We’ve created the following process to identify the most suitable car insurance providers for your needs and deliver on our mission to help you make informed decisions.
Car Insurance Review Categories
Our team of seasoned writers, editors, and insurance experts evaluates and rates car insurance companies across the following five categories, using the detailed criteria outlined below.
Coverage Options
Policy Types: What types of car insurance policies are available? We assess whether the company offers all standard coverages—including liability, collision, comprehensive, personal injury protection (PIP), uninsured/underinsured motorist, and medical payments—as well as optional coverage types such as rental reimbursement, gap insurance, rideshare coverage, and roadside assistance.
Customization: How flexible are the coverage limits and deductibles? Can customers tailor their policies to meet specific driving needs and budget?
Specialty Policies: Does the insurer provide coverage for high-risk drivers, classic cars, teen drivers, or drivers with international licenses?
Bundling Options: Can policyholders bundle car insurance with homeowners, renters, or life insurance for savings?
State-Specific Coverage: Does the insurer offer coverage that complies with specific state requirements or regulations?
Availability
State Coverage: In how many U.S. states does the insurer operate? Are there any major regional limitations?
Vehicle and Driver Eligibility: Are there restrictions on vehicle types, age of vehicles, or driver profiles?
Quote Accessibility: How easy is it to get a quote based on your ZIP code, vehicle details, and driving history?
Digital Access: Is it possible to purchase, manage, and renew policies fully online?
Rates and Value
Premium Comparison: How do the insurer’s average premiums compare to industry and national averages for similar driver profiles?
Discount Opportunities: What types of discounts does the insurer offer? We assess eligibility and availability for discounts such as:
Safe driver
Multi-policy
Multi-car
Good student
Telematics or usage-based programs
Anti-theft devices
Defensive driving course
Pay-in-full or paperless billing
Transparency: Are premiums clearly broken down during the quote process? Are there any hidden or surprise fees?
Value for Coverage: Does the cost of coverage reflect the breadth and quality of features offered?
Claims Process and User Experience
Ease of Filing: How easy is it to file a claim? Are there multiple channels (online, mobile app, phone)?
Claims Turnaround: How quickly does the insurer process and pay out claims? Do they provide clear timelines?
Digital Tools: Does the insurer offer a mobile app or online dashboard for managing claims, payments, and policy documents? How well-rated are these tools?
Policy Management: Can customers easily update information, add/remove vehicles, and request changes online?
Application Process: Is the quote and application process quick, intuitive, and user-friendly?
Customer Service
Reputation and Ratings: What is the company’s Trustpilot score, Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, and overall consumer feedback?
Support Channels: What methods are available for support—chat, email, phone? Are customer service hours convenient?
Responsiveness: When tested by our team, how quickly did the insurer respond across available channels?
Customer Feedback: Are there common themes in user reviews and testimonials—either positive or negative? How consistent are they across platforms?
Years in Business: How long has the insurer been operating, and what is its financial strength and industry standing?
Rating and Reviewing Car Insurance Providers
Our experts score each car insurance provider in the five review categories listed above on a scale of one to 10, based on their performance against our detailed criteria. One is the lowest possible score, and 10 is the highest. We then average those scores to determine the provider’s overall BestMoney Editorial Score.
Car insurers with high Editorial Scores are considered for our list of top car insurance companies. We may also feature a company for its standout offerings, such as best-in-class telematics, extremely low premiums for a specific demographic, or rapid claims processing.
Disclaimer:
The information and pricing provided in our reviews are based on publicly available data and sample quotes at the time of evaluation. Car insurance rates, discounts, and policy details are subject to change and may vary by location, driving history, vehicle type, and other personal factors. We recommend obtaining personalized quotes directly from the insurer and speaking with a licensed agent to determine the best coverage for your individual needs.
