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Auto insurance is usually something you don't think about until you need it. Often times people randomly choose an insurer and then hope for the best if something happens. In reality, auto insurance is an important policy that can protect you and your passengers in the event of an accident or misadventure. The company you choose and the policy you select can have serious ramifications at a time you least expect. We've taken the mystery out of auto insurance by reviewing the most popular offerings. We looked at customer satisfaction, pricing and customer complaint statistics on a company-by-company basis to narrow down the field and help you choose the best auto insurance policy for your needs. Have questions about auto insurance and how the policies work? Check out our FAQ.
Auto Insurance
Updated 04-03-2013
| Service Name/Rating: | Claim Contact Options: | Estimated Quote*: | Shopping Experience: | Claim Satisfaction**: | Overall Satisfaction**: | Bottom Line: |
 | Via online form or phone | 29 yr man = $44/mo 37 yr man = $83/mo 65 yr man = $100/mo | Easy and quick, with top scores from customers |  |  | High customer satisfaction, a pleasant quote experience and better than average prices make this our top choice |
 | Via online form or phone | 29 yr man = $94/mo 37 yr man = $98/mo 65 yr man = $99/mo | Longer than most, but includes a free roadside assistance program with insurance |  | | The low premiums are great for those on a budget; only offers coverage to good drivers; slightly lower customer satisfaction ratings |
 | Via online form or phone | 29 yr man = $97/mo 37 yr man = $87/mo 65 yr man = $65/mo | Helpful features & straightfoward process earns high marks | | | Solid choice with the ability to see competitor quotes inline |
 | Via online form or phone | 29 yr man = $86/mo 37 yr man = $99/mo 65 yr man = $106/mo | User friendly and fast, but no Spanish version | not available | | Quick quote and purchase process; average customer service levels |
 | Via online form or phone | not able to obtain online quote | Short and sweet; final quote has discounts clearly indicated | | | Good fit for AARP members interested in top-flight claims and customer service |
| Service Name/Rating: | Claim Contact Options: | Estimated Quote*: | Shopping Experience: | Claim Satisfaction**: | Overall Satisfaction**: | Bottom Line: |  | Via online form, the phone or your agent | 29 yr man = $200/mo 37 yr man = $176/mo 65 yr man = $66/mo | Non-intuitive flow and lengthy, but you won't miss a discount | | | Provides mid-range customer satisfaction levels; lengthy quote process; somewhat pricey |
 | Via online form or phone | not able to obtain online quote | Somewhat lengthy, without much available assistance | | | Same insurance offering as the The Hartford AARP, but available to non-AARP members; highest pricing of all providers |
*Quote prices are from September 2010, and were based on quotes received for three different age groups in Springfield, IL; a 29-year-old, a 37-year-old and a 65-year-old. 3 quotes in total were solicited, and all of these quotes were for a single male driving a 2005 Audi A4 Quatro. Driver clocked 11,000 annual miles on the car and had a clean driving record.
**Based on JD Power and Associates 2009/2010 Ratings
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