Top 10 Largest Auto Insurance Companies

The most popular car insurance companies are State Farm, Geico and Progressive, which service more than 120 million policies and have a combined market share of 43.1%. These companies are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Most Popular Car Insurance Companies

1. State Farm
2. Geico
3. Progressive
4. Allstate
5. USAA
6. Liberty Mutual
7. Farmers
8. Nationwide
9. American Family
10. Travelers

Together, these insurance providers were responsible for auto policies totaling nearly $185 billion in premiums during 2019, according to the Insurance Information Institute. They have been among the most used car insurance companies for at least the past five years.

Geico is the insurance company with the highest customer satisfaction, according to WalletHub's analysis of factors such as J.D. Power customer satisfaction rankings and the NAIC complaint index. Geico also is one of the cheapest major insurance companies. 

Car Insurance Companies With High Customer Satisfaction

Ratings based on WalletHub Editor Review, NAIC complaint index and J.D. Power score.

Just remember that customer service isn't everything. Affordable rates, coverage options, and available discounts are also factors to consider when shopping for car insurance. They will affect your overall satisfaction, too.

To learn more, check out WalletHub's picks for the best car insurance companies.

The #1 car insurance company is State Farm because it is the largest auto insurer in the U.S., with a market share of 16%. State Farm insures over 80 million people and offers coverage in all 50 states.

Largest Auto Insurance Companies in America

Together, these 10 companies own more than 70% of the auto insurance market share in the U.S. As a result, it shouldn't come as a surprise that these companies tend to be the best options for most types of drivers.

Best Car Insurance Companies by Category

To learn more, check out WalletHub's guides to the best car insurance and the largest auto insurers.

The top 3 insurance companies are State Farm, Geico, and Progressive based on market share, and they collectively make up over 40% of the market for personal auto insurance companies. All three companies are also highly rated based on customer satisfaction, average premiums and available discounts.    

Top 3 Auto Insurance Companies

Unsurprisingly, two of the biggest insurance companies are also in the top three for the best car insurance companies. Due to their size, they can offer affordable premiums and top-notch customer service.

Top 3 Best Auto Insurance Companies

1. Geico
2. Progressive
3. USAA

To learn more, check out WalletHub's guides to the best car insurance and the largest auto insurers.

You can get the best car insurance rates by comparing quotes from several companies, taking advantage of discounts, and rethinking how much coverage you really need. To start shopping for the best car insurance rates, check out WalletHub's picks for the best car insurance companies in your state.

How to Get the Best Car Insurance Rates 

1. Compare Quotes

Since every car insurance company calculates premiums differently, the easiest way to ensure you're getting the best rate possible is by comparing quotes from several insurers. Additionally, you should compare quotes every time you go to renew your policy so you can make sure you're not overpaying.

2. Consider Smaller Insurers

While the big car insurance companies may have great ads, they may not always offer the best rates. Be sure to consider smaller insurers when shopping for coverage. WalletHub's list of the cheapest car insurance companies is a good place to start shopping for the best rates.

3. Look Into Discounts

Car insurance discounts can help you save up to 35% on your premiums. Most insurance companies offer a wide variety of discounts, such as multi-policy discounts and discounts for being a safe driver.

4. Check Your Coverage

At the very least, you will need to have your state's minimum required amount of coverage and any coverage your lender or lessor requires, if applicable. Beyond that, you can determine whether optional types of coverage are worth the cost.

5. Improve Your Credit

In most states, car insurance companies use “insurance scores” to help determine rates. Insurance scores are based on credit report information and indicate a driver's likelihood of filing a claim. By raising your credit score, which is based on the same information, you may be able to find better car insurance rates.

6. Change Your Deductibles

Higher deductibles result in cheaper premiums, but remember to only choose a deductible that you can afford to pay out of pocket in an emergency. 

7. Practice Save Driving

The easiest way to make sure you can get the best car insurance rates possible is by being a safe driver. Speeding tickets, DUIs, and at-fault accidents can cause car insurance premiums to skyrocket. If you already have some moving violations on your driving record, remember that they only affect your rates for a few years. Taking a defensive driving course could help minimize the impact on your premiums in the meantime, too.  

Car Insurance Companies with the Best Rates

• Geico
• USAA
• Erie
• Auto Owners
• State Farm

To learn more, check out WalletHub's guide to lowering car insurance costs.

The best car insurance company for full coverage is Esurance because they offer affordable rates with great discounts and solid customer service. For example, full coverage from Esurance costs an average of $129 per month in California, which is significantly cheaper than the state average of $210 per month.

Best Car Insurance Companies for Full Coverage

Note: Premiums are for a 45-year-old good driver in California with a full coverage policy; individual premiums will vary.

Full coverage car insurance typically refers to a policy that includes comprehensive and collision insurance, as well as any types of coverage required by state law. To learn more, check out WalletHub's guide to full coverage car insurance and our picks for the cheapest full coverage insurers.

The best car insurance for new drivers under 25 years old is from companies like Allstate, Geico, Progressive, and Safeco. They are among the cheapest car insurance companies for drivers of all ages, both under 25 and older, according to WalletHub's Cheap Car Insurance Report. These companies provide a variety of coverage choices at affordable prices, along with numerous discounts applicable to drivers under 25.

Best Car Insurance For New Drivers Under 25

• Allstate
• Esurance
• Liberty Mutual
• Mercury
• Metromile
• Progressive
• Safeco
• State Farm
• Travelers
• USAA

Drivers under 25 typically pay higher insurance premiums than older drivers, so options for reducing those high costs are especially important. When shopping for auto insurance, new drivers under 25 should consider their state's car insurance requirements, as well as what coverage they will need to be fully protected on the road. Then, they should look into opportunities for discounts.

Many major insurance providers offer discounts that can help reduce the cost of premiums for young drivers. Companies like Geico and Allstate provide good student discounts for drivers under 25 years old who maintain at least a B grade-point average. Young drivers who take a driver's education course or a defensive driving course are eligible for savings, too.

Finally, some companies, like Metromile and Esurance, offer usage-based auto insurance policies that calculate premiums based on how much you drive. These policies can offer an affordable alternative for young drivers who don't drive frequently.

Once a driver turns 25, they are considered to be more experienced and less likely to be involved in an accident, thus their insurance premiums are likely to decrease. Estimates show that premiums decrease by approximately 10% for people with a good driving history once they turn 25.

The best car insurance for drivers with points is from USAA, AAA, and Progressive, according to quotes for different types of drivers with points. Drivers with points for serious violations are considered high risk, meaning that insurers consider them likely to file a claim, so they will be charged more as a result.

In order to find the best insurance for drivers with points, WalletHub commissioned quotes for a variety of offenses. All of these violations lead to a different number of points in each state, and these numbers represent the average of a wide range of locations. It's important to note that repeat offenses are even more alarming to insurance companies, since they indicate a failure to reform, so your rates will likely be higher if you have a record of multiple violations that lead to points.

Best Car Insurance for Drivers with Points, By Type of Violation

Points are assigned by most states to drivers who violate traffic laws on everything from speeding to drunk driving. States will suspend the driver's licenses of people with a certain number of points, or in some cases, drivers with a single serious infraction. As a result, drivers with points on their licenses should be prepared to pay more for insurance, and might even have trouble finding a policy. Drivers with points who are struggling to find affordable coverage or who are rejected by standard insurance companies can also look into high risk insurance. If you have so many points that you are repeatedly rejected by private insurers, consider joining your state's assigned risk pool. Even if your policy is expensive now, remember that points fall off your record eventually and your premiums will decrease as they do so. In addition, taking advantage of any point and insurance reduction programs can help your driving record – and your insurance costs. Finally, drivers with points should be especially willing to comparison shop, since insurance companies vary widely in how much they increase premiums for various violations.

You should switch your car insurance to a different company when you can find a cheaper rate for the same amount of coverage without sacrificing in terms of things like customer service. It's actually best to compare quotes and consider switching insurance companies every 6-12 months in order to minimize costs. It's also worth checking prices anytime you have a change in circumstance that will affect your rate, such as insuring a new car or adding a new driver.

When to Consider Switching Car Insurance Companies

When You Add a New Driver

Adding a teenager to your insurance policy costs 140% to 160% extra, on average. On the other hand, adding an experienced driver could increase or decrease your premium, depending on the exact scenario. As a result, it's well worth shopping around before simply accepting a new rate from your current insurer.

When You Reach a Threshold for Age or Experience

Car insurance rates vary dramatically by age, with particularly sharp drops when a driver turns 19 and 21 years old. Similarly, when a driver has been on the road for at least five years, they will usually be able to get a lower rate.

When You Add or Replace a Car

The cheapest insurer for an older car might not be the cheapest for a brand new car or a specialty vehicle, since each insurer calculates rates differently. If you're adding a vehicle, you should also factor in any multi-car discounts that are available from different companies.

When Your Driving Record Changes

If you were recently cited for a moving violation, each insurer will adjust your rates by a different amount, so switching could make sense. Similarly, some insurance companies will look back at only three years of your driving history, while others will evaluate a longer period. As a result, it's a good time to shop around for a better price when violations or claims reach the three-year milestone. Getting a copy of your driving record and your CLUE Report can help you time things right.

When Your Credit Score Improves

Your credit score can be a major factor in car-insurance pricing. If it has improved, let your current insurer know and then see if other companies can beat your insurance company's price.

When Your Insurance Needs Change

Financing a new car or paying off a loan may change the coverage types you need to carry. You may also want to reevaluate your policy limits and deductible.

When Your Marital Status Changes

Married drivers usually pay less for car insurance than single drivers, so make sure to notify your insurance provider about your nuptials. You should also take the opportunity to see if another insurer will offer a lower premium.

When You Become a Homeowner

Your status as a homeowner rather than a renter can affect your premiums. Insurers often charge lower premiums to homeowners, and you can also get a multi-policy discount if you insure your home and car with the same company.

When Your Education Level or Employment Changes

Earning a college degree will lower your rates with some insurers more than others. Some companies also offer a low-mileage discount, which could benefit you if you get a new job with a shorter commute.

Yes, you can switch car insurance at any time. It's usually easiest to switch car insurance companies at the time of your policy renewal, but if you do choose to switch mid-policy, your current insurer will typically refund you for any unused premiums minus any cancellation fees.

When switching insurers, it's important to avoid any gaps in coverage. In other words, you should make sure that your new policy starts before you cancel your old one.

To learn more, check out WalletHub's guide to switching car insurance.