Best auto insurance companies for claims
Our Insurance.com survey showed drivers are most satisfied with Farmers, Amica, and State Farm's claims handling. The J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study had different results.
The J.D. Power study is a comprehensive survey that evaluates customer satisfaction with their auto insurance company's claims handling process. Regional carrierAn insurance carrier is the company that provides your car insurance policy and pays claims. NJM Insurance, followed by Amica and Erie, came out on top for claims in that study.
The table below compares the scores of top car insurance companies in our survey to the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study. As you can see, companies ranked differently in each survey.
| Company | Survey claims satisfaction | J.D. Power |
|---|---|---|
| Allstate | 77% | 691 |
| American Family | 67% | 692 |
| Amica | 89% | 746 |
| Auto-Owners | 83% | 692 |
| Erie | 80% | 733 |
| Farmers | 94% | 706 |
| Geico | 80% | 692 |
| Liberty Mutual | 81% | 717 |
| Nationwide | 83% | 728 |
| NJM Insurance** | N/A | 782 |
| Progressive | 81% | 672 |
| Safeco | 74% | 687 |
| State Farm | 88% | 710 |
| The Hartford | 85% | 701 |
| Travelers | 78% | 684 |
| USAA* | 91% | 726 |
*USAA scored very well in both our survey and the J.D. Power study. However, USAA only provides car insurance to military members and their families, so we’ve excluded them from the results.
**NJM Insurance is a regional company that did not receive enough responses in our survey to be included.
The top car insurance companies for claims service
Our survey shows that Farmers, Amica and State Farm ranked the best in claims satisfaction. These companies, known for their reliability, are some of the top insurers in the country and have a history of good customer experiences with claims.
Let’s dive into each company to learn more about them.
Farmers
Farmers earned the top spot in our survey with a 94% score for claims handling. In the J.D. Power study, Farmers scored above the study average of 697, scoring 706 out of 1,000.
Drivers can file and track claims through the Farmers website or use a 24/7 claims line. The website also allows users to upload documents or receipts.
Farmers Insurance has a 100-year history and is one of the largest insurance companies in the country by market share. It provides multiple types of insurance to people in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Amica
Amica’s claims handling earned an 89% satisfaction rating from customers in our survey and came in second in the J.D. Power study with a score of 746.
Amica allows drivers to file and track claims through the website or app or by calling customer service. Since Amica doesn’t use agents, all communication goes through the company, streamlining the claims process.
Amica has provided insurance for almost 120 years, emphasizing customer service. Surveys, reviews, and awards show the company’s customer-centered approach. Amica offers auto insurance, along with home and other coverage, in almost all states.
State Farm
State Farm came in third in our survey with an 88% score on claims handling. It scored an above-average 710 in the J.D. Power auto claims study.
Drivers can file a 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. through the State Farm website or app or by calling customer service. They can also get a virtual estimate by taking photos in the app to give them an idea of their claim payout.
State Farm has been around for over 100 years and is the largest auto insurance company in the U.S. The company sells all policies through its 19,000 agents, although many services are available online.
What makes a car insurance carrier good for claims?
According to the J.D. Power study, good communication is the most important factor in claims handling. Drivers want to stay abreast of the claims process and have clear timelines and expectations.
“The insurers that do well in the study differentiate their experience in a few areas,” says Mark Garrett, director of insurance intelligence at J.D. Power. He goes on to list the following areas that reflect good claims service:
- Setting up the claim well on the front end: Being empathetic and setting expectations for the customer in terms of the process and general timing of initial next steps.
- Ensuring communicating with the insurer is easy: More and more insurers rely on proactive updates through digital channels such as apps and text messages to keep customers informed on milestones of the claim; additionally being responsive to customer questions in general.
- Limiting problems and delays in the process: This can go hand-in-hand with good communication as it [minimizes] periods of uncertainty with how the claim is evolving, so good communication and expectation setting can cut down on perceived delays.
- Consistent service: Often there are several insurer reps involved in a claim and the insurers that perform well have good consistency between different people—so sharing info, having consistent soft skills (empathy, concern) as well as knowledge can be a key satisfier.
When looking for a car insurance company with excellent claims satisfaction, there are a few items to consider.
Factors that make an insurer good for car insurance claims include:
- 24/7 support
- Great communication
- Online claim filing and support
- Quick claims approval
How to choose a car insurance company that’s good for claims
There are several things you can do to find the best car insurance company for claims.
First, check customer surveys to see how drivers feel about a company. Ratings from our survey and J.D. Power help narrow down insurers with high claims satisfaction.
Next, read company reviews to learn about real-world experiences from other drivers. These reviews, part of a thorough research process, will give you a good idea of how the claims process would go for you.
Finally, talk to friends and family. Ask them for personal experiences when dealing with a car insurance claim.
Sources:
- J.D. Power. “2024 Auto Claims Satisfaction Study.” Accessed March 2025.
Methodology
In the fall of 2024, our sister site, Insure.com, surveyed more than 1,750 insurance consumers (1,199 people with auto insurance). Online market research company Slice MR conducted the survey. Respondents were asked to name their auto insurer and then grade it in several categories, including for claims handling.
Ratings were from 1 (very unsatisfied) to 5 (very satisfied), with the number of responses at a 4 (satisfied) or a 5 used to calculate the percentage of satisfied customers.
Best car insurance companies for claims: FAQ
How long does the average car insurance claim take to process?
Typically, a car insurance claim is completed within a few weeks. However, the timeline can be longer if documentation is missing or deadlines aren’t met. Each state has laws regarding how long insurance companies have to complete a claim, although some don’t have an exact timeframe. Check with your state’s insurance office to determine how long your insurer has to settle your claim.
What can I do if I am having trouble with my car insurance claim?
If your claim isn’t going smoothly or has been denied, you can appeal to your insurance company. Read the denial letter thoroughly to determine if your claim should be approved. Resubmit the claim with supporting documentation to try to get your claim approved. You may need to hire a public adjusterAn adjuster handles claims for the insurance company. They assess the damage and determine how your coverage applies to damages and injuries. or a lawyer to expedite the process.
Can I switch car insurance companies with an open claim?
You can switch car insurance companies anytime, including with an open claim. However, your new insurance company won’t handle the claim; the claim stays with the company that insured you when the incident happened. The new company could raise your rates once the claim is settled if you’re found at fault for the accident. It’s best to let your new insurance company know there is an open claim so you know what to expect.
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