Erie Insurance vs. State Farm Car Insurance: Which Is Better in 2026?

State Farm has strong digital tools and nationwide availability, while Erie stands out for claims service and more ways to personalize coverage.

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Amy Beardsley
Written byAmy Beardsley
Amy Beardsley
Amy BeardsleyInsurance Writer

Amy Beardsley is a seasoned insurance expert who’s been writing for Compare.com since 2023. She has more than 12 years of industry knowledge and expertise in auto, home, life, commercial, and other insurance products. Amy’s work has been published by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance, Legal & General, NerdWallet, Robinhood, Insurify, NEXT Insurance, and more.

Amy worked as a court administrator before becoming a content marketing writer. Her legal background has equipped her with the ability to simplify complex technical language into easy-to-understand content.

She graduated magna cum laude from Ferris State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Legal Studies.

Lequita Westbrooks
Lequita WestbrooksSenior Editor

Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.

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If you’re looking at insurers with strong track records, State Farm and Erie Insurance belong on your shortlist. State Farm is a nationwide insurer with solid financial strength, meaning it has the resources to pay claims even in tough years, plus a wide range of digital tools. Erie is a regional company known for having an excellent claims process and generous loyalty perks.

Compared to the industry as a whole, State Farm offers nationwide availability that mirrors that of top insurers, while Erie outperforms many competitors in claims satisfaction. 

Let’s compare each company to see coverages, discounts, and average insurance rates so you can decide which one makes sense for you.

Key Takeaways
  • State Farm has car insurance agents in all 50 states and offers digital policy management tools that outperform many competitors.[1]

  • Erie excels in claims satisfaction and offers unique policy features like rate lock protection, accident forgiveness, and pet injury protection.

  • State Farm lets you file claims entirely online, while Erie requires you to contact an agent by phone to start the claims process.

Erie Insurance Auto Insurance Overview

Erie Insurance logo
User Reviews
4.3
Our Rating
Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components.
4.2 /5
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$77/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$123/mo
4.3
Best choiceBased on 19 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Erie Insurance

Drivers value the excellent coverage and quick claim responses but dislike the significant rate increases and lack of responsiveness to emails.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Compare.com
How drivers feel about Erie Insurance

Drivers value the excellent coverage and quick claim responses but dislike the significant rate increases and lack of responsiveness to emails.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Compare.com
Reviews (9)
Enrique
Verified Review
Disappointed
Reviewed in Virginia on May 2025
I had to chase them for weeks to follow up on a claim. My case was switched from one agent to another several times. Even though the claim was for a no-fault accident and the party at fault had full coverage, they increased my premium by 200%.
Eric
Verified Review
Average
Reviewed in Pennsylvania on February 2025
This is a great insurance company! However, be aware that if you have an accident, your rates will double. They offer a rate lock, which is a fantastic option, but they don't disclose that if you purchase a new vehicle or change your policy, the rate lock becomes void and they update your rate. In my case, it more than doubled.
Maria
Verified Review
Excellent but Expensive
Reviewed in Maryland on February 2025
I have been with Erie for auto and home insurance for over 45 years. They provide excellent coverage and respond quickly to claims. However, I am now facing a 24% increase in my rate.
J.D. Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
700
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
NR
AM Best
AM Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
NR
Why we picked this company

Erie scored higher in the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study. It has fewer local agents compared to State Farm — coverage is only available in 12 states and Washington, D.C. That said, Erie offers coverage options most insurers don’t, like pet injury coverage and a waived deductible for auto glass repair. 

You can also upgrade to Erie Auto Plus for perks like a diminishing deductible and higher limits for locksmith services, personal belongings, and emergency travel expenses. While you can’t file claims online, which feels outdated compared to State Farm’s mobile app, starting your claims directly with an agent can help cut down on problems later.

Pros
  • Rate lock prevents premium jumps

  • More coverage perks

  • Exceptionally low complaint rates[2]

Cons
  • Fewer digital service features

  • Limited availability

  • Can’t file a claim online

State Farm Auto Insurance Overview

State Farm logo
User Reviews
3.9
Our Rating
Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components.
4.7 /5
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$56/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$108/mo
3.9
A solid optionBased on 614 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about State Farm

Customers appreciate the helpful agents and prompt claim handling, but many are unhappy with the constant rate increases, even for safe drivers. Some also reported poor customer service.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Compare.com
Best For
How drivers feel about State Farm

Customers appreciate the helpful agents and prompt claim handling, but many are unhappy with the constant rate increases, even for safe drivers. Some also reported poor customer service.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Compare.com
Best For
Reviews (306)
Brad
Verified Review
I recommend them for sure
Reviewed in Illinois on December 2025
Cheap and nice people that work with you.
Jose
Verified Review
Okay
Reviewed in New Mexico on December 2025
Prices didn’t change as my vehicle was getting older.
Charlotte
Verified Review
They have always been very helpful to me! Great to work with!
Reviewed in Kentucky on December 2025
State Farm has been a great place for me!
J.D. Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
657
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.84
AM Best
AM Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++
Why we picked this company

State Farm operates in all 50 states and offers many digital convenience features. Unlike Erie, which requires agent or phone contact for claims, State Farm allows you to file claims through its mobile app, website, or by phone.

The insurer also offers additional ways to save through bundling, allowing you to combine life insurance, home insurance, condo insurance, or renters insurance to qualify for a discount.  Although State Farm’s claims satisfaction scores are above the industry average, it still ranked lower than Erie in J.D. Power’s 2025 study.

Pros
  • Many available discounts

  • Can file a claim by app, web, or phone

  • Available nationwide

Cons
  • Lower claims satisfaction than Erie

  • Gap insurance not available

  • Fewer ways to personalize coverage

How State Farm and Erie Insurance Stack Up

When comparing car insurance companies, the real question isn’t which company is better overall. It’s ultimately about which one works better for your personal needs and what you expect from your car insurance company. 

Policy price is the obvious factor to consider. But you should also consider the quality of customer service, the ease of managing your policy, and whether coverage is even available in your area. Here’s a quick side-by-side view of how Erie and State Farm measure up, according to Compare.com data.

Category
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Erie Insurance
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State Farm
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Cost4.3/55/5
Customer satisfaction5/54.7/5
Policy management4/55/5
Availability3.7/55/5
Industry reputation4.7/55/5
Overall Score4.63/55.00/5

State Farm comes out ahead of Erie overall. It ranks higher in availability, cost, insurance policy management, and industry reputation, including a higher financial strength rating from AM Best. But Erie wins for customer satisfaction ratings, showing the company’s commitment to providing a great experience for its customers.

  • Our editorial team analyzes and grades each insurer based on factors like its average rates, customer reviews, policy management features, availability, industry standing, and more. This includes countless hours of research and in-depth analysis of thousands of auto insurance quotes from real Compare.com customers.

    We grade each factor on a weighted five-point scale to determine an insurer’s proprietary Compare.com Rating, which highlights its overall standing among the industry’s best companies.

Erie Insurance vs. State Farm: Which Is Cheaper?

Car insurance doesn’t have a fixed price tag. Your cost comes down to things ike your age, location, driving record, credit history, where you live, and what you drive.

Each insurer evaluates rating factors differently — two similar drivers can get very different quotes depending on the company. That’s why shopping around and comparing rates matters. You can’t assume one company will always be cheaper. It’s best to check insurance rates for your specific situation.

The table lists average rates from Erie Insurance and State Farm for different driver types, along with how each compares to the industry average, according to Compare.com data.

Driver Type
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Erie Insurance
sort ascsort desc
State Farm
sort ascsort desc
Industry Average
sort ascsort desc
All drivers$123$108$174
Teens$231$222$335
Seniors$83$77$149
Recent ticket$170$137$226
Recent accident$160$141$232
DUI conviction$180$159$255
Poor credit$206$175$212
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

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Average Erie Insurance and State Farm rates by state

Your ZIP code has a significant effect on the cost of your car insurance. Drivers who live in states with higher accident rates, more uninsured drivers, and severe weather risks typically pay higher premiums. Keep in mind that State Farm will likely be your only option in most of the country since Erie Insurance offers policies in a few select areas.

Let’s take a closer look at average rates for each company across different states, according to Compare.com data.

Erie vs. State Farm Rates by State

State
sort ascsort desc
Erie Insurance
sort ascsort desc
State Farm
sort ascsort desc
AlabamaN/AN/A
AlaskaN/AN/A
ArizonaN/AN/A
ArkansasN/AN/A
CaliforniaN/AN/A
ColoradoN/AN/A
ConnecticutN/AN/A
DelawareN/AN/A
FloridaN/AN/A
GeorgiaN/AN/A
HawaiiN/AN/A
IdahoN/AN/A
Illinois$137$90
IndianaN/AN/A
IowaN/AN/A
KansasN/AN/A
KentuckyN/AN/A
LouisianaN/AN/A
MaineN/AN/A
Maryland$318$280
MassachusettsN/AN/A
MichiganN/AN/A
MinnesotaN/AN/A
MississippiN/AN/A
MissouriN/AN/A
MontanaN/AN/A
NebraskaN/AN/A
NevadaN/AN/A
New HampshireN/AN/A
New JerseyN/AN/A
New MexicoN/AN/A
New York$142$202
North Carolina$97$159
North DakotaN/AN/A
Ohio$86$74
OklahomaN/AN/A
OregonN/AN/A
Pennsylvania$91$79
Rhode Island  
South Carolina  
South Dakota  
Tennessee$141$97
Texas  
Utah  
Vermont  
Virginia$159$104
Washington  
Washington D.C.$292$314
West Virginia$92$76
Wisconsin$87$65
Wyoming  

State Farm vs. Erie Insurance: Which Has Better Coverage?

Car insurance coverage options from both State Farm and Erie Insurance include the basics you’d expect. The differences emerge when you consider add-ons to customize your insurance policy. Here’s how each car insurance company stacks up, according to our research.

Despite its smaller footprint, Erie Insurance wins for the most options to personalize your car insurance coverage. It offers add-ons you won’t find at State Farm, like gap insurance, accident forgiveness for at-fault accidents, diminishing deductible, and pet injury protection.

It’s worth noting that State Farm’s new car replacement is only available for a short window after you buy the vehicle. Erie, on the other hand, covers your new car for up to two years.

State Farm vs. Erie Insurance: Which Has Better Discounts?

Car insurance discounts can reduce your premiums for a variety of things, including safe driving behavior or vehicle features that make you less risky to insure. Most car insurance companies offer them, but the discounts you qualify for and how much you save vary quite a bit.

Here’s the lineup of discounts you’ll find at State Farm and Erie Insurance based on the available information on each company’s website.

Discount Type
sort ascsort desc
Erie Insurance
sort ascsort desc
State Farm
sort ascsort desc
Anti-theft
Customer loyalty
Defensive driver 
Good student 
Low mileage 
Multi-policy
Multi-vehicle 
Pay-in-full 
Safe driver
Safety equipment
Student away at school
Usage-based/telematics
Youthful driver 
Storage 
Discount availability and amount can vary by state.

Erie Insurance offers 10 discounts, while State Farm provides 11 ways to save. The biggest difference is the savings available to young drivers. State Farm offers discounts for defensive driver courses and for earning good grades. Erie offers discounts to drivers younger than 21 who complete driver training and to unmarried drivers younger than 21 who still live with their parents.

State Farm vs. Erie Insurance: Which Has Better Reviews?

Getting car insurance quotes and comparing coverage options is an excellent way to start researching companies. But to get an idea of what it’s like to actually have an insurance policy with one of these companies, you’ll want to look at customer reviews. 

Reviews provide a glimpse into the process of filing a claim or resolving billing issues. But companies change over time, so it makes sense to consider recent reviews. You might get a clearer understanding of the customer experience.  

Here are real reviews we’ve collected from recent Compare.com customers, showcasing their experiences with each company.

Enrique
Verified Review
Disappointed
Reviewed in Virginia on May 2025
I had to chase them for weeks to follow up on a claim. My case was switched from one agent to another several times. Even though the claim was for a no-fault accident and the party at fault had full coverage, they increased my premium by 200%.
Eric
Verified Review
Average
Reviewed in Pennsylvania on February 2025
This is a great insurance company! However, be aware that if you have an accident, your rates will double. They offer a rate lock, which is a fantastic option, but they don't disclose that if you purchase a new vehicle or change your policy, the rate lock becomes void and they update your rate. In my case, it more than doubled.
Maria
Verified Review
Excellent but Expensive
Reviewed in Maryland on February 2025
I have been with Erie for auto and home insurance for over 45 years. They provide excellent coverage and respond quickly to claims. However, I am now facing a 24% increase in my rate.
Edmund
Verified Review
Good price; clunky to use
Reviewed in Maryland on February 2025
They are hard to reach. You have to contact them for edits to your account. They add claims to your record even if you pay for the damages.
Brad
Verified Review
I recommend them for sure
Reviewed in Illinois on December 2025
Cheap and nice people that work with you.
Jose
Verified Review
Okay
Reviewed in New Mexico on December 2025
Prices didn’t change as my vehicle was getting older.
Charlotte
Verified Review
They have always been very helpful to me! Great to work with!
Reviewed in Kentucky on December 2025
State Farm has been a great place for me!
Edwin
Verified Review
Okay, but I would like a lower rate since a few companies are offering me rates of $450 for 6 months.
Reviewed in New York on December 2025
Okay, but I would like a lower rate since a few companies are offering me rates of $450 for 6 months.

YourTurn vs. Drive Safe & Save

A man and woman intently look at a laptop screen together in a cozy, well-lit room.

Usage-based insurance programs are quite common with insurers. They monitor how you drive and reward good drivers for safe habits behind the wheel. Both State Farm and Erie offer programs, but each take a different approach.

With State Farm’s Drive Safe & Save, you can trim up to 30% off your car insurance premium. The program tracks mileage, speed, how smoothly you brake, and phone use to calculate your discount. A safer driving history can earn bigger discounts.

Erie monitors many of the same behaviors but uses a gamified model for its YourTurn program. Instead of reducing your premium, it rewards you with points for safe driving, with biweekly payouts ranging from $2.50 to $15. The higher your score, the more you earn. You can redeem your points for gift cards from places like Amazon and Walmart or donate your winnings to charity.

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Erie Insurance vs. State Farm FAQs

Depending on where you live, the choice between Erie and State Farm could be easy. Check out answers to common questions drivers ask about the companies to help you make the right choice.

  • Is State Farm or Erie Insurance better?

    It depends. Knowing whether State Farm or Erie is better depends on where you live and what you prioritize from an auto insurance company. State Farm offers lower rates, coverage in all 50 states, and has better digital tools. Erie ranks higher for claims satisfaction and has more options to customize your coverage.

  • Which car insurance company is the best?

    No single company has the best car insurance for everyone. That said, State Farm and Erie Insurance are great options. Both treat customers well and offer coverage add-ons and discounts for most drivers. USAA, Allstate, and GEICO are also great options.

  • Is Erie Insurance cheaper than State Farm?

    No. Our data shows that State Farm’s average monthly premiums — $82 per month — are cheaper than Erie’s average premiums of $100 per month. But your personal rate depends on dozens of factors specific to you and your situation. The only way to know for sure if you’re getting the lowest rate is to compare quotes from both companies.

Methodology

Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance quotes from more than 75 partner insurers in order to compile the rates and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.

All the rates listed in this article have been collected from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide readers with insights into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.

Sources

  1. Jdpower.com. "2025 U.S. Insurance Digital Experience Study."
  2. Naic.org. "Consumer Insurance Refined Search Results."
About Compare.com

Compare.com's #1 goal is to save you money. We publish resources that are based on hard-hitting data and years of industry experience to help you make more informed decisions with your wallet.

  • All of Compare.com's content is written and reviewed for accuracy by a team of experienced writers and editors who are experts on the topics they cover.
  • None of Compare.com's content is ever influenced by the companies and brands we partner with.
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  • All of the content you see on Compare.com is based on comprehensive analysis and all data is gathered and vetted from trustworthy sources.

Learn more about us, our team, and what makes us tick.

Amy Beardsley
Amy BeardsleyInsurance Writer

Amy Beardsley is a seasoned insurance expert who’s been writing for Compare.com since 2023. She has more than 12 years of industry knowledge and expertise in auto, home, life, commercial, and other insurance products. Amy’s work has been published by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance, Legal & General, NerdWallet, Robinhood, Insurify, NEXT Insurance, and more.

Amy worked as a court administrator before becoming a content marketing writer. Her legal background has equipped her with the ability to simplify complex technical language into easy-to-understand content.

She graduated magna cum laude from Ferris State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Legal Studies.

Lequita Westbrooks
Edited byLequita WestbrooksSenior Editor
Lequita Westbrooks
Lequita WestbrooksSenior Editor

Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.

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