The 10 largest auto insurers in the US underwrite almost three-fourths of the country’s car insurance policies, with combined direct written premiums exceeding $186 billion, according to the latest figures from the Insurance Information Institute (III).
But despite the auto insurance market being dominated by only a handful of key players, the products, services, and benefits these companies provide vary greatly.
To identify which of these industry giants offer the best coverage, Forbes Advisor took a “holistic view” of each company by analyzing important factors that impact customer experience. The consumer financial services firm then calculated the scores based on four key metrics:
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This is how the country’s largest car insurance providers fared based on Forbes Advisor’s metrics, with the best companies achieving the highest score of 5.0. The numbers are up to date as of February 2022. The numbers for market share and direct written premiums are from III’s 2020 data, which are the most recent figures available.
Market share: 13.6%
Direct premiums written: $33.9 billion
Average annual premiums for good drivers: $1,182
Collision claims repair grade: C-
Complaint level: Low
Forbes Advisor rating: 5.0
GEICO, a Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary and the nation’s second largest auto insurer tops the list, thanks to its “very competitive insurance rates” not just for motorists with a good driving history, but also for those who have a speeding ticket, poor credit, or were caught driving without insurance. GEICO also offers valuable additional features such as accident forgiveness and a usage-based insurance program to help drivers reduce premiums. The insurer was also named the best auto insurance provider for good drivers in 26 states in Forbes Advisor’s analysis.
Market share: 2.3%
Direct premiums written: $9.8 billion
Average annual premiums for good drivers: $1,540
Collision claims repair grade: C
Complaint level: Very low
Forbes Advisor rating: 5.0
Nationwide has received the least number of complaints among the country’s largest car insurers. It also offers competitive rates for different types of drivers, including those adding teenagers to their policies and those with a poor credit history. The Ohio-headquartered insurer also provides a range of helpful add-ons, including a usage-based insurance program and pay-per-mile option for motorists who want to potentially lower their rates.
Market share: 2%
Direct premiums written: $4.9 billion
Average annual premiums for good drivers: $1,435
Collision claims repair grade: C+
Complaint level: Very low
Forbes Advisor rating: 5.0
Travelers trails only Nationwide for the least number of complaints received. The company offers competitive premiums for loan/lease gap insurance at about $39 annually. It also provides relatively low auto rates for drivers with DUI on their records, although premiums for those adding a teen driver tend to be on the high side. Among the standout features in the insurer’s policies are accident and minor violation forgiveness, and a usage-based insurance program that could provide policyholders huge discounts.
Market share: 6.3%
Direct premiums written: $15.8 billion
Average annual premiums for good drivers: $1,141
Collision claims repair grade: C+
Complaint level: OK
Forbes Advisor rating: 5.0
The last of the five-star-rated companies in Forbes Advisor’s list, USAA offers low rates for not only good drivers but also those with an accident, speeding ticket, or DUI on their records, as well as young and senior motorists. The specialist insurer, however, only provides car insurance coverage for veterans and active members of the military, and their immediate families. Among its policies, valuable add-ons include accident forgiveness, new car replacement, rideshare insurance coverage, and usage-based insurance.
Market share: 1.3%
Direct premiums written: $3.1 billion
Average annual premiums for good drivers: $1,532
Collision claims repair grade: B+
Complaint level: Low
Forbes Advisor rating: 4.5
Auto-Owners’ optional coverage options – including accident forgiveness, diminishing deductible, new car replacement, and gap insurance – seamless claims process, and a low number of complaints make up for its relatively high average rates for certain types of drivers. Among all ranked insurers, Auto-Owners has the highest premiums for drivers with poor credit. It also imposes an average rate increase of almost $3,580 when adding a teen to a policy. The company, however, has received among the highest marks from collision repair professionals for its good claims process services.
Market share: 16.2%
Direct premiums written: $40.4 billion
Average annual premiums for good drivers: $1,402
Collision claims repair grade: C
Complaint level: Low
Forbes Advisor rating: 4.5
The nation’s largest auto insurer offers the lowest premiums for drivers who have been involved in accidents or caught speeding among all ranked companies. It also provides competitive rates for senior drivers and those adding a teen to their policy. In terms of the number of complaints received, State Farm sits on the bottom half of the list.
Market share: 8.4%
Direct premiums written: $25.9 billion
Average annual premiums for good drivers: $2,022
Collision claims repair grade: C-
Complaint level: Low
Forbes Advisor rating: 4.0
Allstate boasts a portfolio of helpful coverage options, including accident forgiveness, disappearing deductibles, gap insurance, and new car replacement. Policyholders can also access the company’s usage-based and pay-per-mile offerings. The company has a good track record when it comes to customer complaints, which helps offset car insurance premiums that are often higher compared to its competitors.
Market share: 1.3%
Direct premiums written: $3.3 billion
Average annual premiums for good drivers: $1,419
Collision claims repair grade: A-
Complaint level: Higher than industry average
Forbes Advisor rating: 4.0
Erie has received the highest mark from collision experts among all listed insurers for its repair claims process. However, it was one of two companies that received a higher-than-average number of complaints. Forbes Advisor also described the company’s car insurance rates as “a mixed bag depending on your driving record,” but commended its rate lock feature, which allows drivers to keep premiums the same every year unless they make certain changes on their policy such as adding or removing a vehicle.
Market share: 4%
Direct premiums written: $9.9 billion
Average annual premiums for good drivers: $2,124
Collision claims repair grade: C
Complaint level: Higher than industry average
Forbes Advisor rating: 3.0
Farmers auto insurance rates tend to be on the high side compared to its competitors. Auto insurance complaints against the company are also higher than the industry average. One of the positives for Farmers, however, is that it offers policy features that can help drivers after a collision such as new car replacement and accident forgiveness. The company also provides rideshare insurance for Uber and Lyft drivers.
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Market share: 13.3%
Direct premiums written: $33.2 billion
Average annual premiums for good drivers: $1,892
Collision claims repair grade: C
Complaint level: OK
Forbes Advisor rating: 3.0
The nation’s third-largest car insurance provider rounds up the rankings with a below industry-average number of complaints. The company also sits at the middle of the pack when it comes to insurance rates compared to other major industry players. Auto body shop professionals, however, give Progressive’s collision repair processes a relatively low grade compared to its industry rivals.
