Finance & accounting · Ranked by price to features
9 Best Online Car Insurance Companies of 2026
By the Rankozo research desk · Updated November 10, 2026 · Next review December 25, 2026
Progressive is the best online car insurance company for most U.S. drivers in 2026: you can quote online in as little as four minutes, buy and get proof of insurance online, and get 24/7 claims support, with published liability-only averages from $87.56 a month. Lemonade Car suits app-first, low-mileage drivers and has the cheapest published price, as low as $30 a month; Root suits good drivers who want to buy in under five minutes and file claims in its app.
- Tools ranked
- 9
- With free plan
- 0
- Cheapest paid plan
- Lemonade Car, $30
- 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 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Progressive | 01 | 9.0 | 8.8 | Customper month, average liability-only policy | No |
| Lemonade Car | 02 | 8.9 | 9.0 | $30per month | No |
| Root | 03 | 8.5 | 8.6 | Check price | No |
| AARP Auto Insurance from The Hartford | 04 | 8.4 | 8.4 | $87per month | No |
| Allstate | 05 | 8.3 | 7.8 | Check price | No |
| Liberty Mutual | 06 | 7.9 | 7.6 | Check price | No |
| Mile Auto | 07 | 7.9 | 8.6 | Customper month, example base rate plus per-mile rate | No |
| Elephant | 08 | 7.7 | 7.8 | Check price | No |
| Hugo | 09 | 7.7 | 8.2 | Check price | 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 want to quote, buy and file claims online or in an app, without visiting an agent. We compared documented features, online and app tools, claims steps and published prices on each insurer's own pages in November 2026. Rankozo weights value at 40%, features at 35% and ease of use at 25%. Car insurance is priced per driver, so most insurers do not publish a starting price; where an insurer publishes a floor, an average or a worked example, we quote it word for word, and the rest are marked as pending. Some large online insurers are missing because their sites could not be checked from our location, so we could not confirm their features.
The verdict
Progressive is the safest first quote if you want everything online: a four-minute quote, online purchase with same-day coverage in most cases, ID cards in the app, 24/7 claims and an A+ A.M. Best rating, plus published average costs. Lemonade Car is the most app-centered choice, with claims filed in the app, free roadside help and a published floor of $30 a month. Root is the fastest to buy and prices mostly on how you drive, in 37 states. AARP members should quote The Hartford, which gives 8% off for starting online and publishes an $87 floor. Allstate and Liberty Mutual add online quotes with agents and phone help behind them, Mile Auto and Allstate Milewise serve low-mileage drivers, Elephant is a direct option in eight states, and Hugo covers state minimums with pay-as-you-go billing.
- 01Top value
Progressive
9.0/10Large national auto insurer that lets you quote, buy and get proof of insurance online, then manage the policy and claims in its app.
Price
Customper month, average liability-only policy
Progressive's published average for a liability-only policy runs from $87.56 a month in low-cost states to $165.02 in high-cost states; your quote depends on your profile
“The average cost of Progressive car insurance ranges from $87.56 per month in low-cost states to $165.02 per month in high-cost states for a liability-only policy.” Quoted from the pricing page, November 10, 2026.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 8.8
- Features (35%)
- 9.2
- Ease of use (25%)
- 9.0
Best forMost drivers who want a fully online purchase from a large, A+ rated insurer with 24/7 claims and published average costs.
Progressive covers the whole online path without forcing you to call anyone. Its auto page says you can get a quote completely online in as little as four minutes, then buy and get proof of insurance online, with coverage starting the same day in most cases. ID cards sit in your online account and in the Progressive app, and claims support runs 24/7 online or by phone. It is also one of the few insurers that publishes what customers pay: a liability-only policy averages $87.56 a month in low-cost states and $165.02 in high-cost states. Shopping tools are strong, with a rate comparison against other insurers, the Name Your Price budget tool and Snapshot, which prices you on how you actually drive. Progressive is rated A+ by A.M. Best and says more than 40 million drivers trust it. The limits are that the averages describe liability-only cover and Snapshot can work against drivers with risky habits.
- ✓Publishes average monthly costs by state group
- ✓Rated A+ by A.M. Best
- ✓Lets you compare its rate against other insurers while you shop
- ✕Published averages are for liability-only policies; full coverage costs more
- ✕Snapshot can raise or lower your rate based on how you drive
- ✕Switching savings figures come from customers who switched and saved
- Online quote time:
- As little as four minutes
- Published average:
- $87.56 to $165.02 a month, liability only
- Financial strength:
- A+ from A.M. Best
- Claims:
- 24/7 online or by phone
- Drivers:
- More than 40 million
Bottom line: The only insurer here that publishes its own average monthly cost by state group.
- 02
Lemonade Car
8.9/10App-first car insurer that prices on mileage and driving data and handles claims inside the Lemonade app.
Price
$30per month
As low as $30 a month, based on your driving profile
“As low as $30/mo, based on your driving profile” Quoted from the pricing page, November 10, 2026.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 9.0
- Features (35%)
- 8.4
- Ease of use (25%)
- 9.4
Best forLow-mileage and EV drivers who want to buy, edit coverage and file claims from a phone.
Lemonade Car is built for drivers who would rather never speak to an insurer. Its car page says that after an accident you file a claim through the app, which takes a couple of minutes, and you can change limits and deductibles in the app or on the site whenever you like. Adding a new car happens the same way, with same-day coverage when you buy. Pricing leans on mileage and location data: Lemonade says safe, low-mileage drivers pay less, and it publishes a floor of $30 a month. EV and hybrid owners get a discount, emergency charging and cover for wall chargers, and roadside help for tows, jumps and tire changes is free. Lemonade notes it is a public company rated A-Exceptional for financial stability. The catch is the data trade: in some states all drivers must carry the app, and switching off location services can raise the price.
- ✓Lowest published starting price on this list
- ✓Roadside assistance included at no extra cost
- ✓Car + Home bundle discount applied automatically
- ✕In some states every driver needs the app on their phone
- ✕Turning off location services can affect your price in some states
- ✕Not available in every state
- Published price:
- As low as $30 a month
- Claims:
- Filed in the app
- Roadside assistance:
- Included free
- App Store rating:
- 4.9 stars, per Lemonade
Bottom line: Free roadside assistance and a published $30 floor in an app-only package.
- 03
Root
8.5/10Mobile-first insurer that sets rates mainly on how you drive and runs quotes, policy changes and claims through its app.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 8.6
- Features (35%)
- 7.8
- Ease of use (25%)
- 9.2
Best forGood drivers in Root's 37 states who want driving-based pricing and a policy in under five minutes.
Root is the purest phone-first option on the list. Its auto page says you can get a quote, bind a policy and get on the road in less than five minutes, and the Root app holds your insurance cards, coverage changes and claims. Root says a claim can be started in as little as three minutes, with photos uploaded from your phone before its claims team takes over. Pricing is the differentiator: Root says driving behavior is the number one factor in your rate, so drivers who share driving data and drive well can qualify for a better price. It reports that drivers who switched saved $109 a month on average, based on a survey of customers who reported savings. Coverage options include liability, collision, comprehensive, MedPay or PIP, uninsured motorist and optional roadside help. The limits are reach and transparency: its site lists 37 states, it publishes no starting price, and telematics is not used in California or Maryland.
- ✓Fast phone-only sign-up and claims
- ✓Rates lean on driving rather than demographics
- ✓Over 3 million drivers have switched, per Root
- ✕Sold in 37 states listed on its site, not nationwide
- ✕No published starting price
- ✕Telematics is not used in California and Maryland, so driving-based savings do not apply there
- States listed:
- 37
- Time to buy:
- Less than 5 minutes
- Claim filing:
- As little as 3 minutes in the app
- Average switch savings:
- $109 a month, per Root survey
Bottom line: Driving behavior is Root's top rating factor, so good drivers are priced on what they control.
- 04
AARP Auto Insurance from The Hartford
8.4/10Car insurance for AARP members with an online quote discount, 24/7 claims and a published monthly floor.
Price
$87per month
Pay as little as $87 a month for AARP Auto Insurance from The Hartford
“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%)
- 8.4
- Features (35%)
- 8.6
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.0
Best forAARP members, usually 50 and over, who want to quote online and keep generous built-in benefits.
The Hartford's AARP program is the best online pick for older drivers who qualify. It is one of the few insurers that both publishes a floor, as little as $87 a month, and pays you to shop online: starting your quote online earns an 8% discount. The policy is strong on benefits. New car replacement pays for a new car of the same make and model if a new car is totaled, without subtracting depreciation, and RecoverCare helps pay for services such as house cleaning if you are injured and cannot do them. Lifetime car repair assurance guarantees work at its 1,600 authorized shops. The TrueLane driving program offers up to 15% for joining and up to 40% at renewal depending on habits, and paying on time can save up to 10%. Claims help is available 24/7. The trade-offs are eligibility, since the program is for AARP members, and coverage is not available in every state.
- ✓Published floor of $87 a month
- ✓Rewards you for quoting online
- ✓Bundling averages $963 in savings, per The Hartford
- ✕Built for AARP members
- ✕Coverage is not available in all states
- ✕Benefits list is long, so compare which ones are included in your state
- Published price:
- As little as $87 a month
- Online quote discount:
- 8%
- Claims:
- 24/7
- Repair network:
- 1,600 authorized shops
Bottom line: The only insurer here that gives a fixed discount, 8%, simply for starting the quote online.
- 05
Allstate
8.3/10National insurer with an online quote tool that shows price changes as you adjust coverage, plus the Drivewise and Milewise programs in its app.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 7.8
- Features (35%)
- 8.8
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.2
Best forDrivers who want to shop online but keep 24/7 phone help and agents available, and low-mileage drivers who want pay-per-mile.
Allstate is a good fit for drivers who want an online purchase with a human safety net. Its auto page offers an online quote in minutes where you adjust coverage and see estimates change in real time, and licensed representatives are available by chat or phone 24/7. After you buy, the Allstate mobile app handles ID cards, payments, policy documents, coverage changes and claims. Two programs set it apart. Drivewise rewards safe driving with a lower rate, and Milewise lets you choose a pay-per-mile vehicle, with a low daily rate plus a per-mile rate, or an unlimited vehicle billed only a daily rate. Allstate says it protects more than 16 million households and that switchers who saved averaged $900 a year. On the downside, Allstate publishes no starting price, it says price can depend on how you purchase, and Milewise requires plugging in a device and using the app.
- ✓Pay-per-mile and unlimited options under Milewise
- ✓Online, phone and agent buying paths
- ✓16 million+ households, per Allstate
- ✕No published starting price
- ✕Allstate notes price can depend on whether you buy online, by phone or through an agent
- ✕Milewise uses a plug-in device
- Ways to buy:
- Online, 24/7 phone or agent
- Usage programs:
- Drivewise and Milewise
- Households:
- 16 million+
- Average switch savings:
- $900, per Allstate survey
Bottom line: Milewise lets one household mix pay-per-mile and unlimited vehicles.
- 06
Liberty Mutual
7.9/10National insurer with online quotes, an online account for policy changes and add-ons such as Better Car Replacement and accident forgiveness.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 7.6
- Features (35%)
- 8.4
- Ease of use (25%)
- 7.8
Best forFamilies who want online quotes and self-service with optional add-ons, plus agents when needed.
Liberty Mutual suits drivers who want to start online and manage most changes themselves. Its auto page offers a free online quote from a ZIP code, existing customers can add a teen driver in their online account, and the Liberty Mutual app handles policy management, with a text line for support. The add-ons are the reason to quote it. Better Car Replacement pays for a model one year newer if your car is totaled, and Accident Forgiveness keeps your rate from rising after a first accident once you have gone five years without one. Discounts include violation-free, multi-car and the RightTrack safe driving program. Liberty Mutual says drivers who switch could save over $700 and that bundling auto and home could save over $950. The downsides: no published price, the best protections cost extra, and the RightTrack score applies only to certain coverages rather than the whole premium.
- ✓Useful add-ons for newer cars and clean records
- ✓Text support line and online account
- ✓Bundling auto and home can save over $950, per Liberty Mutual
- ✕No published starting price
- ✕Many key protections are paid add-ons
- ✕RightTrack score applies only to certain coverages
- Safe driving program:
- RightTrack
- Average switch savings:
- Over $700, per Liberty Mutual
- Bundle savings:
- Over $950 auto and home
- In business:
- Over 100 years
Bottom line: Better Car Replacement pays for a model one year newer after a total loss.
- 07
Mile Auto
7.9/10Pay-per-mile insurer that bills a monthly base rate plus a per-mile rate, measured by an odometer photo you send from your phone.
Price
Customper month, example base rate plus per-mile rate
Example from Mile Auto: a $48 monthly base rate plus 8 cents a mile; your rates depend on your profile
“For example, Fred has a base rate of $48 and a per mile rate of $0.08.” Quoted from the pricing page, November 10, 2026.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 8.6
- Features (35%)
- 6.8
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.4
Best forDrivers who cover 10,000 miles a year or less and do not want a tracking device or GPS monitoring.
Mile Auto is the simplest way to pay for low mileage without being tracked. Its FairMiles plan bills a monthly base rate plus a per-mile rate, and the homepage shows the math: a driver with a $48 base rate and an 8 cent per-mile rate who drives 300 miles pays $72 that month. Instead of GPS or a plug-in device, Mile Auto texts and emails a monthly link that opens your phone camera, you photograph the odometer, and its MVerity system reads and checks the image. It does not monitor how you drive. Policies are underwritten by an AM Best Excellent rated national insurer, and Mile Auto says most customers save 30% to 40% compared with before. You can quote and file claims online. The fit is narrow: Mile Auto says it likely makes sense if you drive 10,000 miles a year or less, and both rates still use standard factors such as driving history, location and credit where allowed.
- ✓Transparent pricing formula with a published example
- ✓No driving behavior tracking
- ✓Mile Auto says most customers save 30% to 40%
- ✕Only makes sense if you drive about 10,000 miles a year or less
- ✕Fewer extras than large national insurers
- ✕Rates still use credit history and other standard factors where allowed
- Pricing model:
- Base rate plus per-mile rate
- Published example:
- $48 base plus $0.08 a mile
- Mileage check:
- Monthly odometer photo
- Tracking device:
- None
Bottom line: Pay-per-mile pricing with no tracking device, only a monthly odometer photo.
- 08
Elephant
7.7/10Direct insurer that sells car insurance online in eight states, with an online quote discount and app-based claims.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 7.8
- Features (35%)
- 7.4
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.0
Best forDrivers in Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas or Virginia who want a direct online policy.
Elephant is a direct, online-first insurer worth quoting if you live in one of its eight states: Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. Its site rewards online buying with an online quote discount, and stacks discounts for e-signature and paperless billing, claims-free driving, multiple cars, multiple policies and early shopping. After you buy, the Elephant mobile app and online account handle policy changes and claims, and licensed agents answer questions when the online tools are not enough. Elephant reports that 90% of customers renewed between October and December 2024 and that new customers surveyed reported average savings of up to $829 after switching. Coverage covers the standard set, liability plus comprehensive and collision, with bundles for home, motorcycle and umbrella. The limits are clear: eight states, no published starting price and a smaller footprint than the national names above it.
- ✓Rewards buying online
- ✓90% of customers renewed between October and December 2024, per Elephant
- ✓Bundles home, motorcycle and umbrella
- ✕Sold in only 8 states
- ✕No published starting price
- ✕Smaller company than national rivals
- States:
- GA, IL, IN, MD, OH, TN, TX, VA
- Renewal rate:
- 90%, Oct. to Dec. 2024
- Average switch savings:
- Up to $829, per Elephant survey
- Claims:
- App and online account
Bottom line: Discounts for quoting online, signing electronically and going paperless.
- 09
Hugo
7.7/10State-minimum liability insurance you buy online in minutes and pay daily, weekly or monthly with no large upfront cost.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 8.2
- Features (35%)
- 6.2
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.8
Best forDrivers on a tight budget who need legal minimum coverage fast and want to pay in small amounts.
Hugo solves a narrow problem well: getting legal coverage online today without a big first payment. Its homepage says you can open an account and get proof of insurance in under six minutes, start with as little as three days of coverage and then pay daily, weekly or monthly. The first payment is a standard installment based on a daily rate rather than a several-month advance, there is no down payment, fees are spread over time, and you can withdraw your available balance at no cost. The policy itself is the Hugo Basic Plan, which includes liability and other coverages needed to meet state minimum requirements. Hugo says 89% of its users rate it Excellent on Trustpilot. The limits are significant: Hugo does not cover damage to your own vehicle, theft or vandalism, roadside assistance, rental insurance or SR22s, it is sold only in some states, and it publishes no rates.
- ✓Very fast online sign-up
- ✓Payments sized to a paycheck
- ✓89% of users rate it Excellent on Trustpilot, per Hugo
- ✕Basic plan does not cover damage to your own car or theft
- ✕No roadside assistance, rental cover or SR22s
- ✕Only sold in some states
- Time to proof of insurance:
- Under 6 minutes
- Down payment:
- $0
- Payment options:
- Daily, weekly or monthly
- Coverage:
- State-minimum liability
Bottom line: Coverage can start with just three days paid, with $0 down.
What to check before you pay
Check what the app can actually do
Every insurer here has an app or online account, but the depth differs. Lemonade and Root let you file claims in the app, Root in as little as three minutes, and Lemonade lets you change limits and deductibles there. Progressive and Allstate cover ID cards, payments and claims. Confirm the app handles claims, coverage changes and adding a car before you buy.
Know what data you are trading
Online insurers often price on driving data. Root says driving behavior is its number one rating factor, Lemonade may require the app and location services in some states, and Allstate Milewise uses a plug-in device. If you want no tracking, Mile Auto reads mileage from a monthly odometer photo instead.
Match coverage before comparing prices
Published prices are not like for like. Progressive's averages are for liability-only policies, Hugo sells state-minimum liability only, and Lemonade's $30 floor depends on your driving profile. Quote the same limits and deductibles at each insurer, and add collision and comprehensive if you have a loan or lease.
Look for online-only discounts
Some insurers pay you to buy online. The Hartford gives 8% for starting an AARP auto quote online, and Elephant offers an online quote discount plus e-signature and paperless savings. Progressive lists online signing among its discounts.
Check state availability early
Several app-first insurers are regional. Root lists 37 states, Elephant sells in eight, and Lemonade and Hugo are not available everywhere. Enter your ZIP code first so you do not spend time on a quote you cannot buy.
FAQ
Which is the best online car insurance company?
Progressive is the best online car insurance company for most drivers in 2026. You can get a quote online in as little as four minutes, buy and get proof of insurance online with same-day coverage in most cases, and reach claims support 24/7 online or by phone. Lemonade Car and Root are the strongest app-first alternatives.
Which is the best car insurance to buy online?
For a full online purchase, quote Progressive first, then Lemonade Car if you drive little and Root if you have a clean record. AARP members should add The Hartford, which gives an 8% discount for starting the quote online and publishes a floor of $87 a month.
Which online car insurance is cheapest?
Lemonade Car publishes the lowest floor on this list, as low as $30 a month based on your driving profile. Mile Auto's published example is a $48 monthly base rate plus 8 cents a mile, and Progressive's liability-only averages start at $87.56 a month in low-cost states. Your price depends on your state, car and record.
Which is the best app for car insurance?
Lemonade and Root have the most app-centered policies: both let you file claims in the app, Root in as little as three minutes, and Lemonade lets you change limits and deductibles there. Lemonade reports a 4.9-star App Store rating. Progressive and Allstate apps also cover ID cards, payments and claims.
Is it safe to buy car insurance online?
Yes, if you buy from a licensed insurer and check its financial strength. Progressive is rated A+ by A.M. Best, Lemonade says it is rated A-Exceptional for financial stability, and Mile Auto policies are underwritten by an AM Best Excellent rated national insurer. Keep your old policy until the new one is active to avoid a gap.
Questions or corrections: editorial@rankozo.comSee our disclosure. Prices change; confirm on the vendor page before buying.
More rankings