Compare the best car insurance companies by state

Although major national carriers like GEICO, State Farm and Progressive appear at the top in many states, regional carriers like Auto-Owners and Erie Insurance, and even smaller carriers like New York Central Mutual, also rank highly. To find the best carrier for you in your state, it's important to look at all of your options.

Choose your state below to see the best carriers based on rates, AM Best financial stability, NAIC complaint index and JD Power satisfaction rankings in that state.

CompanyAM BestJD Power ratingNAIC complaint indexAverage annual premiumOverall score
GEICOA++6310.6$1,8314.69
ProgressiveA+6070.6$1,8324.16
State FarmA+6480.87$2,5483.69
AllstateA+6211.2$2,3543.19
USAAA++7291.16$1,5724.53

How we choose the best car insurance companies in each state

Every state has numerous car insurance companies offering coverage, making it challenging to determine which one is the best. 

When comparing insurers, it’s essential to consider more than just rates. You also need to know that the company can effectively handle any claims that may arise and provide solid customer service.

For our rankings, we looked at these three distinct areas:

  1. Rates. We compared the average rates from each insurer for a 40-year-old driving a Honda Accord LX with a good driving record and full coverage of 100/300/100 with $500 deductibles. It is worth noting that younger drivers with a poor driving record or those who require higher coverage limits will pay higher rates.
  2. Financial stability. We compared AM Best ratings, which assess an insurer's financial strength. Insurers with strong financial stability can pay claims and are less likely to default on their financial obligations.
  3. Customer complaints. We considered the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) complaint index, which measures the number of complaints an insurer has received compared to the expected number for its market share.

How much is car insurance in your state?

The cost of car insurance ranges from $1,660 annually in Vermont to $3,999 in Louisiana, based on Insurance.com data for a full coverage policy with 100/300/300 liability limits and $500 deductibles. Car insurance rates vary significantly by state and insurer due to numerous factors, including state insurance requirements and the insurer’s rate formula. The table below shows average car insurance rates from top insurers in each state.

State Full coverage (100/300/100), $500 deductible
Alabama$2,116
Alaska$2,167
Arizona$2,420
Arkansas$2,942
California$3,444
Colorado$3,181
Connecticut$2,742
Delaware$3,157
Florida$3,916
Georgia$2,503
Hawaii$1,757
Idaho$1,901
Illinois$1,938
Indiana$1,894
Iowa$2,460
Kansas$2,496
Kentucky$2,624
Louisiana$3,999
Maine$1,808
Maryland$1,999
Massachusetts$2,429
Michigan$3,964
Minnesota$2,591
Mississippi$2,397
Missouri$2,151
Montana$2,476
Nebraska$2,095
Nevada$3,963
New Hampshire*$1,689
New Jersey$3,122
New Mexico$2,577
New York$2,596
North Carolina$2,638
North Dakota$2,439
Ohio$1,783
Oklahoma$2,993
Oregon$2,048
Pennsylvania$2,327
Rhode Island$2,878
South Carolina$2,417
South Dakota$2,575
Tennessee$2,235
Texas$3,106
Utah$2,356
Vermont$1,660
Virginia$1,835
Washington$2,389
Washington, D.C.$3,465
West Virginia$2,415
Wisconsin$2,343
Wyoming$2,061

How to compare car insurance companies

To compare car insurance companies, first choose the coverage and deductibles that work for you. Then, gather the required information and request quotes

  1. Choose coverage. First, determine your coverage needs. While most states require a minimum amount of liability coverage, you may need higher limits and additional coverages, such as collision and comprehensive. 
  2. Choose deductibles. You also need to determine your deductibles. A deductible is the amount that you pay when you file a collision or comprehensive claim. A lower deductible means higher rates but less money out of pocket if you file a claim.
  3. Gather your information. You’ll need vehicle information, such as the VIN, make, model, year and trim level. You also need information for each driver on your policy, including full name, date of birth and driver's license number.
  4. Ask about discounts. You may be eligible for multiple car insurance discounts that can significantly affect your rates, so be sure to compare those as well. Compare the availability and savings amount, since these can change by insurer.
  5. Request quotes. Contact insurance companies directly or use an online quote comparison tool to gather quotes from three to five carriers.
  6. Review carrier reputations. Compare the carriers on your list based on financial stability (AM Best), customer satisfaction (J.D. Power) and complaints (NAIC) to choose a carrier with a strong reputation.

Factors that affect car insurance premiums

Car insurance rates are calculated based on your driving record, vehicle, age, location, coverage levels and, in most states, your credit score.

  • Driving record. Your driving record provides insurers with insight as to whether you’re a safe driver or if you’re likely to cost them money in claims. Safer drivers have lower rates.
  • Vehicle. Newer vehicles have more safety features, meaning fewer injury claims. However, they are also more expensive to repair due to costly monitoring and safety systems.
  • Age. Young drivers lack experience behind the wheel and are more likely to be in an accident. Fortunately, rates decrease as drivers get older.
  • Location. Drivers living in a busy city typically pay more than those in rural areas. City drivers are more likely to have their vehicles damaged in an accident or stolen.
  • Coverage. More coverage means higher rates. However, minimum coverage typically doesn’t offer enough protection, so drivers are encouraged to add coverage and increase limits.
  • Credit score. Insurers believe that drivers with a higher credit score are more likely to pay for repairs themselves and avoid filing claims. However, some states, like California, don’t allow insurers to consider credit scores when calculating rates.

FAQ: Best car insurance companies in each state

Why is car insurance expensive in some states?

Car insurance is more expensive in some states due to high claimAn insurance claim is a request you make to your insurance company for coverage after your car is damaged or you have an accident. You can file a claim online, by phone, or in writing. rates, insurance laws and related litigation, high medical costs and severe weather, all of which impact the cost of claims paid by insurers. State averages reflect the entire state, but rates are more localized; ZIP codes with higher rates drive up state averages, drivers in less risky areas pay lower rates.

No. Although states do not have specific car insurance discounts, they do control which discounts are available. In some states, usage-based (telematics) discounts are limited, as are loyalty discounts. Discount percentages also vary by state, even from the same carrier.

Travelers is the best car insurance company nationwide in 2026, according to the annual Insurance.com best car insurance companies ranking. However, the best car insurance company at the state level varies, with GEICO, State Farm and Auto-Owners among the state-level best.

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