NerdWallet’s Auto Insurance Reviews for 2024
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If you’re looking for auto insurance reviews, you’ve come to the right place. NerdWallet has researched policy options, consumer complaint data, customer satisfaction ratings, financial stability and more for the country’s top car insurance companies. Browse our reviews below based on what kind of auto insurance company you need.
Not sure where to start? State Farm was NerdWallet's pick for the Best Budget Auto Insurance of 2023.
Mainstream auto insurance reviews
Most insurers fall into this category, offering traditional auto insurance and catering to the majority of drivers. These companies set rates based on driving history, age, location, and, in most states, gender and credit history. But each auto insurer values your personal factors differently, so you can get widely different rates from one to the next.
CONNECT (formerly Ameriprise)
Nontraditional and membership-based auto insurance reviews
Whereas most auto insurance companies cast their nets far and wide to get as many customers as possible, some restrict offerings to certain groups or tailor products to them. This helps them reduce risk, and in turn, they may offer lower prices to the customers they aim to serve.
AAA—typically restricted to AAA members.
THE HARTFORD—restricted in most states to AARP members.
CHUBB— white-glove insurance aimed at high-net-worth customers.
FARM BUREAU INSURANCE — typically requires membership in a Farm Bureau chapter.
METROMILE— per-mile insurance for low-mileage drivers.
ROOT— rates based largely on driving behavior.
USAA— restricted to military members, veterans and their families.
WAWANESA— only insures drivers with clean records.
Auto insurance reviews for high-risk drivers
If you have a hard time getting coverage due to accidents, tickets, other violations or poor credit history, you may need to look for a different type of insurer. The companies below specialize in covering drivers who can’t get insurance elsewhere, and unlike some larger insurers will typically help out with an SR-22 filing. Also known as a certificate of financial responsibility, or an FR-44 in Florida or Virginia, this is a document your insurer files with your state to prove you have at least minimum coverage. (If you need an SR-22, you’d have been notified by a judge in traffic court or in a letter from your state’s department of motor vehicles.)
Auto insurance buying guide
Before you compare car insurance companies, you’ll need to collect some basic information. This includes the driving history of everyone who will be on the policy, as well as facts about your car, such as safety features and annual mileage driven. You’ll also want to determine which types of coverage you need. For example, do you want only the bare minimum insurance that your state requires, or do you need more extensive coverage, such as gap insurance or rideshare coverage? Check that each company you’re considering has the options you want.
When comparing rates among insurers, make sure each is offering the same coverage limits and deductibles. You may not want to make your decision based on price alone. Look at how many consumer complaints each company has, as a high number of complaints could be a red flag about the quality of service you'll receive.
Depending on which company you choose, you may be able to buy insurance online, over the phone or through an agent. For more guidance, see how to get car insurance.
» MORE: Best auto insurance companies
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