Best Full Coverage Car Insurance [2026]: Compare Insurers (original) (raw)

Imagine you're driving home from the grocery store, and the driver in front of you slams on their brakes. You can't stop fast enough to avoid a collision, and now both vehicles are damaged and both of your days are ruined. If you have full coverage auto insurance, your policy will cover the repairs, so you'll only have to deal with wasted time, spoiled groceries, and a collision deductible.

Full coverage auto insurance is significantly more expensive than liability-only insurance, but drivers often purchase it for the added protection. While the national average cost of full coverage insurance is $187 per month, many car insurance companies offer cheaper rates.

State Farm is my top pick and personal choice for full coverage car insurance since it offers competitive rates, good service, and a streamlined claims process. But I recommend comparing quotes from providers to find the best full coverage policy for you.

How we rate products

FinanceBuzz researches a number of factors in each auto insurance provider to create our reviews. These factors include cost and discounts, complaints and customer satisfaction, coverage, and ease of use. We also gather information from sources such as Insurify, J.D. Power, AM Best, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), and the Better Business Bureau to ensure we provide the most useful information to our readers.

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State Farm full coverage

Best overall

Company details

• AM Best: A++ (Superior)
• J.D. Power claims satisfaction: 710/1000 (above average)
• BBB: F (not accredited)
• NAIC complaints: 0.84 (fewer than expected)

State Farm, the largest car insurance company in the U.S., offers full coverage auto insurance in every state except MA and RI. I use State Farm for my personal auto insurance and recommend the company to my friends. It has the top financial strength grade with AM Best and was ranked highly in J.D. Power's 2024 claims satisfaction study. It also ranked above average in J.D. Power's regional customer satisfaction study, excluding the Mid-Atlantic region.

I initially signed up with State Farm because the company offered me the lowest rate quote in Colorado, including a generous discount for bundling my auto coverage with my homeowners insurance. I chose to maintain the coverage because the company offers a better customer experience than other auto insurers I've used, including Progressive and Travelers.

State Farm offers quick and easy claims via its award-winning mobile app. The insurer pays your auto shop directly and offers a limited lifetime guarantee on repairs if you choose a shop in its Select Service network. I've found the local repair shops in the network to be reliable and inexpensive. State Farm also offers 24/7 roadside assistance as an affordable add-on with quicker service than other companies, in my experience.

While State Farm charges high premiums for teens, you can save by enrolling in the company's Steer Clear program for young drivers. The company also offers a usage-based program for safe drivers to earn discounts.

Pros

• Generous multi-policy and multi-vehicle discounts
• Offers two usage-based programs
• Dedicated agents for policyholders
• Award-winning mobile app

Cons

• Fewer coverage add-ons than some competitors
• Poor BBB rating and customer reviews

Learn more in our State Farm review.

USAA full coverage

Best for military

Company details

• AM Best: A++ (Superior)
• J.D. Power claims satisfaction: 726/1000 (above average)
• BBB: A+ (not accredited)
• NAIC complaints: 0.97 (fewer than expected)

USAA offers auto insurance with excellent third-party ratings to USAA members. Membership is open to military members, veterans, certain federal employees, and military dependents. If you're an active-duty military member, you can save up to 60% while you're deployed and storing your vehicle, plus get an additional discount for keeping your car in a military garage.

In addition to full coverage car insurance, USAA offers optional roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and car replacement assistance. The company also offers cheap rideshare gap protection in some states. Highly rated by J.D. Power, USAA's usage-based programs — SafePilot and SafePilot Miles — offer discounts for safe driving or lower mileage. Plus, the insurer offers several other common discounts, including a bundling discount.

The main downside is that you can't work with an independent agent or broker to get coverage from USAA. But you can get a quote online or by phone.

Pros

• Highest J.D. Power customer satisfaction score across regions
• Cheap car insurance rates plus a vehicle storage discount
• Highly rated usage-based insurance that could save you up to 30%

Cons

• Requires a USAA membership, which isn't open to everyone
• No option to work with an independent agent
• Not BBB accredited

Learn more in our USAA review.

Nationwide full coverage

Best for usage-based insurance

Company details

• AM Best: A (Excellent)
• J.D. Power claims satisfaction: 728/1000 (above average)
• BBB: A+ (accredited)
• NAIC complaints: 0.39 (fewer than expected)

Nationwide fares well in multiple measures of customer satisfaction — the company was ranked fourth for claims satisfaction and first for usage-based insurance by J.D. Power. Additionally, Nationwide had a very low NAIC complaint index, and it holds an A+ rating with the BBB.

In addition to full coverage auto insurance, Nationwide offers several coverage add-ons, including unique options like accident forgiveness and vanishing deductible. The company also offers guaranteed asset protection (GAP) coverage and a total loss deductible waiver, which are great options for new car owners.

While Nationwide charges higher average rates than many competitors, responsible and low-mileage drivers can earn a generous discount through Nationwide's usage-based programs. SmartRide offers up to 40% off your premium for safe driving, and unlike similar programs from other insurers, there's no risk of a premium increase. SmartMiles offers mileage-based insurance premiums, a safe driving discount, and a road trip exception.

Pros

• Excellent customer satisfaction ratings
• Top-rated usage-based programs for safe driving and low mileage
• Offers GAP insurance and a total loss deductible waiver

Cons

• Higher average premium for full coverage than some competitors
• Fewer discount opportunities than some other insurers
• Especially costly for teen drivers

Learn more in our Nationwide review.

Auto-Owners full coverage

Best for high-risk drivers

Company details

• AM Best: A+ (Superior)
• J.D. Power claims satisfaction: 692/1000 (below average)
• BBB: A+ (accredited)
• NAIC complaints: 0.46 (fewer than expected)

If you're looking for cheap rates or specialized coverage, Auto-Owners might be the right fit. The company specializes in working with high-risk drivers and offers cheap premiums for full coverage to drivers with DUIs and at-fault accidents on their records. It also offers coverage for classic cars and modified or converted cars, as well as GAP insurance for new car owners.

Though J.D. Power ranked Auto-Owners below average for claims satisfaction, the company came out on top for customer satisfaction in Florida, a state with higher-than-average premiums. And the company had few complaints with the NAIC relative to its size. Its general customer support line is open only during business hours, but the company sells policies through a network of local independent agents.

Auto-Owners offers a short list of discounts and doesn't offer a usage-based program. The company's mobile apps have mediocre ratings and bare-bones features, with no option to file a claim for an accident. While Auto-Owners only offers auto coverage to residents in 26 states, its 24/7 road trouble service covers you anywhere in the country.

Pros

• Cheapest average premium for full coverage car insurance
• Cheap rates for teens and multiple student discounts
• Top-rated for customer satisfaction in Florida by J.D. Power

Cons

• Only available in 26 states
• Doesn't offer usage-based insurance
• Mediocre mobile app ratings

Learn more in our Auto-Owners review.

GEICO full coverage

Best for discount options

Company details

• AM Best: A++ (Superior)
• J.D. Power claims satisfaction: 692/1000 (below average)
• BBB: A+ (not accredited)
• NAIC complaints: 0.75 (fewer than expected)

Of the large national auto insurers, GEICO is one of the cheapest for full coverage insurance. The company offers highly rated mobile apps packed with tools, 24/7 customer support and live chat, and a guaranteed repair network. GEICO also holds the highest financial strength grade with AM Best.

GEICO offers more discounts than its competitors, including unique savings opportunities like a new vehicle discount and a driver training discount for teens. The company's usage-based program, DriveEasy, was highly rated by J.D. Power. Plus, GEICO offers multiple military discounts, a federal employee discount, and membership discounts to more than 500 groups.

However, GEICO ranked below average in the J.D. Power claims satisfaction study. The BBB has also received a high volume of complaints about the insurer. Plus, GEICO is involved in a class action lawsuit that alleges the terms of its accident forgiveness benefit are misleading. Consumers should weigh these red flags against GEICO's affordable premiums and discount offerings.

Pros

• Lower premiums for full coverage than many competitors
• Long list of car insurance discounts for all types of drivers
• 24/7 phone support and live chat support

Cons

• Below-average J.D. Power claims satisfaction rating
• Pending class action lawsuit regarding accident forgiveness
• Few coverage add-ons

Learn more in our GEICO review.

Choosing the right full coverage car insurance provider

Whether you're looking to switch providers or insure a new vehicle, you have many options to choose from. Follow these steps to narrow down your options so you can choose which one best meets your needs:

• Decide which coverages you need: If you need specific add-ons, such as GAP insurance or rideshare coverage, that will narrow down your options. You should also choose your liability coverage limits and input them consistently when collecting quotes. Pick a limit that covers your assets.
• Research car insurance companies: Read reviews of the best car insurance companies. Compare third-party ratings and customer reviews for insurers that offer the coverages you need.
• Compare car insurance quotes: Collect quotes from a handful of insurers. You can get quotes online, work with an independent agent or broker, or use a quote comparison site. Just make sure you only provide your information to reputable sites.
• Check if you're eligible for discounts: Before choosing the lowest quote, consider whether additional discounts may apply. If you're a good driver, compare usage-based programs.
• Get a sense of the claims process: Take the time to familiarize yourself with the car insurance claims process before selecting an insurance company. Pay attention to claims filing options, customer support hours, mobile app ratings, repair networks, and typical timelines.
• Pay your first premium: Once you've chosen a car insurance policy, read your policy documents and pay your first premium to activate your coverage.

Ways to save money on full coverage auto policies

If the national average full coverage premium of $187 per month gives you sticker shock, consider these ways to lower your car insurance costs:

• Bundle your insurance policies: If you already have homeowners or renters insurance, you could save by bundling your auto coverage with the same company. For example, bundling home and auto policies with State Farm could save you up to $1,356.
• Compare full coverage auto insurance quotes: Each insurer will weigh your information differently when calculating your premium. For example, some providers offer cheaper coverage to high-risk drivers or drivers with bad credit than others. The cheapest company also varies by state. To ensure you get the best deal, compare quotes from at least three different car insurers.
• Choose a high deductible: You can typically choose your deductible, which is the amount of money you pay out of pocket on a claim, for collision and comprehensive coverage. A higher deductible usually gets you a lower premium, but make sure you have enough cash stashed away to cover it.
• Take advantage of discounts: Some discounts won't be reflected in your auto insurance quote, so look into your eligibility for additional savings. For example, some companies will reduce your premium if you complete a defensive driving course.
• Enroll in a usage-based program: Some companies offer a discount just for signing up for a usage-based program, but ask whether there's a risk of your premium increasing before you enroll. Most drivers in these programs can save money on car insurance by avoiding hard braking, quick accelerations, phone distractions, and nighttime driving.

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to get full coverage auto insurance?

The best way to get cheap full coverage car insurance is to compare quotes from different companies, choose a policy with a high deductible and low monthly premium, and take advantage of discounts and usage-based programs.

What is the best car insurance for full coverage?

The best full coverage car insurance company will depend on your coverage needs, the insurer options available in your state, and individual factors like your driving record. But I think State Farm is a good choice for most people, due to the company's affordable premiums, strong ratings, and easy claims process.

Do you need full coverage on a used car?

If you buy a used car with an auto loan, your lender will require you to get a car insurance policy with comprehensive and collision coverage. If you own your used car outright, you don't necessarily need full coverage. But if you don't have enough savings to repair or replace your car after significant damage and you rely on that vehicle, you'll likely want the extra protection.

Bottom line

State Farm's excellent ratings and affordable premiums make the company an overall great choice for many drivers seeking full coverage policies. Other options, such as USAA and Auto-Owners, can also be worthy choices depending on your military affiliation or driving record.

It's important to compare car insurance quotes based on your individual driver profile to find the best car insurance for your needs. Check for bundling discounts and usage-based programs that may lower your premium, and make sure to evaluate the company's reputation before buying an auto insurance policy.

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