Best Car Insurance Companies in the U.S.

NEW YORK, Oct. 14, 2026 — Average annual car insurance premiums vary considerably among U.S. providers. USAA has the lowest average rate among the 10 insurers at $1,491, while Allstate has the highest at $3,572. Travelers averages $1,843 per year, followed by Progressive at $1,911, GEICO at $1,925, Erie at $1,950, Auto-Owners at $2,030, Nationwide at $2,316, State Farm at $2,408, and Farmers at $3,435. Individual premiums depend on driver-specific factors and the coverage selected.

Compared with the national average, USAA's annual premium is $1,017 lower. Travelers is $665 below the benchmark, followed by Progressive at $597, GEICO at $583, Erie at $558, Auto-Owners at $478, Nationwide at $192, and State Farm at $100 below the national average. Farmers averages $927 above the benchmark, while Allstate exceeds it by $1,064. Discounts and eligibility also distinguish insurers: GEICO offers the widest selection of discounts among the 10 providers, while Nationwide has options for drivers with poor credit. Comparing individual quotes and policy features helps drivers assess which coverage fits their needs and budget.

Comparing Coverage Options

Liability, collision and comprehensive insurance are common coverage types, but optional protections differ among providers. Travelers offers rental car expense coverage, roadside assistance, ride-share coverage and accident forgiveness in eligible states. GEICO provides rental car expense coverage, roadside assistance, car repair insurance and custom parts and equipment coverage. Progressive offers custom equipment coverage and ride-share insurance, while Erie includes options for personal belongings inside a vehicle and pet injuries.

Farmers offers an extensive selection of add-ons, including ride-share coverage, new car replacement, customized equipment protection, gap insurance, accident forgiveness and roadside assistance. Allstate offers rental car reimbursement, roadside assistance, ride-share coverage and accident forgiveness. Nationwide provides roadside assistance, accident forgiveness, usage-based coverage, pay-per-mile insurance and a vanishing deductible feature. USAA offers ride-share coverage and gap insurance, while State Farm provides ride-share coverage. Auto-Owners has fewer add-on options than many other providers reviewed, making it important for drivers to check which protections are included in each policy.

Reviewing Customer Service

Customer surveys and complaint records offer additional ways to compare insurers. Travelers received high marks for claims handling and customer service and recorded fewer complaints than average, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). USAA also earned high customer-service marks, while GEICO received positive feedback for claims handling and service. Progressive policyholders reported a high likelihood of recommending or renewing their policies. Erie earned recognition for customer service, with 95% of surveyed customers reporting that they were somewhat or completely satisfied.

Farmers received mostly positive feedback on claims, and most surveyed customers said they would recommend the insurer. However, its NAIC complaint index was above average. Allstate received positive feedback on the ease of filing and resolving claims, and surveyed customers showed a high likelihood of renewing their policies. Auto-Owners also received mostly positive claims feedback, while Nationwide recorded fewer complaints than average, according to the NAIC. Survey results and complaint records provide useful points of comparison, although individual policyholders may have different experiences.

Image credit: GEICO

Checking Eligibility and Discounts

Geographic availability and eligibility requirements narrow the choices available to drivers. USAA serves military members, veterans, and eligible family members. Erie operates in 12 states and Washington, D.C., while Auto-Owners is available in 26 states. Nationwide does not sell policies in Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana, or Massachusetts. Travelers offers more discounts than most of the providers reviewed, while GEICO has the widest selection of discounts among the 10 insurers. USAA also offers discounts to eligible customers who garage their vehicles on military bases.

Usage-based insurance programs offer opportunities for savings based on mileage, driving habits and program requirements. USAA adjusts rates according to mileage and driving safety. GEICO offers DriveEasy, Progressive offers Snapshot, State Farm provides a sign-up discount and potential savings of up to 30% based on driving, and Allstate uses Drivewise to personalize rates according to safe-driving behavior. High-risk driving may lead to higher premiums under some programs. State Farm’s Steer Clear program gives drivers under 25 access to a safe-driving course and driving practice. Comparing premiums, customer feedback, coverage options, and discounts gives drivers a more complete basis for evaluating insurers.