 0.69 | A++ |
| Allstate | 691 | 1.10 | A+ |
| Farmers | 706 | 0.86 | A |
| Liberty Mutual | 717 | 2.86 | A |
| Travelers | 684 | 0.52 | A++ |
| Auto Club Enterprises (AAA) | 706 | 1.16 | A+ |
| American Family | 692 | 0.33 | A |
| Auto-Owners | 692 | 0.54 | A+ |
| Erie | 733 | 0.89 | A+ |
| Nationwide | 728 | 0.63 | A |
| CSAA Insurance Group (AAA) | 704 | 1.05 | A- |
| Mercury | 663 | 1.41 | A |
| Sentry | N/A | 1.76 | A+ |
| USAA | 726 | 1.178 | A++ |
*USAA isn’t included in the ranking because it’s only available to military community members and their families.
Do the top insurers vary by state?
While most large insurers have a nationwide presence, not every company services every state. Therefore, the largest insurers vary by state.
For example, Erie Insurance has earned top-tier customer service ratings across multiple surveys. The company only does business in 12 states. But for drivers in those states, it’s likely a top insurer to consider. It has been a top insurer on our list of the Best Car Insurance Companies for several years.
In contrast, some insurers, like State Farm, operate in every state. However, whether or not a large insurer makes sense for a particular driver depends on their vehicle, driving record, state, ZIP code, coverage and age, among other factors.
AAA has several affiliates that vary by state, such as the Auto Club of Southern California. And some states have Farm Bureau insurance companies, which can be a good option. Military community members can consider USAA.
A discount could be available through existing memberships or professional organizations, so make sure to ask your insurer about discounts you qualify for.
Are bigger insurers more affordable?
Big insurance companies aren’t necessarily cheaper. In many situations, smaller insurance companies offer better rates to their drivers than larger insurers. But exact rates vary based on your unique situation.
“Size does matter,” says Rajni Kapur, CEO at All Solutions Insurance. “Larger insurance companies often have more resources, broader coverage options, advanced technology and established claims-handling processes. They may also offer more competitive rates due to economies of scale, whereas smaller or mid-sized insurers can provide more personalized service, quicker response times and greater flexibility in tailoring coverage to individual needs.”
Shopping around can help you find the best rates for your situation across both large and small insurers.
Which top insurers are best for claims service?
According to the J.D. Power study, the best auto insurance companies for claims satisfaction are (these scores are all above the study average of 697):
- Amica: 746
- Erie: 733
- Nationwide: 728
- USAA: 726
- Liberty Mutual: 717
- State Farm: 710
- Auto Club of Southern California (AAA): 706
- Farmers: 706
- CSAA Insurance Group (AAA): 704
- The Hartford: 701
Size vs. satisfaction: What drivers should consider
On CarInsurance.com, we help you make smart, confident decisions when choosing a car insurance company by breaking down complex information into clear, easy-to-understand guidance.
You can compare insurers side by side, explore expert-reviewed rankings, get real-world rate data and use tools tailored to your needs all in one place. Whether you’re shopping for lower rates, better service or the right coverage, we have the insights you need to choose the best fit for your life and budget.
Here are a few ways to get started:
- How much car insurance do I need?
- Car insurance estimator: Use our calculator to estimate your car insurance cost in 2025
- Cheapest car insurance companies in 2025
- Best car insurance companies in 2025
How to compare insurers with clarity and confidence
When deciding on the right insurance policy for you, use the following strategies to help you evaluate your options with confidence:
- Compare customer satisfaction ratings. Take a look at a company’s customer satisfaction ratings to determine what policyholders generally think of the company. If there are too many complaints, then consider looking for a different option.
- Shop around for rates. Compare quotes across multiple insurance companies to determine the best rates for your situation.
As you explore your options, look for an insurer that balances affordable rates, customer satisfaction ratings, and financial strength.
“The key is finding a company — regardless of size — with a solid financial rating, low complaint index, good customer service reputation and a product that fits your unique situation,” Kapur says.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
- J.D. Power “2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study,” Accessed May 2025.
- J.D. Power “2024 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study,” Accessed May 2025.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners. “NAIC Releases 2024 Market Share Data.” Accessed May 2025.
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