Why the 2017 Rankings Still Matter
Consumer Reports' 2017 auto‑insurance rankings remain a useful benchmark because the methodology—combining cost, coverage options, claim‑handling speed, and customer satisfaction—has changed little since then. Understanding which carriers excelled helps drivers evaluate long‑term reliability and compare newer offerings against a proven standard.
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Methodology Behind Consumer Reports' Ratings
Consumer Reports bases its scores on four core pillars:
- Price: Average premium for a typical driver in each state.
- Coverage: Breadth of standard policies, optional add‑ons, and discounts.
- Claims Experience: Speed and fairness of claim settlements, measured through member surveys and internal audits.
- Customer Satisfaction: Overall happiness with the insurer, gathered from annual member polls.
Each pillar receives a weighted score, which is then combined into an overall rating out of 5.0 stars.
Top Five Auto Insurers in 2017
Based on the 2017 Consumer Reports study, the following carriers earned the highest overall scores. The table lists the key rating components that contributed to their rankings.
| Company | Overall Score (out of 5) | Price Rank | Claims Rank | Customer Satisfaction Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm | 4.8 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| GEICO | 4.7 | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| USAA | 4.6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Amica Mutual | 4.5 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Nationwide | 4.4 | 3 | 5 | 5 |
Source: Consumer Reports, 2017 Auto Insurance Survey (summary data).
Company Profiles
State Farm
State Farm topped the claims‑handling category, with an average settlement time of 7 days for straightforward accidents. Its extensive agent network provides personalized service, and it offers a broad suite of discounts—including safe‑driver, multi‑policy, and vehicle‑safety‑feature rebates.
GEICO
GEICO earned the best price rank thanks to aggressive online‑only pricing and a streamlined quoting process. While its claims rank was slightly lower than State Farm, the company's mobile app and 24/7 virtual adjusters have earned high marks for convenience.
USAA
USAA, available only to military members and their families, consistently scores highest in customer satisfaction. Members cite the company's tailored coverage options for military life and its reputation for fair claim settlements.
Amica Mutual
Amica's strong performance comes from its "no‑questions‑asked" claims philosophy and a lifetime guarantee on many policies. Though its price rank is lower, policyholders often stay with Amica for decades because of the personal touch.
Nationwide
Nationwide balances price and coverage, offering a robust set of optional protections such as accident forgiveness and deductible‑reduction programs. Its claims rank is solid, and the company's nationwide presence makes it a convenient choice for many drivers.
How to Use the 2017 Rankings Today
When comparing current quotes, consider these steps:
- Identify which of the top five carriers operate in your state.
- Check whether the same discount programs (e.g., multi‑policy, safe‑driver) are still offered.
- Review recent customer‑satisfaction scores on Consumer Reports' website to see if any carrier's performance has shifted.
- Use the 2017 claims‑handling rankings as a baseline for evaluating a company's current claims process.
Even if a carrier's price has risen, its strong claims record or customer service may still make it the best value.
Common Misconceptions About Auto‑Insurance Rankings
1. Lowest price = best deal: A cheaper premium often means fewer coverage options or higher deductibles. The 2017 rankings balance cost with protection.
2. High‑profile brands always rank highest: While State Farm and GEICO are well‑known, smaller firms like Amica can outperform on claims and satisfaction.
3. Ratings don't change: Consumer Reports updates its methodology annually. Use the 2017 list as a historical reference, not a definitive current guide.
Where to Find Updated Rankings
For the most recent data, visit Consumer Reports' website and look for the "Auto Insurance Ratings" section. Their subscription‑based database provides state‑by‑state premium averages, detailed coverage comparisons, and the latest customer‑satisfaction scores.