Jalopnik Advisor content exists to inform consumers on topics related to automotive services like extended warranties, insurance, and vehicle shipping. Our review team also analyzes and ranks providers in different categories with a rigorous process. The goal is to present the best options in each category for a variety of types of customers.

Category Review Pages

We’ve performed industry-wide analysis and reviews on service providers in the following categories:

Our review team also publishes informational content in on common questions, like:

Our Methodologies

Our process for reviewing brands and providers involves studying industry ratings, customer reviews, product offerings, and more. We also leverage our own consumer survey data to better understand aspects of a service people care about or have issues with. Below are the different methodologies we use by category.

How We Rate Insurers

Our review process aims to deliver consistent and unbiased assessments of car insurance providers. While there are multiple qualities that make a car insurance company successful, our review team focuses on those we believe are the most important for consumers:

  • Cost: Cost can be difficult to compare between insurers because so many factors impact annual premiums. The cheapest insurer for one driver may not be the cheapest for another. To determine our cost score, we look at insurance rate estimates generated by Quadrant Information Services, discount opportunities, and consumer reports.
  • Coverage: To determine our coverage score, we look at the number of coverage options available as well as coverage limits and deductible options. Our ratings also take into account additional services and benefits like roadside assistance.
  • Reliability: It’s important that an auto insurer is able to meet its claims obligations. Companies with a strong financial strength rating from AM Best score best in this category. Established insurers with a long history of reliable service also receive positive marks.
  • Service: We comb through customer reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn about customer experiences. Insurers with a low volume of complaints score well in this area. We also consider the claims process, giving higher ratings to car insurance providers that offer easy-to-use claims apps.

How We Rate Warranty Providers

Our review process focuses on the following aspects to determine reputable warranty providers:

  • Cost: To determine our cost score, we perform a secret shopper analysis for a variety of vehicles and plans and consider available deductibles.
  • Coverage: Our team of experts looks at the number of extended warranty plans available, as well as term limits, exclusions, and added benefits like roadside assistance. Ratings also take into account the availability of maintenance coverage.
  • Reputation: It’s important that an extended car warranty company is able to meet its claims obligations. Companies with a strong rating from the BBB score well in this category. Established providers with a long history of reliable service also receive positive marks.
  • Customer Experience: We listen to real customer sales calls and comb through reviews on sites like the BBB to learn about customer experiences. Warranty companies with a low volume of complaints score well in this area. We also consider the availability of mobile apps and chat features.

How We Rate Auto Shippers

Our review team focuses on the following aspects to determine reputable car shipping companies:

  • Cost: To determine our cost score, we perform a secret shopper analysis for a variety of vehicles and routes.
  • Services: Our team of experts looks at the types of services available, as well as insurance coverage and the ability to guarantee pickup and drop-off dates. Ratings also take into account whether the transport company is a broker or a carrier.
  • Reputation: It’s important that a car shipping provider is able to deliver your vehicle in a safe and timely manner. Companies with a strong rating from the BBB score well in this category. Established providers with a long history of reliable service also receive positive marks.
  • Customer Experience: We comb through consumer reviews on sites like the BBB to learn about customer experiences. Car transport companies with a low volume of complaints score well in this area.

How We Rate Loan Providers

Our review team focuses on the following aspects when rating loan providers:

  • Rates: Auto loan companies with high loan amounts and low APRs are more likely to meet customer needs.
  • Reputation: Our review team explored ratings from experts and each lender’s number of years in business when giving this score.
  • Availability: Companies that cover a variety of circumstances scored best in this category.
  • Customer Experience: This rating is based on transparency and consumer satisfaction ratings. We also took into account the helpfulness of each loan provider’s team based on our shopper analysis.

How We Rate Tire Brands

When reviewing tire brands, our team focuses on the following attributes:

  • Price: Tire size and type can both affect the final cost. Our team of experts compares pricing across a variety of tires from each brand.
  • Tire Variety: To determine this score, we look at the types of tires available, including passenger tires and light truck/SUV tires. Tire types can be based on the season, terrain, and other factors.
  • Reputation: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) created the Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) Standards to score treadwear, traction, and temperature. Tire brands with high UTQG ratings perform best in this category. Established companies with a long history of reliable service also receive positive marks.
  • Customer Satisfaction: We comb through customer reviews on sites like the BBB to learn about customer experiences. Tire brands with a low volume of complaints score well in this area. We also consider studies from experts like J.D. Power, giving top marks to companies that have a high customer satisfaction index.