The auto insurance industry is evaluated by various independent organizations that assess different aspects of insurer performance. This page provides educational information about the major rating organizations, the metrics they use, and general data about auto insurance providers. This information is presented for educational purposes only.
Several independent organizations evaluate and publish data about insurance companies. Each organization focuses on different aspects of insurer performance:
These organizations operate independently and use different methodologies. Their ratings and data serve different purposes and measure different aspects of insurer operations.
A.M. Best is a credit rating agency focused on the insurance industry. Financial strength ratings indicate an insurer's ability to meet ongoing insurance policy and contract obligations. The rating scale includes:
| Rating | Category | Description |
|---|---|---|
| A++, A+ | Superior | Superior ability to meet ongoing insurance obligations |
| A, A- | Excellent | Excellent ability to meet ongoing insurance obligations |
| B++, B+ | Good | Good ability to meet ongoing insurance obligations |
| B, B- | Fair | Fair ability to meet ongoing insurance obligations |
| C++, C+ | Marginal | Marginal ability to meet ongoing insurance obligations |
| C, C- | Weak | Weak ability to meet ongoing insurance obligations |
A.M. Best ratings are based on comprehensive quantitative and qualitative evaluations of a company's balance sheet strength, operating performance, and business profile.
J.D. Power conducts annual studies measuring customer satisfaction with auto insurance companies. The U.S. Auto Insurance Study typically evaluates satisfaction across several factors:
J.D. Power scores are presented on a 1,000-point scale. The studies are based on responses from verified policyholders and results vary by region and year.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) publishes complaint data collected from state insurance departments. The NAIC Complaint Index is a ratio that compares a company's share of complaints to its share of premiums in the market:
| Index Value | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| 1.0 | Company receives complaints proportional to its market share (national median) |
| Below 1.0 | Company receives fewer complaints than expected based on market share |
| Above 1.0 | Company receives more complaints than expected based on market share |
The NAIC compiles this data from closed, confirmed complaints submitted to state insurance departments. Complaint data can be accessed through the NAIC Consumer Insurance Search tool.
The following table presents publicly available data from industry rating organizations for major U.S. auto insurance providers (listed alphabetically):
| Provider | A.M. Best Rating | Company Type | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate | A+ | Public Corporation | General Public |
| American Family | A | Mutual Company | General Public (19 states) |
| Farmers | A | Private Corporation | General Public |
| GEICO | A++ | Private Corporation | General Public |
| Liberty Mutual | A | Mutual Holding Company | General Public |
| Nationwide | A+ | Mutual Company | General Public |
| Progressive | A+ | Public Corporation | General Public |
| State Farm | A++ | Mutual Company | General Public |
| Travelers | A++ | Public Corporation | General Public |
| USAA | A++ | Reciprocal Exchange | Military, Veterans, Families |
A.M. Best ratings are subject to change. For current ratings, consult A.M. Best directly. Company type and eligibility information reflects general corporate structure and may vary by state or product line.
Understanding common terms used in insurance industry evaluation:
Multiple independent organizations evaluate auto insurance companies using different criteria and methodologies. A.M. Best focuses on financial strength, J.D. Power measures customer satisfaction, and the NAIC compiles regulatory complaint data. Each type of evaluation provides different information about insurer operations.
This page provides general educational information about industry rating systems and publicly available data. For current ratings, satisfaction scores, or complaint information, consult the respective organizations directly. For information about specific provider offerings, visit our provider profiles page or contact providers directly.