Best Car Insurance Companies for 2023
When it comes to car insurance, drivers need comprehensive protection at an affordable price. And with so many insurance companies to choose from, finding the best car insurance coverage can take time.
The Ascent can help. We've researched auto insurance companies, compared prices from insurers nationwide, reviewed customer experiences, and performed in-depth research into dozens of different insurers. With a focus on price, claims handling, and customer service, we've chosen the best types of insurance for drivers in different circumstances.
Drivers from all walks of life -- from typical motorists to high-risk drivers, teens to veterans -- can find recommendations for the best car insurance companies to meet their needs.
The best car insurance companies for 2023
- State Farm: Best for bundling coverage
- Auto-Owners: Best for bundling policies
- Geico: Best for price-conscious consumers
- Farm Bureau: Best for claims handling
- USAA: Best for military members and their families
What is car insurance?
Car insurance is a type of insurance policy that protects against financial loss. Auto insurance pays the bills if the policyholder causes an accident. Depending what kind of coverage a person buys, it also helps pay for repairs or replacement of their own vehicle.
Here are some of the costs car insurance can cover:
- Repairing or replacing the vehicle after a fire, theft, or other disaster
- Medical bills if the driver is hurt in an accident
- Lost wages if injuries from an accident stop the driver from working
- Losses another motorist causes if they are uninsured or underinsured
- Damage to other people's property the policyholder causes with their vehicle
- Injuries others experience if the policyholder causes a crash
- Rental car expenses if the vehicle is in the shop for repairs
- Emergency roadside assistance
Motorists don't have to buy all of these types of car insurance coverage. But they should buy the best car insurance coverage to protect against losses they can't afford to pay for out of pocket.
How can I find the best price on car insurance?
To find the best car insurance rates, drivers will need to get personalized quotes from different insurers. That's because prices can vary dramatically depending on an individual motorist's circumstances.
Drivers should get multiple auto insurance quotes from at least three to five different insurers, and more if possible. There are many online websites that make it easy to get multiple quotes at once, which simplifies this process.
The fastest way to compare multiple quotes is to provide a vehicle identification number (VIN) so the car insurance company can automatically obtain important details about the vehicle.
Motorists should also be sure to look for discounts, including for safe driving or vehicle safety equipment, as well as for good grades for teens or membership in certain organizations.
How much car insurance do you need?
When selecting an auto insurance policy, drivers need to look for more than just the cheapest car insurance. They need enough coverage to ensure an accident doesn't cost thousands of dollars, which may require paying a higher monthly premium.
How much car insurance coverage a person needs depends on their situation. However, most states have certain minimum requirements. Drivers may also wish to purchase additional protection beyond the minimum coverage required under their state's auto insurance rules. Here are some different kinds of auto insurance drivers may need, or want, to buy.