Best Auto Insurance — October 2026

Car insurance rates depend on your state, car, driving record, and more. The averages below are national — your quote will differ. Always compare at least three quotes.

By Financialist · October 17, 2026

Last updated: October 9, 2026 · Fact checked ✓

Affiliate disclosure: Financialist.com may earn a commission when you click a link on this page and get a quote. This never changes our ratings. Our picks are based on independent research.

Car insurance rates depend on your state, car, driving record, and more. The averages below are national — your quote will differ. Always compare at least three quotes.


1. USAA — 4.8/5

Best for: Military members and families

  • Average full coverage: ~$125/month nationally (among the lowest available)
  • Financial strength: A++ (AM Best)
  • Eligibility: Military members, veterans, and eligible family members only

Pros

  • Lowest average rates in the country
  • Top customer satisfaction scores
  • Great digital tools

Cons

  • Military-only — most people can't join
  • Limited agent network

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2. GEICO — 4.6/5

Best for: Low rates for everyone

  • Average full coverage: ~$187/month nationally
  • Financial strength: A++ (AM Best)
  • Discounts: Safe driver, multi-policy, military, federal employee, good student

Pros

  • Among the cheapest rates available to the general public
  • Excellent app and online quoting
  • Lots of discounts

Cons

  • No local agents — everything is online or by phone
  • Customer service reviews are mixed

Apply now


3. State Farm — 4.6/5

Best for: Overall value and claims

  • Average full coverage: ~$192/month nationally
  • Financial strength: A++ (AM Best)
  • Network: ~19,000 agents in all 50 states
  • Discounts: Drive Safe & Save (up to 30% off), multi-car, good student, bundling

Pros

  • Fastest average claims resolution of the national carriers
  • Huge agent network
  • Strong bundling discounts

Cons

  • Not the cheapest in high-cost states (CA, FL, MI)
  • No accident forgiveness

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4. Progressive — 4.4/5

Best for: High-risk drivers and usage-based savings

  • Average full coverage: ~$207/month nationally
  • Financial strength: A+ (AM Best)
  • Programs: Snapshot (usage-based), Name Your Price tool

Pros

  • Snapshot can cut rates a lot for safe drivers
  • Good options for drivers with tickets or accidents
  • Fast online quotes

Cons

  • Base rates are higher than GEICO or State Farm
  • Snapshot raises rates for aggressive drivers

Apply now


5. Travelers — 4.3/5

Best for: Bundling home and auto

  • Financial strength: A++ (AM Best)
  • Discounts: Multi-policy, safe driver, hybrid/electric vehicle

Pros

  • Strong bundle discounts
  • Good for homeowners who want one insurer
  • Solid financial strength

Cons

  • Auto-only shoppers may find cheaper options
  • Fewer local agents than State Farm

Apply now


6. American Family — 4.3/5

Best for: Low rates in its coverage states

  • Average full coverage: ~$159/month nationally (where available)
  • Availability: 19 states

Pros

  • Very competitive rates
  • Good customer satisfaction

Cons

  • Only available in 19 states
  • Smaller discount menu

Apply now


How we picked these

We compared national average premiums, J.D. Power satisfaction scores, AM Best financial strength ratings, and complaint ratios. Rates shown are national averages for full coverage — your state and profile will change the numbers. Get quotes from at least three companies.

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