Choosing the right car insurance company is more than finding the cheapest monthly insurance premium. You’ve got an endless amount of insurers to choose from. Each have their own coverage options and perks. That makes the decision a lot more complicated.
Comparing car insurance policy options and discounts lets you customize your coverage to your needs. Look at expert reviews and industry rantings to narrow down your choices. Those can give you a sense of an insurance companys strengths and weaknesses. You want a balance between affordability, dependability, and customer service.
Below is a comprehensive categorized list of currently active car insurance carriers in the U.S. as of 2025, followed by data on the most prominent companies and tips on choosing the best insurer for your needs.
List of National Car Insurance Companies
National car insurance companies operate in most or all 50 states. They typically have the largest market share and brand name recognition. These companies offer coverage nationwide and often provide several types of auto insurance policies and numerous discounts.
The most prominent national auto insurance companies are listed below.
1. State Farm
State Farm is the largest auto insurance company in the United States. It is known for its massive network of local insurance agents and roughly 18% market share nationwide.
2. Geico (Berkshire Hathaway)
Geico is a major national insurer famous for its direct-to-consumer model (online/phone sales) and widely advertised low auto insurance rates for drivers.
3. Progressive
Progressive is a large national insurance carrier that offers auto insurance coverage in all 50 states. It is known for its wide range of discounts and usage-based insurance policies.
4. Allstate
Allstate is one of the largest insurance companies in the United States. It offers many types of insurance coverage options through its network of insurance agents. They added Esurance and Encompass and those brands have been integrated into Allstate’s operations.
5. USAA
USAA is a national insurer exclusive to military members and their families. It consistently gets high customer satisfaction ratings. USAA is only available to eligible active-duty service members or former military personnel and their families.
6. Liberty Mutual
Liberty Mutual is a large insurance company operating across the United States. They offer car insurance policies directly and through its subsidiary, Safeco. Safeco sells auto insurance policies through independent insurance agents.
7. Farmers Insurance
Farmers Insurance is a major national insurance company that offers auto insurance coverage in most states. Farmers also owns Bristol West for high-risk drivers and acquired MetLife’s auto insurance business in 2021.
8. Nationwide
Nationwide is a well known national insurance company that is famous for its slogan, “Nationwide is on your side.” It offers auto insurance policies in many states.
9. American Family Insurance
American Family Insurance is a large insurance company that operates mainly in the Midwest and some western states. American Family also owns The General and other subsidiaries. It is one of the top ten auto insurers in the United States by market share.
10. Travelers
Travelers is a large national insurance company that offers auto insurance coverage in most states. Travelers is known for its many insurance products and financial strength.
11. The Hartford
The Hartford is a national insurance company that markets auto insurance nationwide. Most of its auto insurance policies are issued through a partnership with AARP for senior drivers.
12. Chubb
Chubb is a global insurance company that offers personal auto insurance nationwide. It often specializes in high-end insurance coverage for high income drivers.
13. Amica Mutual
Amica Mutual is a nearly national insurance company available in 48 states. It is known for its highly rated customer service and claims satisfaction rate. Amica has a smaller market share but a large U.S. presence and a loyal customer base.
These national insurance carriers are widely available and serve a large percentage of American drivers. The largest insurers, such as State Farm, Geico, Progressive, and Allstate, are familiar to most consumers due to their national advertising and presence.
List of Regional Car Insurance Companies
Regional car insurance companies operate in a limited number of states or a specific area of the country. They may not be household names nationwide but often have significant market share and strong customer satisfaction within their regions.
Some of the notable regional auto insurance carriers are listed below.
1. AAA Insurance
AAA Insurance is an Auto Club-affiliated insurance company that operates under the AAA umbrella. AAA’s regional insurance companies provide auto insurance coverage in many states. Each AAA Auto Club serves a specific territory.
2. Auto-Owners Insurance
Auto-Owners Insurance is a regional insurer based in Michigan, offering auto policies in 26 states, primarily in the Midwest, South, and Pacific Northwest. Auto-Owners is known for working with independent agents and has a strong reputation in its operating areas.
3. Erie Insurance
Erie Insurance is a regional insurance carrier serving 12 states, mainly in the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and Washington, D.C. Erie has a strong regional presence and is often top-rated for customer satisfaction in its service areas.
4. Mercury Insurance
Mercury Insurance is a California based insurance company that offers auto insurance in about 11 states. It focuses on providing competitive rates in its markets, especially for California drivers.
5. Kemper
Kemper is a medium sized insurance company offering auto insurance coverage in many states. Kemper is known for insuring both high-risk and standard drivers after acquiring Infinity Insurance. They have a large presence in the California, Florida, and Texas markets.
6. The Hanover Insurance Group
The Hanover Insurance Group is a regional insurance carrier based in the Northeast. It offers auto insurance in several Northeast and Midwest states. Hanover often works through independent agents and offers bundled auto and home policies.
7. Sentry Insurance (Dairyland)
Sentry is a mutual insurance company that, through its Dairyland brand, provides auto insurance (especially non-standard auto insurance for high-risk drivers and motorcycle insurance) in several states. Dairyland policies are popular in many midwestern and southern states.
8. MAPFRE Insurance
The U.S. arm of MAPFRE (a global insurer based in Spain) operates mainly in the Northeast. MAPFRE is especially prominent in Massachusetts (after acquiring Commerce Insurance) and writes auto coverage in several states in the Northeast and beyond.
9. Alfa Insurance
Alfa Insurance is a regional insurance company that serves the Southeast, specifically Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia. It is a prominent insurance provider in those states and was initially tied to Farm Bureau organizations.
10. COUNTRY Financial
Country Financial is an Illinois insurance company that offers auto insurance in about 19 midwestern and western states. Country Financial (formerly Country Companies) has a strong presence in states like Illinois and the Midwest.
11. Farm Bureau Insurance
Many states have their own Farm Bureau insurance companies, such as Texas Farm Bureau and North Carolina Farm Bureau. These are typically regional mutual insurers operating only in one or a few states. Due to loyalty from Farm Bureau members, they often rank among the top insurers in their respective states. Southern Farm Bureau Casualty covers several Southern states and is among the top 25 auto insurers nationally by market share.
12. NJM Insurance Group
Also known as New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance, NJM Insurance Group is a regional insurer operating in a few Mid-Atlantic states such as New Jersey and Pennsylvania. NJM historically only offered insurance policies to members of specific organizations but now offers policies to everyone in its region. They have a good reputation for reasonable rates and customer service.
13. PEMCO
PEMCO is a regional auto insurance company serving the Pacific Northwest area. It is based in Washington state and also operates in Oregon. PEMCO focuses on selling policies to Pacific Northwest drivers and is known for its excellent customer service.
14. Shelter Insurance
Shelter Insurance is a regional insurance carrier based in Missouri. It offers auto insurance coverage in about 15 states (mainly in the Midwest and South) and is prominent in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma.
15. Acuity Insurance
Acuity Insurance is a regional auto insurer based in Wisconsin. It writes auto insurance in dozens of states but not nationwide. Acuity has a strong footprint in the Midwest and has been expanding into other regions with independent agents.
16. Central Insurance
Central Insurance is an Ohio-based regional carrier (Central Mutual Insurance) that offers auto policies through independent agents in several states, mainly in the Midwest and Southeast.
Other regional insurers
- Arbella Insurance - a leading regional insurer in Massachusetts and New England
- Westfield Insurance - a mutual insurer in the Midwest
- Grange Insurance - based in Ohio, operating in the Midwest and West
Despite having a limited geographic reach, regional insurance companies can be pretty significant. Some regional insurers hold sizable market shares in the United States auto insurance market.
For example, AAA affiliated insurance groups, Auto-Owners, Erie, and Amica are among the largest insurers that don’t operate nationally. These insurance companies often compete with the big national insurance carriers in their areas. They may offer more personalized service and localized insurance expertise.
List of Small Car Insurance Companies
Small car insurance companies include niche, specialized, or newer companies with a small national market share. They may only operate on a small scale in a few states or nationwide. Some cater to specific types of drivers.
Examples of smaller auto insurance carriers active as of 2025 are listed below.
1. The General
The General is a non-standard auto insurance company that offers insurance coverage to high risk drivers. The General operates in many states and is known for its cartoon military general mascot in their advertising. It’s a smaller brand of a major insurer and focuses on drivers who might have trouble getting standard insurance coverage. American Family Insurance owns it.
2. Dairyland
Dairyland is a brand of Sentry Insurance that specializes in non-standard auto and motorcycle insurance. It offers policies in many states but caters primarily to high-risk drivers and those needing SR-22 insurance.
3. Bristol West
Bristol West is an insurance company that focuses on high-risk auto insurance and is available in many states. It is part of the Farmers Insurance Group and offers coverage for drivers with poor driving histories through the Farmers' agent network.
4. National General
National General is an auto insurance carrier that offers policies directly and through independent agents. National General (often called NatGen) is now part of Allstate but continues to operate under its own name. It provides standard and non-standard auto insurance. It is also known for insuring RVs and collector vehicles.
5. Elephant Insurance
Elephant Insurance is a smaller auto insurance company that operates in Virginia, Texas, and a few other states. It sells insurance policies directly online at low rates and focuses on a hassle-free digital experience for basic coverage. Elephant is owned by the Admiral Group from the UK.
6. Root Insurance
Root Insurance is an insurtech auto insurer that started in 2015 and offers coverage in dozens of states. Root is usage-based: It sets rates primarily based on drivers' driving behavior (tracked via smartphone app). It’s a newer, small carrier targeting tech-savvy customers comfortable with app-based insurance.
7. Clearcover
Clearcover is another insurtech carrier founded in 2016. It provides online-only car insurance in several states. It is relatively small and markets itself on fast claims payments and an easy mobile app experience.
8. Lemonade
Lemonade is widely known for its renters and home insurance policies. Lemonade expanded into auto insurance in 2022 after acquiring Metromile. Lemonade Car is a small but fast growing auto insurance carrier in a small number of states. Its business model prioritizes technology, telematics, and charitable giving.
9. Gainsco
Gainsco is a non-standard auto insurance company that operates in several southern states and has a strong presence in Texas. It was acquired by State Farm in 2021 to increase its presence in the high-risk auto insurance market. In its niche markets, Gainsco continues to write auto insurance policies.
10. Safeway Insurance
Safeway Insurance is a small, private auto insurance company that provides minimum coverage auto insurance policies in 12 states. Safeway focuses on affordable car insurance rates for drivers who want state minimum coverage, primarily in the Midwest and South.
11. Acceptance Insurance
Acceptance Insurance is a non-standard auto insurer and agency operation that writes policies in a few states (especially in the Southeast). It caters to high-risk drivers and offers flexible payment plans. Acceptance Insurance is owned by Confie.
12. CURE (Citizens United Reciprocal Exchange)
CURE is a small auto insurance cooperative in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. It is known for not using credit-based insurance scores in its pricing. This appeals to drivers who prefer not to use credit history in their rating. Although its size is limited, it’s an active niche player in the states it serves.
Other small insurance carriers
Many other small auto insurance carriers exist that you may have never heard of. They typically serve specific states or types of drivers.
Some examples of other insurance carriers are listed below.
- Wawanesa Insurance - a Canadian company, sells auto insurance policies in California and Oregon.
- Horace Mann - specializes in insuring teachers and educators nationwide with a relatively small market share.
- WORKMEN’S Auto - a small California-based insurer.
- Midvale Home & Auto - the insurance arm of American Family’s subsidiary CONNECT, formerly known as Ameriprise Auto & Home, offering policies in a limited set of states.
- Metropolitan Insurance (MetLife Auto) - it is now part of Farmers and no longer selling under the MetLife name.
The auto insurance market sees frequent acquisitions and branding changes. Brands like Esurance and SafeAuto have been absorbed into larger insurance companies recently and are no longer independent companies.
Small and niche insurance companies make up a minor portion of the insurance market. They can be essential options for specific types of drivers. High-risk drivers often turn to these specialized insurers if they are denied insurance coverage or priced out by mainstream companies.
List of the Biggest Car Insurance Companies by Market Share
A handful of companies dominate the U.S. auto insurance industry in market share. The latest data (from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, NAIC, as of 2023) shows that the top 10 auto insurers account for about 77% of the national market.
The largest auto insurance companies in the United States and their approximate national market share are listed below.
- State Farm – 18.3% of the U.S. auto insurance market. (State Farm is the clear market leader as the largest insurance provider, insuring nearly one of every five cars nationwide.)
- Progressive – 15.2% market share. (Progressive has grown rapidly in recent years to become the second-largest auto insurer.)
- Geico (Berkshire Hathaway) – 12.3% market share. (Geico is the third-largest provider, known for its low rates and national advertising.)
- Allstate – 10.4% market share. (Allstate, including its family of companies, is the fourth-largest auto insurer.)
- USAA – 6.3% market share. (USAA serves military families and is notable for its high customer satisfaction despite only serving a niche membership.)
- Liberty Mutual – 4.2% market share. (Liberty Mutual, including Safeco, is the sixth-largest auto insurer.)
- Farmers Insurance – 4.2% market share. (Farmers is very close to Liberty Mutual in size, rounding out the large national players.)
- American Family Insurance – 2.1% market share. (American Family is significant in the Midwest and West and owns some smaller subsidiaries that are not counted in this core market share.)
- Travelers – 2.1% market share. (Travelers, known for many insurance lines, is also among the top ten in auto insurance.)
- Nationwide – 1.7% market share. (Nationwide has a smaller share of the auto market than the companies above but remains in the top ten nationally.)
These rankings above can shift slightly from year to year. State Farm has been the United States' largest auto insurer for a long time. As of the latest data, it still comfortably holds the #1 spot. Progressive overtook Geico for the #2 spot in recent years. State Farm, Progressive, Geico, and Allstate are known as the Big Four. They insure a considerable portion of American drivers. There’s a big gap in market share between the top four and the rest of the national companies. The list above is based on national policies written and market share data.
Some large insurance groups include multiple brands. For example, Berkshire Hathaway’s market share is primarily from Geico. Allstate’s market share includes subsidiaries like Esurance and National General. However, regarding consumer-facing brands, State Farm, Geico, Progressive, are the insurers most drivers will recognize most as the biggest insurance companies.
How to Find the Best Car Insurance Company
Choosing the best car insurance company depends on a drivers individual needs. “Best” can mean different things for different people. Best might be the cheapest price, the best customer service, the coverage options you need, or simply an insurer that is easy to work with.
Some tips to help you find the best car insurance company for your needs are listed below.
- Compare quotes and coverage: Rates vary widely between insurers for the exact driver. Get car insurance quotes from multiple companies (large and small) for the same coverage levels. Make sure to compare the premiums price and coverage you’re getting. A company with the cheapest car insurance rates for your friend might not be the most affordable for you.
- Consider your coverage needs and discounts: If you have specific needs, for example, if you want accident forgiveness or a classic car insurance. Check which insurers offer those coverage options. Look at the auto insurance discounts that are available, too. Some national companies provide various discounts (for bundling home and auto, safe driving, good student, military, etc.). At the same time, some regional or small insurers might have niche discounts that fit your profile. Choose an insurer that aligns with your requirements (for instance, a company like Progressive might be good if you want usage-based insurance, while another like Nationwide might be better if you bundle multiple policies).
- Check customer satisfaction ratings: Price shouldn’t be the only factor you look for. Research how well the company treats its customers, especially when dealing with claims. Resources like the J.D. Power Auto Insurance Satisfaction Study and NAIC complaint ratios can provide great insights into an insurer’s reputation. In many cases, smaller or regional insurers have higher customer satisfaction than some of the big-name companies. (For example, Erie Insurance and Amica often top J.D. Power rankings in their regions for claims satisfaction and customer service.) A company that handles claims fairly and efficiently can make a big difference when you have an accident.
- Evaluate financial strength: An insurance company’s financial stability is vital for peace of mind. You want to be confident that they can pay out claims, especially in the event of a widespread natural disaster. Check ratings from agencies such as A.M. Best, Standard & Poor’s, or Moody’s. The largest national insurers have strong financial ratings, but many regional mutual companies are also very stable. A high A.M. Best rating (e.g., A or A+) is a good indicator.
- Consider Convenience and Customer service features: Consider how you want to interact with your insurer. Do you want a local insurance agent who knows you personally? Then companies like State Farm, Farm Bureau, or Auto-Owners might be a good choice for you. Do you prefer managing everything on a mobile app? An insurer like Geico or an InsurTech might be right for you. Also, look at each insurer’s additional coverages. Some will be able to provide accident forgiveness, new car replacement coverage, vanishing deductibles, or dependable roadside assistance programs. These additional options can add value beyond a basic auto insurance policy.
- Ensure the insurer is active in your area and serves your demographic: Not every company operates in every state or insures every type of driver. Ensure the insurance company you’re considering does business in your state and is willing to cover your type of driving profile. Also, if you are eligible for certain specialty insurers, include them in your comparison. They might offer you better rates or services tailored to your specific group.
Finding the best car insurance company involves having the best mix of cost, coverage, and service. List your priorities then compare quotes and other information.
A good strategy is to include a mix of large national insurers and regional/smaller insurers in your comparison to see who offers the best combination of insurance coverage. By comparing quotes and checking customer reviews, you can choose a car insurance company that provides financial protection on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the largest car insurance company in the United States?
With over 18% of the market, State Farm is the biggest auto insurance provider in the United States. Its broad agent network, a vast range of coverage options, and well-known brand nationwide give it a strong position.
Is GEICO a national car insurance company?
Yes, GEICO is a national car insurance company offering coverage in all 50 states. GEICO is known for low insurance rates, easy online services, and its direct to consumer business model that doesn’t rely heavily on local insurance agents.
What is a regional car insurance company?
A regional car insurance company sells insurance policies only in specific states rather than nationwide. These insurance companies focus on providing niche insurance products, discounts, and specialized customer service in their regional market.
Do all car insurance companies provide coverage in every U.S. state?
No, most regional or small insurance carriers only operate in specific states or regions. Larger national insurers usually have a wider geographic coverage. Regional insurers limit their services to areas with strong local expertise or market presence.
Can an insurance company be considered national even if it doesn’t serve all 50 states?
Yes, an insurance company is generally considered national if it operates in most states, even if it doesn’t cover all 50 states. For instance, Amica Mutual is considered national although they only are available in 48 states.
Are smaller insurance companies generally less expensive?
Not necessarily. Small insurers may offer competitive rates, especially for niche markets. Prices can vary greatly depending on the driver. Sometimes, smaller insurers offer lower rates through targeted underwriting and lower overhead costs.
What are the advantages of choosing a small car insurance company?
Smaller insurance companies may offer more personalized customer service, specialized coverage options, or lower rates for specific types of drivers. They can be more flexible to adapt policies and help drivers with unique needs better than larger companies.
Are regional insurers less reliable than national insurance companies?
No, many regional insurers have strong reputations for reliability and customer satisfaction in their local markets. These insurance companies rank highly in customer satisfaction surveys because of their localized approach, personalized customer service, and handling customer claims effectively.
Can high-risk drivers find insurance from national companies?
Some national insurance companies will insure high risk drivers. Specialized smaller insurance companies may offer cheaper policy rates and better coverage options. High-risk drivers should get quotes from insurers specializing in non-standard coverage. These insurance providers cater specifically to their drivers who are high-risk.
What Type of Drivers Usually Buy Non-standard Auto Insurance?
Drivers with poor driving records, DUIs, multiple at-fault accidents, or coverage lapses usually buy non-standard auto insurance coverage. Non-standard insurers cater to drivers when standard coverage is too expensive or when they cannot obtain coverage from traditional insurers due to higher risk.
What is an InsurTech car insurance company?
An InsurTech car insurance company provides auto insurance policies using mobile apps and telematics. These companies offer online-only car insurance policies to simplify the quote process and lower insurance rates through data on how safely the customer drives.
Can I switch car insurance companies anytime?
Yes, you can switch insurance companies at any time. However, you need continuous insurance coverage to avoid state fines or lapses. Coordinate your insurance policy start and end dates carefully and confirm that your new coverage begins before canceling the previous policy.