Car insurance company reviews
Plain-English reviews of 9 major carriers: who each suits, what it does well and where it falls short.
By the Five Star Insurance Reviews editorial team · Updated October 13, 2026
Ratings are our own editorial scores out of 5, based on the features summarized here. They are not customer-satisfaction scores or an average of consumer reviews, and they do not predict your experience. We show no rates because your price depends on your own profile. How we rate
Our picks by need
Progressive and GEICO
Both are built around buying and managing a policy online.
State Farm and Allstate
Both offer local agents who can walk you through coverage.
The General and Progressive
Both work with drivers who have a less-than-perfect record.
Liberty Mutual and Nationwide
Both offer a wide menu of customizable coverage.
Not sure which fits you?
Take our 60-second quiz to see your driver type and carrier matches.
Compare at a glance
| Carrier | Our rating | Sold through | AM Best | Where available |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Progressive | 4.5/5 | Online, phone, agents | A+ | All 50 states |
| GEICO | 4.5/5 | Direct: online, app, phone | A++ | 50 states + DC |
| State Farm | 4.5/5 | Local agents + online | A++ | Check your state |
| Allstate | 4.0/5 | Local agents + online | A+ | 50 states + DC |
| Liberty Mutual | 4.0/5 | Online, phone, agents | A | 50 states + DC |
| Nationwide | 4.0/5 | Agents, online, phone | A+ or A | 46 states + DC |
| Travelers | 4.0/5 | Agents + online | A++ | Most states |
| Erie Insurance | 4.5/5 | Independent agents | A+ | 12 states + DC |
| The General | 3.5/5 | Online + phone | A+ | 46-47 states + DC |
Details verified October 2026 from carrier websites, AM Best and published reviews. AM Best ratings and state availability can change, so confirm with the carrier and at ambest.com.
All reviews
Showing 9 of 9
Progressive4.5 / 5 editorial ratingBest for: Shoppers who like online tools
| Sold through | Online, by phone, and through independent agents |
|---|---|
| Where available | All 50 states |
| AM Best rating | A+ |
| Usage-based program | Snapshot: your rate may go up or down depending on how you drive |
Benefits
- Name Your Price tool starts from your budget
- Usage-based discount program in many states
Cons
- Rates can rise at renewal for some drivers
GEICO4.5 / 5 editorial ratingBest for: Do-it-yourself online buyers
| Sold through | Directly: online, in the app or by phone, with few local offices |
|---|---|
| Where available | All 50 states and DC |
| AM Best rating | A++ |
| Usage-based program | DriveEasy, offered in most states: your rate may go up or down depending on how you drive |
Benefits
- Quote, buy and manage a policy online or in the app
- Many discount categories to ask about
Cons
- Fewer in-person agents than some rivals
State Farm4.5 / 5 editorial ratingBest for: Drivers who want a local agent
| Sold through | Local State Farm agents, plus online quoting |
|---|---|
| Where available | Check your state |
| AM Best rating | A++ |
| Usage-based program | Drive Safe & Save, not offered in every state |
Benefits
- Large agent network
- Savings for bundling home, renters or life
Cons
- Agent-based buying can take longer than online-only
Allstate4.0 / 5 editorial ratingBest for: Discount hunters who also want an agent
| Sold through | Local Allstate agents, plus online and phone |
|---|---|
| Where available | All 50 states and DC |
| AM Best rating | A+ |
| Usage-based program | Drivewise (many states) and Milewise pay-per-mile (limited states) |
Benefits
- Discounts for safe driving, low mileage and bundling
- Agents plus online options
Cons
- Pricing varies widely by driver profile
Liberty Mutual4.0 / 5 editorial ratingBest for: Drivers who want to tailor coverage
| Sold through | Online, by phone and through agents |
|---|---|
| Where available | All 50 states and DC |
| AM Best rating | A |
| Usage-based program | RightTrack, with a 90-day review period |
| Also worth knowing | Offers 12-month policy terms; accident forgiveness add-on in most states |
Benefits
- Wide menu of optional coverages
- Multi-policy discounts
Cons
- Add-ons can raise the price quickly
Nationwide4.0 / 5 editorial ratingBest for: Drivers interested in accident forgiveness
| Sold through | Independent agents, online quotes or by phone |
|---|---|
| Where available | 46 states and DC (not Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana or Massachusetts) |
| AM Best rating | A+ or A (sources differ) |
| Usage-based program | SmartRide, and SmartMiles pay-per-mile |
| Also worth knowing | Accident forgiveness available |
Benefits
- Accident forgiveness may be offered (eligibility varies)
- Flexible policy customization
Cons
- Availability of features differs by state
Travelers4.0 / 5 editorial ratingBest for: Households bundling auto and home
| Sold through | Local independent agents, plus online quotes and phone |
|---|---|
| Where available | Most states; check yours |
| AM Best rating | A++ |
| Usage-based program | IntelliDrive, not offered everywhere |
| Also worth knowing | Accident forgiveness available |
Benefits
- Bundling options
- Independent-agent distribution in many areas
Cons
- Not always the lowest quote for single-car policies
Erie Insurance4.5 / 5 editorial ratingBest for: Drivers in states Erie serves
| Sold through | Independent agents only; you can start a quote online |
|---|---|
| Where available | 12 states and DC (IL, IN, KY, MD, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WI) |
| AM Best rating | A+ |
| Usage-based program | Ask your agent |
| Also worth knowing | Optional Rate Lock feature |
Benefits
- Regional carrier with a service-focused reputation
- Rate-lock style options in some states
Cons
- Sold only in certain states
The General3.5 / 5 editorial ratingBest for: Drivers who struggle to get standard coverage
| Sold through | Online and by phone, with limited in-person service |
|---|---|
| Where available | 46 to 47 states and DC (sources differ) |
| AM Best rating | A+ (upgraded from A in 2025) |
| Usage-based program | Ask the carrier |
| Also worth knowing | Specializes in higher-risk drivers; SR-22 filings available in most states |
Benefits
- Focus on higher-risk and non-standard drivers
- Fast online quotes
Cons
- Coverage options and service may be more limited
Check these before you buy
Financial strength
Look up the insurer’s financial strength rating from agencies such as AM Best. It shows how likely the company is to pay claims.
Complaint history
Search your state department of insurance and the NAIC consumer insurance search for complaints about the company.
Claims and service
Read recent customer surveys, such as J.D. Power studies, and independent reviews, and ask people who have filed claims.
Coverage details
Compare the same limits and deductibles on every quote, and ask which discounts are applied.
FAQs
Which car insurance company is best?
There is no single best company. The best fit depends on how you like to buy, your driving record, whether you bundle, and where you live. Use our picks as a starting point and compare quotes.
How do you rate carriers?
Our star ratings are our own editorial scores based on the features summarized in each review. They are not customer-satisfaction scores, and they do not predict your experience.
Do you show prices?
No. Prices depend on your age, location, vehicle and history, so the only accurate figure is a personal quote.
Is this site free to use?
Yes. We may be paid by partners when you request quotes, at no cost to you.
Get the free car insurance discounts checklist
18 discounts to ask your insurer about, plus practical tips to lower what you pay. Free to your inbox. Unsubscribe any time.
By subscribing you agree to receive emails from Five Star Insurance Reviews, including your checklist. See our privacy policy.
Ready to see your options?
It's free, takes about two minutes, and there's no obligation.
Compare free quotes