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4 top car insurance providers to consider

4 top car insurance providers to consider

Car insurance is a safety net for you and your four-wheel ride in case it meets with an accident, is damaged, or is stolen. Different insurers partially or fully cover your costs and mitigate the risk associated with the ownership and use of a car. Finding the right car insurance can be tedious. You have to consider the level of coverage, the claim limit, and the amount deductible per payment. Here is a guide to the best car insurance policies in the market and the companies that offer them.

Cheapest coverage: USAA
There’s no typo here. USAA stands for United Service Automobile Association. It is one of the well-recognized insurance providers and offers the lowest average representative rate starting at $875. Remember that the premium you pay depends on your age, driving record, and place of residence. And naturally, the coverage also matters – low, medium, or high, changes the price. USAA’s rate is 40% less than the national average.

What’s more, over 80% of their customers report complete satisfaction. So rest assured that the low price does not translate to poor service. However, there are strict qualification requirements; any current or past military service is a criterion for eligibility.

Best for seniors: GEICO
GEICO is one of the most trusted car insurance companies in the market. It is cheaper for those above 60. You get to pay as little as $1,004 and $1,036, which is between 4-12% of the national average, thus a considerable saving for retired people. The company has an easy claim filing process, and almost all customers renew their policies with the same company. An added advantage is that the company is known for security concerning personal information. Besides, there is nationwide coverage, and GEICO offers many discounts for military people, government employees, and experienced drivers. The GEICO app makes things more manageable, enabling easy access to important information on the go for policyholders – roadside assistance, vehicle history, damage estimates, and so on.

Best for new drivers: State Farm
State Farm is another well-known insurance brand, and it is the largest private passenger auto insurer. It is one of the most accessible insurances, with more than 19,000 agents. State Farm also has an app like GEICO. However, their costs are lesser, by average lower by $571. That is, you can save 34% yearly by choosing State Farm car insurance. The company also works out cheaper for good drivers, i.e., for people with good driving records and low accident rates. They also offer economical rates for young drivers, making it suitable for new and inexperienced drivers. State Farm is also one of the best car insurance companies for people without any military connections. Overall, the users rate their experience as pleasant and say the company has excellent values.

Best overall: Nationwide
Driving safer has never been easier. Consider Nationwide if you are looking for car insurance that does well in all aspects. The company has flexible premiums and offers a free annual review to ensure you have the ideal coverage for your constantly changing needs. Another plus point for Nationwide can be its vast area of operation; it is available in 47 states. Those who are learning to drive can avail of accident forgiveness coverage as well.

The SmartRide program from Nationwide offers discounts based on how well you drive and simply signing up for the program makes you eligible for a 10% discount. The driving distance and vehicle use can increase or decrease your premium. An annual full-coverage plan from Nationwide for a driver with a clean record is $1,485, which is about $100 less than the US national average.

Some honorable mentions of car insurance include Progressive for their ease in processing claims and excellent customer service and American Family, which is said to have the highest customer loyalty. Consider your needs, and speak to friends and family regarding car insurance before making a final decision.