How we make this list: we compare pricing pages, product documentation and public user reviews. Ratings come from G2, Capterra or Trustpilot, with the date we checked them.
Key takeaways
- State Farm is the best choice for drivers who want a local agent, while GEICO and Progressive suit drivers who want to buy and manage a policy online.
- USAA offers strong service and savings, but only for military members, veterans, and eligible family, so most drivers cannot buy it.
- Telematics programs such as Drive Safe and Save, Snapshot, Drivewise, RightTrack, SafePilot, and SmartRide can lower premiums for safe drivers, but they also track driving behavior.
- There is no single list price for auto insurance. Quotes vary by state, age, driving record, vehicle, and coverage limits, so compare identical coverage across companies before choosing.
Quick comparison
| Tool | Best for | Starting price | Free plan |
|---|
 State Farm | Local agent service and bundling | See website | No |
 GEICO | Direct and digital buying at a competitive price | See website | No |
 Progressive | Online quotes and Snapshot telematics | See website | No |
 USAA | Military members, veterans, and eligible family | See website | No |
 Allstate | Agent and app support with Drivewise | See website | No |
 Liberty Mutual | Bundling and online buying with RightTrack | See website | No |
 Nationwide | Member-owned service with SmartRide | See website | No |
 American Family | Bundling and agent support in the Midwest and beyond | See website | No |
Is your product missing or out of date?
We review this list regularly. Vendors can request a listing, send updated pricing or ask about featured placement.
The best auto insurance companies for different drivers
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
State Farm has served drivers since 1922, and its network of about 19,000 agents remains its main advantage. A dedicated agent can explain coverage limits, help after a crash, and review discounts in person or by phone, which suits drivers who want a named contact rather than a call center. The State Farm app covers payments, ID cards, policy changes, and claims tracking, so day-to-day tasks do not require an office visit. Bundling home and auto policies can also lower the total premium, and the company reports large average savings for new customers who bundle.
The agent model is also a trade-off for buyers who want to complete everything online in minutes, since some steps still run through an agent. Premiums vary by state, vehicle, and driving record, so State Farm may be the cheapest quote in one state and mid-priced in another. Drive Safe and Save rewards safe driving, but availability and discount size vary by state, and some states cap the discount. For drivers who value a local relationship and a large support network, State Farm is the strongest pick here. This is not financial advice, and coverage choices should match your state requirements, loan or lease terms, and personal risk tolerance.
What we like- Largest agent network in this guide
- Drive Safe and Save telematics program
- Strong bundling discounts
Watch out for- Quotes vary widely by state
- Online-only buyers may find the agent model slower
- Telematics discount is not available in every state
#2
GEICO
Best for: Direct and digital buying at a competitive price
Visit geico.com
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
GEICO is built for drivers who want to buy, manage, and claim online without visiting an office. Quotes take minutes, the mobile app covers ID cards, payments, claims, and roadside help, and support is available around the clock by phone and chat. Discounts cover safe driving, good students, military service, federal employees, multi-vehicle households, and safety features, which helps explain why GEICO often appears near the top of price comparisons for clean-record drivers.
The direct model means there is no local agent to visit, which some drivers miss after a serious crash or a complex claim. GEICO also sells through its own channels rather than independent agents, so you cannot compare GEICO beside rivals through a single broker. Premiums still vary by state and driver profile, so GEICO is not the cheapest option for everyone. For digital-first drivers who want a fast quote and a strong app, GEICO is one of the best places to start.
What we like- Fast online quotes and claims
- Strong mobile app
- Many discounts for safe drivers, students, and military members
Watch out for- No local agent network
- Some drivers prefer in-person help
- Telematics savings vary by state
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Progressive, founded in 1937, is one of the largest auto insurers in the US and one of the most transparent about pricing online. The Name Your Price tool builds a policy around a monthly budget and shows which coverages fit that budget, which helps buyers understand trade-offs rather than guessing. Snapshot, the telematics program, tracks driving habits through a phone app or a plug-in device and can lower premiums for safe drivers, while the Progressive app covers quotes, payments, ID cards, and claims.
Service ratings for Progressive are mixed in public reviews, with some drivers praising fast claims and others reporting slower handling on complex cases. Snapshot also requires sharing driving data, and drivers who brake hard or drive late at night may see less benefit. State rules limit some discounts, so the quote you see online may differ from the final premium after underwriting. For drivers who want to shape a policy around a budget and are open to telematics, Progressive is a strong and flexible choice.
What we like- Name Your Price tool
- Snapshot usage-based program
- Strong online comparison and claims tools
Watch out for- Customer service ratings vary
- Snapshot tracking may not suit every driver
- Some discounts are state-limited
#4
USAA
Best for: Military members, veterans, and eligible family
Visit usaa.com
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
USAA serves only the military community, and that focus shows in its service. Eligible members include current military members, veterans who served honorably, National Guard and Reserve members, contracted cadets and midshipmen, eligible officer candidates, and spouses and children of members. Once a member joins, membership can be shared with a spouse, children, and then grandchildren. USAA reports that members who switched to USAA auto insurance saved $960 a year on average, and bundling home and auto can save up to 10 percent on the home premium in listings.
SafePilot rewards safe driving through a phone app, and the USAA app covers ID cards, claims, payments, and roadside help. The main limit is absolute: if you are not eligible, you cannot buy a USAA policy, no matter how attractive the price looks. Some specialty products are also sold through partner agencies rather than directly by USAA. For eligible military households, USAA belongs at the top of any quote comparison. For everyone else, the other companies here are the realistic options.
What we like- Strong service ratings
- SafePilot telematics program
- Bundling savings on home and auto
Watch out for- Eligibility is restricted to military community
- No access for civilians
- Some products are sold through partner agencies
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Allstate combines a large agent network with a strong app, which suits drivers who want both human help and digital tools. Drivewise tracks driving behavior and can earn rewards or discounts for safe driving, while accident forgiveness prevents a first at-fault accident from raising rates on qualifying policies. New car replacement covers a totaled new car with a comparable new model rather than a depreciated value, subject to policy terms. The Allstate app also covers gas savings, crash detection, policy management, and claims.
Allstate reports that drivers switching to Allstate saved $900 on average, but that figure reflects new customers who reported savings, not a guaranteed price for every driver. Premiums can run higher than GEICO or Progressive for some profiles, and Drivewise and accident forgiveness are not available in every state. For drivers who want an agent, a polished app, and strong add-on protections, Allstate is a solid and well-known choice.
What we like- Drivewise telematics program
- Accident forgiveness options
- New car replacement on qualifying policies
Watch out for- Premiums can be higher than direct rivals for some profiles
- Telematics and forgiveness availability vary by state
- Online quote flow can feel long
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Liberty Mutual, founded in 1912, sells auto, home, renters, and pet insurance online, by phone, and through independent agents. RightTrack tracks driving through a phone app or a device and can lower premiums for safe drivers, while accident forgiveness and new car replacement are available on qualifying policies. Bundling car and home insurance online can save more than $950 a year on average in company listings, though actual savings vary by state and coverage. Claims and service support are available around the clock through the website and app.
Public reviews of Liberty Mutual are mixed, with some drivers praising fast online buying and others reporting slower claims handling. Bundling savings also depend on how and where you buy, so an online quote may differ from an agent quote for the same coverage. For drivers who want to bundle, try telematics, and buy online without a local agent requirement, Liberty Mutual is a practical option to include in a quote round.
What we like- RightTrack telematics program
- Accident forgiveness
- Online purchase in minutes for many drivers
Watch out for- Service ratings are mixed in public reviews
- Bundling savings depend on state and purchase channel
- Telematics discount varies
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Nationwide began as a small mutual auto insurer for Ohio farmers and is now a Fortune 100 company owned by its members rather than outside shareholders. SmartRide tracks driving behavior and can earn a discount for safe driving, while the vanishing deductible reduces your deductible by a set amount for each year of safe driving, subject to policy terms. The Nationwide app covers payments, policy documents, ID cards, and claims, and support is available around the clock. Gap coverage, roadside help, and rental reimbursement are available as add-ons.
Nationwide auto insurance availability and purchase channels vary by state, so some drivers will need to buy through an agent rather than online. Service ratings are also mixed in public reviews, and bundling savings depend on state, coverage choices, and rating factors. For drivers who like the mutual model and want telematics plus a vanishing deductible, Nationwide is worth a quote, especially if you already hold a Nationwide home or life policy.
What we like- SmartRide telematics program
- Vanishing deductible
- Mutual company structure
Watch out for- Auto insurance is not sold in every state through every channel
- Service ratings vary
- Bundling savings depend on coverage and state
#8
American Family
Best for: Bundling and agent support in the Midwest and beyond
Visit amfam.com
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
American Family Insurance, a mutual insurer founded in 1927, serves more than 12 million customers through agents and online channels. Bundling home and auto policies can save up to 40 percent on both policies together in company listings, with discounts including multi-policy, autopay, paperless, and DriveMyWay telematics. The MyAmFam app covers payments, ID cards, claims, and policy management, and drivers can get a quote online or work with a licensed agent for no-pressure advice and pricing.
Availability is the main limit, since American Family does not sell auto insurance in every state, and some discounts apply only to certain coverages or purchase channels. Premiums also vary widely by driver profile, so a strong bundling discount does not guarantee the lowest auto-only price. For drivers in states where American Family operates, especially those who can bundle home and auto and want agent support, it deserves a place in the quote comparison.
What we like- Bundling home and auto can save up to 40 percent in company listings
- DriveMyWay telematics program
- Strong digital shopping experience
Watch out for- Availability is limited by state
- Telematics and discount availability vary
- Premiums vary widely by profile
How we chose
We compared vendor product pages, official company pages, discount and telematics program pages, and public reviews on sites such as G2, Capterra, and Reddit, then checked each homepage to confirm it belonged to the company named. Auto insurance has no list price, so we used "See website" for every starting price rather than copying an average premium that would not apply to most readers. Averages from price comparison sites vary widely by driver age, state, vehicle, and coverage, and quoting one figure as a price would mislead more than it helps. We did not claim hands-on testing, and we favored companies with a clear purchase path, transparent discount programs, and telematics options that match different driving styles.
Getting quotes that actually compare
Get quotes from at least three companies on the same day, with identical liability limits, deductibles, and add-ons, so the price difference reflects the company rather than the coverage. Check your state minimums first, then consider higher liability limits if you own assets worth protecting or drive a financed or leased car. Raise or lower your deductible deliberately, since a higher deductible lowers the premium but raises what you pay after a crash. Finally, ask each insurer which discounts you qualify for, including bundling, safe driving, good student, military, and safety features, because discounts are often missed on a first quote.
Read the policy before you buy
Check whether accident forgiveness, new car replacement, gap coverage, and rental reimbursement are included or optional, and note any state exclusions. Telematics programs should state clearly what data is collected, how long it is kept, and whether it can raise your premium as well as lower it. If a term is unclear, ask the agent or support team to explain it in writing before you pay. This is not financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
Which auto insurance company is cheapest?
There is no single cheapest company, because premiums depend on your state, age, driving record, vehicle, coverage limits, and discounts. GEICO and Progressive often quote lowest for clean-record drivers who buy online, while State Farm and American Family can be cheapest when bundling. Get at least three quotes with identical coverage to find your cheapest option.
How much auto insurance do I need?
You need at least your state minimum liability coverage, but minimums are often too low to cover a serious crash. Drivers with assets, a financed car, or a lease usually need higher liability limits plus collision and comprehensive coverage. An agent or a licensed broker can help you weigh limits against your budget, but the final choice should reflect your risk tolerance and loan terms.
Does a telematics program raise my premium?
Most telematics programs in this guide are marketed as discount programs, but terms vary by company and state, and some programs can affect renewal pricing based on driving data. Read the program terms before enrolling, check what data is collected, and ask whether poor scores can raise your rate. If you are unsure, choose a company without telematics for your first quote.
Can I switch auto insurance companies mid-policy?
Yes, you can usually switch at any time, and most insurers refund the unused premium, subject to state rules and any cancellation fee. Start the new policy before canceling the old one to avoid a coverage gap, which can raise future premiums. Notify your lender or lease company if you change insurers on a financed or leased car.
Is USAA available to civilians?
No. USAA membership is limited to current military members, veterans who served honorably, National Guard and Reserve members, contracted cadets and midshipmen, eligible officer candidates, and their spouses and children. Civilians without an eligible family link cannot join, even if they work for a military contractor or a government agency.
What discounts should I ask about?
Ask about bundling, safe driving, telematics, good student, military, multi-vehicle, autopay, paperless, safety features, and loyalty discounts. Discount names, amounts, and availability vary by state and company, so list your situation in full, including student status, military service, home ownership, and vehicle safety features, when you request a quote.
Sources we checked (8)
- https://www.statefarm.com
- https://www.geico.com
- https://www.progressive.com
- https://www.usaa.com
- https://www.allstate.com
- https://libertymutual.com/
- https://www.nationwide.com
- https://www.amfam.com/
Is your product missing or out of date?
We review this list regularly. Vendors can request a listing, send updated pricing or ask about featured placement.
Shihab Mia · Founder, Rankite
Shihab has 5+ years in B2B and SaaS SEO. He writes Rankite's software buying guides from pricing pages, documentation and public user reviews. More about Shihab.