Based in Chevy Chase, Md., the Government Employees Insurance Corporation is better known as GEICO, with its ubiquitous gecko pitch-lizard. Owned by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway, GEICO makes direct auto insurance sales and provides quotes on several other types of insurance through affiliate relationships. With over 8 million policies in place, GEICO is the fourth-largest passenger car insurance company in the United States. The company, which got its start selling to military and government personnel, still prides itself on service relationships but doesn't limit itself to servicing folks in the armed services anymore. All are welcome.