Founded in 1931 and the fourth-largest US car insurer. Drivewise rewards safe driving, Milewise offers pay-per-mile cover, plus optional Accident Forgiveness. Rated A+ (Superior) by AM Best.
Columbus-based insurer founded in 1926, selling through agents, online and by phone. SmartRide gives 10% off when you enroll and SmartMiles charges by the mile. Rated A (Excellent) by AM Best.
The largest US car insurer with 18.6% of the market and more than 19,000 local agents. Drive Safe & Save rewards safe driving. Rated A+ (Superior) by AM Best; no new policies in MA or RI.
Owned by Berkshire Hathaway and available in all 50 states and DC. Buy online, in the app or by phone, with discounts for military members, federal employees and 800+ groups. Rated A++ (Superior) by AM Best.
More than 170 years of history, sold mainly through independent agents. Accident forgiveness, new car replacement and the IntelliDrive safe-driving program. Rated A++ (Superior) by AM Best.
Insurance for military members, veterans and their families since 1922. The fifth-largest US car insurer, with SafePilot rewards for safe driving and low mileage. Rated A++ (Superior) by AM Best.
Policyholder-owned mutual insurer founded in 1907, selling directly online and by phone. Dividend policies can return part of your premium at renewal. Rated A+ (Superior) by AM Best.
Boston-based insurer founded in 1912 and the seventh-largest US car insurer. Accident forgiveness, new car replacement and RightTrack safe-driving discounts. Rated A (Excellent) by AM Best.
The second-largest US car insurer, founded in 1937. The Name Your Price tool shows options for your budget and Snapshot can lower rates for safe driving. Rated A+ (Superior) by AM Best.
Our Top Picks for 2026
Rating Verdict
The only large insurer here with both a safe-driving program (Drivewise) and a pay-per-mile option (Milewise) from the same brand, plus optional Accident Forgiveness and local agents.
Rating Verdict
More than 20 car insurance discounts, the Signal safe-driving app and optional new car replacement, with quotes online, by phone or from a local agent. Not sold in every state, so check your ZIP code first.
Rating Verdict
The No. 1 US car insurer by premiums, with more than 19,000 auto insurance agents and the Drive Safe & Save discount. New policies are not offered in Massachusetts or Rhode Island.
FAQ - Everything you need to know about car insurance
Is car insurance required in every state?
Almost every state requires drivers to carry at least a minimum amount of liability insurance, and the minimum limits differ by state. New Hampshire is the main exception: drivers there do not have to buy a policy but must be able to meet the state's financial responsibility requirements. Collision and comprehensive coverage are optional under state law, although a lender or leasing company may require them.
What is the difference between liability, collision and comprehensive coverage?
Liability insurance pays for injuries and property damage you cause to others when you are at fault. Collision covers damage to your own car from hitting another vehicle or an object. Comprehensive covers other damage to your car, such as theft, fire, vandalism, flood, severe weather or broken glass.
What affects the price of car insurance?
Insurers price policies on expected claim costs. Common rating factors include your driving record, where you live, your age, annual mileage and the make and model of your car, plus the coverage limits and deductibles you choose. In most states insurers may also use a credit-based insurance score as one factor, but several states ban or restrict this.
Which car insurance discounts are most common?
Typical discounts include insuring several vehicles, bundling car and home insurance, good student, driver education, safety and anti-theft devices, low mileage and a clean driving record. Many insurers also offer usage-based programs that reward safe driving. Not every discount is available in every state, so ask each insurer which ones apply to you.
What is usage-based (telematics) car insurance?
Usage-based programs price your policy partly on driving data collected by an app or device, such as miles driven, speed, time of day and braking. Examples include Farmers Signal, GEICO DriveEasy and Progressive Snapshot. Safe driving can earn a discount, but with some programs riskier driving can also increase your premium.
How do I compare car insurance quotes fairly?
Give every insurer the same information about your drivers, vehicles and use, and ask for the same coverages, limits and deductibles so the prices are comparable. Check that the insurer is licensed in your state with your state insurance department, and consider how each company handles claims, not just the price.
Can I switch car insurance companies at any time?
Generally yes, you do not have to wait for your renewal date. Buy the new policy first and cancel the old one only once the new coverage has started, so there is no gap in coverage. Ask your current insurer how cancellation and any refund of unused premium work under your policy.
Which car insurance company is the cheapest?
No single company is the cheapest for every driver, because each insurer weighs rating factors differently. The only reliable way to find your best price is to get several quotes for the same coverage and compare them, along with each insurer's discounts and service.
