Best Car Insurance Company 2010
J.D. Power and Associates, a leading marketing research information company, released their 2010 U.S. National Auto Insurance Study. The study evaluated customer satisfaction in five categories for auto insurance companies, with each category being worth 200 points for a 1,000–point total scale. The study was based on more than 25,000 responses from auto insurance policyholders during the months of February and March 2010.
The categories for the auto insurance study were: interaction; policy offerings; billing and payment; price; and claims. This study provides information that can help consumers to decide about which is the best car insurance company for them.
Overall, the car insurance companies evaluated in 2010 had an overall average customer satisfaction of 777 out of 1,000. This is down 10 points from 2009, with the decline largely being due to the increasing price of auto insurance. With economic challenges and rising costs, the price of insurance has increasingly become a focal point for customer's feelings about their insurance and car insurance overall.
The study showed that in term of overall ratings, the best car insurance company in 2010 was USAA. USAA had noticeably higher scores than any other auto insurer. However, USAA was not included in the main group of companies rated, as USAA is only open to U.S. military personnel and their families. USAA had an overall customer satisfaction score of 899 out of 1,000, significantly higher than any other insurer that was ranked.
NJM Insurance Co. (New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance Co.) also received a high score at 849, but it was not included in the main rankings as it is only open to New Jersey Business & Industry Association members, State of New Jersey employees, and previous NJM policy holders.
In the rankings, the best car insurance company was Amica Mutual, with a score of 849. This is the 11th straight year that that Amica has won the top spot, a very impressive feat. Erie Insurance (815) was second and Auto–Owners Insurance (813) was third, followed by Shelter (807), State Farm (795), and Geico(793) in the rankings. These were the only companies to receive "among the best" ratings from J.D. Power.
This list of best car insurance companies is by no means comprehensive. Some companies such as CHUBB were not included due to too small a sample size whereas others were not included for being localized. For example, in the state of Washington, PEMCO is a highly regarded insurer but they only sell car insurance in that state. However, this list does provide good customer feedback information on key areas to consider when purchasing auto insurance.
