Compare the Top 10 California Auto Insurance Companies

Insurance is a rather individual product since each consumer has his or her own insurance needs and desires. For this reason, there are a variety of insurance companies and policies. A.M. Best Company provides credit ratings, financial data and news about the insurance industry. Below is a list of the top 10 California auto insurance companies based on consumer opinion and reviews by A.M. Best Company.

1. State Farm – Given an A++ ranking by A.M. Best, State Farm is backed by more than two billion dollars. Although some of State Farm’s policyholders have complained about high rates, they are happy with the service they receive and how quickly a claim is handled. 


2. Farmers Insurance – A.M. Best gave Farmers Insurance between A+ and B++ rating, depending on state. Farmers Insurance is a smaller, yet stable, company backed by 10 to 25 million dollars. For the most part, consumers are happy with the prices, but not with how claims are handled, as Farmers Insurance tends to fight claims. 


3. 21st Century Group – A.M. Best has given 21st Century Insurance Group an A+ rating for financial strength. 21st Century Group offers low rates for perfect drivers; the two primary complaints from consumers are regarding the website and the company does not warn clients when there is an increase in rates. 


4. Mercury Insurance –A.M. Best states Mercury as a large, stable, A+ company backed by 1.5 to 2 billion dollars.
   One bonus for drivers is that Mercury will insure high-risk drivers that could be denied by other companies. While clients are happy with the low rates, they are unhappy at Mercury’s slow response time in resolving claims, as well as customer service. 


5. Allstate – Allstate received A+ rating from A.M. Best and they report Allstate as a very stable company with over 2 billion dollars behind them. There are very few complaints about the good customer service and ease at resolving claims.


6. Coastal National Insurance – This is a smaller, but stable, insurance company, however in terms of financial size and strength, it is about the size of Allstate. Customers complain that although they have low rates, they have poor customer service.


7. Infinity – Infinity is also a small but stable company, however its backing is not so small at $250 to $500 million. It received an A rating from A.M. Best. Consumers are pleased by Infinity’s low rates and friendly customer service. On the other hand, they do complain that it is difficult to contact the claims department. 


8. United Service Automobile Association Insurance – USAA specializes in serving military personnel and their families. They are one of the larger insurance companies with a backing of more than two billion dollars. A.M. Best gives USAA an A++ rating. 


9. Progressive – Progressive is a stable company with happy customers, the only major complaint is that you must have separate policies for each vehicle.


10. GEICO – Geico has more than two billion dollars backing them along with an A++ rating by A.M. Best puts Geico among the largest, and best-rated companies. Consumers are happy with Geico’s service and prices, but are unhappy that they cannot pay their bill over the phone or online with a credit card.

If you want more information, the California State Department of Insurance website provides a list of consumer complaint ratios for each of the state’s insurance companies.