3 Money-Saving Lessons From the Funniest Car Insurance Ad Mascots

If you're like me, you probably watch a lot of NFL football -- and some of the biggest advertisers during football games are car insurance companies. Car insurance isn't most people's idea of a good time. You have to pay premiums, worry about deductibles, and in case you get in a crash, you have to hope that your coverage will be good enough to get your car repaired and protect you from big losses.

But what if car insurance could be fun -- and even a source of comedy? Some of the best car insurance companies also feature some of TV's funniest ad mascots. They bring more personality and humor to the world of insurance.

Let's look at a few favorite car insurance commercial spokespersons -- and what they can teach us about how to save money on car insurance.

1. Progressive: Dr. Rick

Dr. Rick is a mustachioed life coach and therapist in Progressive commercials. His job is to provide counseling and group therapy for young homeowners who are turning into their parents. (That's the joke: as soon as you buy a home, you stop being cool and having fun, and you turn into an out-of-touch fuddy-duddy in unstylish jeans. Glad that's never happened to anyone I know!)

A recent ad showed Dr. Rick helping young homeowners get the courage to throw away old items that they'd been holding onto. In another ad, Dr. Rick accompanied young homeowners to a fast casual restaurant, so they could learn how to order off the menu and navigate the many confusing types of lettuce and rice without causing a scene.

The lesson: Even though Progressive can't protect you from the inevitable fate of turning into your parents, you can save money by bundling home and auto insurance. Progressive offers an average savings of 24% for customers who bundle car insurance with homeowners insurance.

2. Jake from State Farm

Jake from State Farm is not the main source of comedy in State Farm commercials; instead, he's more of a "straight man" character who's a voice of reason and stating the facts. Jake's comic foils are often played by NFL star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, tight end Travis Kelce, and Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid.

In a recent ad, Jake from State Farm tried to persuade Travis Kelce to change the last name on the back of his jersey to "MaAuto," to pair with "Mahomes." Kelce was not happy about changing his name, even though he agreed with the larger goal of bundling home and auto to save money on car insurance. Another ad showed Jake eating at a fast food restaurant with Mahomes and Coach Reid, where they tried to explain how bundling home and auto insurance is like a delicious burger-and-fries combo meal. ("Explain it again, with those nuggies," Coach Reid said.)

The lesson: Bundling home and auto insurance with State Farm can save you money on car insurance -- up to $1,073 according to State Farm's website.

3. Mayhem from Allstate

Sometimes with car insurance, it's important to remember that you're trying to protect yourself from the worst-case scenarios of everyday life. Insurance is there to provide money and support in case you go through a car crash, a house fire, a natural disaster, or other kinds of statistically unlikely but painfully expensive situations.

Allstate has taken a unique approach to its car insurance ads. Instead of a friendly, smiling mascot, Allstate's mascot is a dark comedy villain named "Mayhem." Mayhem unleashes havoc and destruction throughout his Allstate TV ads, showing you how much damage can be caused by car crashes, distracted driving, getting hit by a malfunctioning parking gate, or having your car vandalized by a hungry bear. And he closes each ad by warning that if you have cut-rate car insurance, you could end up paying for Mayhem's messes all by yourself.

The lesson: Sometimes raising your car insurance deductible too high, or cutting back on optional coverages, can leave you vulnerable. Think carefully about how much deductible you can comfortably afford from your emergency savings in case of a car crash. And don't be too quick to cancel helpful coverages like rental car reimbursement or roadside assistance.

Bottom line: Car insurance commercials are a good reminder that if you want to save money on insurance, you should consider bundling home and auto. And even though rising prices of car insurance have been uncomfortable for many people, it's important to think carefully before you start to cut your coverage or raise your deductible. Insurance is serious business, but the best car insurance companies can help you with personal service and a spirit of good humor.