There are a number of factors that are important to take into consideration when choosing an auto insurance company to be your insurance provider. One of those factors is company history and reliability. How long has the company been in business and how is their reputation? Other factors to take into consideration include the cost of premiums and the size of benefits. But when looking at those numbers don't forget that service and reliability is also important to remember, because a sizeable payout means nothing if your insurance company refuses to pay you or gives you the run around to make it difficult to proceed with your claim. Another factor to look at is eligibility. Some companies' criteria for who they are willing to insure is more strict than others.

 Taking into account those factors, I have compiled a list of the top rated auto insurance companies in United States.

1) Progressive

Progressive Insurance is cheaper than a lot of auto insurance companies, and has a reputation for good customer service and speedy handling of claims. I have read some reports of claims taking a long time because the other party's insurance company is dragging its heels, but in many cases Progressive will give you your payout and then fight the other insurance company for the money, so you don't have to wait. That sounds like excellent service to me.

2) GMAC

GMAC is a subsidiary of General Motors, so there has been some concern over their financial health and their ability to make payouts in the future. But hey, GM's getting some help from Obama so for now there's nothing to worry about. Plus I doubt GM would go completely under. If it went bankrupt its assets would be bought out by other companies, and GMAC would likely live on.

GMAC's rates are low, but this year premiums have been increasing without real justification. Maybe this is a sign of their parent company's financial situation. Their service is reportedly great, and they are known for being professional and fair and making timely payouts. The only problem is the increased premiums, so make sure to shop around.

6) USAA

USAA is a financially stable company with low rates, and is generally known to have excellent service. Some policy holders, however, report being offended at being treated with suspicion when making claims.

7) Amica

Amica's rates are not the lowest, but that is made up for with professional and respectful service, and there seems to be little funny business in paying out claims to victims and the insured.

10) Erie Insurance

Erie is a lesser known auto insurance provider, but their rates are excellent and their prompt payment of medical and repair expenses gets them a high rating. Their service is reportedly great, and their agents professional and courteous.

 After much research, these are the only auto insurance providers I felt comfortable including in this list, even though I had a short list of 10 top rated auto insurance companies in United States. The others just had too many blistering complaints and horror stories for me to include them on the list, even though they're generally rated highly. These above companies though, have an overwhelmingly positive reputation and that is why they are top of the list.

I encourage you to do your due diligence and research insurance providers yourself before choosing one. Good luck!