Progressive vs. State Farm: Which Is The Best? (2024)

State Farm’s low rates, solid coverage, and extensive discounts earn it an IQ Score of 9.3 out of 10, making it a top option for car insurance.

Taylor Milam-Samuel
Taylor Milam-Samuel
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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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Ashley Cox
Edited byAshley Cox
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Ashley CoxSenior Managing Editor
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Konstantin Halachev
Data reviewed byKonstantin Halachev
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Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
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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.

Updated October 7, 2024

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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.

Quick Facts
  • 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 Score8.49.3
J.D. Power customer satisfaction score812833
Average quote: liability only$79$55
Number of discounts1310
Number of states where it operates5050
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
  • 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 28,000 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).

Progressive logo
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
819
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.
8.4 /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.
$79/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.
$138/mo
How drivers feel about Progressive

Drivers appreciate the professional service and accident forgiveness but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Competitive rates
Easy buying process
Telematics program
How drivers feel about Progressive

Drivers appreciate the professional service and accident forgiveness but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Competitive rates
Easy buying process
Telematics program
Reviews (5,394)

Mark

October 7, 2024

Verified Review

Use Progressive CS to Compare Quotes

I would advise my friends to never use an agent. Instead, purchase the policies directly with a Progressive customer service representative over the phone.

Clifford

October 7, 2024

Verified Review

Progressive Insurance

I've had no problems. They are great people to work with. I pay less money for the same coverage compared to my former insurance company.

Mi

October 7, 2024

Verified Review

It's All Out of Control

It's okay, but too expensive.
See all Progressive reviews
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
819
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.82
A.M. Best
A.M. 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

Although its founding in 1937 makes Progressive comparatively young, it is among the largest car insurers in the U.S. The company offers car, home, renters, commercial, and other types of insurance. Progressive customers can enjoy savings by bundling their car insurance with another type of Progressive policy – typically homeowners or renters. Available discounts range from multi-policy and multi-car discounts, to the Snapshot save driver discount. Progressive has an A.M. Best rating of A+ for financial stability. However, the company has a slightly higher-than-expected number of complaints in the National Association of Insurance Commissioner’s Consumer Complaints Index.

Pros
  • Rewards for good drivers

  • Numerous coverage options and discounts available

Cons
  • Higher-than-expected amount of complaints

  • Ranked 11 out of 15 companies in the J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Index Ranking

State Farm

State Farm is the largest car insurer by market share in the U.S, according to the NAIC.

State Farm logo
User Reviews
4.2
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.
$55/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.
$121/mo
4.2
Best choiceBased on 8302 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about State Farm

Drivers appreciate the helpful local agents and initial service but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Customer service
Competitive rates
Discounts for safe drivers
How drivers feel about State Farm

Drivers appreciate the helpful local agents and initial service but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Customer service
Competitive rates
Discounts for safe drivers
Reviews (4,541)

Pam

October 7, 2024

Verified Review

State Farm's High Rates for Seniors

For my vehicle, which is a 2004 model, and considering my age (70), plus my accident-free record and lack of tickets, there are no benefits for seniors. State Farm's rates are ridiculously high. I also have my home insurance with them. It was difficult to get information when I added two riders; I had to jump through hoops.

Enes

October 7, 2024

Verified Review

Too High Rate

The rate is too high.

Charles

October 7, 2024

Verified Review

Very Satisfied

I am very satisfied so far.
See all State Farm reviews
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
842
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.78
A.M. Best
A.M. 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 has been in business for more than 100 years, and today sells auto and other vehicle insurance, homeowners, life, health, pet, disability, and small business insurance. Available in all 50 states, State Farm car insurance policies offer multiple ways to save, from customizing coverage types, to a robust list of discounts. The company has far fewer complaints than expected for the industry, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioner’s Consumer Complaints Index. State Farm also ranks among the top 10 companies for customer satisfaction in every region on the J.D. Power Overall Customer Satisfaction Index.

Pros
  • High rates of customer satisfaction

  • Rideshare insurance available

Cons
  • No gap insurance offering

  • May not be the cheapest choice for drivers with violations

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.

Good to Know

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$79$55
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

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$93$64
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

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$144$92
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

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$95$82
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

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$48$40
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

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 insuranceYesNo
Roadside assistanceYesYes
Rental reimbursementYesYes
Rideshare insuranceYesYes
Travel expense coverageYesYes
Pet injury coverageYesNo

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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 recordNoYes
Defensive driving courseNoYes
Multi-policyYesYes
Multi-carYesYes
Low mileageNoNo
Telematics (safe driving app)YesYes
Anti-theft deviceNoYes
New carNoNo
Military/affiliationNoNo
Good studentYesYes
LoyaltyYesYes
Auto payYesNo
Student away at schoolYesYes
HomeownerYesYes
Alternative fuelNoNo

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.

Sources

  1. Insurance Information Institute. "What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?."
  2. Insurance Information Institute. "Background On: Teen drivers."
  3. Insurance Information Institute. "Facts + Statistics: Insurance company rankings."
Taylor Milam-Samuel
Taylor Milam-Samuel

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.

Ashley Cox
Edited byAshley CoxSenior Managing Editor
Headshot of Managing Editor Ashley Cox
Ashley CoxSenior Managing Editor
  • 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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Konstantin Halachev
Data reviewed byKonstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
Headshot of Konstantin Halachev, VP of Engineering at Insurify
Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
  • 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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