The 6 best car insurance companies, according to Consumer Reports

When it comes to car insurance, the stakes are high and getting more so. So if you're going to pay a premium, it should at least be for a company that treats you well. Consumer Reports dug into 36 major providers and only felt comfortable recommending six. Their rankings came from a survey of over 40,000 customers, who weighed in on everything from agent responsiveness to how smoothly claims were handled. Rate increases were part of the equation too.

Credit: The Cincinnati Insurance Companies

Coming in sixth is The Cincinnati Insurance Companies, which earns strong marks for customer service and claims handling. Policyholders say local agents are easy to reach and communication is clear — though some have seen steeper-than-average rate hikes. Cincinnati also offers a few niche perks, like classic car coverage and customized plans for high-value clients.

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

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Fifth place goes to USAA Group and is only available to military members and their families. For those who qualify, customers consistently give USAA high ratings for claims service and overall support, and bundled savings are a big advantage. Premiums have gone up in recent years, but military-specific discounts and deployment savings help keep costs manageable.

Where it’s available: All 50 states.

Credit: NYCM

NYCM Insurance Group, which started out as New York Central Mutual, lands in fourth. It's a New York-only insurer, but its customers are happy with it — particularly when it comes to getting a real person on the phone and having claims handled without headaches. Some rate increases have been noted, but the local, hands-on approach keeps people coming back.

Where it’s available: New York only.

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Amica Mutual Insurance Company takes third place, built on a reputation for straightforward claims handling and honest communication. Customers say dealing with Amica just feels reliable — especially when something goes wrong and a claim needs to be filed. Rates run a bit high, but Amica's mutual structure means long-term customers who don't file claims can get money back.

Where it’s available: Everywhere except Hawaii.

Credit: NJM Insurance

NJM Insurance Group holds the second spot and has one of the most loyal followings in the business. Consumer Reports found it gains far more customers than it loses, and people stick around for good reason — competitive pricing, clear policies, and agents who actually help.

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

Credit: Erie Insurance

Erie Insurance Group takes the top spot, and it earns it. Customers give Erie high marks for claims satisfaction, pricing fairness, and policy clarity — and it raises rates less aggressively than most of its competitors. You can only buy through an agent, and coverage isn't nationwide.

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