The Best Auto Insurance Companies For 2018

Independent car insurance site Clearsurance recently ranked the best car insurance companies. The list is based on factors such as affordability, customer service, the scope of coverage and users’ likelihood to recommend their insurance to others or renew with the company.

Surprisingly, only two national insurance companies made the cut. The others were smaller and mid-size companies.

Clearsurance sifted through more than 39,000 customer reviews that policyholders submitted on the website. Here’s their list of the top 10 insurers:

1. New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance Co. (NJM)

Overall score: 4.7 - Despite being one of the smallest companies to make the top 10—selling insurance exclusively in New Jersey and Pennsylvania—New Jersey Manufacturers received the highest rating of any company with more than 100 reviews from its policyholders. The consumers in those markets have praised NJM for fair prices and reliable handling for auto claims.

2. USAA

Overall score: 4.69 - USAA is a national company that is exclusive to military members and their families, so not everyone is eligible to buy its insurance. But, based on the reviews of consumers who have dealt with USAA, those who are eligible would be wise to consider USAA when shopping for car insurance. The company has more than 28,000 employees and is heralded for its outstanding customer service.

3. Amica Mutual Insurance Company

Overall score: 4.51 - Amica is the highest-rated company on our top 10 list that writes auto insurance in all 50 states and is not limited to eligible-only members. Founded in 1907 in Rhode Island, Amica is the oldest mutual insurer of automobiles in the United States. The company offers a wide range of coverages and discounts, including multi-policy discounts for consumers who combine homeowners insurance with an auto policy.

4. Shelter Mutual Insurance Company

Overall score: 4.49 - Shelter is a midsize insurance company that sells various lines of insurance in 18 states. Its minimum coverage includes roadside assistance and new car replacement. Plus, the Missouri-based company offers a bevy of discounts to its policyholders for a chance to lower their premiums.

5. Erie Insurance Group

Overall score: 4.48 - Erie is one of the smallest car insurance companies to crack the top 10 list, operating in 12 states. The Pennsylvania-based company offers its Erie Rate Lock feature, which holds rates steady, unless you update your policy by changing cars or addresses. Erie also offers a diminishing deductible for each consecutive year that you are claim free.

6. Auto-Owners Insurance Group

Overall score: 4.45 - While not a truly national company, Auto-Owners is sizable. It sells insurance in 26 states and boasts 2.7 million policyholders across its various lines of insurance. The Michigan-based company offers insurance solely through independent agents.

7. AAA

Overall score: 4.34 - Well-known for its roadside assistance and membership discounts, AAA also is highly regarded for its car insurance by its policyholders. Although AAA services over 57 million members all over the continent, its customer service is personalized via regional clubs.

8. The Hartford

Overall score: 4.33 - This national insurance company is known for its discounts offered to AARP members. But The Hartford offers additional discounts, such as its 12-month rate protection, which protects policyholders from having their rates fluctuate every six months. The Connecticut-based company has been in business for more than 200 years.

9. Geico

Overall score: 4.28 - Geico, famous for its talking gecko commercials, was the most reviewed car insurance company on Clearsurance in 2017. Many policyholders praise the company for its prices and discounts, as well as the functionality of its mobile app.

10. American Family Insurance

Overall score: 4.27 - American Family has come a long way since it started in 1921, when it was solely focused on offering car insurance to farmers. Nearly 100 years later, American Family now sells insurance in 19 states and boasts more than 8.3 million total policies.

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