Best Auto Insurance Providers In 2022
Find the best auto insurance providers that offer great rates and coverage with our guide.Our content follows strict guidelines for editorial accuracy and integrity. Learn about our and how we make money.
| Provider | Rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Geico Auto | Overall | |
| State Farm Auto | Home and Auto Bundle | |
| Amica Auto | Customer Service | |
| Progressive Auto | New Drivers | |
| Allstate Auto | Customer Service |
When it comes to car insurance, there's no getting around the fact that you need it. But with all the different providers and policies available, how do you know which one is right for you?
There's also thinking about the kind of car insurance you need and how you can find the best deal. Many people face these dilemmas when they look for coverage. But don't worry, we're here to help.
This article will discuss the best auto insurance providers in 2022 and what you should consider when choosing vehicle coverage.
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See if you qualify for better ratesWhat Is Car Insurance?
Car insurance is coverage that financially protects car owners in the case of an accident, loss, theft, or damage.
There are many types of coverage available, and the costs can vary depending on factors such as the driver's age, driving history, and the kind of car being insured.
In most states, car insurance is required by law, and drivers who do not have it may be subject to fines or other penalties.
Best Overall
Pros
Rated highly for customer service and satisfaction.
Offers excellent rates and discounts to certain types of drivers.
Low-rate options for drivers with poor credit and DWI drivers.
An easy-to-use website and mobile app.
Offers additional benefits such as accident forgiveness.
Cons
No gap or rideshare cover options.
High rates for drivers with DUIs.
Doesn’t offer additional coverage features such as car replacements or vanishing deductibles.
Geico’s affordable prices and consistent customer service make it the first choice for many drivers. Applying for auto coverage with them is fast and convenient, and their easy claims process means you won't wait months for repairs to be covered.
Geico offers auto coverage in all states and has several options, including minimum liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. While they don’t sell rideshare or gap insurance options, they do offer a wide range of discounts to drivers looking for car cover.
If you’d like to learn more about Geico’s coverage options, read our review or speak to one of our agents.
What Kind of Auto Coverage Do I Need?
Deciding what type of auto coverage you need can be a difficult and confusing task.
Various coverage options are available, and the costs can vary significantly depending on the insurer. However, there are a few key factors to consider when choosing an auto insurance policy.
Determine the coverage you need in the event of an accident. If you have a newer car, you may want to consider comprehensive coverage that protects your vehicle against damage from weather, fire, theft, and other risks. If you have an older car, liability coverage may be enough to cover any potential costs.
Compare the costs of different policies before selecting one. Auto insurance rates can vary significantly based on the insurer, so shopping around and comparing rates before making a decision is essential.
Consider any discounts that may be available. Many insurers offer discounts for safe drivers, good students, and those who have taken defensive driving courses.
The best way to determine your ideal coverage is to speak with an insurance agent who can help you assess your requirements, risk profile, and budget.
SR-22 Insurance Explained
SR2-2 insurance is required for drivers involved in repeated accidents or convicted of a DUI or another offense. It is a form that proves you have the necessary amount of insurance as set by state law. In most cases, drivers are required to maintain SR-22 coverage for three years.
The costs of SR-22 insurance vary depending on the insurance company, but it is typically more expensive than regular auto insurance coverage.
If drivers who are required to carry SR-22 insurance cancel their coverage or allow it to lapse, their state DMV will be notified, and their license may be suspended. As such, drivers must ensure they always keep proof of their SR-22 coverage.
For those required to obtain SR-22 coverage, shopping around and comparing rates from different insurers to get the best deal possible is essential.
Best for Home and Auto Bundle
Pros
Offers below-average rates on all car insurance plans.
Scores high for customer service and policy renewals.
Offers discounts on coverage for young drivers and safe drivers.
Additional coverage perks such as access to rental cars and travel expense coverage.
Cons
Drivers with poor credit may pay much higher premiums.
No gap insurance options.
Higher rates for drivers with poor credit.
Doesn't offer gap insurance.
State Farm consistently ranks well for customer satisfaction and affordability. Their clients love the service they receive and benefit from the additional coverage options available.
The company is also known for its focus on customer service which means that you’ll get top-notch support and claims processing when you deal with them.
Besides auto insurance, State Farm offers its customers a range of other insurance and financial products. This makes them an ideal choice if you’re looking to bundle your coverage.
Contact our auto insurance agents today to learn more about State Farm’s range of insurance products.
Should I Bundle My Insurance?
There's no simple answer to whether or not you should bundle your auto insurance coverage. On the one hand, bundling can lead to significant savings on your monthly premiums. On the other hand, it's essential to ensure you're still getting the coverage you need at a price you can afford.
Here are a few things to consider:
- What type of coverage do you need? Make sure that you're getting the right coverage for your needs. Bundling may not be worth it if it means sacrificing your level of coverage.
- How much will you save on your coverage costs? Remember that the cheapest option isn't always the best.
If you’re unsure whether bundling is the right option, reach out to our agents with your questions.
Types of Auto Insurance
Here are some popular car insurance plans you can buy:
Minimum liability
Minimum liability insurance is the coverage required by law in a given state. It is typically the cheapest form of car insurance, but it also provides the least coverage.
In most states, minimum liability insurance covers bodily injury and property damage up to a specific limit.
If you are involved in an accident that exceeds those limits, you will be responsible for paying the remainder out-of-pocket. While minimum liability insurance may be the cheapest option, it may not be the best choice if you drive a lot or live in a high-risk area.
Collision coverage
Collision coverage helps pay for repairs or a replacement if your car is damaged in an accident with another vehicle or object, regardless of who's at fault.
If you have collision coverage as part of your car insurance policy and are in an accident, your insurer will help pay to repair the damages up to your coverage limit.
Collision coverage typically comes with a deductible, which is the amount you'll need to pay out-of-pocket before your coverage kicks in.
Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive insurance is coverage that extends beyond the minimum amount required by your state. It typically includes protection for damages caused by weather, theft, and animals.
It may also cover repairs to your car if it's damaged in an accident with another vehicle or object, regardless of who is at fault.
Comprehensive coverage costs more than the minimum coverage required by your state, but it can give you peace of mind knowing you're fully protected.
Underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage
Underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage is a type of car insurance coverage that helps to protect you financially if you are involved in an accident with a driver who isn’t insured or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover the costs of the accident.
While adding this type of insurance to your auto coverage is optional, it is something to consider if you want to be fully protected financially in an accident.
Best for Customer Service
Pros
Strong customer loyalty and customer satisfaction ratings.
Easy and fast claims process.
Offers additional perks on most plans, such as accident forgiveness.
Options to add gap insurance for financed or leased vehicles.
Cons
Higher rates than other leading insurance companies.
Some plans aren’t available in Alaska or Hawaii.
Claims may result in higher than average rate increases.
While you might pay more on average for auto coverage with Amica, their market-leading customer service and customer satisfaction mean you’ll get the best service possible.
Amica offers all types of car insurance, including liability, collision, PIP, and uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM) coverage. They even offer glass coverage, roadside assistance, and gap insurance.
Amica consistently scores exceptionally well in customer reviews. If you live in one of 48 states where they offer auto coverage, be sure to check them out if you’d like a best-in-their-class insurance partner.
To learn more about Amica’s range of auto insurance plans, read our latest review or speak to our agents today.
Ways to Save on Auto Insurance
There are several ways to save on auto insurance, and the best approach will depend on your individual needs. Here are a few tips to lower your auto insurance costs:
1) If you're looking for ways to lower your premiums, you may want to consider increasing your deductible. This will make your coverage more affordable in the short term, but it's crucial to ensure that you have enough savings set aside to cover the cost of repairs in the event of an accident.
2) Another way to lower your monthly costs is to reduce your coverage. For example, if you have an expensive plan and your car is getting on in years, you may consider dropping or lowering that coverage since it is no longer necessary.
3) To lower your costs, you can also save on auto insurance by bundling your coverage with other forms of insurance, such as homeowners or renters insurance.
4) Shop around and compare rates from different insurers before committing to a policy. By comparing prices and coverage levels, you can ensure that you get the best possible deal on your auto insurance.
Best for Customer Service - Runner Up
Pros
Easy claims filing processes.
Lots of discounts available.
Allows customers to customize their coverage with roadside assistance, accident forgiveness, and new car replacements.
Offers rideshare insurance in some states.
Cons
Policies are offered on a 6-month term.
Additional coverage and perks may cost you more.
Coverage is more expensive than some other competitors.
Allstate has made a name for itself in the auto insurance industry as a company that values its customers and provides excellent coverage. For nearly 100 years, Allstate has been offering drivers standard, optional, and customized auto insurance coverage to meet their needs. A large network of repairers, extensive coverage options, and multiple discounts are just some of the reasons why many Americans choose to insure their cars through Allstate.
Allstate is an excellent choice for consumers who want an accessible company with massive reach, a wide range of products, and many local agents.
Want to find out more about Allstate? Read our latest guide or contact one of our auto insurance agents.
Stacked vs. Unstacked Insurance
Stacked coverage means that you have multiple auto insurance policies with the same company, and the coverage is cumulative. This means that if you have an accident, all of your policies will pay out up to the coverage limit.
Unstacked coverage, however, means having separate insurance policies for each vehicle. This can be more expensive, but it also means that you're less likely to be underinsured. If you have an accident in one car, only the policy for that vehicle will pay out.
No matter your insurance plan, ensure you get enough insurance to protect your assets in an accident. The last thing you want is to be underinsured and have to pay out-of-pocket for damages exceeding your coverage limits.
Best for New Drivers
Pros
Low levels of customer complaints.
One of the largest auto insurance providers in the country.
Offers additional coverage options on certain plans, such as pet injury insurance.
Competitive rates for drivers with DUIs and DWIs.
Offers rideshare and usage-based insurance options.
Cons
Teen drivers may pay more for coverage.
Scores low on customer loyalty.
Progressive’s competitive rates and few customer complaints make it the go-to choice for drivers in all states.
Their commitment to providing innovative auto insurance benefits can be seen in their wide range of discounts and added extras, like diminishing deductibles and pet cover in case your furry friend is injured in an accident.
Additionally, if you’re looking for a specific type of coverage plan, Progressive will be able to help. They offer rideshare, usage-based insurance, SR-22 cover, and gap insurance.
To learn more about Progressive and their auto insurance options, read this guide.
How Do Auto Insurance Companies Set Monthly Rates?
Auto insurance companies look at several factors when calculating car insurance premiums. These factors include your car's make and model, driving record, age, gender, credit score, and where you live.
Your car's make and model affect how much it will cost to repair or replace your car if it's in an accident.
If you have a history of accidents or traffic violations, this will likely be reflected in a higher premium.
In general, young drivers and men have higher premiums than older drivers and women because they're more likely to be involved in accidents.
Insurance companies also use your credit score to help determine your premium. A good credit score may result in a lower premium because it indicates that you're more responsible with money.
Where you live can also affect your car insurance rates—for example, if you live in an area with high crime rates or car accidents.
Tips for Choosing an Auto Insurance Plan
When choosing auto cover, there are a few things you'll need to consider.
Look at state laws and the type of coverage you’ll need: It's important to look at state laws and coverage requirements when choosing auto insurance. You should also remember that some lenders require specific types of coverage, so check with your lender before choosing a policy.
Consider your risk profile: The amount you pay for coverage will depend on your overall risk profile. If you have a higher risk of being in an accident, you'll need to pay more for your coverage. However, you may get by with less coverage and save on premiums if you have a lower risk profile. Insurers will look at factors such as your driving record, car type, and where you live. You will likely pay less for your coverage if you have a clean driving record and live in a safe neighborhood.
Get multiple quotes: When it comes to car insurance, it pays to shop around. Costs can vary widely from one insurer to the next, so it's essential to get multiple quotes before deciding. In addition to costs, be sure to compare coverage options and discounts. Some insurers may offer more comprehensive coverage than others, and some may provide discounts for things like safe driving or having multiple policies with the same company.
Get professional help: With so many factors influencing the cost of premiums, it can be challenging to know where to start. That's where an insurance agent can help. A good agent will work with you to understand your needs and find the right coverage at the right price. They can also help you take advantage of discounts and save money on your car insurance.
Find coverage to match your unique circumstances: There are a lot of different factors to consider when choosing car insurance. Costs vary significantly from company to company, so comparing rates is vital before deciding.
You'll also want to ensure that your auto cover includes the coverage you need and that you're getting the best possible price.
Auto Insurance Terms You Should Know
Premiums: Auto insurance premiums are what you pay monthly, semi-annually, or annually for your car insurance.
Deductible: A deductible is the amount of money that you are required to pay toward the cost of repairs before your car insurance policy covers the remaining expenses listed in your policy.
Minimum liability: Minimum liability coverage is the least amount of car insurance required by your state. It covers damage to other people and property if you're at fault in an accident, but it doesn't cover your costs.
At-fault state: In an at-fault state, drivers must carry a minimum amount of insurance that covers damage to property and injuries to others. If a driver causes an accident in an at-fault state, their insurance company will pay for all the damages, including the other driver's costs.
No-fault state: No-fault states have less strict requirements for car insurance. In these states, drivers are typically only required to carry a policy that covers their medical expenses. Each driver claims from their insurance company after an accident, regardless of who caused it.
Auto Insurance FAQs
Car insurance is necessary for all drivers but can cost more for younger people. If you’re a young driver, it is essential to compare different policies and identify which one offers the most cover at an affordable price. On top of this, the cheapest option isn’t always the best. You’ll want to make sure that your plan has adequate coverage to pay for any potential costs.
SR-22 is a car insurance policy that provides additional coverage for high-risk drivers. Also known as a certificate of financial responsibility, an SR-22 is a document that proves you have the minimum amount of car insurance required by your state. If you are required to carry SR-22 insurance, you should purchase a policy from an insurance company that offers this type of coverage.
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2024 Best Providers
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