Best Car Insurance Companies for Customer Satisfaction (2026 J.D. Power Ranking)

Erie Insurance posted the highest claims-satisfaction score in J.D. Power's most recent U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study at 743 out of 1,000, followed by NJM Insurance at 731 and Liberty Mutual at 730 — though Liberty Mutual also ranked last for customer service in some regions, a reminder that regional and national scores don't always agree. For the full carrier lineup, see our best car insurance companies pillar guide.

2026 claims satisfaction leaders

The industry average, for context

Overall auto insurance customer satisfaction was flat year over year at 644 out of 1,000 in J.D. Power's 2026 study — meaning most large carriers cluster well below the specialist leaders above. Regional insurers like Amica (New England), NJM (Mid-Atlantic), Erie (Southeast and North Central), and Shelter (Central) consistently outperform national brand-name carriers within their home regions, largely because they can focus claims staffing and underwriting on a smaller, more consistent set of state regulations.

Which large national carriers scored worst

Several of the largest national carriers — including National General, Liberty Mutual (in specific regions, despite its strong overall claims score), and Travelers — ranked last for customer service in various regional breakdowns. This split matters: a company's overall national average can mask a weak experience in your specific region, so it's worth checking region-specific rankings, not just the national headline number, before you buy based on satisfaction scores alone.

How to use this data when shopping

A satisfaction ranking is most useful as a tiebreaker, not the deciding factor — price and coverage fit still matter most for most drivers. If you're choosing between two similarly priced quotes, lean toward the carrier with the stronger regional claims score. See our GEICO vs. Progressive and Allstate vs. State Farm comparisons for how price and satisfaction trade off between specific carrier pairs.

Frequently asked questions

Which car insurance company has the best claims satisfaction in 2026?+

Erie Insurance posted the highest score in J.D. Power's most recent U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study at 743 out of 1,000, followed by NJM Insurance at 731 and Liberty Mutual at 730.

Is Erie Insurance available nationwide?+

No. Erie Insurance operates in a limited set of roughly a dozen Eastern and Midwestern states, so its top ranking only applies if you live in one of its service states.

What is the industry-average customer satisfaction score?+

J.D. Power's 2026 study found overall auto insurance customer satisfaction flat year over year at 644 out of 1,000, meaning most large national carriers score well below the regional specialist leaders.

Should I pick an insurer based on satisfaction score alone?+

It's best used as a tiebreaker rather than the primary factor. Price, coverage fit, and availability in your state matter more for most drivers — a high satisfaction score from a carrier that isn't licensed in your state, or that prices well above competitors, isn't actionable.