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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.

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Sarah George
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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?

Best for low-mileage drivers: Metromile

Metromile

Finder Rating: 4 / 5 ★★★★★

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Metromile stands at the top of the telematics insurance market, which rewards safe drivers who don't drive much.

Runner-up for telematics: Root

Root

Finder Rating: 3.5 / 5 ★★★★★

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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:

Best online broker: Gabi

Gabi

Finder Rating: 4 / 5 ★★★★★

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If you're looking to shop multiple car insurance companies with the least amount of work, this online broker could set you at ease.

Best value: Geico

Geico

Finder Rating: 4 / 5 ★★★★★

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Geico consistently drives down premiums for car insurance customers across the board.

Best value: Electric Auto

Electric Auto

Finder Rating: 4.5 / 5 ★★★★★

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This small brand is a rising star in the online car insurance world.

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

Name Product Gap insurance Homeowner discount Telematics Has an app? Available states
USAA
USAA
No
Yes
SafePilot
Yes
All 50 states & DC
Affordable car insurance with highly rated customer service. Only available to military members and veterans and their family.
Get quotes
More Info
Progressive
Progressive
loan/lease coverage
Yes
Snapshot
Yes
All 50 states & DC
Discover coverage that’s broader than competitors, valuable discounts up to 30% off and perks like shrinking deductibles that reward no claims.
Get quotes
More Info
The Zebra
The Zebra
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
All 50 states
Get quotes
More Info
Smartfinancial
Smartfinancial
Yes
Yes
No
All 50 states and DC
Get quotes
Pretected
Pretected
Yes
Depends on provider
No
No
All 50 states
Get your most compatible insurance options via a "smart matching" method aimed at finding you value.
Get quotes
More Info
Liberty Mutual
Liberty Mutual
Yes
Yes
RightTrack
Yes
All 50 states & DC
Earn free accident forgiveness after five years claims-free and customize your policy anytime.
Get quotes
More Info
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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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