Top 10 largest car insurance companies in the U.S.

In a nutshell

There are dozens of auto insurers around the country ready to cover you in case of an accident or other damage. However, just ten auto insurers make up most of the market. Here’s what you should know when comparing the biggest car insurance companies to decide the right one for you.

* Source: National Association of Insurance Commissioners, “Property And Casualty Insurance Industry 2022 Top 25 Groups And Companies By Countrywide Premium.” (2023).

State Farm

With the largest market share of any car insurer in the U.S., State Farm makes up 16.8% of total auto policies sold. It sells the standard car insurance policy types in all states but Massachusetts and Rhode Island. It has high customer service marks according to J.D. Powers’ 2023 auto insurance study and a full suite of add-ons, such as roadside assistance and even rideshare insurance. Drivers willing to use Drive Safe & Save technology by having their driving habits tracked in an app or connected car can save up to 30% on their policy pricing.

Progressive

Second in premiums written only to State Farm with just over 14% of the national car insurance market share, Progressive is most popular in the Upper-Midwest and Texas. The company has a “B” Better Business Bureau rating, and customer feedback is mixed. It is most well known for its commercial featuring the character Flo and offering fair rates to even those with bad credit or past driving record blemishes. It has standard insurance offerings and add-ons like a deductible savings bank. With the Snapshot driving app, policyholders get tracked as they drive and can earn additional savings with responsible habits.

Geico

The third-largest insurer in our survey balances reliability and affordability for 13.8% of the total car insurance market. It also offers its own tracking app to reward drivers with a discount for safe driving. Its DriveEasy platform is widely available to drivers to help them improve driving habits, detect accidents and even route drivers directly to a claims rep in the case of a crash. Geico’s ability to offer low rates to responsible drivers makes it a favorite for those watching their budget.

Allstate

Allstate had 10.7% of the U.S. market share in 2022, making it fourth among the largest car insurers. The company offers a claims satisfaction guarantee that reimburses for premium costs if a covered driver isn’t happy with how their claim was handled. New car replacement and accident forgiveness are two of the most popular options available in addition to standard insurance policies. It’s notable for giving drivers a chance to buy gap insurance, which helps meet the cost of paying off a car loan if a vehicle is totaled or stolen.

USAA

Available only to veterans, active military members and their families, USAA is known for its affordable rates and its legacy of supporting those in the armed services. Its standard insurance products are available with add-ons like car replacement assistance and rideshare coverage, but it also has policies for classic cars, which aren’t always easy to insure. Its tracking app, called SafePilot, gives discounts to drivers who show competency on the road. This company earns high marks for customer service, according to the J.D. Power 2023 auto insurance study, even as it limits its services to service members.

Liberty Mutual

Liberty Mutual is the sixth-largest insurance company offers a wide range of savings opportunities. From multi-car policies and coverage for students away at college, the available policies can be mixed and matched to meet the unique needs of different families. It also has a tracking app — RightTrack — that qualifies good drivers for discounts on the standard policy pricing. Prices are known to range widely from location to location, so call directly to get an accurate quote for your area before you buy.

Farmers Insurance

With loss-of-use coverage, rideshare insurance and other modern add-ons to the standard policy, Farmers has proven itself to meet the changing needs of today’s drivers. It uses the Signal app to track drivers’ movements and reward them with insurance discounts. However, you have to use this feature only if you’re confident in your safe driving. Using this service can backfire if you prove yourself to be a worse driver than expected (and rates can increase as a result). Farmers is certainly not the cheapest option out there, but its customer service seems to keep customers coming back year after year.

Travelers

Owning just 2.1% of the market share, Travelers may not seem to be a power player in the insurance industry. However, it is known for having a full suite of coverage options, including named non-owner coverage — something you don’t find at many companies. Its driver-tracking app is called IntelliDrive, and it can alter premium prices based on driver behavior. The 165-year-old company is a common name in insurance, with plenty of discount opportunities for drivers.

American Family Insurance

This company placed at the bottom of our “big ten” companies, having just over 2% of the U.S. market share. Its offerings are impressive, however, with chances to save on premiums. Many of those discounts are directed at young or high-risk drivers, and the good student and young volunteer discounts are especially notable. Take advantage of extras offered by American Family like rental car reimbursement or roadside assistance and feel extra secure when driving for just a little bit more each month.

Nationwide

As the smallest of the top 10 insurance companies, Nationwide has discount opportunities for multiple policies and safe driving, too. For those looking to save extra money, consider the SmartRide program, which charges by usage, or the SmartMiles program, which charges by the mile. While it isn’t the cheapest out there, this company refuses to force consumers into a one-size-fits-all pricing model. It gets bonus points for innovation.

How to choose the right car insurance company for you

Simply turn on the TV, and you’ll see ad after ad for competing insurance companies. The tag lines are clever, but should you base your decision on slick marketing? It’s best to take the decision to insure very seriously, calling agents and securing online quotes before you pick the right one for you. Here are some questions to ask before you make your first premium payment.

• Do I need homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, too? Can I save by buying from the same company and bundling policies?
• Will this coverage go up if I have an accident? What if it wasn’t my fault?
• How will I be billed? Monthly? Annually? Every six months?
• Will my credit be used to calculate my rate quote? How will a change in credit score affect the price?
• How can I reach an agent in case of an accident? Can I file a claim any time of day or night?
• If I move, will coverage be available in my new location? If not, what’s required of me to change policies and stay covered?

Policy prices vary from company to company and person to person. Even the car you drive will determine what you’ll pay. Ask about pricing for EV cars, new cars, leased cars or cars you anticipate buying in the near future. You want to be sure that you can stay with the same company as long as you can and avoid any interruption in service.

Also, ask about liability coverage versus full coverage (comprehensive and collision insurance.) One pays for accidents you cause to others, while the other pays for damages you sustain and need to be covered. How much you pay depends on the policy type and coverage amounts you hope to be reimbursed for in an accident.