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
- Average costs for various driver profiles (e.g., drivers with DUIs, accidents, tickets, teens, and those with low credit scores)
- Available discounts, including popular options like bundling, good student discounts, and telematics programs
To gather this information, we use a combination of industry research, analytics, and our own proprietary data.
Claims Handling – 25% of overall score
Claims fulfillment is the core service of an insurance company. An efficient process makes filing a claim less stressful. 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:
- J.D. Power’s Claims Satisfaction Report
- CRASH Network’s annual Insurer Report Card
- Financial strength ratings from AM Best and S&P
- Real-life customer experiences (when available)
Customer Experience – 25% of overall score
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 support
- Availability of local agents
- Online tools and mobile apps for policy management
- Accessibility of policy documents and ID cards
Our assessment is based on:
- J.D. Power’s U.S. Auto Insurance Study
- J.D. Power’s U.S. Insurance Shopping Study
- J.D. Power’s Digital Experience Study
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Complaint Index
- Mobile app ratings from the App Store and Google Play
- Real-life customer experiences (when possible)
Coverage Options – 10% of overall score
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)
- Customization options for policies
This information is primarily gathered directly from insurance providers.