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8+ years writing for major outlets, including MarketWatch and Business Insider
Master’s in Education
Taylor Mlam-Samuel is a personal finance writer and credentialed educator. When she’s not helping readers better save and spend money, she can be found teaching.
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7+ years in content creation and management
5+ years in insurance and personal finance content
Ashley is a seasoned personal finance editor who’s produced a variety of digital content, including insurance, credit cards, mortgages, and consumer lending products.
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7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
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At Insurify, our goal is to help customers compare insurance products and find the best policy for them. We strive to provide open, honest, and unbiased information about the insurance products and services we review. Our hard-working team of data analysts, insurance experts, insurance agents, editors and writers, has put in thousands of hours of research to create the content found on our site.
We do receive compensation when a sale or referral occurs from many of the insurance providers and marketing partners on our site. That may impact which products we display and where they appear on our site. But it does not influence our meticulously researched editorial content, what we write about, or any reviews or recommendations we may make. We do not guarantee favorable reviews or any coverage at all in exchange for compensation.
Table of contents
State Farm and Progressive are large insurance companies with policies available in all 50 states. State Farm is known for its competitive pricing and high J.D. Power customer satisfaction ratings. Progressive stands out due to its robust coverage options, including loan payoff protection and pet injury coverage.
Both companies offer solid coverage, but depending on your priorities, one might be better for you. To determine the best option for you, compare rates, customer service reviews, and discount options. Your age, driving record, location, and chosen coverage levels can also help determine which insurer is better for your unique situation.
Here’s how Progressive and State Farm compare.
State Farm’s rates are lower than Progressive’s for every type of driver, including for seniors and teenagers.
Progressive stands out with add-on coverage options that State Farm doesn’t have.
State Farm and Progressive both offer optional telematics programs that track your driving, allowing you to earn discounts for safe behavior.
Progressive vs. State Farm: The verdict
State Farm earns a higher Insurify Quality (IQ) Score and offers lower average rates, making it an excellent pick for budget-conscious drivers with high standards. Drivers can also expect top-notch customer service since the company regularly ranks above average for customer satisfaction in J.D. Power’s auto insurance studies.
Progressive, on the other hand, has more coverage options. Drivers can get pet injury protection and loan/lease payoff coverage, which aren’t available from State Farm.
Progressive’s average rates are higher than State Farm’s, but the company offers a few more discounts, which could help you lower the costs of a Progressive auto insurance policy. And some drivers might consider access to more add-ons worth slightly higher rates.
Factor | Progressive | State Farm |
|---|---|---|
| IQ Score | 8.7 | 9.3 |
| J.D. Power customer satisfaction score | 812 | 833 |
| Average quote: liability only | $101 | $56 |
| Number of discounts | 13 | 10 |
| Number of states where it operates | 50 | 50 |
Our editorial team spent more than 350 hours developing the Insurify Quality (IQ) Score and scoring insurance companies. The IQ Score objectively analyzes and calculates a score for insurers using more than 15 crucial criteria. The team weighted criteria by importance to the consumer — factors such as customer reviews and affordability influence the score more than availability and third-party ratings.
We rate each company on a 1 to 10 scale based on five categories: financial ratings, customer satisfaction, affordability, customer support and transparency, and availability. Insurify updates ratings once a year or as more recent information becomes available.
- Third-party financial ratings: Insurify uses data from AM Best, S&P, Moody’s, and more to compare insurance companies’ credit and ability to pay out future claims.
- Customer satisfaction: To calculate this score, Insurify analyzed more than 55,000 customer reviews across 155 car insurance companies. We also consider third-party ratings from J.D. Power, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and Trustpilot.
- Affordability: Our data scientists analyzed more than 90 million real-time auto insurance rates from our partners across the U.S., as well as available discounts, to calculate an affordability score.
- Customer support and transparency: This measures coverage options, ease of claims filing, and the insurer's transparency surrounding discounts, coverages, and claims process.
- Availability and reach: Insurify scores availability and reach by identifying the number of states in which insurers offer coverage and company size by market share.
Progressive
Progressive is the second-largest car insurance company in the U.S., based on market share, according to data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
| JD Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale. | 622 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.7 /10 |
| 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. | $101/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. | $173/mo |
Customers appreciate the insurer’s good customer service and initial affordability but dislike the consistent price increases and complex claims process.
Customers appreciate the insurer’s good customer service and initial affordability but dislike the consistent price increases and complex claims process.
Progressive is the second-largest U.S. auto insurer by market share. The company offers more than 30 insurance products, including auto, home, renters, motorcycle, life, and more. Progressive customers can save through numerous discounts, including ones for bundling auto with a Progressive home or renters policy, for good students or students away at school, enrolling in automatic payments, and more. The insurer’s optional coverages are robust, from loan/lease payoff coverage to providing up to $1,000 for veterinary bills if your pet is injured while riding in your car with you.
Rewards for good drivers
Numerous coverage options and discounts available
Optional coverage for pet injuries
Much lower-than-average overall customer satisfaction ranking in J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study
Trustpilot rating of 1.1 stars (out of 5) from more than 1,000 reviews
Rates trend higher than rates from many competitors
State Farm
State Farm is the largest car insurer by market share in the U.S, according to the NAIC.
| User Reviews | 4.1 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.3 /10 |
| 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. | $109/mo |
Customers appreciate the insurer’s excellent customer service and personal attention but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases. They also express frustration with the claims process.
Customers appreciate the insurer’s excellent customer service and personal attention but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases. They also express frustration with the claims process.
State Farm is the largest U.S. auto insurer by market share and has operated for more than 100 years. Available in all 50 states, State Farm stands out for its customer service, extensive discounts, and optional coverages. The insurer ranked fifth for overall customer satisfaction in the 2023 J.D. Power U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study. Safe drivers can enjoy many State Farm discounts, including ones for young motorists who complete an approved driver training course, for having a vehicle with certain safety equipment, and for going three years or longer without violations or at-fault accidents.
High rates of customer satisfaction
Rideshare insurance available
Savings for bundling auto with home, renters, condo, or life insurance
No gap insurance offering
May not be the cheapest choice for drivers with violations
Accident forgiveness limited to longtime customers with clean driving records
Progressive Snapshot vs. State Farm Drive Safe & Save
Progressive and State Farm have optional telematics programs that allow drivers to opt in to tracking through a mobile app. Drivers can earn discounts for safe driving decisions, like following the speed limit, staying off phones, and obeying traffic signs.
With State Farm’s Drive Safe & Save program, you can reduce your car insurance rate by up to 30% — a significant savings. You can enroll in two ways: Download the Drive Safe & Save app or register an eligible vehicle in Connected Car. Your choices on the road determine how much you can save, and State Farm calculates deductions each time your policy renews (typically every six months).
Progressive’s Snapshot program is similar. Policyholders can participate in the program with the mobile app or a plug-in device. Most drivers save around $231 per year with Snapshot, but your actual rate deduction depends on your driving patterns and the amount you drive. You also earn a discount when you sign up.
Both companies’ apps or devices track your driving, including unsafe driving patterns. Reckless driving, like speeding and texting, can increase your rate.
Progressive vs. State Farm: Which is the cheapest?
State Farm has the lower average rates of the two, according to Insurify data. But other factors also affect how much you’ll pay, including your ZIP code, credit history, driving record, and age.[1]
Here’s how State Farm and Progressive rates compare for different driver categories.
State Farm: Cheapest for drivers with a clean driving record
State Farm has cheaper average rates for drivers with clean records.
Driver Type | Progressive | State Farm |
|---|---|---|
| Clean driving record | $101 | $56 |
State Farm: Cheapest for drivers with a speeding ticket
Regardless of the insurer, car insurance rates usually increase after a speeding ticket or accident. State Farm’s rates for drivers with a speeding ticket are lower than Progressive’s.
Driver Type | Progressive | State Farm |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers with a speeding ticket | $128 | $70 |
State Farm: Cheapest for teen drivers
Due to inexperience and reckless driving, teen drivers typically pay a higher rate.[2] Because of that, it can be even more essential to find competitive rates. State Farm offers lower average rates for young drivers — nearly half the price of Progressive.
Driver Type | Progressive | State Farm |
|---|---|---|
| 18-year-old | $192 | $114 |
State Farm: Cheapest for drivers with bad credit
Drivers with good credit typically pay less for coverage, while drivers with bad credit tend to pay more. State Farm auto insurance has slightly lower rates for drivers with bad credit. However, the difference in cost between State Farm and Progressive is minimal.
Driver Type | Progressive | State Farm |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers with bad credit | $126 | $90 |
State Farm: Cheapest for senior drivers
State Farm’s average rates for senior drivers are more competitive than Progressive’s average rates, which likely makes it a better choice for drivers on a budget.
Driver Type | Progressive | State Farm |
|---|---|---|
| Senior drivers | $64 | $40 |
Compare coverages: Progressive vs. State Farm
Progressive and State Farm offer many car insurance options, including liability insurance, personal injury protection, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, medical payments, collision, and comprehensive. Both insurers also have optional coverage for roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and rideshare coverage.
The primary difference between the companies is that Progressive offers lease/loan payoff coverage, while State Farm doesn’t. This coverage is similar to gap insurance, which helps cover the difference between what you owe and what your car is worth if it’s totaled. Progressive customers can also access pet injury protection, a unique perk for pet owners.
Here’s how the optional coverage selections for State Farm and Progressive compare.
Coverage | Progressive | State Farm |
|---|---|---|
| Gap insurance | Yes | No |
| Roadside assistance | Yes | Yes |
| Rental reimbursement | Yes | Yes |
| Rideshare insurance | Yes | Yes |
| Travel expense coverage | Yes | Yes |
| Pet injury coverage | Yes | No |
Compare discounts: Progressive vs. State Farm
State Farm has better discounts than Progressive. State Farm drivers can earn discounts for completing a defensive driving course, maintaining a clean driving record, and installing an anti-theft device — none of which are available from Progressive. However, neither company offers discounts for military affiliation, low mileage, or alternative fuel.
Here’s how the discount options compare.
Discount | Progressive | State Farm |
|---|---|---|
| Clean driving record | No | Yes |
| Defensive driving course | No | Yes |
| Multi-policy | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-car | Yes | Yes |
| Low mileage | No | No |
| Telematics (safe driving app) | Yes | Yes |
| Anti-theft device | No | Yes |
| New car | No | No |
| Military/affiliation | No | No |
| Good student | Yes | Yes |
| Loyalty | Yes | Yes |
| Auto pay | Yes | No |
| Student away at school | Yes | Yes |
| Homeowner | Yes | Yes |
| Alternative fuel | No | No |
Progressive vs. State Farm FAQs
State Farm and Progressive are well-known insurers with solid coverage, but they have some notable differences. Here’s what to consider as you decide between the two companies.
Is Progressive or State Farm more expensive?
Progressive is more expensive than State Farm based on average car insurance rates since State Farm’s rates are lower. However, your car insurance company is only one factor that affects how much you pay — others include your location, age, driving record, and vehicle type.
Is Progressive bigger than State Farm?
State Farm is the largest auto insurer by market share, which means it’s the most prominent car insurance company in the United States. Progressive has the third-largest market share.[3] Both auto insurance companies have solid financial strength and provide insurance nationwide.
Is State Farm the same as Progressive?
State Farm and Progressive aren’t the same company. Both companies offer car insurance coverage and other insurance products for consumers, including homeowners and life insurance. But the companies aren’t connected.
Is Progressive or State Farm better for car insurance?
The best car insurance company depends on what you’re looking for in an insurer. State Farm is probably the best choice if you’re looking for the cheapest rates. However, Progressive auto insurance might be better if you need lease/loan payoff protection or want auto insurance coverage for your pet.
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Sources
- Insurance Information Institute. "What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?."
- Insurance Information Institute. "Background On: Teen drivers."
- Insurance Information Institute. "Facts + Statistics: Insurance company rankings."
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Taylor Milam-Samuel is a writer and credentialed educator who is fascinated by how people earn, save, and spend their money. When she's not researching financial terms and conditions, she can be found in the classroom teaching.
Taylor has been a contributor at Insurify since February 2023.
)
7+ years in content creation and management
5+ years in insurance and personal finance content
Ashley is a seasoned personal finance editor who’s produced a variety of digital content, including insurance, credit cards, mortgages, and consumer lending products.
Featured in
)
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
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