Everyone knows that auto insurance companies vary from each other in more than just the cost of coverage. For example, some are better than others when it comes to customer service after you've made a claim. If you want some help comparing insurers, a good source is your local body shop.

In fact, the Automotive Service Association of Arizona surveys body shops in their state every year, and this year's list of the ten best (among a total of 40 rated companies) was honored on Wednesday at the group's annual "Best Insurers Awards" banquet, held in Phoenix.

Who came in first? According to the survey USAA, which has about 2.4% of Arizona's auto insurance market, was the leader, with State Farm coming in second, and Progressive making the bottom of the list.

Insurance companies were ranked according to their overall policies, payment processes, quality and timeliness of covered repairs, and their attitudes when dealing with both body shops and customers.

Why do such a survey at all? Luz Rubio, executive director of the Association, explains, "The purpose of us putting this survey together is to show the significant variances as to how policyholders are treated after a loss."

Scores on the list range from 3.3 to 7.9 on a 10-point scale, and the entire list follows:

1. USAA 7.9
2. State Farm 7.5
3. Chubb 6.8
4. Farm Bureau 6.8
5. AAA 6.7
6. GMAC 6.6
7. The Hartford 6.6
8. American Family 6.5
9. California Casualty 6.5
10. Fireman's 6.3
11. Farmers 6.3
12. Metropolitan 6.2
13. Safeco 6.1
14. Country 6.1
15. Auto-Owners 6.1
16. St. Paul 6.1
17. 21st Century 6
18. Allstate 6
19. Amica 5.9
20. CNA/Continental 5.9
21. Uniguard 5.7
22. Ohio 5.7
23. Geico 5.7
24. Liberty 5.7
25. Infinity 5.7
26. Sentry 5.7
27. U.S. Fidelity and Guarantee Co. 5.4
28. Windsor 5.2
29. AIG 5.1
30. Midland 4.8
31. Motors 4.8
32. Mercury 4.7
33. Colonial Penn 4.7
34. Guarantee National 4.7
35. Nationwide 4.7
36. Clarendon 4.6
37. Safeway 4.4
38. Intergon 4.3
39. Titan 3.7
40. Progressive 3.3