AutoInsurance.com Rating Methodology and Data Sources

Choosing the right car insurance requires more than just finding the lowest premium; it requires trust that your carrier will be there when you need them most. At AutoInsurance.com, we provide data-driven, unbiased, and transparent reviews of insurance providers to simplify this choice. Our methodology rigorously evaluates insurers across four essential performance categories:

1. Pricing
2. Claims Handling
3. Customer Experience
4. Coverage Options

For over two decades, AutoInsurance.com has connected drivers with reliable coverage, building a database of millions of customer interactions. We combine our own proprietary data with third-party information to assess auto insurance companies.

Pricing – 40% of overall score

Pricing is the most heavily weighted factor in our ratings because we understand that cost is a primary concern for most consumers. We evaluate:

• Average premiums for full and minimum coverage for a typical good driver
• Cost variations across diverse driver profiles (including those with DUIs, at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, teen drivers, and varying credit histories)
• Available discounts, including popular options like bundling, good student discounts, and telematics programs

To maintain accuracy, we aggregate rate filings, industry analytics, and real-time proprietary user data.

Claims Handling – 25% of overall score

The true test of an insurer is how well they handle an accident or loss. An efficient, transparent claims process is essential for minimizing stress during recovery. We assess:

• The company’s track record for timely claim payments
• Customer satisfaction with the company’s claims process
• Feedback from collision repair shops on the insurer’s practices
• Financial stability, ensuring the company’s ability to pay out claims

Our primary sources for this information include:

• The J.D. Power U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study
• CRASH Network’s annual Insurer Report Card
• Financial strength ratings from AM Best and S&P
• Verified customer experiences (when available)

Customer Experience – 25% of overall score

Modern drivers expect seamless interaction with their insurer, whether through a mobile app or a local agent. We evaluate the overall customer experience, from getting a quote to managing your policy. Key factors include:

• Ease of obtaining a quote and purchasing a policy
• Quality of customer service and agent availability
• Digital capabilities, including mobile app functionality for billing and claims
• Accessibility of policy documents and ID cards

Our assessment is based on:

• The J.D. Power U.S. Auto Insurance Study
• The J.D. Power U.S. Insurance Shopping Study
• The J.D. Power U.S. Insurance Digital Experience Study
• National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Complaint Index
• Mobile app ratings from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store
• Real-life customer experiences (when possible)

Coverage Options – 10% of overall score

Flexible protection is vital for drivers with unique assets or risks. We review the range of coverage options each insurer offers, including:

• Standard coverage types (e.g., liability, medical payments/PIP, uninsured/underinsured motorist, comprehensive and collision)
• Additional coverage options (e.g., GAP insurance, rideshare coverage, accident forgiveness)
• Policy endorsements and add-ons (e.g., original equipment manufacturer parts, pet injury coverage)

This information is primarily gathered directly from carrier filings and official provider documentation.

We gather data from a variety of reliable sources to ensure our ratings are as accurate and comprehensive as possible:

• State insurance department rate filings
• Our own proprietary data
• Third-party reports and studies
• Financial strength ratings from independent agencies
• Customer reviews and feedback
• Direct information from insurance providers

When possible, we also incorporate real-life customer experiences to provide a more holistic view of each insurer.

Car insurance rates and service standards fluctuate frequently due to economic shifts and weather events. Consequently, we audit and refresh our reviews on an ongoing basis to reflect the latest market conditions.

We dedicate thousands of hours to analyzing the insurance market so you don’t have to. Our editorial team, comprised of dynamic writers, editors, journalists, and researchers, holds years of experience creating high-quality auto insurance content. Our work has been featured in USA Today, MSN, Yahoo, CBS News, and other local and national publications.

While our methodology aims to provide an objective and comprehensive view of each insurer, it’s important to note that individual experiences may vary. Factors such as your location, driving history, and specific coverage needs can significantly impact your premiums and experience with an insurance provider. We encourage you to use our ratings as a starting point and to obtain personalized quotes from multiple insurers before making a decision.

Through this standardized approach, we ensure that every driver has the tools necessary to secure the right protection at the right price.

At AutoInsurance.com, our mission is to help you make smarter auto insurance decisions with confidence. We follow a strict editorial policy, rooted in principles of integrity, transparency, and accuracy. While we may earn compensation from our partners, this does not influence our assessments and recommendations. Learn more about how we make money.