Auto Insurance Refunds: Which Companies Are Giving Back?

Auto insurance companies are facing a challenging environment, with rising costs and increasing customer complaints. However, some companies are standing out by offering good value and excellent customer service. Here are some of the auto insurance companies that are giving money back to their customers:

- Amica: Amica offers dividend policies, which can save money in the long run. Amica also has a low volume of customer complaints and excellent customer satisfaction ratings.

- Geico: Geico offers two ways to get accident forgiveness, which can help keep premiums low. It also has a long list of discounts and is available across the nation.

- Progressive: Progressive is a good option for high-risk drivers, including those with DUIs, and may even offer competitive rates for drivers with flawed records.

- Auto-Owners: Auto-Owners has a low volume of customer complaints and superior financial strength. It also offers a wide range of discounts.

- State Farm: State Farm has a large network of local agents and offers numerous discounts. It also has a strong financial track record.

- USAA: USAA offers competitive rates and military-focused benefits, such as a discount for storing your car on base. It has excellent customer satisfaction ratings and superior financial strength.

Best for high-risk drivers

High-risk drivers are often charged higher premiums than low-risk drivers, but there are still ways to find the best deal for your situation. Here are some of the best auto insurance companies for high-risk drivers:

State Farm

State Farm is the largest insurer in the US and is our selection for Best Customer Experience. It has a wealth of discounts, including its Drive Safe and Save program, and offers some of the lowest average rates for high-risk drivers. State Farm also has a good reputation, with an A++ financial strength rating from AM Best. However, it is not available in Massachusetts or Rhode Island, and has mixed reviews.

USAA

USAA is only available to military members, veterans, and their families, but it offers some of the cheapest rates for high-risk drivers, especially those with at-fault accidents and speeding tickets. USAA also has high customer satisfaction ratings and a top-rated mobile app.

Nationwide

Nationwide has some of the cheapest average rates for drivers with severe speeding tickets, and its SmartRide telematics program can help drivers save money. It also has a good reputation, with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and AM Best. However, Nationwide has higher average insurance costs and mixed customer reviews.

Geico

Geico offers some of the lowest rates for teen drivers, who typically face high premiums. It also has a wide selection of discounts, including its Geico DriveEasy program, and a highly-rated mobile app. However, Geico has average J.D. Power claims ratings and is not always the cheapest for people with poor credit or recent accidents.

Progressive

Progressive was one of the first companies to specialize in insuring high-risk drivers and still offers competitive rates, especially for drivers with DUIs and severe speeding tickets. It also has a safe-driving discount program called Snapshot, although this can sometimes raise rates for drivers.

Erie

Erie offers some of the lowest premiums for several high-risk situations, but it is only available in 12 states. It has high customer satisfaction scores from J.D. Power and below-average NAIC complaint index. However, Erie has limited online and app capabilities, and claim filing is not available online.

Best for added perks

When it comes to added perks, there are a few auto insurance companies that stand out. Here are some of the best auto insurance companies for added perks:

• Safeco: Safeco offers an extensive list of unique add-on coverage options, like its Claims-Free Cash Back and Diminishing Deductible offerings. It also has a strong network of local agents.
• Travelers: With over 150 years of experience, Travelers has a vast independent agent network, numerous endorsement options, robust savings opportunities, and a proven financial track record. It offers special rates if you are affiliated with certain groups and has a discount for hybrid/electric cars.
• USAA: USAA is only available to active-duty military, veterans, and their eligible family members, but it offers several military-focused coverage options, such as a discount of up to 60% for qualifying military members who put their vehicles in storage while deployed. It also has impressive financial strength ratings and excellent J.D. Power customer service scores.
• Nationwide: Nationwide is known for its innovative programs and wide coverage options. It offers telematics programs for safe and low-mileage drivers, robust coverage options, and a national independent agent network.
• State Farm: State Farm has a large network of exclusive local agents and offers numerous endorsements and discounts. It also has superior financial strength and above-average J.D. Power claims satisfaction scores.

Best for coverage on a budget

When it comes to finding the best car insurance, it's important to consider your budget and the level of coverage you need. Here are some options for coverage on a budget:

• Auto-Owners Insurance: Available in 26 states, Auto-Owners Insurance offers several discounts, including for bundling, multi-car, and paperless billing. They have a low NAIC complaint index and a superior AM Best financial strength rating.
• American Family Insurance: American Family offers insurance in 16 states and has a long list of insurance discounts. They also receive fewer consumer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
• Erie Insurance: Erie Insurance is available in 12 states and Washington, D.C. They offer low rates for teen drivers and have a Rate Lock feature that keeps your price the same unless you make certain changes to your policy.
• Nationwide: Nationwide is known for its innovative programs and coverage options. They offer two telematics programs to help you save by tracking safe driving habits or reducing your annual mileage.
• Progressive: Progressive may be a good option for high-risk drivers, including those with multiple speeding tickets, accidents, or DUIs. They offer a telematics program called Snapshot, which can help you get a discount for safe driving.

Best for local agents

Local agents can be a great resource for drivers who want personalized guidance when shopping for car insurance. Here are four companies that stand out for their local agent networks:

State Farm

State Farm is the largest national auto insurer based on market share, and its extensive local agent network showcases its customer-first approach to providing consumers with various personal and commercial insurance products. State Farm's large network of exclusive local agents are available in communities across the U.S. and can offer expert guidance to those who value it when discussing their policy. The company's digital management options allow for an on-the-go approach, including a mobile app where you can file auto claims and contact your agent.

Liberty Mutual

Liberty Mutual offers local agencies for those who want to work with an agent in person. The company also offers numerous insurance products, strong digital tools, and specialized coverage for teachers.

Auto-Owners

Auto-Owners has a network of independent agents and is available in 26 states. The company offers several discounts, including three geared toward young drivers, and superior AM Best financial strength ratings.

Nationwide

Nationwide has a national independent agent network and offers innovative programs and wide coverage options that may suit diverse budgets and goals. The company's "On Your Side" service pairs policyholders with a licensed agent to be proactive about adapting your insurance to your needs.

Best for personalized coverage

Personalized coverage is a key component of a good car insurance policy. Here are some of the best car insurance companies for personalized coverage:

• Safeco: Safeco offers a wide range of add-on coverage options, including its Claims-Free Cash Back program, which gives you back a portion of your premium if you go six months without making a claim. It also has a Guaranteed Repair Network, which guarantees repairs made at its approved shops.
• Travelers: With over 150 years of experience, Travelers has a vast network of independent agents and numerous policy options, including gap coverage, rental coverage, new car replacement, roadside assistance, and accident forgiveness.
• USAA: USAA is only available to military members, veterans, and their families, but it offers military-focused coverage options, such as a discount of up to 60% for those who store their cars on base while deployed. It also has excellent customer service scores and a SafePilot telematics program.
• Nationwide: Nationwide has innovative programs and a wide range of coverage options, including two telematics programs for safe and low-mileage drivers. It also offers "On Your Side" service, a free annual insurance consultation with a licensed agent to help you adapt your insurance to your needs.

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