Consumer Reports Says These 6 Car Insurance Companies Are The Most Trustworthy

According to a 2025 Consumer Reports survey of over 40,000 auto insurance members, choosing a car insurance provider isn't just about low premiums. The comprehensive analysis based its findings on its survey subjects' experiences filing claims between 2020 and 2024, with six companies — NJM Insurance Group, USAA Group, Amica Mutual Insurance Company, Erie Insurance Group, NYCM Insurance Group, and The Cincinnati Insurance Companies — consistently stand out for their trustworthiness. Factors like everyday reliable service represented through positive online feedback, transparent claims handling, overall financial stability in an insurer with high net worth, and recognized areas of expertise that address the specific needs of particular members of the public — military personnel for instance — are just as important as affordability.

According to Experian, the national average cost of car insurance is $2,320 per year but can rise to $4,264 in some locations like Maryland. Minimum car insurance coverage mandated by state laws may require more insurance, like personal injury protection, or less, but there's no way out of paying for auto insurance. With the reasons for the staggering rise in auto insurance rates in mind, knowing your best options based on real consumer experiences can only be of benefit to you.

According to Consumer Reports, NJM Insurance Group, a mutual company owned by its policyholders, has gained a big reputation for customer satisfaction and reliability. It consistently receives top marks in Consumer Reports' surveys for overall satisfaction and claims handling, managing to consistently distinguish itself in a competitive market. While NJM serves primarily Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, recognition of its model proves that a focus on member service over profit margins fosters deep trust.

This trust is perhaps best demonstrated by direct feedback from consumers, and highlights NJM's commitment to its core principle of serving its members, not outside shareholders. Reviews on Consumer Affairs reveal that policyholders in its service areas typically give the company high marks for its straightforward process, as well as supportive customer service. One customer in New Jersey pointed out that claims are paid within a reasonable amount of time, and the company offers multiple reasonably priced insurance products, while another New Jersey customer emphasized discounts, rates, and fair payouts after accidents. Knowledgeable representatives make the experience less stressful with polite, respectful service. NJM also makes it easy for drivers already in the cheapest age bracket for auto insurance to save even more through discounts for taking driving courses.

For eligible military members, veterans, and their families, as per Consumer Reports, USAA is the undisputed leader in trust and value. Launched back in 1922 with the purpose of serving military veterans and their families, the company has since grown to include banking and other financial services. Survey data reveals that USAA receives stellar marks for coverage, claims handling, and the general helpfulness of its representatives. The financial benefit is significant according to policyholders who switched to USAA and found they saved a median of $584 per year compared to their previous insurer.

According to Forbes Advisor, USAA's reliability where claim coverage is concerned and competitive rates — USAA offers discounts of 15% to 60% depending on where you park your car during or outside of deployment — combines superior service and immense savings that only helps to foster loyalty. This loyalty is demonstrated, in some cases, with members staying with USAA for over 50 years. While eligibility is strictly limited to current and past servicemen and women and families, for those who qualify, USAA delivers an incredible blend of financial advantage and dedicated, specialized service. This is definitely among the best ways to take advantage of a military discount.

According to reviews on Trustpilot, customers frequently point to excellent services from Amica, like a top reviewer who lauds his 20 years of experience with the company. For another reviewer, responsive, knowledgeable representatives, with money saving options for members, earns the company five stars for consistency. As per Consumer Reports, these sorts of experiences have helped to make Amica Mutual a trusted national brand with the exception of in Hawaii, since the service isn't available in that state. It is available in several states where car insurance premiums are rising fastest, however. While customers who were surveyed didn't find the company's rates to necessarily be among the lowest, the way representatives tend to handle their claims, and the clarity of its policies in moments of crisis, have helped earn members' trust.

As per Bankrate, the average minimum annual premium for auto insurance at Amica Mutual is $1,269, with the average for full coverage rising to $3,839 per year. In comparison to the Experian data showing the national average cost of car insurance to be $2,320 to $4,264 in the U.S., Amica offers a potential discount of anywhere from around 45% on the high end to 10% on the lower end if you're in the right location and have a solid driving record. As a mutual company, Amica also has dividend policies that can return money to policyholders, potentially offsetting higher upfront costs over time, offering long-term savings through its mutual structure, and various discounts for safe driving and bundling.

According to Consumer Reports, Erie Insurance earns its high-praise spot by paying attention to the fundamentals of customer service like clarity, consistency, and exceptional claims service. Erie Insurance ranks highest in policyholder satisfaction, with particular praise for how effective and expediently the company handles claims. Financially, Erie Insurance stands out by bucking industry trends with the lowest percentage of policyholders reporting a recent premium increase in the survey. Policyholders consistently noted that Erie offers better coverage at a lower price, especially when bundling home and auto policies. As per InsuredBetter, the company also offers 24 hour service seven days a week, online payments, and an online auto repair locator for when you need one.

As per CNBC, a unique and trust-building feature is Erie's "Rate Lock," which prevents your premium from increasing simply due to years of loyalty or minor infractions. While only available in 13 states and D.C., and requiring purchase through one of 14,000 independent agents, Erie Insurance proves that regional focus and personal service can build impressive customer loyalty through creative ways to save money on car insurance.

Although, as per Consumer Reports, NYCM Insurance Group is only available in New York State, For New Yorkers, NYCM Insurance Group scores points from policyholders for its customer service, bolstered by easy-to-reach phone service provided by an actual person, and representatives with the ability to provide clarity and assistance in that one call. While it doesn't offer dividend policies like other mutual insurers, NYCM provides a suite of discounts for bundling, good grades, and automatic payments. For residents within New York State, NYCM represents a trustworthy partner that combines the attentive service of a local provider with the stability of a long-established, family-managed company since its founding in 1899.

As per MoneyGeek, NYCM insurance can run anywhere from $24 to $416 per month based on factors like age, the type of coverage, gender, credit rating, and your overall driving score. Of course, there are reasons why cheaper auto insurance doesn't necessarily mean better, so if you end up paying more in exchange for trustworthy service, it may be worth it at NYCM.

According to The Zebra, six months of full coverage with The Cincinnati Insurance Company is $968 versus the national average of $1,084. Clear and consistent policy terms, and a long history of service suggesting financial stability, are selling points. Consumer Reports notes that this tracks with reliability and customer satisfaction, specifically around representatives capable and friendly handling of claims. This makes the company among the most trustworthy to policyholders. Serving every state but Alaska, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and South Dakota, the company doesn't necessarily offer the cheapest insurance quotes of any company. That said, owners of classic, vintage, and antique cars can extend their policy to those vehicles, and considering the high value of common classic cars today, higher premiums may be a worthwhile investment. A private client service for high net worth individuals offers additional perks that upper class clients are willing to pay for, while for the middle class customer, discounts acquired through the company's telematics service, RideWell, offers more ways to save money on auto insurance.