How to choose the best car insurance company

There are a lot of different ways to choose a car insurance company. You might get information from your friend or commercials, but auto insurance is highly personalized, so it’s worth the time to research your options and compare quotes to get the best coverage for your needs. Here’s a quick guide to find the best cheap coverage for your vehicle.

How to pick the best car insurance

Almost every state requires drivers to carry at least a minimum amount of car insurance, but drivers can obtain more coverage for better protection. The company you choose, the coverage types you select and the coverage levels you purchase are personal to your situation. Every driver has unique needs, but insurance carriers also have different strengths. When shopping for the best car insurance company for your unique circumstances, there are numerous factors to consider, and the emphasis placed on each factor depends on what you need as an individual. You can use these steps to navigate the car insurance shopping process.

1. Determine your unique needs

To choose the best car insurance company, you must first determine your needs and financial situation. Evaluating your circumstances may help narrow down the selection of carriers and focus on one offering the coverage options you need.

For example, if you are a defensive driver, you might want to look for a carrier with a telematics program. These programs track your driving and may reward safe habits with a personalized discount. As long as you drive safely, this could help mitigate the rising car insurance rates that many drivers are facing.

Households with teen drivers might want to seek insurance providers with discounts or programs geared specifically toward young adults. If you prefer to keep your insurance as simple to manage as possible, finding a company that offers numerous products could help you bundle more policies together. There are endless combinations of personal criteria for an auto insurance company, and understanding your unique perspective could help you figure out which companies to research more deeply.

2. Find insurance providers that match your priorities

Once you know your needs, you can begin seeking out insurance companies that might align with your circumstances. You may find that some of the largest car insurance companies, which may be available across much of the country, could be good options. Or you might opt for smaller car insurance companies, which tend to be more regional. Choosing between small and large insurers can come down to personal preference; smaller companies may offer more personalized and localized service, while larger companies may have more policy options, 24/7 customer service and more self-service options.

Researching the companies that offer coverage in your area can help you ensure your carrier aligns with your needs. If finding a cheap car insurance company is one of your priorities, you may want to spend some time analyzing discounts. Most companies offer at least a few auto insurance discounts but finding a carrier that has several savings opportunities that you qualify for might help you control your premium.

3. Check trusted third-party ratings

You can use verified third-party ratings available to take the guesswork out of finding companies with strong customer service and financial strength ratings. Using third-party data in your research provides a more well-rounded approach to choosing a provider and gives you unbiased data for your review.

Customer satisfaction rankings, such as those from J.D. Power, provide independent, unbiased ratings regarding the experience with popular car insurance providers. AM Best is another example of a third-party company that further analyzes an insurance carrier’s performance. Specifically, AM Best reviews a carrier’s historical financial health and strength, which may give you peace of mind if a carrier has a track record of paying claims.

4. Consider digital tools and customer resources

Another aspect worth considering in your search is how you will interact with a company once you’re a policyholder. Some people may want to use a mobile app or online portal, while others prefer speaking to representatives over the phone or visiting a local agent.

If you like to handle things digitally, for example, choosing a company with a robust digital app that lets you pay bills, request changes and file claims could lead to your continued satisfaction with company interaction. Wanting digital tools and choosing a company that doesn’t offer an app or online portal could lead to dissatisfaction.

Some companies may have customer resources available that make them outshine other carriers. For example, AAA has a robust roadside assistance program that not only offers coverage when you break down, but has other perks, like insurance discounts and DMV services. Amica’s extensive coverage options provide unique add-on opportunities like free lock replacement and credit monitoring services. Comparing features beyond price and coverage can help you identify which company is best for your needs.

5. Compare insurance quotes based on coverage

The average cost of car insurance can vary drastically from one carrier to another based on a variety of rating factors, including the type of vehicle you drive, your driving history and the specific coverage you choose. Comparing carriers highlights the difference in rates, but it also shows which carriers offer the coverage options and discounts you are looking for based on your needs.

When gathering quotes, use the same coverage choices, limits and deductibles across all carriers. This can provide a true rate comparison to determine which company will offer the best price for the coverage you need. If you compare a minimum coverage policy with low liability limits from one company to a full coverage policy with higher liability limits from another, the lower coverage company may appear cheaper, even though it may not be for the higher coverage options.

If you aren’t sure how much car insurance you need, working with an insurance agent can be helpful. A licensed insurance agent can listen to your situation, understand your circumstances and recommend appropriate coverage types and levels. Once you are confident in the coverage types and levels you need, you can match those levels across all the quotes you request. Keep in mind that some companies may not offer certain endorsements, so you might not be able to get your quotes exactly the same.

Frequently asked questions

• • What is the best car insurance company?While Bankrate has done the legwork and identified the best car insurance companies, our list is only a starting point. Take some time to consider what’s most important to you, as well as what could affect your rates. If you’re adding a teen driver to your policy, for example, you might need to look for carriers that offer affordable premiums and extra discounts tailored to young drivers. To find the right company for you, it can be helpful to consider more than a carrier’s rates and also research things like each company’s financial strength ratings, customer service reviews and available coverage options.

  • What insurance is best for cars with high mileage?The best insurance for your high mileage car depends on your comfort with risk and the vehicle’s value. For a car with several hundred thousand miles on the odometer, for example, it may not make sense to have collision and comprehensive coverage, since the cost of coverage may be more than what the vehicle is worth. If you drive a lot each year, you may want to consider a carrier that offers roadside assistance and accident forgiveness coverage, as the risk that you’ll break down or get into a fender bender is higher for those on the road a lot.

  • How do I find the cheapest car insurance company?Knowing how to find the best cheap car insurance company can make shopping easier. Assessing your personal coverage needs, driving and claims history can help narrow down eligible companies. Comparing several quotes from different carriers enables you to find the company with the cheapest rate. Researching third-party ratings can help you determine which company offers the best customer satisfaction and financial strength, which shows its past ability to meet monetary obligations, like paying claims.