Metromile
Finder rating 4 / 5 ★★★★★
Metromile stands at the top of the telematics insurance market, which rewards safe drivers who don't drive much.
| Telematics | Telematics only |
|---|---|
| Gap insurance | No |
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Compare the best online car insurance companies
Find the best mix of digital services and customer support to suit your needs.
The best online-focused companies know how to balance coverage costs, variety of options and customer service. But if you’re more adventurous about trying new companies, many online brands are small and don’t have many customer reviews but may offer interesting coverage or benefits.
When researching online car insurance companies, we started with insurers that had limited or no local agents, a helpful online or app-based customer account and online claims. Most insurers on our list also have a wide service area and a convenient mobile app.
Our top choices received the highest Finder ratings as well as high customer reviews from Trustpilot or the Better Business Bureau. High-rated phone customer support was considered a benefit that showed the company’s customer-centered focus. In addition, these companies balanced high customer ratings with low-cost premiums.
Next, we looked at the number of coverage and discount options offered. We factored in how those companies stood in the industry by market share. And finally, we narrowed the list down to the companies that offered the best balance of these factors.
What are the best online car insurance companies?
We’ve identified these companies as the best online car insurance providers out there.
Best for low-mileage drivers: Metromile
Runner-up for telematics: Root
Root
Finder rating 3.5 / 5 ★★★★★
If you can't get Metromile's coverage in your state, Root car insurance follows close behind as a top company for telematics policies. Root offers benefits like these to its drivers:
| Telematics | Telematics only |
|---|---|
| Gap insurance | No |
Best online broker: Gabi
Gabi
Finder rating 4 / 5 ★★★★★
If you're looking to shop multiple car insurance companies with the least amount of work, this online broker could set you at ease.
| Gap insurance | Depends on provider |
|---|
Best value: Geico
Geico
Finder rating 4 / 5 ★★★★★
Geico consistently drives down premiums for car insurance customers across the board.
| Telematics | DriveEasy |
|---|---|
| Gap insurance | No |
Best value: Electric Auto
Electric Auto
Finder rating 4.5 / 5 ★★★★★
This small brand is a rising star in the online car insurance world.
| Gap insurance | No |
|---|
How are online car insurance companies different from standard insurers?
The main differences between online and standard car insurance companies are the lack of local agents and in-person offices. Some companies keep a few local offices available, but these are limited and not accessible to most customers.
Another main difference is the company’s online services. Many companies offer an online account. But online-only companies give you more flexibility to update your account or policy yourself. They also tend to offer an app, online calculators, self-help articles and the ability to connect with customer service online.
Pros and cons of online car insurance companies
Pros
- Low-cost premiums. Online-based companies keep low business overhead, and that savings transfers to your car insurance premiums.
- Streamlined customer service. Online companies tend to have a better process for filtering customer’s needs, so you can get your questions answered quickly.
- Intuitive online services. Expect a suite of self-service options like a customer account, app, self-help articles, calculators or chat features. Customer accounts may also let you change coverage and add or delete cars or drivers, online services not found at every company.
- Free benefits. Many online companies offer additional services or coverage free of charge, such as app-based programs or no-deductible coverage.
Cons
- Lack of in-person support. Online-based companies won’t have many offices or local agents for you to interact with. Contact is usually limited to email or online chat. This could steer you away if you prefer that face time.
- New or smaller brands. Most online-only companies have a decade or less of industry experience.
- Specialty coverage. Although we found brands with more general coverage, many online companies only specialize in certain states or regions, prefer certain types of cars or offer a specialty policy.
- Limited company options. You won’t find too many online-only companies on the market, limiting your choices.
Get quotes from top online car insurance companies
Bottom line
Online car insurance companies tend to keep their applications, customer service and claims processes online. So you might consider these companies if you’re looking to save money and are comfortable with online interactions.
Either way, compare several car insurance companies to make sure you’re getting the best coverage and service for you.
Common questions about online car insurance companies
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