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13+ years creating insurance and personal finance content
Co-founded MillennialHomeowner.com
Catherine leverages her background in education and finance to write articles that help readers make informed decisions about their insurance and finances.
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15+ years in content creation
7+ years in business and financial services content
Chris is a seasoned writer/editor with past experience across myriad industries, including insurance, SAS, finance, Medicare, logistics, marketing/advertising, and many more.
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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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Table of contents
State Farm and Travelers are two of the largest car insurance companies in the United States, and both offer many different insurance products.[1] State Farm has nearly 17% of the market share, and Travelers has just over 2% market share. Both insurance companies have superior A++ financial ratings from AM Best as well.[2]
While both are excellent insurers, they shine in different areas. State Farm is available in all 50 states and offers some of the market’s most affordable rates. Travelers is more expensive than State Farm on average and isn’t available in all 50 states. However, Travelers offers a range of discounts and add-on coverage options that might be more appealing to some customers.
Here’s what you should know about each of these insurers so you can decide which one is right for you.
State Farm is the largest insurance company in the United States.
Travelers insurance offers unique add-on coverage options, like accident forgiveness and new-car replacement.
On average, State Farm offers cheaper insurance rates than Travelers and might be a better option for customers looking for affordable auto insurance rates.
State Farm vs. Travelers: The verdict
State Farm and Travelers are both well-known, financially secure insurance companies. On average, State Farm has more affordable insurance, according to Insurify data. Additionally, State Farm is available in all 50 states, whereas Travelers is only available in 43.
Travelers and State Farm both offer a few different add-on coverage options, like rental car coverage and roadside assistance. Additionally, both insurance companies provide many different types of discounts. When deciding between these two insurers, see which discounts you qualify for.
Finally, according to the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study, State Farm scored higher than Travelers.
For these reasons, State Farm is an overall better choice than Travelers, and the information in the table below supports this assessment.
Factor | State Farm | Travelers |
|---|---|---|
| IQ Score | 9.3 | 8.5 |
| J.D. Power customer satisfaction score | 833 out of 1,000 | 806 out of 1,000 |
| Average quote: liability only | $56 | $99 |
| Number of discounts advertised | 10 | 12 |
| Number of states where it operates | 50 | 43 |
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.
State Farm
State Farm is the largest car insurance company in America and has been in business for more than 100 years. State Farm has an A++ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best and offers affordable car insurance.
| 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
Travelers
Travelers insurance is one of the largest car insurance companies in America, ranking in the top 10. It has an A++ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best and offers many different types of add-on coverage options and discounts.
| User Reviews | 4.8 |
|---|---|
| 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. | 8.5 /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. | $99/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. | $186/mo |
Customers appreciate the insurer’s communicative customer service and efficient claims process. But they’re dissatisfied with the consistent and sometimes significant price increases, even for those with clean driving records.
Customers appreciate the insurer’s communicative customer service and efficient claims process. But they’re dissatisfied with the consistent and sometimes significant price increases, even for those with clean driving records.
Travelers is the sixth-largest insurer in the U.S. by market share and has been in business for more than 150 years. The company sells auto, homeowners, renters, flood, pet, and other types of insurance. In addition to standard auto coverages, like liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, Travelers offers gap insurance, accident forgiveness, new car replacement, and more optional coverages. Drivers can save with numerous discounts, including for bundling policies or insuring a new car. Travelers’ IntelliDrive program rewards policyholders with up to a 30% discount for safe driving.
Accident forgiveness available
Offers discount for hybrid and electric cars
A++ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best
Rideshare coverage not available in all states
High number of negative customer reviews with the Better Business Bureau
Higher-than-average number of complaints with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners
State Farm Drive Safe & Save vs. Travelers IntelliDrive
Both State Farm and Travelers offer telematics program initiatives to help reward customers for safe driving.
State Farm’s Drive Safe & Save program enables you to save up to 30% on car insurance using your smartphone, which tracks your driving habits. Good drivers can earn discounts.
Similarly, Travelers IntelliDrive can also earn customers savings of up to 30%. Drivers download a mobile app to enroll, and if they drive safely, they’re rewarded. One major drawback is Travelers says premiums could go up if IntelliDrive records riskier driving habits.
State Farm vs. Travelers: Which is the cheapest?
Your car insurance rate depends on a variety of factors, such as your age, location, driving record, and even your credit history in many states. On average, State Farm offers lower rates than Travelers insurance.
State Farm: Cheapest for drivers with a clean driving record
State Farm and Travelers both offer insurance under $100, on average, for drivers with clean records, but State Farm has lower rates.
Driver Type | State Farm | Travelers |
|---|---|---|
| Clean driving record | $56 | $99 |
State Farm: Cheapest for drivers with a speeding ticket
Travelers insurance charges more than what State Farm charges to insure drivers with a speeding ticket on their record.
Driver Type | State Farm | Travelers |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers with a speeding ticket | $70 | $129 |
State Farm: Cheapest for teen drivers
It can be a challenge to find affordable car insurance for young drivers. Travelers insurance costs more than what State Farm charges to insure teen drivers.
Driver Type | State Farm | Travelers |
|---|---|---|
| 18-year-old | $114 | $225 |
State Farm: Cheapest for drivers with bad credit
If you’re a driver with bad credit, State Farm offers cheaper car insurance than Travelers.
Driver Type | State Farm | Travelers |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers with bad credit | $90 | $121 |
State Farm: Cheapest for senior drivers
State Farm offers cheaper car insurance than Travelers for senior divers in their 60s.
Driver Type | State Farm | Travelers |
|---|---|---|
| Senior drivers | $40 | $73 |
Compare coverages: State Farm vs. Travelers
The most common types of car insurance are liability coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, collision coverage, personal injury protection (PIP insurance), medical payments coverage, and comprehensive coverage.
Both State Farm and Travelers offer these main coverage types. However, you might need several add-on coverage options depending on your lifestyle. State Farm offers an array of add-on coverages, from rental car coverage to rideshare coverage. However, Travelers offers even more add-on options, and you can often choose the coverage amounts you need.
Some add-on insurance options that Travelers covers and State Farm doesn’t include loan/lease gap insurance, new car replacement cost, and accident forgiveness.
Coverage | State Farm | Travelers |
|---|---|---|
| Loan/lease gap insurance | No | Yes |
| Rental coverage | Yes | Yes |
| Roadside assistance | Yes | Yes |
| New car replacement | No | Yes |
| Accident forgiveness | No | Yes |
| Rideshare coverage | Yes | Yes |
| Umbrella insurance | Yes | Yes |
Compare discounts: State Farm vs. Travelers
Both State Farm and Travelers Insurance offer numerous discounts. State Farm offers safe driver, multi-car, and multi-policy discounts. The insurer also offers good student discounts and discounts for students who are away at school.
And State Farm has a unique Steer Clear program. With this program, drivers younger than 25 can save on car insurance by completing program requirements, like watching safe driver videos and taking quizzes.
Travelers Insurance offers more discounts than State Farm. For example, Travelers offers discounts if you own a home or drive a hybrid or electric vehicle. It also offers discounts for driving a new car, and bundling your home insurance and car insurance policies can lead to more savings.
Here’s a more comprehensive look at the discounts each insurer offers.
Discount | State Farm | Travelers |
|---|---|---|
| Clean driving record | Yes (safe driver discount) | Yes (safe driver discount) |
| Defensive driving course | Yes | Yes (driver training discount) |
| Multi-policy | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-car | Yes | Yes |
| Low mileage | No | No |
| Telematics (safe driving app) | Yes | Yes |
| Anti-theft device | Yes | No |
| New car | No | Yes |
| Military/affiliation | No | No |
| Good student | Yes | Yes |
| Loyalty | No | No |
| Auto pay | No | No |
| Student away at school | Yes | Yes |
| Homeowner | No | Yes |
| Alternative fuel | No | Yes (hybrid/electric discount) |
State Farm vs. Travelers FAQs
If you still have questions about whether State Farm or Travelers is better for you, the following answers can help.
Is Travelers good about paying claims?
In J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, Travelers scored 871 out of 1,000, slightly below the average of 878.[3] This means while many people were satisfied with how Travelers handled their claim, there’s room for improvement.
Who is State Farm’s biggest competitor?
State Farm is the largest auto insurance company in the nation, with a 16.84% market share. Its biggest competitor is Progressive, which has 14.05% of the market share.
What is the best alternative to State Farm?
The best alternative to State Farm depends on your personal needs, preferences, and what types of discounts you qualify for. State Farm is the largest and one of the most recognizable car insurance companies in the U.S. An alternative with a similar reputation would be another large auto insurer, like Progressive, Allstate, or GEICO.
What are the key differences between State Farm and Travelers insurance?
State Farm insurance is more affordable on average than Travelers insurance, but Travelers offers more discounts and more add-on coverage options.
Be sure to compare average rates from both insurers. The cost of car insurance policies can vary based on your age, ZIP code, marital status, and more. So, take a closer look at each insurer and decide what coverage levels you need to find the best option for you.
Even if your car insurance quote costs more than the national average, the insurer you select might offer the specific services you need. Additionally, some national insurers offer homeowners insurance, renters insurance, life insurance, and even health insurance. So, it’s possible to get many policies in one place.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 90 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 500+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
- Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
- No additional coverage
- Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
- Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
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Liberty Mutual Car Insurance Reviews: Ratings and Quotes
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GEICO Auto Insurance: User Reviews and Quotes
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Farmers Auto Insurance: User Reviews and Quotes
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Allstate Insurance Review: 7,574+ User Ratings
Sources
- NAIC. "PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE INDUSTRY 2022 TOP 25 GROUPS AND COMPANIES BY COUNTRYWIDE PREMIUM."
- Businesswire. "AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and Its Subsidiaries."
- J.D. Power. "Auto Insurers Manage Customer Expectations as Repair Cycle Times Double in Two Years, J.D. Power Finds."
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Catherine Collins is a freelance financial writer and author based in Detroit. She's the co-founder of MillennialHomeowner.com and MomsGotMoney.com, and author of the book Mom’s Got Money: A millennial mom’s guide to managing money like a boss. She has written for US News, Huffington Post, Money, Business Insider, Investopedia, Entrepreneur, Go Banking Rates, and many other publications. She currently resides in Detroit, Michigan with her boy-girl twins and a rescue dog named Julep.
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15+ years in content creation
7+ years in business and financial services content
Chris is a seasoned writer/editor with past experience across myriad industries, including insurance, SAS, finance, Medicare, logistics, marketing/advertising, and many more.
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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