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Licensed property and casualty insurance agent
10+ years editing insurance content
NPN: 20461358
A licensed agent for more than four years, John reviews and fact-checks articles for Compare.com.
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Although they’re two of the largest insurers in the U.S., Progressive and State Farm have different philosophies when it comes to auto insurance. Progressive focuses on competitive digital pricing and technology-driven features, while State Farm emphasizes personal relationships through its network of local agents.
Progressive typically attracts price-conscious drivers with its streamlined online experience and usage-based discounts. On the other hand, State Farm appeals to customers who value face-to-face service. That said, both companies boast some of the lowest average premiums in the industry, according to our analysis.
Your choice between them often comes down to whether you prioritize things like a digital-first approach or prefer having a dedicated agent to guide you through claims and coverage decisions.
Here’s everything you need to know about how State Farm and Progressive compare.
State Farm earns higher overall ratings for customer satisfaction while still maintaining some of the cheapest rates in the industry.
Progressive tends to be a great option for high-risk drivers with histories of accidents, tickets, and driving under the influence (DUI) convictions.
Both companies offer comprehensive coverage options and discount programs, though their telematics programs work differently to reward safe driving habits.
| J.D. Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale. | 622 |
|---|---|
| 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. | 4.3 /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. | $78/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. | $134/mo |
Customers appreciate the initial affordability and claim handling but dislike the frequent and unexplained rate increases, as well as the poor customer service.
Progressive has made its mark by focusing on competitive pricing and a digital-first approach. The company offers straightforward online quoting and policy management, making it easy to get coverage quickly.
You’ll find standard coverage options like liability, collision, and comprehensive, plus useful add-ons like gap coverage and custom parts coverage.
Progressive's Snapshot program lets you potentially save money based on your driving habits, which can be especially valuable if you’re a safe driver. The company also offers unique features like pet injury coverage and its Deductible Savings Bank, which reduces your deductible by $50 for every six months you go without a claim.
Competitive online rates
Highly rated usage-based program
Strong digital tools
Limited local agent network
More customer complaints
Fewer loyalty benefits
| 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. | $54/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. | $102/mo |
State Farm's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.4 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.5 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 4.3 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.2 | 3.1 |
| Value | 4.2 | 2.9 |
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.
State Farm operates with a more traditional model, emphasizing personal relationships through its network of nearly 19,000 agents. This approach means you’ll have a dedicated local agent to help with claims, policy changes, and coverage questions.
The company offers all standard coverage types, including liability, collision, comprehensive, and additional options like rideshare coverage for Uber and Lyft drivers.
State Farm’s Drive Safe & Save program can provide discounts up to 30% based on your driving behavior, and you’ll get an initial discount just for enrolling. The company also offers strong bundling opportunities, with potential savings when you combine auto with home, renters, or other insurance products.
Extensive agent network
Strong financial ratings
Many discounts
May have higher base rates
Less attractive online pricing
Must work with an agent
Car insurance rates vary significantly based on your personal profile, location, and coverage needs. When choosing between these companies, you’ll want to consider factors beyond just price, including customer service quality, claims handling, financial stability, and the availability of agents in your area.
The table below shows how these two companies compare across key factors that matter most to drivers, according to our research.
Category | Progressive | State Farm |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 4.3/5 | 5/5 |
| Customer satisfaction | 3.3/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Policy management | 4.8/5 | 5/5 |
| Availability | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Industry reputation | 4.7/5 | 5/5 |
| Overall Score | 4.50/5 | 5.0/5 |
The two companies score quite well across these metrics, but State Farm sets itself apart when it comes to customer satisfaction. The company boasts some of the highest scores in the industry across several third-party studies, including J.D. Power.[1]
But with each company scoring so well, that means Progressive could be better for certain drivers, regardless of State Farm’s near-perfect score. The best way to find out which one is right for you is to compare personalized quotes from both (and ideally even more companies).
Policies start as low as $47 per month.
Insurance companies calculate rates based on dozens of factors, including your age, driving record, credit history, and where you live. What you pay for coverage can vary dramatically from what your neighbor pays, even with the same company.
For that reason, neither State Farm nor Progressive will be the cheapest option for every driver. To give you a better idea of which might be the best choice for you, here’s how the two companies’ average rates compare for a variety of driver types.
Driver Type | Progressive | State Farm | Industry Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| All drivers | $134 | $102 | $185 |
| Teens | $0 | $206 | $347 |
| Seniors | $0 | $72 | $161 |
| Recent ticket | $0 | $130 | $239 |
| Recent accident | $0 | $137 | $248 |
| DUI conviction | $0 | $146 | $264 |
| Poor credit | $0 | $170 | $227 |
Where you live plays a big role in how much you pay for auto insurance. That’s because factors like local accident rates, weather patterns, and state insurance requirements all can affect rates in different ways. For example, some states require additional coverage types like personal injury protection, while others have higher minimum liability limits.
Here’s how the two companies compare across the U.S., according to Compare.com data.
State | Progressive | State Farm |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $106 | $97 |
| Alaska | N/A | $120 |
| Arizona | $130 | $126 |
| Arkansas | $101 | $80 |
| California | N/A | $311 |
| Colorado | $145 | $135 |
| Connecticut | $212 | $144 |
| Delaware | $183 | $154 |
| Florida | $155 | $138 |
| Georgia | $203 | $162 |
| Hawaii | N/A | $121 |
| Idaho | $89 | $50 |
| Illinois | $133 | $92 |
| Indiana | $87 | $81 |
| Iowa | N/A | $47 |
| Kansas | $127 | $98 |
| Kentucky | $121 | $152 |
| Louisiana | $138 | $118 |
| Maine | N/A | $76 |
| Maryland | $259 | $251 |
| Massachusetts | $192 | $74 |
| Michigan | $162 | $243 |
| Minnesota | $104 | $86 |
| Mississippi | $122 | $82 |
| Missouri | $100 | $130 |
| Montana | N/A | $70 |
| Nebraska | $108 | $145 |
| Nevada | $255 | $129 |
| New Hampshire | N/A | $101 |
| New Jersey | $268 | $338 |
| New Mexico | $108 | $103 |
| New York | $392 | $186 |
| North Carolina | $99 | $150 |
| North Dakota | N/A | $48 |
| Ohio | $92 | $70 |
| Oklahoma | $97 | $87 |
| Oregon | $130 | $102 |
| Pennsylvania | $180 | $100 |
| Rhode Island | $230 | $159 |
| South Carolina | $191 | $128 |
| South Dakota | N/A | $81 |
| Tennessee | $92 | $94 |
| Texas | $147 | $116 |
| Utah | $121 | $116 |
| Vermont | N/A | $38 |
| Virginia | $148 | $108 |
| Washington | $152 | $119 |
| District of Columbia | $325 | $291 |
| West Virginia | $104 | $73 |
| Wisconsin | N/A | $59 |
| Wyoming | N/A | $59 |
No two companies offer the exact same coverage options. While every insurer must offer at least state-minimum policies in the states they serve, optional coverages can vary dramatically. For example, some companies offer specialized coverage for Uber or Lyft drivers, while others have unique coverage options that no other company offers.
Progressive and State Farm both offer standard auto insurance coverage types. But they differ in their optional add-ons and special features.
Here’s how their coverage options compare, based on our research.
Coverage Type | Progressive | State Farm |
|---|---|---|
| Liability coverage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Collision coverage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Comprehensive coverage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Uninsured/underinsured motorist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Medical payments | ✓ | ✓ |
| Personal injury protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Roadside assistance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rental car reimbursement | ✓ | ✓ |
| Gap coverage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Custom parts coverage | ✓ | |
| Pet injury coverage | ✓ | |
| Rideshare coverage | ✓ | ✓ |
Progressive offers some unique coverage options like pet injury protection and custom parts coverage for modified vehicles. State Farm focuses more on traditional coverage types but includes helpful options like travel expense coverage for accidents far from home.
Both companies offer multiple ways to save on your premium, though their discount programs emphasize different areas. Here’s how they compare, based on our research.
Discount Type | Progressive | State Farm |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-policy bundling | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multi-car | ✓ | ✓ |
| Good student | ✓ | ✓ |
| Safe driver | ✓ | ✓ |
| Defensive driving course | ✓ | |
| Anti-theft device | ✓ | |
| Vehicle safety features | ✓ | |
| Online quote | ✓ | |
| Paperless billing | ✓ | |
| Pay in full | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic payment | ✓ | |
| Homeowner | ✓ | |
| Continuous coverage | ✓ |
Progressive tends to offer more discounts for digital interactions and policy management choices, while State Farm focuses more on vehicle-based discounts and traditional safe driving programs. That said, discount availability can vary by state, so check with your agent first.
The average driver saves up to $867.*
Customer reviews provide valuable insight into how well each company handles claims, customer service, and day-to-day policy management. Reading recent feedback from customers can help you understand what to expect from each company’s service.
Here’s what recent Compare.com customers have to say about their experiences with Progressive and State Farm.
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Usage-based insurance programs are an increasingly popular way to save money on car insurance. But savings largely depend on how safely you drive.
These programs work well for drivers who practice safe habits like avoiding hard braking, maintaining steady speeds, and driving during safer hours. But they may not be a good fit if you like to speed or drive at night.
Progressive's Snapshot program uses a mobile app to track your driving behavior, with potential savings averaging $322 per year for safe drivers, according to the company’s website.
State Farm’s Drive Safe & Save program advertises up to 30% savings and gives you an initial discount just for enrolling. The program tracks mileage and basic driving characteristics through its mobile app, updating your discount at each policy renewal based on your driving patterns.
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about these two insurance companies.
Neither company is universally better. The right choice depends on your priorities and needs. State Farm typically excels in customer service and claims handling thanks to its extensive agent network. Progressive often offers more competitive rates for high-risk drivers and has several innovative digital tools.
The best car insurance company depends on your specific needs, budget, and preferences. We found that State Farm, GEICO, and Allstate are great options for most drivers. Still, the only way to find the best company for you is to compare personalized quotes from as many as possible. Insurance-comparison sites can help.
It depends. Pricing varies significantly based on factors like your age, location, driving record, coverage needs, and discount eligibility. But looking at national average rates, State Farm typically runs $134 per month, while Progressive averages $102 per month.
Our editorial team used highly trained generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist with the first draft of this article before multiple insurance experts — including at least one licensed agent — rigorously reviewed, fact-checked, and edited every word and data point you see here.
We research, write, edit, and review all content on Compare.com in accordance with our strict editorial standards to ensure accuracy, clarity, and helpfulness. Learn more about our editorial process here.
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.
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