The best car insurance companies in America, according to Consumer Reports

If you’re going to be paying a fortune for car insurance, it better be good.

Enter Consumer Reports, which set out to find the best car insurance companies in the nation. It looked at 36 major providers, and only found six that it felt comfortable recommending.

To make its decision, CR analyzed responses from more than 40,000 people in its national car insurance survey. It asked customers about their satisfaction with everything from the ease of talking to agents to how well their claims were handled. It also looked at which companies raised prices the most.

Continue reading to see which six made the list and why.

Credit: The Cincinnati Insurance Companies

Cincinnati earns high marks in Consumer Reports’ ratings for its attentive customer service and reliable claims handling. Policyholders told CR they appreciate the company’s responsive local agents and clear communication. Some have seen higher-than-average premium increases, but Cincinnati stands out for offering coverage options like classic-car protection and personalized plans for high-value clients.

Where it’s available: Everywhere except Alaska, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and South Dakota.

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According to Consumer Reports, USAA customers — limited to members of the military community and their families — consistently rate the insurer highly for claims service, coverage quality, and overall support. Many policyholders told CR they value USAA’s trustworthy service and solid savings on bundled coverage. Although premiums have ticked up in recent years, military-specific discounts and deployment-related savings help USAA remain a top value for those who qualify.

Where it’s available: All 50 states.

Credit: NYCM

New York-based NYCM, originally New York Central Mutual Insurance, performs well in Consumer Reports’ survey for customer satisfaction and accessibility. Respondents said they appreciate being able to speak directly with representatives and praised how smoothly claims are handled. While many policyholders have noticed rate increases, CR found that customers still view NYCM’s local focus and tailored policies as strong reasons to stay loyal.

Where it’s available: New York only.

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Amica ranks near the top of Consumer Reports’ list for the way it manages claims and communicates policy details. Customers describe the experience as transparent and dependable, especially when resolving claims. Though its rates are higher than average, Amica’s mutual structure mean long-term customers who don’t file claims can get refund money.

Where it’s available: Everywhere except Hawaii.

Credit: NJM Insurance

Consumer Reports notes that NJM has one of the most devoted customer bases in the insurance market, with far more people switching to the company than away from it. Policyholders told CR they’re satisfied with NJM’s competitive pricing, helpful agents, and clear policies. Plus, it’s gained ten times the amount of customers than it’s lost in the last five years, which is certainly a sign that its customers are pleased with the coverage. 

Where it’s available: Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

Credit: Erie Insurance

At the top of Consumer Reports’ rankings, Erie Insurance earns standout scores for claims satisfaction and policy clarity. Customers told CR that Erie delivers strong coverage and fair prices, with fewer rate hikes than many competitors. While Erie’s coverage is available only in select states and must be purchased through an agent, its consistent service and valuable discounts make it CR’s highest-rated auto insurer overall.

Where it’s available: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Washington, D.C.