Car insurance is an essential aspect of car ownership, providing financial protection in the event of accidents or other unexpected incidents on the road. With so many car insurance companies in the market, it can be difficult to determine which one offers the best coverage at the most affordable rates. In 2023, we have compiled a list of the best car insurance companies based on factors such as financial stability, customer satisfaction, and coverage options. Whether you’re a new driver or a seasoned one, finding the right car insurance provider can give you peace of mind on the road.
Best Car Insurance Companies In 2023
1. American Family
Average annual cost for good drivers: $2,176
Average annual cost for drivers with a speeding ticket: $2,536
Complaint level: Very low
American Family is a highly rated car insurance company that offers a variety of optional coverage types and has a very low level of complaints made against the company. While their rates are only average for good drivers, American Family offers accident forgiveness and a vanishing deductible, making them a great option for drivers who have had previous accidents or violations. They also offer gap insurance for new car owners and a usage-based insurance program called KnowYourDrive that rewards good driving habits.
Additionally, American Family provides nonowners car insurance coverage and rideshare insurance for Lyft and Uber drivers. However, their costs for adding teen drivers to a parent’s policy and for young and senior drivers are only mediocre. American Family is currently only available in 19 states, and their collision repair process has only received an average grade from collision repair professionals surveyed by the CRASH Network.
Pros:
- American Family has a very low level of complaints made to state insurance departments about auto insurance.
- Costs are decent for drivers with a DUI.
- Will file SR-22s when needed.
- Offers accident forgiveness and vanishing deductible.
- New car owners can buy gap insurance from American Family.
- Offers a usage-based insurance program (KnowYourDrive) for good drivers who want to reduce their auto insurance costs based on driving habits.
- Offers nonowners car insurance coverage.
- Lyft and Uber drivers can get rideshare insurance with American Family.
Cons:
- Has only average car insurance costs for good drivers (those with a clean driving record).
- Costs for adding a teen driver to a parent’s policy are only so-so.
- Young drivers’ and senior drivers’ auto insurance costs are mediocre.
- American Family is only available in 19 states and not nationwide.
2. Auto-Owners Insurance
Average annual cost for good drivers: $1,628
Average annual cost for drivers with a speeding ticket: $2,250
Complaint level: Low
Auto-Owners Insurance is a top pick for car insurance due to its competitive pricing, optional coverage options, and high level of customer satisfaction. The company offers superb rates for drivers who have caused an accident and is a great choice for those who want to save money on their insurance. Additionally, Auto-Owners Insurance has a low complaint level and a high grade from collision experts for its claim process.
The company offers accident forgiveness and a diminishing deductible, as well as gap insurance and new car replacement coverage. For good drivers, the company also offers usage-based insurance programs, such as TrueRide, which can lower their car insurance costs. However, Auto-Owners Insurance is not the best option for drivers with a DUI or poor credit, and adding a teen driver to a policy can be expensive. Overall, if you’re looking for affordable car insurance with great customer service and coverage options, Auto-Owners Insurance is a great choice.
Pros:
- Superb car insurance costs for drivers who have caused an accident. (USAA is a bit cheaper but eligibility is restricted to military families and veterans.)
- Offers accident forgiveness and a diminishing deductible.
- Gives a pretty good discount of 14%, on average, for paying in full for an auto insurance policy.
- Gap insurance and new car replacement coverage are available.
- Good drivers can try out Auto-Owners’ usage-based insurance program (TrueRide) to possibly lower their car insurance costs.
- Received a high grade from collision experts on its claim process.
Cons:
- There are cheaper car insurance offerings out there if you have a DUI or poor credit.
- Costs for adding on a teen driver are only so-so.
- Drivers in need of SR-22 filings will have to look elsewhere.
3. Nationwide
Average annual cost for good drivers: $2,041
Average annual cost for drivers with a speeding ticket: $2,439
Complaint level: Very low
Nationwide is a great option for drivers looking for an insurance company with low complaint levels and many helpful add-ons. Nationwide offers usage-based and pay-per-mile insurance programs to help good and low-mileage drivers reduce their costs based on actual driving. Additionally, Nationwide offers accident forgiveness, new car replacement, and vanishing deductible options to add to a policy. For parents, adding a teen driver to a policy can be expensive, but Nationwide offers fairly good insurance rates.
Another advantage of Nationwide is its relatively affordable premiums for drivers with poor credit. However, Nationwide’s car insurance rates for drivers who caused an accident with injuries are high, and the rates for drivers with a DUI are higher than other top competitors. Nationwide does not offer rideshare insurance coverage. The CRASH Network’s surveyed collision repair specialists found Nationwide’s collision repair process to be average.
Pros:
- Offers usage-based insurance program (SmartRide) for good drivers who want to lower their car insurance costs based on driving habits.
- Also offers a pay-per-mile insurance program (SmartMiles) for low-mileage drivers who want to save.
- Fairly good insurance rates when adding a teen driver to a policy, which is typically very expensive for parents.
- Relatively affordable premiums for drivers with poor credit.
- Offers accident forgiveness, new car replacement and vanishing deductible options to add to a policy.
Cons:
- High auto insurance costs for drivers who caused an accident with injuries.
- Car insurance rates for drivers with a DUI is higher than other top competitors.
- Rideshare insurance coverage is not offered.
4. USAA
Average annual cost for good drivers: $1,412
Average annual cost for drivers with a speeding ticket: $1,709
Complaint level: Average
USAA is a well-known car insurance provider that offers low rates to military members, veterans, and their families. With affordable rates for drivers with various types of driving records, including those with accidents, tickets, or DUIs, USAA is a great option for those who qualify. Additionally, USAA offers accident forgiveness and new car replacement, as well as rideshare insurance coverage for drivers who use their personal vehicles for ride-sharing services.
Pros:
- Low costs for not only good drivers but also ones with an accident, ticket or DUI on their records.
- Also offers good rates for seniors and young drivers, two age groups that can be expensive to insure.
- Offers accident forgiveness and new car replacement.
- Offers a rideshare insurance coverage option.
- Has a usage-based insurance program (SafePilot) good drivers can use to potentially lower their car insurance costs.
Cons:
- Not everyone is eligible for coverage. Only offers policies to veterans and active members of the military, plus their immediate families.
- USAA’s average bundling discount for auto and home insurance is fairly low at only 6%.
- There are cheaper car insurance options if you’re adding a teen to a policy.
- Does not offer gap insurance.
5. Geico
Average annual cost for good drivers: $1,716
Average annual cost for drivers with a speeding ticket: $2,098
Complaint level: Average
Geico is a great option for those looking for affordable auto insurance. With very competitive car insurance rates for good drivers, drivers with a speeding ticket, poor credit or those caught driving without insurance, Geico offers cheap car insurance to many types of drivers. The company also offers great rates for seniors and young drivers, who can be very expensive to insure. Geico also offers accident forgiveness and a usage-based insurance program, DriveEasy, for good drivers who want to try to reduce their auto insurance costs based on driving habits.
However, Geico’s car insurance prices for drivers with a DUI are only so-so, so it may not be the best option for those with a history of drunk driving. Geico also does not offer coverage features such as new car replacement, a vanishing deductible or rideshare insurance, so those looking for those benefits should look elsewhere. Additionally, Geico’s average discount for bundling auto and home insurance is rather low at 8%. Overall, Geico’s collision repair process received a so-so rating from collision repair professionals surveyed by the CRASH Network.
Pros:
- Great auto insurance rates for good drivers and also folks who have a speeding ticket, poor credit or were caught driving without insurance.
- Also offers great rates for seniors and young drivers, who can be very expensive to insure.
- Offers accident forgiveness.
- Offers a usage-based insurance program (DriveEasy) for good drivers who want to try to reduce their auto insurance costs based on driving habits.
Cons:
- Geico’s car insurance prices for drivers with a DUI are only so-so.
- You’ll have to look elsewhere if you want coverage features such as new car replacement, a vanishing deductible or rideshare insurance.
- Geico’s average discount for bundling auto and home insurance is rather low at 8%.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best car insurance companies in 2023 vary in terms of coverage options, pricing, and eligibility requirements. USAA offers affordable rates for military members and their families, while Nationwide provides usage-based and pay-per-mile programs for good and low-mileage drivers. Geico has competitive pricing for drivers with speeding tickets or poor credit. Each company has its own unique set of pros and cons, so it’s important to consider your individual needs when selecting a car insurance provider. Regardless of your choice, it’s crucial to have car insurance coverage to protect yourself and your vehicle on the road.