Finance & accounting · Ranked by price to features
9 Best Car Insurance for Customer Service of 2026
By the Rankozo research desk · Updated November 10, 2026 · Next review December 25, 2026
Amica is the best car insurance for customer service in 2026: it ranked first in J.D. Power's 2026 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study with 775 points and says 94% of customers stay each year. American Family suits drivers in its 19 states who want an agent and up to 40% off for bundling; AARP Auto Insurance from The Hartford has the cheapest published price on this list, from $87 a month.
- Tools ranked
- 9
- With free plan
- 0
- Cheapest paid plan
- AARP Auto Insurance from The Hartford, $87
- per month
By the numbers
- $81,905US households (consumer units) spent an average of $81,905 in 2025, up 4.3 percent from 2024.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- $27,790US households spent an average of $27,790 on housing in 2025, 33.9 percent of total spending.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- 3.7%US consumer prices rose 3.7 percent in the 12 months to September 2026, before seasonal adjustment.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- 63%63 percent of US adults said in 2025 that they would cover a $400 emergency expense with cash or its equivalent, unchanged from 2024.Federal Reserve Board
- 47%Only 47 percent of Americans said they had enough savings or access to funds to cover a $1,000 emergency expense in Bankrate's 2026 survey.Bankrate
- 3.8%The US personal saving rate, personal saving as a share of disposable income, was 3.8 percent in September 2026, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis.U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis
Comparison table
| Tool | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amica Mutual | 01 | 9.1 | 9.2 | Check price | No |
| American Family Insurance | 02 | 8.7 | 8.8 | Check price | No |
| AARP Auto Insurance from The Hartford | 03 | 8.6 | 8.7 | $87per month | No |
| Erie Insurance | 04 | 8.6 | 8.4 | Check price | No |
| State Farm | 05 | 8.5 | 8.5 | Check price | No |
| Liberty Mutual | 06 | 8.2 | 8.0 | Check price | No |
| Travelers | 07 | 8.1 | 8.1 | Check price | No |
| Allstate | 08 | 8.0 | 7.6 | Check price | No |
| Progressive | 09 | 7.9 | 7.0 | Customper month | No |
Click a column to sort. Prices are the cheapest paid plan quoted from each vendor's US pricing page; "Check price" means the US price check is pending.
How this ranking works
One method for every tool. We compared documented features and published prices; we did not run hands-on tests. Value carries the most weight.
Full methodThis list is for drivers who choose an insurer by how it treats them after a crash: how claims are handled, how easy it is to reach someone and how many customers stay. We compared nine US auto insurers using each company's own pages in November 2026, together with J.D. Power's 2026 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study (released October 27, 2026, based on 8,261 customers who settled a claim) and its 2026 shopping study. We compared documented features and published prices; we did not buy policies or file claims. Rankozo weights value at 40%, features at 35% and ease of use at 25%, and here value includes claims service for the money. Car insurance is priced per driver, so most insurers publish no starting price; where one does, we show it.
The verdict
Amica is the insurer to pick if you care most about how a claim goes: it led J.D. Power's 2026 claims study by 32 points. American Family and The Hartford's AARP program also scored well above the 700 average, and The Hartford is the only one here that publishes a starting price. Erie offers the most generous standard policy and topped the 2026 shopping study, while State Farm wins on local agents. Progressive has the best online tools and published price data but scored near the bottom for claims. USAA, Nationwide, NJM, GEICO and Auto-Owners were not included because their product pages could not be checked from our location.
- 01Top value
Amica Mutual
9.1/10A customer-owned mutual insurer that ranked first in J.D. Power's 2026 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 9.2
- Features (35%)
- 8.8
- Ease of use (25%)
- 9.2
Best forDrivers who rank claims handling and phone service above the lowest possible premium.
Amica is the easiest insurer on this list to deal with when something goes wrong. It scored 775 out of 1,000 in J.D. Power's 2026 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, released October 27, 2026, the highest of any ranked insurer and well above the 700 study average. Amica's own page backs the service claim with two figures: its representatives have more than twice the industry-average experience, and 94% of customers stay each year. As a mutual company it is owned by policyholders, and its dividend policies can return a percentage of premiums at renewal. Discounts are broad: up to 30% for bundling auto with home, umbrella and life, up to 25% for two or more cars, up to 20% through the StreetSmart app, plus loyalty and legacy discounts. The trade-off is price transparency. Amica publishes no starting rate, and buyers chasing the cheapest minimum policy may find lower quotes elsewhere. For drivers who would rather pay a little more for a smoother claim, it is the clear first choice.
- ✓Top claims satisfaction score of 775 in J.D. Power's 2026 study
- ✓Amica says 94% of customers stay each year
- ✓Representatives average more than twice the industry's experience, per Amica
- ✕No published starting price, so you need a quote
- ✕Rates are often not the cheapest for minimum cover
- ✕Dividend policies and some discounts vary by state
- J.D. Power 2026 claims score:
- 775, ranked first
- Customer retention:
- 94% stay each year (Amica)
- Ownership:
- Mutual, owned by policyholders
- Phone:
- 800-242-6422
Bottom line: The best car insurer for customer service in 2026, with the top J.D. Power claims score and strong retention. Get a quote to see whether the premium fits.
- 02
American Family Insurance
8.7/10A Midwest-rooted insurer covering customers in 19 states that placed fourth in J.D. Power's 2026 claims study.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 8.8
- Features (35%)
- 8.6
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.6
Best forDrivers in its 19-state footprint who want an agent, usage-based savings and strong claims service.
American Family pairs strong claims service with the biggest bundling discount on this list. It scored 736 in J.D. Power's 2026 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, fourth among ranked insurers and 36 points above the study average. The company says it serves more than 12 million customers across 19 states and has been in business for over 90 years. Bundling auto and home can cut up to 40%, and two usage-based programs give drivers more control: DriveMyWay prices on driving habits, while MilesMyWay rewards low annual mileage. Optional coverages include accident forgiveness, rental reimbursement, emergency roadside help and loan or lease gap cover. EV owners get a package with mobile charging on roadside calls and dedicated EV Claims Advantage specialists who route repairs to EV-certified shops. You can quote online or work with a local agent. The main limit is reach: if you live outside its 19 states, it is not an option, and like most carriers it publishes no starting price.
- ✓Claims score of 736 in J.D. Power's 2026 study, fourth overall
- ✓Largest bundling discount on this list at up to 40%
- ✓Two usage-based programs for safe and low-mileage drivers
- ✕Sold in 19 states only
- ✕No published starting price
- ✕Accident forgiveness eligibility varies by state
- J.D. Power 2026 claims score:
- 736, ranked fourth
- Customers:
- Over 12 million
- States:
- 19
- Bundle discount:
- Up to 40% for auto and home
Bottom line: A strong second choice for service, with a top-four claims score and up to 40% off for bundling. Only an option inside its 19-state footprint.
- 03
AARP Auto Insurance from The Hartford
8.6/10The only auto insurance endorsed by AARP, sold by The Hartford with member discounts and senior-focused benefits.
Price
$87per month
From $87 a month; The Hartford says its customers pay $158 to $196 a month on average
“Pay as little as $87*** a month for AARP Auto Insurance from The Hartford.” Quoted from the pricing page, November 10, 2026.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 8.7
- Features (35%)
- 8.5
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.7
Best forAARP members and drivers over 50 who want a high claims rating and published prices.
The Hartford's AARP program is the best fit for older drivers who want good claims service and a published price. It scored 731 in J.D. Power's 2026 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, sixth among ranked insurers. Unlike most carriers, The Hartford prints a floor price, as little as $87 a month, and says its customers pay between $158 and $196 a month on average. The program has covered AARP members since 1984 and is the only auto insurance AARP endorses; non-members can sign up for AARP during the quote. Discounts stack in a clear way: up to 10% for AARP membership, 8% for starting the quote online, up to 10% for paying on time, 5% for an approved defensive driving course, and up to 10% for five years with a clean record. The TrueLane program adds up to 15% for joining and up to 40% at renewal. New car replacement is available. The catch is that the program centers on AARP members, so younger drivers have better options.
- ✓Claims score of 731 in J.D. Power's 2026 study, sixth overall
- ✓One of the few insurers that publishes a starting monthly price
- ✓Discounts built around older drivers, such as 5% for a defensive driving course
- ✕Built around AARP membership, so most buyers need to join
- ✕Published average of $158 to $196 a month is well above the $87 floor
- ✕Fewer local agents than State Farm or Allstate
- Starting price:
- $87 a month
- J.D. Power 2026 claims score:
- 731, ranked sixth
- AARP partner since:
- 1984
- Average switching savings:
- $597 (The Hartford)
Bottom line: The best pick for AARP members, with a top-six claims score and a published $87 floor price. Younger drivers should look at Amica or State Farm.
- 04
Erie Insurance
8.6/10A regional, agent-based insurer that ranked first in J.D. Power's 2026 auto insurance shopping study.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 8.4
- Features (35%)
- 9.0
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.3
Best forDrivers in Erie's states who want a local agent and a rate that stays put.
Erie is the best insurer here for drivers who want predictable rates and generous standard features. It topped J.D. Power's 2026 U.S. Auto Insurance Shopping Study with 719 points and led the 2025 claims study, though its 2026 claims score slipped to 706, just above the 700 average. The policy itself is the draw. ERIE Rate Lock keeps your rate fixed unless you add or remove a vehicle or driver or change where the car is parked. First accident forgiveness applies after three years as a customer, and the diminishing deductible drops $100 for each claims-free year, up to $500. Comprehensive cover includes glass repair with the deductible waived and locksmith costs up to $75, and the policy can pay up to $500 per pet hurt in a crash. Multi-policy discounts run from 15% to 25%. Erie sells through more than 14,500 local agents and says more than 87% of customers stay. It is a regional company, so check that it writes policies in your state.
- ✓Ranked first in J.D. Power's 2026 shopping study with 719
- ✓Rate Lock protects against yearly premium creep
- ✓Erie says more than 87% of customers stay year after year
- ✕Claims score of 706 in 2026 was only just above the 700 average
- ✕Regional insurer, not sold in every state
- ✕Buying runs through local agents rather than fully online
- J.D. Power 2026 shopping score:
- 719, ranked first
- J.D. Power 2026 claims score:
- 706
- Agents:
- More than 14,500
- Multi-policy discount:
- 15% to 25%
Bottom line: The richest standard policy on the list, with Rate Lock and a top shopping score. Its 2026 claims rating is average, so it ranks behind Amica on service.
- 05
State Farm
8.5/10A mutual insurer with over 19,000 auto agents and a 2026 claims score above the study average.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 8.5
- Features (35%)
- 8.4
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.8
Best forDrivers who want a local agent they can call and broad availability.
State Farm is the safest choice for drivers who want a person to call. It has more than 19,000 auto agents and says it serves over 96 million policies and accounts. Its claims score in J.D. Power's 2026 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study was 715, ninth among ranked insurers but comfortably above the 700 average, and State Farm cites a place in USA Today's America's Best Customer Service 2026. Claims can be reported online, in the app or by phone. Savings come from Drive Safe & Save, worth up to 30% for safe driving, and Steer Clear, up to 20% for drivers under 25 with three clean years. Bundling auto and renters can save up to $900, and State Farm says switchers save an average of $740. It is a mutual company, so policyholders are members. Weak spots: no gap insurance, so finance buyers need it from their lender, and no published price. Experience can also vary with the local agent you get.
- ✓Claims score of 715 in J.D. Power's 2026 study, above the 700 average
- ✓Named in USA Today's America's Best Customer Service 2026, per State Farm
- ✓Switchers save an average of $740, per State Farm
- ✕No published starting price
- ✕Does not sell gap insurance
- ✕Service quality can depend on your local agent
- J.D. Power 2026 claims score:
- 715
- Agents:
- Over 19,000
- Policies and accounts:
- 96 million+
- Average switching savings:
- $740 (State Farm)
Bottom line: The best pick for drivers who want an agent nearby, with an above-average claims score. Finance buyers need gap cover elsewhere.
- 06
Liberty Mutual
8.2/10A national insurer that ranked third in J.D. Power's 2025 claims study, with add-ons like Better Car Replacement.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 8.0
- Features (35%)
- 8.4
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.3
Best forDrivers who want app-based policy management and optional extras for newer cars.
Liberty Mutual is a solid national option with a strong recent claims record and good add-ons. It placed third in J.D. Power's 2025 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study and scored 709 in the 2026 edition, tenth among ranked insurers but still above the 700 average. The policy menu is where it stands out: Better Car Replacement pays for a model one year newer if your car is totaled, Accident Forgiveness prevents a rate rise after a first at-fault accident for qualifying drivers, and the Liberty Mutual Deductible Fund lowers what you pay out of pocket after a claim. RightTrack rewards safe driving, and the company says its mobile app is rated 4.8 out of 5. Liberty Mutual says drivers who switch could save over $700 and that bundling auto and home could save over $950. It carries an A (Excellent) rating from AM Best. The drawbacks are that most extras are paid add-ons, there is no published price, and its 2026 claims ranking slipped.
- ✓Ranked third in J.D. Power's 2025 claims study and scored 709 in 2026
- ✓Useful add-ons for newer cars
- ✓Switchers could save over $700, per Liberty Mutual
- ✕2026 claims score fell to tenth place
- ✕No published starting price
- ✕Many extras cost more as add-ons
- J.D. Power 2026 claims score:
- 709
- Financial strength:
- A (Excellent) from AM Best
- App rating:
- 4.8 out of 5 (Liberty Mutual)
- Bundle savings:
- Over $950 for auto and home
Bottom line: A reliable national carrier with well-designed add-ons for newer cars. Its claims ranking dropped in 2026, so it sits mid-table.
- 07
Travelers
8.1/10An insurer sold mostly through independent agents, with 24/7 claim reporting and digital claim tracking.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 8.1
- Features (35%)
- 8.2
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.1
Best forDrivers who want an independent agent to compare Travelers against other carriers.
Travelers is a good fit for drivers who like working with an independent agent. Its agents can quote Travelers next to other carriers, which helps if your priority is service rather than one brand. It scored 708 in J.D. Power's 2026 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, eleventh among ranked insurers and above the 700 average. Claims can be reported 24/7 and tracked in the MyTravelers website and app, which also handles ID cards, adding or removing vehicles and roadside tracking. Coverage options include loan or lease gap cover and extended transportation expenses, which can pay for a rental car, public transit or a car service while yours is repaired. Discounts include a Safe Driver Discount for households with three to five years free of accidents and violations, a good student discount for a B average, and multi-policy savings for bundling home, condo, renters or boat. The Safe Driver Discount is not offered in California or New York, and there is no published price.
- ✓Claims score of 708 in J.D. Power's 2026 study, above average
- ✓Independent agents can compare it with other carriers
- ✓Gap and extended transportation cover available
- ✕Safe Driver Discount not available in California or New York
- ✕No published starting price
- ✕Online buying is more limited than Progressive's
- J.D. Power 2026 claims score:
- 708
- Sales channel:
- Independent agents and direct
- Claim tracking:
- MyTravelers website and app
- Quote line:
- 1-866-218-0397
Bottom line: A dependable pick through independent agents with above-average claims scores. Not a standout on price or features.
- 08
Allstate
8.0/10A national insurer with 24/7 licensed phone reps, local agents and the Drivewise safe-driving program.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 7.6
- Features (35%)
- 8.3
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.2
Best forDrivers who want to switch between online, phone and agent service as needed.
Allstate is easy to buy from but only average once you file a claim. It placed third in J.D. Power's 2026 U.S. Auto Insurance Shopping Study, behind Erie and Nationwide, yet its 2026 claims score of 698 fell just under the 700 study average. Service options are wide: you can quote online and adjust coverage in real time, call a licensed representative 24/7, or work with a local agent, and claims support runs around the clock. Drivewise sets a rate based on safe driving, and standard discounts cover bundling, good grades, students more than 100 miles from home, anti-theft and anti-lock brakes, and paying in full. Allstate says customers who switched saved $900 on their premium, and it covers special cases such as rideshare, electric cars, classic cars and teen drivers. The drawbacks for a service-focused buyer are the below-average claims score and no published starting price, so it ranks near the bottom of this list.
- ✓Third in J.D. Power's 2026 shopping study
- ✓Three ways to buy and get help: online, phone and agent
- ✓Switchers saved $900, per Allstate
- ✕Claims score of 698 in 2026 was below the 700 average
- ✕No published starting price
- ✕Discount amounts are not listed on the main auto page
- J.D. Power 2026 claims score:
- 698
- Phone support:
- Licensed reps 24/7
- Average switching savings:
- $900 (Allstate)
- Quote line:
- 866-340-2084
Bottom line: Good for flexible shopping and 24/7 phone help, but its 2026 claims score was below average. Choose it if a quote comes in well under the leaders.
- 09
Progressive
7.9/10A large direct insurer with strong online quoting and the most published price data, but a low claims score.
Price
Customper month
Average $87.56 to $165.02 a month for a liability-only policy, by state cost tier; no fixed starting price
“Car insurance on average is $87.56 per month in low-cost states, $112.80 per month in medium-cost states, and $165.02 per month in high-cost states.” Quoted from the pricing page, November 10, 2026.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 7.0
- Features (35%)
- 8.6
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.5
Best forSelf-serve shoppers who value price tools and online buying over claims service scores.
Progressive has the best shopping tools on this list but the weakest claims record. Its 2026 score in J.D. Power's U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study was 665, second lowest among ranked insurers and 35 points under the average, which is why it sits last for a service-focused buyer. The buying side is strong. You can quote in as little as four minutes, buy and print proof of insurance online, and coverage can start the same day in most cases. Progressive publishes its own price data: liability-only policies average $87.56 a month in low-cost states, $112.80 in medium-cost states and $165.02 in high-cost states. Snapshot prices on driving behavior, and Progressive says savers average $328 a year. Name Your Price fits coverage to a budget, Deductible Savings Bank cuts the deductible $50 per claim-free period to $0, and AutoQuote Explorer shows rival rates. More than 40 million drivers use Progressive, and it holds an A+ from AM Best.
- ✓Publishes average prices by state cost tier
- ✓Fast, fully online buying with same-day coverage in most cases
- ✓Customers earn an average of 7 discounts, per Progressive
- ✕Claims score of 665 in J.D. Power's 2026 study, near the bottom
- ✕Liability-only averages run up to $165.02 a month in high-cost states
- ✕Snapshot can raise rates for riskier driving
- J.D. Power 2026 claims score:
- 665
- Drivers insured:
- More than 40 million
- Financial strength:
- A+ from AM Best
- Average Snapshot savings:
- $328 a year (Progressive)
Bottom line: Best for fast online buying and price transparency, but its claims score trails the field. Pick it for price, not service.
What to check before you pay
Read claims scores, not ad slogans
J.D. Power's 2026 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study surveyed 8,261 customers who settled a claim and set the average at 700 out of 1,000. Amica scored 775, American Family 736 and The Hartford 731, while Progressive scored 665. A gap of 30 or more points is a real difference in how claims feel.
Check your state complaint data
State insurance departments and the NAIC publish complaint counts relative to each insurer's size. A company that rates well nationally can still draw more complaints in your state, so look up the local figure before you switch.
Decide between an agent and an app
State Farm has more than 19,000 agents and Erie more than 14,500, which helps if you want one person to call. Progressive and Liberty Mutual lean on apps and online tools. Allstate offers both plus licensed phone reps 24/7.
Get at least three quotes for the same coverage
Car insurance prices depend on your ZIP code, car, record and limits, so a published average tells you little about your rate. Quote the same liability limits and deductibles with each insurer, then weigh the price difference against the claims scores above.
FAQ
Who is the best car insurance company to deal with?
Amica ranked highest in J.D. Power's 2026 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study with 775 out of 1,000, well above the 700 average. American Family (736) and The Hartford (731) were also among the top six.
Which car insurance has the best reviews?
On claims, Amica had the best 2026 J.D. Power rating, and it says 94% of customers stay each year. On shopping and buying, Erie ranked first in J.D. Power's 2026 shopping study with 719 points.
Which car insurance companies get the best customer reviews?
Among the insurers on this list, Amica, American Family, The Hartford, State Farm, Liberty Mutual and Travelers all scored above the 700 average in J.D. Power's 2026 claims study. Allstate (698) and Progressive (665) scored below it.
Who actually has the best car insurance?
For service, Amica is the best overall pick in 2026. Erie has the most generous standard policy, with Rate Lock and a diminishing deductible, and State Farm is best for local agents. The right choice still depends on the quote you get for your car and ZIP code.
How much does car insurance from these companies cost?
Most insurers price per driver and publish no starting rate. The Hartford's AARP program starts at $87 a month, and Progressive says liability-only policies average $87.56 to $165.02 a month depending on the state.
Questions or corrections: editorial@rankozo.comSee our disclosure. Prices change; confirm on the vendor page before buying.
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