Auto Insurance 2026: Coverage, Discounts and Carrier Programs

Auto insurance prices depend on the driver, vehicle, state, coverage selections and each insurer’s own rating rules, so a single national average rarely matches an individual quote. This guide summarizes information published by the NAIC, J.D. Power and carrier websites, checked on November 6, 2026, and explains the coverage types and discount programs that commonly affect what drivers pay. It does not rank carriers or estimate any individual premium.

Carrier Programs at a Glance (Carrier Websites, November 6, 2026)

The table lists only items stated on each carrier’s own website when checked. Discounts and availability vary by state and by driver.

Claims satisfaction: the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study (published October 28, 2025) reported an industry average of 700 on a 1,000-point scale, based on 9,455 customers who settled a claim. Erie Insurance ranked highest (743), NJM Insurance Co. second (731) and Liberty Mutual third (730). Scores for other insurers are listed on J.D. Power’s study page.

About the Data in This Guide

This guide does not score or rank insurers. Figures that appear are attributed to the source named beside them and dated. Averages from national datasets do not describe any individual driver’s premium.

State Farm, GEICO and Progressive: How They Differ

State Farm, GEICO and Progressive are three of the best-known national auto insurers. They differ in how policies are sold and in the discount programs listed above. Premiums for the same driver can differ widely between insurers, and the order can change by state, driver profile and coverage, so a quote from each carrier for identical coverage limits is the reliable comparison. State Farm states it has over 19,000 auto insurance agents (State Farm, November 6, 2026).

How to Read the Differences

• Agent access: State Farm lists over 19,000 auto insurance agents; check how each other carrier sells and services policies.
• Usage-based programs: compare each program’s stated discount range and whether the carrier says rates can increase.
• Price: request quotes with identical coverage limits and deductibles; the NAIC notes that prices differ between insurance companies.

GEICO vs State Farm: Points to Check

The items below are limited to what the carriers publish.

• Usage-based programs: State Farm’s Drive Safe & Save lists savings of up to 30% (not available in CA, MA or RI); GEICO lists DriveEasy as typically 5–15% (State Farm; GEICO).
• Young drivers: State Farm’s Steer Clear is for drivers under 25 with no at-fault accidents or moving violations in the past three years who complete five training modules and five hours of driving across at least 10 trips (State Farm).
• Agents: State Farm lists over 19,000 auto insurance agents (State Farm).
• Claims satisfaction: J.D. Power publishes carrier-level results for its 2025 study (industry average 700 of 1,000) on its study page.

Which carrier costs less depends on the quote for a specific driver, state and coverage.

GEICO vs Progressive: Points to Check

Both carriers offer usage-based programs: GEICO’s DriveEasy is listed as typically 5–15% and Progressive reports that drivers who earn a Snapshot discount save an average of $328 a year, with rates possibly increasing for high-risk driving (GEICO; Progressive). Neither carrier publishes a single price that applies to every driver, so quotes for identical coverage are the way to compare them.

Other Carriers: Nationwide and Farmers

Nationwide’s SmartRide lists discounts of up to 40% and measures miles driven, hard braking and acceleration, idle time and nighttime driving (midnight to 5 a.m.); Nationwide states it is a discount program rather than one that raises rates, and that criteria differ in California and North Carolina (Nationwide, November 6, 2026). Farmers, Allstate, USAA, Amica and Travelers were not re-verified in this update; see each carrier’s website for current programs and terms.

Usage-Based (Telematics) Programs: What the Carriers Say

Usage-based insurance programs collect driving data in exchange for a possible discount. Terms differ by carrier and some states restrict them.

• Progressive Snapshot: drivers who earned a discount saved an average of $328 a year; rates may increase with high-risk driving, and Progressive says only about 2 out of 10 drivers get an increase (Progressive).
• State Farm Drive Safe & Save: a 10% initial participation decrease and a discount of up to 30%; State Farm notes mileage can affect the premium adjustment on certain policies and that the program is not available in CA, MA or RI (State Farm).
• Nationwide SmartRide: discounts of up to 40%; no cost to participate; the program lasts about four to six months (Nationwide).
• GEICO DriveEasy: uses the phone to gauge braking, cornering and phone use; typically 5–15% (GEICO).

Enrollment is voluntary. Read each program’s disclosure before enrolling.

What Changes the Price for Different Drivers

Insurers use factors such as driving record, age, location, vehicle, coverage choices and, where state law permits, credit-based information. The NAIC notes that many factors affect a state’s costs, including underwriting costs, driving locations, accident rates, traffic density, auto theft statistics, repair costs and state laws (NAIC, February 13, 2026). This guide does not recommend a carrier for any driver profile; request quotes for the same coverage from several carriers and consult a licensed agent or your state insurance department.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost? NAIC Data

Source: NAIC 2022/2023 Auto Insurance Database Report (released February 13, 2026; data through year-end 2023, the latest year in that report, so current prices may differ). The NAIC states these averages make no distinction among policyholder classifications, vehicle characteristics, limits or deductibles, and that state-by-state comparisons are difficult. State figures are in the full report.

Auto Insurance Discounts: Types to Ask About

Discount names, amounts and eligibility vary by carrier and by state. Types commonly listed by carriers include multi-policy (bundling), multi-vehicle, accident-free or safe-driving records, good student, defensive driving or driver training courses, vehicle safety features and anti-theft devices, paperless billing, automatic payments and paying in full. As examples from one carrier’s page, GEICO lists a Clean Driving Record discount of up to 22%, Good Student up to 15% and Multi-Vehicle up to 25%, and notes discounts are state and fact specific (GEICO, November 6, 2026). Percentages for other carriers were not re-verified in this update.

Coverage Types Explained

The NAIC Consumer’s Guide to Auto Insurance explains that a policy usually includes several coverages, some required and some optional, each usually priced separately, and that the state-required minimum coverages are usually not enough to fully protect you and your assets. Required limits differ by state; check your state department of insurance.

• Bodily injury liability: applies to injuries you cause to someone else; required by state law.
• Property damage liability: pays for damage you cause to someone else’s car or to objects and structures your car hits; required by state law.
• Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage: uninsured motorist coverage reimburses you if an uninsured or hit-and-run driver hits you; underinsured coverage pays when an at-fault driver does not have enough insurance. It is required by law in some states.
• Collision and comprehensive: optional physical-damage coverages for your own vehicle; the NAIC notes that if you have a car loan, most lenders require insurance to protect their interest in the car.

The NAIC, citing the Insurance Research Council, reports that 15.4% of motorists were uninsured in 2023, ranging from 5.7% in Maine to 28.2% in Mississippi (NAIC, uninsured motorists).

How to Compare Auto Insurance Quotes

1. Request several quotes from direct carriers, agents or comparison tools; the NAIC notes that prices differ between insurance companies.
2. Use the same coverage limits and deductibles in every quote so the prices are comparable.
3. Ask each carrier which discounts apply. Some require enrollment or documentation.
4. Read usage-based program terms before enrolling, including whether the carrier states rates can increase.
5. Review limits and deductibles when your vehicle, address or household changes.
6. Check your state department of insurance for consumer guides and complaint information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which auto insurance company is cheapest?

There is no single answer. Premiums depend on the driver, vehicle, state and coverage, and the NAIC notes that prices differ between insurance companies. For context, the NAIC reported a national average expenditure of $1,281 per insured vehicle in 2023 (NAIC). Compare quotes that use identical coverage.

Is GEICO or Progressive cheaper?

It depends on the driver profile and state. Neither carrier publishes one price that applies to everyone; request a quote from each for the same coverage.

How do State Farm and GEICO differ?

Items stated on the carriers’ sites: State Farm lists over 19,000 auto insurance agents and Drive Safe & Save savings of up to 30% (not in CA, MA or RI); GEICO lists DriveEasy as typically 5–15% (State Farm; GEICO). Prices still depend on the individual quote.

Does Progressive Snapshot save money?

Progressive states that drivers who earned a Snapshot discount saved an average of $328 a year, that rates may increase with high-risk driving, and that only about 2 out of 10 drivers get an increase (Progressive, November 6, 2026). Results depend on the driving data collected, and availability and terms vary by state.

How do carriers treat drivers with a DUI?

Eligibility and price vary by carrier and state, and some carriers may decline coverage. Ask each carrier and your state department of insurance about the requirements that apply.

How much is car insurance for a teenager?

Pricing for young drivers varies widely by carrier, state and coverage. Ask each carrier whether adding a young driver to an existing household policy changes the quote. State Farm’s Steer Clear program is aimed at drivers under 25 and has eligibility rules (State Farm).

Can I get car insurance with bad credit?

Many states allow insurers to use credit-based information when pricing auto insurance, and some states restrict or prohibit it. Check the rules in your state with its department of insurance.

Sources

• NAIC: 2022/2023 Auto Insurance Database Report (released February 13, 2026)
• NAIC: A Consumer’s Guide to Auto Insurance (2022)
• NAIC: Uninsured Motorists (citing the Insurance Research Council, 2023 data)
• J.D. Power: 2025 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study (October 28, 2025)
• State Farm: Drive Safe & Save; Steer Clear; agents
• GEICO: car insurance discounts
• Progressive: Snapshot
• Nationwide: SmartRide

Looking for more ways to protect your finances? Explore our Insurance category in our business directory, or compare lenders in our Best Personal Loans 2026 guide.

Reviewed by: Michael Torres, Technology & financial data analyst.
See our Editorial Process for methodology and corrections.