State Farm Auto Insurance Review 2023

Our experts answer readers' insurance questions and write unbiased product reviews (here's how we assess insurance products). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own.

If you're in the market to buy a car insurance policy with a highly acclaimed insurer at a competitive rate, State Farm may be suitable for you. It's one of the nation's largest insurance companies, with coverage available in all 50 states and Washington, DC.

It is known for affordable pricing amongst various age brackets, genders, and driving histories, making it a popular choice for many shoppers. Additionally, those who drive for rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft may turn their heads towards this insurance company. The industry giant offers rideshare coverage to cover the gap leaving drivers vulnerable while they await assignments.

Types of Auto Insurance Plans from State Farm

State Farm is our pick for the best affordable car insurance overall. It also offers competitive rates for teen drivers across the United States. Because of its size and status, the company can provide diverse plans with room for less-than-perfect driving records. A few coverage options buyers may notice include:

• Collision insurance: Your insurer covers the costs of repairs and replacements for your vehicle if you collide with another car or into an object, such as a telephone pole or a mailbox. While this coverage is legally optional, your lender may require it if you're financing or leasing your vehicle.
• Comprehensive insurance: This insurance reimburses you for the cost of repairs or replacement if your car undergoes damage due to a non-collision event, such as theft, fire, vandalism, or hitting an animal. Similarly, your state may not require comprehensive coverage, but lenders will. Comprehensive coverage can keep you on the road if you cannot afford to replace your car alone.
• Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage: If another party is at-fault for an accident you were involved in, this insurance covers the difference for medical expenses, loss in wages, and pain and suffering-related expenses. Similarly, if an uninsured driver hits you, it will help with medical and property costs if you don't have collision coverage. However, your coverage matches your liability coverage.
• Liability coverage: If you're at fault in an accident, this coverage pays for the other party's medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and property damage. Liability coverage is required in varying amounts in all states except New Hampshire. Insurance does meet New Hampshire's financial responsibility requirements, though.
• Medpay coverage: Medical payment coverage will cover medical bills if you or your passengers were injured in an accident. You can use Medpay to supplement your health insurance policy if your coverage limits are low. Some states call this PIP.

Additional Coverage Options (Riders)

• Rental car reimbursement: You can tap into this coverage if you need to use a rental car while your primary vehicle is in the shop. Of course, this kicks in alongside your collision or comprehensive coverage after a covered event.
• Travel expenses coverage: If you're in an accident more than 50 miles from home, this coverage will pay for meals, lodging, and transportation.
• Rideshare insurance: Normally, your car insurance coverage stops as soon as you turn on your rideshare app. Unfortunately, Uber's coverage doesn't kick in unless you have a rider. Rideshare coverage protects you while you're waiting for assignments.
• Emergency roadside service: AAA and similar companies offer plans to help you in a pinch. It can assist with tire changes, delivering fuel, and more. However, in most policies, drivers can tap into this coverage to reimburse the cost of emergency roadside assistance for just a few dollars per renewal period.

How Much Does State Farm Auto Insurance Cost?

State Farm rates generally fall below the average cost of car insurance for different age brackets, genders, and driving histories. In addition, the company offers many discounts, including good student discounts for high school and college students.

It works with "captive agents," meaning they can only quote for one company. This may be less than ideal if you're trying to compare quotes. However, it's great if you want to maximize your discounts. Agents are highly familiar with the core product. The average price by age and sex are as follows.

How to File a Claim

State Farm's claims process is relatively simple. You can contact your insurance agent if you want help. However, customers can file claims using its mobile app or dial 1-800-732-5246 to speak to an insurance representative.

If you were not at fault and filing under another party's insurance, you'd need the policyholder's name, policy number, the incident's date and time, and the incident's description. Then you can file claims online or over the phone. Because of the company's exclusivity, its representatives are extensively trained to streamline the customer experience.

State Farm Auto Insurance FAQs

Is it better to buy your car insurance with Allstate or State Farm?

State Farm and Allstate Auto Insurance - Product Name Only are known for superior customer service and cost-effective monthly premiums. However, State Farm ranks higher in claims satisfaction and sells its policies at a lower rate.

Allstate provides more coverage options, including accident forgiveness, new car replacement, and diminishing deductibles. In addition, both insurers work with captive agents who receive extensive training to sell one product (and maximize your discounts).

Are there age requirements for State Farm's insurance coverage?

Companies like The Hartford Auto Insurance - Product Name Only have strict age requirements (drivers must be 50 or older to sign up for an AARP membership and car insurance). State Farm only requires drivers to be legally old enough to drive and have an active driver's license. However, rates will vary based partly on age.

Is State Farm good at paying claims?

State Farm has a reliable track record of paying claims. Its JD Power rankings are competitive, indicating the average claims experience should be positive. We recommend contacting your insurance agent directly if you need help with your claim.

Methodology: How We Reviewed State Farm Auto Insurance - Product Name Only

All states require drivers to carry minimum liability insurance coverage. However, meeting the legal requirements is one piece of a much larger pie. When evaluating insurance competitors, our insurance rating methodology factors in:

• The breadth of coverage: The standard auto insurance company offers comprehensive, collision, and liability coverage. As an insurance customer, you want your insurance company to have various policy options to meet your driving needs. We look at what carriers offer outside the standard options, such as gap insurance, new car replacement, and rideshare insurance.
• Prices: Policy costs vary significantly with each applicant. We assess the affordability of an insurance company by comparing the cost of the typical policy for an 18 to 70-year-old male or female policyholder by the national average. Particularly if you have a DUI, teen driver, etc., there may be more competitive options than the most popular insurers.
• Customer service: Having a reliable and smooth claims process is essential, which can be accomplished by quality agents delivering superior customer service. To evaluate a provider's quality of customer service, we look at JD Power's Auto Insurance Study - Product Name Only to see how each provider ranks amongst its competitors.
• Financial stability: An insurance company's financial health indicates an insurer's longevity and ability to meet its financial obligation. While exceedingly rare, an insurance company's bankruptcy can jeopardize your policy. So, we use AM Best to determine a company's ability to withstand economic downturns and reliably pay claims.

Compare State Farm vs. Nationwide

State Farm offers affordable coverage compared to its competitors. However, Nationwide Auto Insurance - Product Name Only allows drivers to quote policies online easily. Its site is programmed to add standard discounts like a good driver, safety, good student, and more. The two insurance providers offer competitive rates, though State Farm is often cheaper.

Nationwide offers gap insurance, accident forgiveness coverage, new car replacement coverage, and diminishing deductibles, while State Farm does not. However, it lacks rideshare insurance coverage. Nationwide is also the better option for tech-savvy drivers who want quotes in minutes rather than working with an agent.

Compare State Farm vs. GEICO

Both competitors offer more affordable coverage than the industry average. However, GEICO Auto Insurance - Product Name Only has mixed reviews on its claims process. GEICO customers often report strong support, especially when claims adjusters get involved. However, drivers filing claims against another party's insurance policy may not have streamlined experiences.

Again, GEICO insurance does not provide rideshare extensions. Some sources suggest Uber and Lyft are automatically covered under its comprehensive and collision coverage. But GEICO's website does not confirm any rideshare benefits. Regardless, the insurance provider famous for its cartoon gecko often offers cheap rates, even compared to State Farm.

Compare State Farm vs. Progressive

Progressive Auto Insurance - Product Name Only offers similar pricing to State Farm, and buyers can get quotes online or through an insurance agent. Unlike its competitor, Progressive works with broker agents who can quote for many car insurance companies. It promotes many recreational (boat, ATV, etc.) policies, offering bundling discounts. On the other hand, State Farm focuses on more traditional bundling options (i.e., home, life, and motorcycle).

Progressive offers accident forgiveness, gap insurance, and diminishing deductibles. It also provides rideshare coverage to protect Uber, Lyft, and other gig economy workers. However, the price of a policy for drivers under 18 may see high premiums.