What Are the 10 Best Auto Insurance Companies?

Car accidents are bad enough without having to deal with poor customer service or slow claims processing from your auto insurance company. One way you can protect yourself against having to spend time and money trying to get your insured to handle your claims or answer your questions is to research insurance companies before taking out a policy.

Another consideration is that many insurers offer different types of coverage, something that can save you money: Ask your agent about whether bundling policies, such as automobile, renters, health, or homeowner coverage, is right for you. The savings can be significant, sometimes well over 10% on what you'd be paying for individual policies.

Fortunately, there are third-party organizations that conduct studies and reviews of auto insurance providers and publish their results. Below you'll find a list of the top 10 vehicle insurance companies that operate nationally or in multiple states.

State Farm

State Farm is a well-known insurance provider that has a reputation for providing excellent service through its network of local agents. While some people may prefer a high-tech approach to insurance policies, many others would rather work face-to-face with an insurance agent who is also a neighbor. State Farm can provide this opportunity in many areas of the country.

Still, State Farm's mobile app is also highly regarded, so those who would rather handle billing, payments, and claims electronically should have no problem doing so. In addition, State Farm is known for offering a certain amount of grace to individuals who have had accidents in the past. Many people find that their premiums do not go up as much as they might with other companies.

Allstate

Allstate is a well-known insurance company famous for its popular ad campaigns. It does seem, however, that the advertising is largely backed up with quality customer service, an excellent mobile app and the opportunity to receive benefits through the company's loyalty reward program.

While it is true that many consumers are concerned about policy costs, and Allstate does offer policy discounts that reward safe driving, the loyalty program is regarded by many is as a positive way to encourage safe driving practices. Those who earn rewards can cash them in for gift cards, merchandise, travel deals, sweepstakes entries, and more.

Progressive

Progressive insurance has a strong reputation for transparency in its pricing options. Long known for its amusing commercials featuring pitchwoman "Flo," Progressive is willing to go the extra mile by allowing people to download its Snapshot Road Test app, which gives drivers an idea of what their progressive rates would be before actually switching from a competing insurance company.

For individuals who don't drive very often, Progressive may be a very good choice. It specifically offers significant discounts to individuals who drive infrequently.

USAA

USAA gets high marks from many consumer advocates, although it should be noted that its services and policies are only available to military personnel, veterans and their families. Advocates note that policy rates are often quite affordable and that there are discounts for children of military personnel and veterans who have had coverage for at least three years through USAA and who are now eligible to receive their own policies.

Another reason to consider USAA is that it has specific policies that meet the needs of active-duty military personnel, including those who might be deployed for a period of time. Other insurance companies may not be as accommodating of military culture. Other perks include access to a very active online community of other US AA members that provides support, camaraderie and guidance, as well as special programs that provide significant discounts for safe driving practice is documented through a proprietary mobile app.

Nationwide

One concern among many consumers is that their Insurance needs may change without their realizing it. Nationwide offers its customers the opportunity to consult with an insurance professional on an annual basis to review driving habits and to adjust policies and coverage as needed. Nationwide also provides significant discounts to those who maintain low mileage throughout the year, making this an attractive option for individuals who work from home or who expect to not use their cars very often.

GEICO

GEICO has been in business since 1936, and his long had a reputation for providing affordable insurance policies. There are other reasons, however, that journalists and consumer advocates recommend GEICO to anyone who is seeking car insurance.

The first reason is that GEICO is known for highly customizable policies. You will work with an agent who can assist you in determining the type of coverage that you need. In addition, many different factors will be taken into consideration when determining your policy rates and discounts. Geico also has a reputation for being incredibly savvy when it comes to its website and mobile app. In fact, many believe that the companies mobile app, which allows you to access documentation of your insurance, roadside assistance, track claims and even receive safety notices and recall information from your car's manufacturer, is the best in the industry. If you are yourself a technically savvy person, you might want to consider GEICO for that reason alone.

AAA

AAA is perhaps best known for its automobile club and roadside assistance services, but it also provides automobile insurance in many states. Perks include a range of discounts, including lowered rates for paying premiums on time, multivehicle discounts, and policy discounts for those who are already AAA Reward members.

Speaking of roadside assistance, because of AAA's reputation and network of shops, individuals with AAA insurance who get into accidents will find that they may have an easier time getting their vehicle towed and repaired quickly. In fact, if your car is towed to a AAA shop, you won't have to deal with the claims adjuster and AAA will guarantee all repairs made. If you travel a lot, AAA might be a good option for you and your family.

American Family Insurance

American family insurance has a reputation for quality customer service as well as providing multiple options when it comes to building a policy that makes sense for you and your household. While you don't have to choose roadside assistance or rental reimbursement coverage, it's nice to know that they are available to you. In addition, American Family Insurance offers an app that can help you track driving behavior, and understand discounts that result from keeping your mileage down or demonstrating safe behavior on the road.

Liberty Mutual

Liberty Mutual covers all kinds of vehicles, including cars and vans, motorcycles, RVs and even boats. In addition, it liberty mutual also offers other types of insurance, making it easy to save by bundling your insurance needs. The company also provides an online insurance calculator they can show you exactly what your policy might cost and why it costs what it does. This can be useful when comparison shopping.

Travelers

Founded in 1853, travelers insurance is known for offering a range of products, including home, travel, automobile and even pet insurance. If you are looking for the option to bundle insurance coverage, travelers might be a good option for you. Travelers breaks out coverage options and add-on services, such as roadside assistance, allowing you to put together a policy that meets your needs without costing you more than you can afford.