CNBC Select’s Top Car Insurance Companies of 2025

Car insurance is a significant expense for many Americans. In March 2025, a full coverage policy averaged $2,678 annually, up from about $2,500 in 2024. However, selecting the right insurer can result in hundreds of dollars saved annually, along with a lower deductible and potential discounts.

CNBC Select has compiled a list of the top car insurance companies, considering factors such as affordability, customer satisfaction, and other categories. (See our methodology for more information.)

Average rates are derived from Bankrate’s analysis of data from Quadrant Information Services.

Best Car Insurance Companies

Best for affordability: Travelers

Best for availability: Geico

Best for high-risk drivers: Dairyland

Best for customer satisfaction: Erie Insurance

Best for seniors: Nationwide

Best for liability insurance: Auto-Owners

Best for claims filing: State Farm

Best for bundling: American Family

Best for accident forgiveness: Progressive

Best for military members and veterans: USAA

Best for Affordability: Travelers

Travelers Auto Insurance

• Cost: The best method to estimate your costs is to request a quote.
• App available: Yes
• Policy highlights: Travelers’ auto insurance policies are affordable and backed by the sixth-largest company for car insurance based on market share, according to the NAIC. The company offers numerous discounts, including those for bundling, owning a hybrid or electric car, and good student discounts.
• Pros: Sixth-largest auto insurer in the U.S. based on market share; many discounts available; low average prices compared to other companies we reviewed.
• Cons: Not all discounts are available in every state; not available in all states; below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction score.
• Who is this for?: If you are budget-conscious, Travelers can provide rates that are nearly half the national average. You can reduce your bill further with discounts for bundling, safe drivers, good students, being a loyal customer, owning your home, and even driving an electric or hybrid vehicle.
• Standout benefits: Travelers offers gap insurance, which some competitors do not. Additionally, enrolling in Travelers’ IntelliDrive telematics program may save you up to 30% if you practice safe driving habits.
• Average rate for full coverage: $2,120 per year.

Best for Availability: Geico

Geico Auto Insurance

• Cost: Request a quote to estimate your costs.
• App available: Yes
• Policy highlights: Geico auto coverage is available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. It offers 16 discounts and a variety of optional add-ons, such as emergency roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and mechanical breakdown insurance. Terms apply.
• Pros: Low average rates; can buy and manage policies online; available nationwide.
• Cons: No gap insurance or rideshare insurance; fewer branches for in-person services; pay-per-mile car insurance is not available.
• Who is this for?: Geico is the second-largest writer of private auto insurance in the U.S., issuing policies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. There is an easy-to-use online interface, as well as over 300 independent offices nationwide for in-person assistance.
• Standout benefits: Geico offers mechanical breakdown insurance, which covers repairs to parts after a manufacturer’s warranty expires.
• Average rate for full coverage: $2,171 per year.

Best for High-Risk Drivers: Dairyland

Dairyland Auto Insurance

• Cost: Request a quote to estimate your costs.
• App available: Yes
• Policy highlights: Founded in 1953, Dairyland provides auto insurance in 38 states and specializes in high-risk drivers. Offerings include non-owner car insurance policies, coverage for motorcycles and off-road vehicles, and limited Mexico coverage on all California policies.
• Pros: Insures high-risk drivers; offers coverage for motorcycles and off-road vehicles; offers limited Mexico coverage with California policies; lower volume of complaints.
• Cons: Not available in all 50 states; higher-than-average rates; limited number of discounts.
• Who is this for?: Dairyland specializes in non-standard auto insurance for high-risk drivers, which includes those with multiple accidents, DUIs, or bad credit.
• Standout benefits: Dairyland provides non-owner coverage and issues SR-22 certificates. In addition, all California policies come with limited coverage for travel in Mexico.
• Average rate for full coverage: Not available.

Best for Customer Satisfaction: Erie Insurance

Erie Auto Insurance

• Cost: The best method to estimate your costs is to request a quote.
• App available: Yes
• Policy highlights: Erie offers full and minimum coverage auto insurance, with accident forgiveness and coverage for pets included with comprehensive or collision policies. Erie Auto Plus includes increased coverage limits, a diminishing deductible, and a death benefit of up to $10,000. Other add-ons include roadside assistance, rate lock, and rideshare insurance. Terms apply.
• Pros: Affordable premiums; high customer satisfaction scores from J.D. Power; quotes are available online.
• Cons: Only available in 12 states and Washington, D.C.; cannot buy a policy online; fewer discounts than competitors.
• Who is this for?: Erie is a great choice for drivers who prioritize good service: It topped J.D. Power’s 2024 customer satisfaction survey in several regions and came in second for satisfaction with the claims process.
• Standout benefits: Erie’s Rate Lock® option can keep your premiums from rising, as long as you do not make a change to your policy, even if you file a claim.
• Average rate for full coverage: $2,191 a year.

Best for Seniors: Nationwide

Nationwide Auto Insurance

• Cost: Request a quote to estimate your costs.
• App available: Yes
• Policy highlights: Nationwide offers near-nationwide availability and personalized services, such as On Your Side® Review, a free annual insurance evaluation to ensure you have adequate protection and are taking advantage of any discounts available to you. Terms apply.
• Pros: Available in 46 states and the District of Columbia; lowest average premiums for full coverage; quotes are available online.
• Cons: High average premium for minimum coverage; not available in all states; lower-than-average scores from J.D. Power’s customer satisfaction survey.
• Who is this for?: Older drivers pay more for insurance, but Nationwide has some of the lowest rates on the market for seniors. If you’re over 55, you can save an additional 5% for completing an approved defensive driving course.
• Standout benefits: SmartMiles, Nationwide’s pay-per-mile program, offers a low, flat rate and a per-mile fee instead of annual premiums. If you are retired, work from home, or don’t drive much, Nationwide claims you can save an average of $320 a year.
• Average rate for full coverage: $2,016 a year.

Best for Liability Insurance: Auto-Owners

Auto-Owners Insurance

• Cost: Obtain a quote to estimate your costs.
• App available: Yes
• Policy highlights: Auto-Owners provides affordable premiums with high customer satisfaction ratings. There are 12 different types of discounts available, along with various other types of insurance besides auto. Terms apply.
• Pros: Offers at-fault accident forgiveness as an add-on; high customer satisfaction scores from J.D. Power; low NAIC complaint index score.
• Cons: Only available in 26 states; quotes must be obtained through an agent; claims must be filed through an agent.
• Who is this for?: Auto-Owners is one of the least expensive options for liability insurance, which covers someone else’s injuries or property damage and is the minimum amount of coverage required in most states to legally drive.
• Standout benefits: Auto-Owners offers accident forgiveness and useful add-ons like gap insurance and additional expense coverage. We also named Auto-Owners one of the best insurers for young drivers and seniors.
• Average rate for full coverage: $1,808 a year.

Best for Claims Filing: State Farm

State Farm Auto Insurance

• Cost: Contact State Farm for a quote to estimate your costs.
• App available: Yes
• Policy highlights: State Farm is the largest auto insurer in the U.S. and has an excellent customer satisfaction reputation. They offer over a dozen discounts, including discounts for safe driving, bundling, and good students. Terms apply.
• Pros: High customer satisfaction ratings; available in most states; affordable rates for teen drivers.
• Cons: Doesn’t offer gap insurance; accident forgiveness requires nine years without an at-fault accident.
• Who is this for?: State Farm has a superior track record for claims filing, ranking well above average on J.D. Power’s Auto Claims Satisfaction Study for the past four years. Customers can file or check on a claim online, through the easy-to-use mobile app, or by calling a State Farm representative 24/7.
• Standout benefits: If you have more than one car in your household, State Farm’s multi-vehicle discount can save as much as 20%.
• Average rate for full coverage: $2,846 a year.

Best for Bundling: American Family

American Family Auto Insurance

• Cost: Request a quote to estimate your costs.

• Policy highlights: American Family provides affordable car insurance with more than a dozen discounts to lower your premium. While not available nationwide, American Family offers quotes online or through an agent, depending on your preference.

• App available: Yes

• Pros: Low NAIC complaint index; offers gap coverage; more than 15 total discounts available; ability to bundle home and auto insurance for a discount up to 23%.

• Cons: Only available in 19 states; low customer review BBB rating; slightly higher prices than some car insurance competitors.

• Who is this for?: You can save as much as 23% on your premiums by bundling American Family auto and home insurance, is one of the largest multi-policy discounts we have seen.

• Standout benefits: American Family has a number of other discounts, including for getting a quote early, paying your premium in full, and volunteering in your community. Practicing safe driving habits can save you up to 20%.

• Average rate for full coverage: $2,825 per year.

Best for Accident Forgiveness: Progressive

Progressive Auto Insurance

• Cost: You can request a quote to estimate your costs.
• Accident forgiveness: Yes
• Policy highlights: Progressive offers a variety of riders, including rideshare insurance and a Deductible Savings Bank that deducts $50 from your deductible each policy period you go without a claim. Terms apply.
• Pros: Available in all 50 states; low rates for drivers with DUIs; non-owner car insurance and SR-22 certificates are available; offers vanishing deductible as well as accident forgiveness.
• Cons: Below-average customer satisfaction ratings from J.D. Power; above-average number of complaints; Snapshot safe-driving discount program could result in rates going up.
• Who is this for?: Progressive has three tiers of accident forgiveness: In most states, your first claim of $500 or less won’t impact your rates. If you remain accident-free for five years, even a larger accident won’t raise your premiums. For added security, you can also purchase an accident forgiveness benefit when you enroll or renew and get one accident per policy period forgiven, regardless of size.
• Standout benefits: Progressive will deduct $100 from your deductible (up to $500) for each policy period you go without an accident or violation. You can also add up to $5,000 in coverage to fix or replace custom accessories.
• Average rate for full coverage: $2,385 per year.

Best for Military Members and Veterans: USAA

USAA Auto Insurance

• Cost: Request a quote to estimate your costs.
• App available: Yes
• Policy highlights: USAA auto insurance is available to service members, veterans, and their families in all 50 states and Washington D.C. In addition to low rates, USAA offers discounts if you are deployed or store your vehicle on base. Terms apply.
• Pros: Cheapest insurer for liability-only coverage; stellar customer satisfaction scores; track record of financial strength; available in all 50 states.
• Cons: Limited to military families and veterans; no brick-and-mortar offices; customer service is not available 24/7; safe-driver discount not available in every state.
• Who is this for?: USAA’s auto insurance is available exclusively to current and former service members and their families, with discounts available if you store your vehicle on-base or are deployed and not driving your car.
• Standout benefits: Customers who bundle home and auto with USAA may save up to 15%. Additional discounts are available for having a new car, for taking over your parent’s policy, and for remaining a customer for at least three years.
• Average rate for full coverage: $2,059 per year.

How Car Insurance Works

Car insurance can cover damages, theft, and bodily injury depending on your policy. Policyholders pay premiums on a monthly or biannual basis and are usually reimbursed for repairs or other bills related to covered collisions or other incidents. You must file a claim with your insurance company to receive reimbursement. Filing a claim can lead to higher premiums, so it’s crucial to proceed cautiously. Insurers typically offer lower rates and discounts to drivers with clean records, as they are considered less likely to file future claims.

Types of Car Insurance

There are primarily five types of car insurance coverage. You are required to have liability insurance to drive in most states, but many also include collision and comprehensive coverage — the three combined are referred to as “full coverage.”

• Liability coverage: Provides coverage for property damage and bodily injury when you are found responsible for a collision. It is required in the majority of the country, although the amount varies by state.
• Collision coverage: Pays for repairs resulting from impact with an object, like a house or mailbox, rather than another vehicle.
• Comprehensive coverage: Offers protection in the event of damages caused by non-vehicular incidents, such as theft, vandalism, or weather-related damage.
• Personal injury protection: Pays for medical expenses and lost income following an accident.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: Takes effect if you are involved in an accident with another driver who has no insurance or limited coverage.

How Much is Car Insurance?

In March 2025, the average cost of car insurance was $2,678 annually for full coverage and $799 annually for minimum coverage. However, rates vary greatly by state. Premiums are usually higher in no-fault states, such as New York and Michigan.

Factors Affecting Car Insurance Rates

Several factors influence the price of car insurance, some of which are under your control, and some of which aren’t.

• Policy type: Full coverage is more expensive than a liability-only policy. A low deductible can also raise the price of your premiums, as can buying add-ons like gap insurance and roadside assistance.
• Your location: Where you reside influences how much you will have to pay. In many states, your age, gender, and marital status will also influence the price.
• Your credit history: Insurance companies can use your credit-based insurance score to tabulate your premium in all but a handful of states.
• Your driving history: Having an at-fault accident, speeding ticket, or DUI on your record makes you a high-risk driver and usually results in pricier premiums.
• Car make, model, and features: A six-figure sports car will cost more to insure than a used sedan. Replacement costs can factor into this difference, although discounts for safety features can also play a role.

How to Choose the Right Car Insurance Company

When shopping for car insurance, consider the following criteria:

1. Availability: Not all insurers are licensed in every state or provide the same coverage or discounts nationwide. Ensure what you want is available in your region.
2. Coverage options: Be sure any provider you’re considering has the options you want, whether that’s gap insurance, accident forgiveness, or rideshare insurance.
3. Customer satisfaction: J.D. Power’s surveys offer insight into customers’ sentiment in key areas, including trust in their insurance company, the price for coverage, the representatives they deal with, the ease of doing business, and the helpfulness of a company’s digital channels. You can also see how a company is rated by the Better Business Bureau and the volume of complaints registered by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
4. Financial strength: It’s vital that any insurance company you’re considering is able to pay claims. A.M. Best’s financial strength scores indicate the likelihood that a provider can meet its financial obligations. Look for companies that score an A or better.

Car Insurance FAQs

• How much does car insurance cost?: The amount you pay for car insurance varies depending on your location, age, driving record, as well as other factors. In March 2025, the nationwide average for full coverage was is $2,678 annually. The average for a liability-only policy was $799 annually.
• Can you get a refund on your car insurance?: Most car insurance is paid on a monthly or biannual basis. In most cases, if you cancel a policy you have already paid for, you will get a pro-rated refund. However, there may be a cancellation fee.
• How do car insurance companies pay out claims?: After you file a claim, your insurer will review your documentation and investigate the circumstances of the claim. The provider may issue you a check directly or send payment to the repair shop or medical provider, depending on the provider.
• What is the cheapest car insurance company?: According to our analysis, the primary auto insurance companies with the lowest average premiums are USAA, Auto-Owners, and Geico. However, individual rates vary based on your location, driving record, and other factors.