Progressive vs State Farm: Which is Better for You?

Read on to see which company is best for you.
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Ross Martin

Insurance Writer

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  • 4+ years in the Insurance Industry

Ross joined The Zebra as a writer and researcher in 2019. He specializes in writing insurance content to help shoppers make informed decisions.

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Kristine Lee

Insurance Analyst

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  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • 4+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry

Kristine is a licensed insurance agent who joined The Zebra in 2019 as an in-house content researcher and writer. Before joining The Zebra, she was a…

Progressive vs State Farm: Which company is best for you?

As two of the most recognizable names in insurance, both Progressive and State Farm offer a wide selection of policy types and coverage options suitable for most drivers. Take a closer look at each of the two companies below in our in-depth comparison.

Progressive car insurance

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Rating from The Zebra Question mark icon

Progressive has grown substantially in recent years, becoming one of the largest and most recognizable names in car insurance. The company's policy offerings are wide-ranging and its large selection of discounts means will be appealing to drivers looking for affordable car insurance rates. The company has also become one of the top companies for commercial auto insurance coverage.

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4 stars Rating from The Zebra
Ratings based on price, customer service, coverage, and financial strength.
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Pros Cons
  • Lots of discount options
  • Affordable rates
  • Offers a good online experience (apps and website)
  • Below-average scores for claims satisfaction
  • Below-average scores for overall customer satisfaction                                 

State Farm car insurance

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Rating from The Zebra Question mark icon

State Farm holds the largest share of the auto insurance market in the U.S. at 16%. The company has a far-reaching network of agents, giving customers a local connection to the company. State Farm receives good ratings from third-party rating agencies and customer satisfaction scores are positive for the most part. State Farm also scored well in The Zebra's independent customer satisfaction survey.

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4.5 stars Rating from The Zebra
Ratings based on price, customer service, coverage, and financial strength.
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Pros Cons
  • Lower than average rates
  • Wide range of coverage types
  • Great customer satisfaction scores
  • Local agents across the U.S.
  • Bad for drivers with poor driving records
  • Fewer add-on coverages for those with specialized needs
  • Much more expensive for drivers with poor credit

Which company comes out on top?

Toss-up


Both companies have great coverage options and reasonable rates. Some drivers will find better rates and more suitable coverage with one company over the other, but both Progressive and State Farm are solid options for car insurance coverage for most drivers.


Progressive vs. State Farm: car insurance rate comparison

Progressive and State Farm are often considered to be some of the more reasonably-priced car insurance carriers. Still, your unique driving profile could mean that your car insurance quotes could be quite different from the average rates. For that reason, our advice is to get quotes from each company to see which better fits your budget.

There are a number of rating factors that go into determining your car insurance rate. This can cause your rates to vary widely from one company to another. To help simplify the insurance-shopping process, we pulled average rates for both Progressive and State Farm. These rates look into account rates based on credit score, driving record, and age. Compare the rates to help you find an affordable policy.

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Cheapest average rates

Progressive is generally cheaper than State Farm with an average rate of $104 per month. State Farm, however, isn't much more expensive, coming in at $108 per month on average.


Progressive vs. State Farm: pricing by credit score

If you have extremely bad credit, State Farm could be a slightly better option. On average, State Farm offers somewhat cheaper rates than Progressive for drivers with credit scores of less than 580. Drivers with exceptional credit — a score of 800 or better — should likewise look into State Farm. Below you'll find average insurance rates by credit level for State Farm and Progressive.

 

CREDIT SCORE INSURANCE RATE COMPARISON: PROGRESSIVE VS. STATE FARM
Credit level Progressive avg. annual premium State Farm avg. annual premium
Very Poor (300-579) $3,602 $3,522
Fair (580-669) $2,127 $2,003
Good (670-739) $1,708 $1,613
Very Good (740-799) $1,453 $1,451
Exceptional (800-850) $1,320 $1,260

The Zebra’s auto insurance data methodology

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.

The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.

For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.

Progressive vs. State Farm: rates for high-risk drivers

If you have an at-fault collision, reckless driving citation, or DUI in your recent history, Progressive could be a better option than State Farm. However, State Farm tends to be somewhat cheaper for drivers with speeding violations. Remember that every car insurance company rates driving offenses differently, so compare quotes from a number of insurers to discover which best suits you.

 

RATES BY VIOLATION: PROGRESSIVE VS. STATE FARM
Citation Progressive avg. annual premium State Farm avg. annual premium
At-fault accident (damage < $1,000) $2,720 $2,849
At-fault accident (damage > $1,000) $2,245 $1,524
DUI/DWI $2,201 $3,854
Reckless driving $2,457 $2,895
Speeding ticket $2,091 $1,983

Progressive vs. State Farm: rates by age bracket

Car insurance companies rely on age to estimate risk, pricing policies accordingly. Because of their inexperience behind the wheel, auto insurance tends to be a lot more expensive for young drivers, especially when compared to older drivers. Because every insurance company prices age tiers in a different way, it's wise to compare rates and find a suitable policy.

In general, teen drivers should choose State Farm over Progressive, with the potential to save an average of nearly $2,500 per year.

 

COMPARING AUTO INSURANCE RATES BY AGE: PROGRESSIVE VS. STATE FARM
Age Progressive avg. annual premium State Farm avg. annual premium
Teens $8,248 $5,820
20s $2,287 $2,379
30s $1,646 $1,585
40s $1,644 $1,587
50s $1,542 $1,558
60s $1,403 $1,485

 

Affordability aside, both Progressive and State Farm have their pros and cons. These can include discounts, additional coverages, customer satisfaction ratings, and financial stability. Make sure to do your comparisons before making your final decision.

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Ratings comparison: Progressive vs. State Farm

When looking for a new car insurance policy, it pays to look beyond price. The cheapest company may not always provide the greatest customer service or could be known for handling claims poorly. Likewise, coverage options available from each company should also be robust enough to fully protect you. We've compiled ratings from some of the most trusted sources in insurance to help you get a better picture of how Progressive and State Farm compare. See ratings for these two companies below.

Progressive vs. State Farm
Ratings comparison Progressive State Farm
Financial strength (A.M. Best) Superior Excellent
JD Power (claims satisfaction) Below Average Above average
JD Power (customer satisfaction) Below Average Above average
NAIC rating Good Above average
The Zebra's editorial review score 4/5 4.5
The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey 4.3/5 4.5/5

Which company scores best?

State Farm


While the two companies are reasonably close in most ratings, State Farm scores slightly better in key areas. They also came in third place overall in the Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey.


The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey

To get a better sense of how customers viewed the level of service they received from their insurance companies, The Zebra conducted a survey covering a wide range of topics. Below you can see how both customers viewed their experiences with both Progressive and State Farm.

Progressive logo
Progressive

Progressive car insurance placed among the top five companies overall with a score of 4.3, signifying that customers are generally pleased with the level of service they receive from the company. The company place in the top three for online satisfaction, indicating that Progressive's website and app selection are considered quite valuable by its customers.

  • Top five overall for car insurance
  • Top three for online satisfaction
  • Among the top five companies for home and auto bundling
State Farm logo
State Farm

State Farm came in third place overall with a score of 4.5, indicating a high level of satisfaction from customers. Read some highlights from the survey below.

  • Scored well among young drivers
  • Second place for claims satisfaction
  • Third place for ease, customer service, trust and willingness to recommend

The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey methodology

Findings are based on an online quantitative survey of 4,794 current U.S. auto and home insurance customers, with Census-balanced sampling by age, gender and region. Categories with n=<20 responses are considered insufficient sample size and are not reported. This survey was developed by The Zebra and executed by independent research firm Maru/Blue in 2023.


Progressive vs. State Farm: discount comparison

A good way to save money on your car insurance premiums is to consider auto insurance discounts. Take a look at the discount options from both Progressive and State Farm below.

Progressive vs. State Farm: discount comparison
Discount comparison Progressive State Farm
Good student ✓ ✓
Multiple policies ✓ ✓
Multiple vehicles ✓ ✓
Anti-theft device(s) ✓
Anti-lock brake system
Air bags ✓
Good driver ✓
Defensive driver ✓
Student away at school ✓ ✓
Driver training ✓
Green vehicles
Affinity membership alum ✓
Advanced purchase
Pay in full ✓
Home owner ✓
eSign or ePay
Telematics ✓ ✓
New Vehicle
Annual Mileage ✓
Military
Continuous coverage ✓

Telematics options: Progressive vs. State Farm

Telematics programs offer safe drivers the chance to save money by having their driving habits monitored by their insurer. This helps the insurance company better determine the level of risk that a driver poses, which could in turn bring your rates down. Both Progressive and State Farm offer telematics options that are worth considering. Compare each company's telematics offerings below.

Progressive telematics logo
Progressive Snapshot

Snapshot is Progressive's telematics option. The app tracks drivers' behavior while behind the wheel (including hard braking, speeding, and more) to give a more accurate level of risk. Good drivers stand to save an average of $145 on their premium according to the company.

State Farm logo
State Farm Drive Safe & Save

State Farm Drive Safe & Save can be a good option for safe or low-mileage drivers. State Farm claims that the program can save customers up to 50% on premiums, though these types of savings are most likely to be seen by lower-mileage drivers. Drive Safe & Save is available in most states.

Zebra tip: Consider telematics offerings from both companies


The telematics options from both Progressive and State Farm could offer safe drivers a way to save money.


Roadside assistance: Progressive vs. State Farm

No one wants to find themselves on the side of the road after a breakdown. If you do, however, you'll definitely be happier if you have a roadside assistance program. Compare the different options provided by both Progressive and State Farm below.

Progressive

Progressive partners with a company called Agero to provide roadside assistance. These services can be used for your car, boat, motorcycle or RV. When added to your policy, Progressive's roadside assistance program offers the following:

  • Fuel delivery
  • Flat-tire changes
  • Battery jump-start
  • Battery recharge for EVs
  • Lock-out services
  • On-scene labor
  • Winching services

 

State Farm

State Farm's Emergency Road Service offers the following:

  • Mechanical labor at the place of breakdown
  • Towing of your vehicle to a repair facility,
  • Removal of a stuck vehicle
  • Delivery of gas or oil
  • Assistance with changing a tire or a jumpstart
  • Locksmith services
tow truck

Progressive vs. State Farm: home insurance

Both Progressive and State Farm offer homeowners coverage options. These can be purchased as individual policies or bundled together with auto or other coverage types. Progressive has a much larger presence in the auto insurance space than it does homeowners, and some policyholders may find its policy options limiting. State Farm is the largest homeowners insurance coverage provider in the country according to the Insurance Information Institute, holding a market share of nearly 18%.

Compare ratings for each company's home insurance options below.

Progressive homeowners insurance review

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Rating from The Zebra Question mark icon

Progressive offers homeowners insurance in all 50 states plus Washington D.C. While the company provides basic coverage options, homeowners looking for more robust policies might find Progressive's options lacking. 

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3.5 stars Rating from The Zebra
Ratings based on price, customer service, coverage, and financial strength.
Get a Quote at Progressive
  • The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey – 4.1/5: While a rating above 4 stars is sufficient, Progressive home ranked last overall among the 15 carriers surveyed.
  • J.D. Power Rating – Below average: J.D. Power rates Progressive auto insurance as below-average in overall customer satisfaction. 
  • Financial Strength – Superior: A "Superior" financial strength rating from AM Best shows Progressive has a solid ability to pay out claims.
  • NAIC Rating– Poor: The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) received significantly more customer complaints than average regarding Progressive homeowners insurance in 2020.

State Farm homeowners review

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Rating from The Zebra Question mark icon

State Farm has a variety of coverage options for add-ons and endorsements. This makes them a worthwhile option for those in need of flexible or unique coverage. Those looking for the cheapest coverage may find State Farm's rates to be on the pricier side, as they tend to be higher than average. The lack of many available homeowners discounts may also be a drawback to some. In general, State Farm's homeowners insurance options enjoy good ratings from third-party agencies, and the company ranked fifth place overall in The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey for home insurance.

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4 stars Rating from The Zebra
Ratings based on price, customer service, coverage, and financial strength.
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  • The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey — 4.4/5: State Farm was given an above-average rating among the top 15 home insurance providers surveyed.
  • Claims satisfaction (J.D. Power Rating) — Below average: J.D. Power's most recent study rated State Farm as just shy of the industry average for property claims satisfaction.
  • Customer satisfaction (J.D. Power Rating) — Above average: State Farm was awarded an above-average rating for customer satisfaction in J.D. Power's Home Insurance Study.
  • Financial strength — Excellent: A.M. Best rated State Farm as having excellent financial viability, signaling its ability to pay for claims.
  • NAIC Rating — Average: State Farm's home insurance received an average amount of complaints as logged by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).

Which company comes out on top?

State Farm


While its rates might be higher than average, State Farm has the coverage options and the reputation to make them a great option for homeowners coverage.


Progressive vs. State Farm: home insurance rate comparison

Homeowners insurance rates can vary depending on your location, your claims history, and the company that you choose. Progressive's average yearly home insurance rate is $1,355, breaking down to just under $113 per month. State Farm comes in only one dollar higher on average at $1,356 per year or $113 per month.

Remember that while cost is an important factor when shopping for homeowners insurance, it's most important to have good coverage from an insurer that you can trust.

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Cheapest average rates

Progressive and State Farm are essentially tied, with each coming in at an average of around $113 per month.

The Zebra’s homeowners insurance data methodology

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.

The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.

For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.


Progressive vs. State Farm: homeowners discount comparison

For eligible policyholders, home insurance discounts can be a great way to save your home insurance coverage. While both Progressive and State Farm offer homeowners discounts to eligible policyholders, State Farm's discount options are somewhat lacking. See how these discounts compare below.

PROGRESSIVE VS. State Farm: HOMEOWNERS DISCOUNT COMPARISON
Discount comparison Progressive State Farm
Claims free
Recent home buyer ✓
Multi-policy ✓ ✓
Newer/more durable roof ✓
Protective devices (smoke/burglar alarms, etc...) ✓ ✓
Paid in full ✓
Auto pay
New home consturction ✓
Gated community
Home renovation
Smart home

Zebra tip: Check out Progressive if you are seeking home insurance discounts


Progressive offers a wider selection of home insurance discounts. However, more discounts do not necessarily translate to cheaper rates. Compare homeowners rates from both companies to see which is a better fit.


Other insurance products and bundling options

Both Progressive and State Farm have options for bundling policy types. Have a look at the different product offerings available from each company to see if they could meet all of your insurance needs.

Progressive vs. State Farm: Other insurance products
Other products Progressive State Farm
Boat insurance ✓ ✓
Condo insurance ✓ ✓
Life insurance ✓ ✓
Homeowners insurance ✓ ✓
Travel trailer insurance ✓ ✓
Renters insurance ✓ ✓
RV insurance ✓ ✓
Motorcycle insurance ✓ ✓
Mobile home insurance ✓ ✓
Umbrella ✓ ✓
ATV insurance ✓ ✓
Pet insurance ✓ ✓
Commercial insurance ✓ ✓

In general, both Progressive and State Farm offer a wide selection of additional coverages. While State Farm offers commercial auto insurance, Progressive is a major carrier for many types of commercial insurance, including for both automobiles and small businesses. For those who use their vehicles for commercial purposes (delivery or rideshare drivers), Progressive and State Farm could be good options.

Find the best insurance policy for your needs.

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About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

  • The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
  • The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
  • The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
  • The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.