There was a time not so long ago when many people weren’t driving their cars every day. Now that more people are out and about, it’s even more important to make sure your car insurance policy is up-to-date.
To help you compare rates and potentially find a new policy, we’ve put together a list of the top auto insurance plans for 2020. Highlights of each company include ways to save, who benefits the most, and what sort of perks you can expect to see if you do become a policyholder.
No matter which auto insurance company you choose, stay safe out there!
Basic Car Insurance Coverage
Each auto insurance company puts together their own set of packages and plans for customers to choose from. But how do you know what you need in terms of coverage?
Well, a good place to start is the minimum requirements put forth by each of the 50 states. You can find those minimums at NerdWallet. Since your place of residence factors into your monthly insurance rate, most companies present potential customers with at least the bare minimum they’ll need to be legal.
How and Where to Compare Auto Insurance Rates
Most, if not all of the insurance companies listed below will provide you with a free quote. It’s a good idea to start with that quote if you’re looking into a few companies, but when it gets to be more than 3, those numbers can start to get jumbled in your head.
To avoid confusion—and getting spammed by insurance ads—we recommend using a car insurance comparison tool. The Car Insurance Guide asks you 10 questions and provides you with the 10 best car insurance companies for your situation and area code. Another useful site is Insurify; it will also give you ready-to-buy quotes from a number of insurance companies.
Besides comparing rates, you can also compare other aspects of your policy, such as coverage, discounts, perks, and more. Perhaps payment methods make a difference in your life, so the ability to pay all at once or over time could be a deciding factor. If you’re wondering about customer service, try chatting with a representative. This experience alone should tell you a lot about the company.
Best Auto Insurance Plans for 2020
Here they are, in no particular order: the best car insurance plans of the year 2020.
Amica: Best Overall Experience
With a reputation that precedes them, Amica tops our list as the best overall insurance plan for 2020. Many reviewers state Amica has the most robust package. Amica also “has the top spot in J.D. Power’s overall customer satisfaction index ranking.” Check to see if Amica is available in your state.
USAA: Best for Military Members
If you’re a veteran, member of the military, or immediate family, USAA welcomes you to the fold. The team at USAA “tailors its car insurance coverage to fit the needs of military members, with reduced rates for low annual mileage and up to a 60% discount for vehicles stored during deployment.” USAA also offers additional policies for health, dental, and vision.
State Farm: Best (Local) Customer Service
One of the biggest advantages State Farm offers their clients is the ability to speak with local, dedicated agents. State Farm also tailors your policy to what you need, whether you “own a classic automobile or a sports car, are a teen driver, or plan on renting a car.” The Drive Safe & Save and Steer Clear program also make State Farm a good choice.
Liberty Mutual: Best Use of Discounts
When you choose Liberty Mutual, you’re getting more than just typical coverage. This company also offers car replacement coverage and unlimited discounts. You can add on as many discounts as apply to get the best rate possible.
Progressive: Best at Being Flexible
The Name Your Price tool isn’t the only thing Progressive is known for. In fact, Flo can also offer you entrance into the Loyalty Reward and Snapshot program, along with plenty of discounts. Head over to Progressive to see what you qualify for.
GEICO: Best for your Budget
Chances are, if you haven’t heard of GEICO’s gecko, you’ve been living outside the reach of civilization for the past decade. GEICO is well known for its affordability; you can easily get a low rate and customize your policy to only include what you need. “GEICO is also the second-largest car insurance provider in the United States. Despite their size, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners recorded fewer than 300 complaints against them in 2019 — a very low number.” It’s easy to see why GEICO should be a company you look into for auto insurance.
The Hartford: Best for Retirees
Many people may not be familiar with The Hartford. This insurance company has been rated best for drivers aged 50 and over, as it has a unique partnership with AARP. The Hartford also offers some of the best policy options, so check them out before you finalize your auto insurance policy elsewhere.
Farmers: Best for Comprehensive Coverage
The ability to get comprehensive coverage sets Farmers apart from the rest. Though other companies may offer it, Farmers also gives plenty of discounts to lower your monthly rate. Drivers can also access the Signal program via the mobile app to qualify for lower rates due to safe driving.
Travelers: Best for Fast Quotes
If you’re looking to get a quote and don’t want to spend hours entering in your information, check out Travelers. Known for fast quotes, they also offer the IntelliDrive program. Chat with a Travelers agent today to find out more about how their policies can cover you in case of an accident.
Nationwide: Best for Poor Credit Score Holders
These days, auto insurance companies need to truly serve their customers if they want to stand out from the competition. Nationwide’s On Your Side Review is a free annual car insurance assessment that helps you feel secure in your policy. Those with less-than-stellar credit can find great policies at Nationwide, along with the SmartRide program to support safe driving habits.
Allstate: Best for Customer Satisfaction
Like many of the auto insurance companies we’ve highlighted thus far, Allstate offers its Drivewise program. Meant to track your driving habits and potentially save you money, this program is just one of the benefits Allstate offers customers. Plus, they have a high social media responsiveness, so you can connect in other ways.
Erie: Best for Young Drivers
Though not necessarily a household name, Erie is best for young drivers. This company also offers a number of add-on coverage options you can use to customize your policy to fit your needs.
Find Your Best Auto Insurance Plan
Knowing which car insurance company to choose can be overwhelming, but once you take the time to figure out what you need from an auto insurance policy, the path becomes clearer. We hope this article has helped you narrow down your choices for car insurance, because it’s important to be legal and covered in the event of an accident. Like the saying goes, you want to “set it and forget it!” Safe driving everyone!
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