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Auto insurance premiums finally cooled in 2026, and the latest JD Power U.S. Auto Insurance Study - 52,216 real policyholders surveyed between April 2025 and April 2026 - shows overall satisfaction holding at 644 out of 1,000 while price satisfaction improved. The gap between the best and worst carriers is now mostly about trust and how easy a company is to deal with, not just price.
Our rankings weight the 2026 JD Power regional results, coverage availability, and how easy each company makes it to get a quote online. Rates are personal - always compare at least three quotes.
Last updated: September 28, 2026. Scores are from the 2026 JD Power U.S. Auto Insurance Study regional rankings.
| Company | JD Power 2026 result | Best for | Get a quote |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erie Insurance | 704 Mid-Atlantic (also 688 North Central, 691 Southeast) | Best claims satisfaction streak | Check rates with Erie Insurance |
| Amica | 702 New England | Best in New England | Check rates with Amica |
| Nationwide | 711 Usage-Based Insurance | Best telematics program | Check rates with Nationwide |
| Shelter Insurance | 674 Central | Best in the Central region | Check rates with Shelter Insurance |
| Travelers | 657 New York | Best in New York | Check rates with Travelers |
| State Farm | 667 Northwest | Largest national insurer | Check rates with State Farm |
| USAA | National writer | Best for military families | Check rates with USAA |
| GEICO | National writer | Best for price-first shoppers | Check rates with GEICO |
| Progressive | National writer | Best comparison tools | Check rates with Progressive |
| Auto-Owners Insurance | National writer | Best independent-agent option | Check rates with Auto-Owners Insurance |
Erie swept three JD Power regions in 2026 - Mid-Atlantic (704), North Central (688, sixth straight year) and Southeast (691, second straight year). It sells through local independent agents in 12 states and D.C., so availability is the catch: if you live in its footprint, it is the first quote to get.
Check rates with Erie Insurance
Amica topped New England at 702 for a third consecutive year. Policyholders routinely cite its dividend policies (which can return part of your premium) and its claims handling. It writes in most states outside Hawaii.
Nationwide led the usage-based insurance segment at 711 for a third straight year. If you drive fewer miles or want your safe driving priced in through SmartRide, it is the strongest telematics option in the study.
Shelter won the Central region at 674 for a sixth consecutive year - the longest active regional streak in the study. A mutual company selling through agents across the Midwest and South.
Check rates with Shelter Insurance
Travelers took New York at 657. One of the largest national writers with a broad coverage menu, including gap and rideshare options, sold both direct and through agents.
State Farm won the Northwest at 667 for a second straight year. As the biggest U.S. auto writer it pairs the largest agent network in the country with competitive pricing for bundling home and auto.
USAA is not in the regional winner list because membership is restricted to military members, veterans and their families - but it consistently posts some of the highest satisfaction scores JD Power measures. If you are eligible, get this quote first.
GEICO did not win a region in 2026, but its direct model keeps it among the cheapest quotes for many drivers. Worth one of your three comparison quotes on price alone.
Progressive skipped the regional wins too, but its quote tools show competitor prices side by side, and Snapshot remains one of the most established telematics programs. Another price quote worth pulling.
Auto-Owners sells only through independent agents in 26 states and earns strong claims marks year after year. A good pick if you want one agent to shop multiple carriers for you.
Check rates with Auto-Owners Insurance
We started from the 2026 JD Power U.S. Auto Insurance Study (52,216 respondents, fielded April 2025-April 2026), then filtered for companies a typical driver can actually buy from - nationally or across most states. JD Power's regional winners are real policyholder scores; where a major national carrier did not win a region, we say so plainly. Financialist may earn a referral fee when you request a quote through partner links; that does not change the order above.