Progressive and State Farm are the two largest auto insurers in the United States, and millions of drivers narrow their search down to these two companies every year. In Q1 2026, Progressive overtook State Farm in private auto direct premiums written for the first time, marking a major shift in the U.S. auto insurance market.
Both companies offer strong financial stability, nationwide coverage, mobile apps, and extensive discount programs. But the better insurer depends heavily on your driving history, age, credit profile, and whether you prefer working with a local agent or managing everything online.
Insuranceopedia's Take
State Farm is the better overall choice for most clean-record drivers because it consistently delivers lower average rates for standard drivers, stronger customer satisfaction scores, and one of the best claims experiences in the industry. Progressive remains the stronger option for higher-risk drivers, including people with DUIs, poor credit, or recent accidents.
Key Takeaways
State Farm generally offers lower average rates for clean-record drivers and households adding teen drivers to a policy.
Progressive is often cheaper for drivers with DUIs, poor credit, or recent at-fault accidents.
The J.D. Power 2025 Claims Satisfaction Study ranked State Farm above Progressive for claims handling satisfaction.
Progressive Snapshot can raise rates in many states after risky driving behavior, while State Farm Drive Safe & Save cannot increase rates.
Progressive surpassed State Farm in Q1 2026 private auto direct premiums written, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence.
State Farm is not currently writing new personal auto policies in Massachusetts or Rhode Island.
Progressive at a Glance
Progressive performs especially well for drivers who have difficulty finding affordable coverage elsewhere. During my years working in insurance, I often found Progressive highly competitive for drivers with tickets, accidents, DUIs, or lower credit scores.
The company also excels in digital tools. You can get quotes, buy policies, file claims, upload documents, and manage almost everything online without speaking to an agent.
Progressive’s biggest weaknesses are customer satisfaction and rate volatility. Its J.D. Power customer satisfaction scores trail many large competitors, and Snapshot users may see rate increases after renewal if driving behavior is considered risky.
State Farm at a Glance
State Farm performs exceptionally well for standard drivers with clean records. It consistently ranks near the top for customer satisfaction, claims handling, and agent relationships.
The company’s greatest strength is its agent network. State Farm has roughly 19,000 local agents nationwide, giving customers a more personal experience than many direct insurers.
Its biggest weakness is flexibility for higher-risk drivers. Drivers with DUIs or significant violations may struggle to qualify for coverage. State Farm also lacks accident forgiveness and does not allow fully online policy completion in many situations.
Progressive vs. State Farm: Key Stats
Progressive and State Farm are closely matched in financial strength, nationwide availability, and digital tools, but meaningful differences appear once you compare pricing, claims handling, customer satisfaction, and complaint trends.
State Farm generally performs better for clean-record drivers and claims satisfaction, while Progressive tends to offer more competitive pricing for higher-risk drivers, including those with accidents, DUIs, or poor credit.
Is Progressive Or State Farm Cheaper?
For drivers with clean records and good credit, State Farm is usually cheaper than Progressive for full-coverage auto insurance. The difference is especially clear for standard adult drivers, teen drivers added to a parent policy, and many senior drivers. However, Progressive often becomes cheaper for drivers with DUIs, poor credit, recent at-fault accidents, or other higher-risk profiles.
Cheapest For A Good Driver With Good Credit
State Farm is cheaper for a 30- or 40-year-old driver with a clean record and good credit. Based on average annual full-coverage premiums, State Farm costs $1,865 per year, compared with $2,180 from Progressive. That gives State Farm a $315 annual advantage for this driver profile.
| Carrier | Average Annual Full-Coverage Premium |
| Progressive average | $2,180 |
| State Farm average | $1,865 |
| National average | $2,314 |
Cheapest For Teen Drivers
State Farm is also cheaper for teen drivers when the teen is added to a parent’s policy, rather than insured on a separate policy. For drivers ages 16–19 added to a household policy, State Farm averages $4,910 per year, compared with $5,720 from Progressive.
| Carrier | Average Annual Full-Coverage Premium |
| Progressive average | $5,720 |
| State Farm average | $4,910 |
| National average | $5,882 |
Cheapest For Senior Drivers
State Farm remains the cheaper option for senior drivers with clean records. For a 60- or 70-year-old driver, State Farm averages $1,706 per year for full coverage, compared with $1,944 from Progressive. That makes State Farm $238 cheaper annually for this profile.
| Carrier | Average Annual Full-Coverage Premium |
| Progressive average | $1,944 |
| State Farm average | $1,706 |
| National average | $2,008 |
Cheapest After A Speeding Ticket
State Farm is cheaper after one speeding ticket. Progressive’s average annual full-coverage premium rises to $2,948 after a ticket, while State Farm averages $2,365. That makes State Farm $583 cheaper per year for drivers with a single speeding violation.
| Carrier | Average Annual Full-Coverage Premium |
| Progressive average | $2,948 |
| State Farm average | $2,365 |
| National average | $3,012 |
Cheapest After An At-Fault Accident
Progressive is cheaper after one at-fault accident, averaging $3,114 per year compared with $3,402 from State Farm. Progressive also offers accident forgiveness in many states, which may help qualifying drivers avoid a surcharge. State Farm does not offer a comparable nationwide accident-forgiveness program.
| Carrier | Average Annual Full-Coverage Premium |
| Progressive average | $3,114 |
| State Farm average | $3,402 |
| National average | $3,518 |
Cheapest With A DUI
Progressive is usually cheaper for drivers with one DUI on record. Its average annual full-coverage premium is $3,918, compared with $5,212 from State Farm. State Farm may also decline to write new policies for many DUI applicants, depending on the state and underwriting rules.
| Carrier | Average Annual Full-Coverage Premium |
| Progressive average | $3,918 |
| State Farm average | $5,212 |
| National average | $4,980 |
Cheapest For Drivers With Poor Credit
Progressive is cheaper for drivers with poor credit, averaging $3,202 per year compared with $4,288 from State Farm. This comparison does not apply the same way in every state. California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Michigan prohibit or restrict the use of credit in auto insurance pricing.
| Carrier | Average Annual Full-Coverage Premium |
| Progressive average | $3,202 |
| State Farm average | $4,288 |
| National average | $3,714 |
Quick Tip: If you’re comparing Progressive and State Farm, quote both companies on the same day using identical coverage limits and deductibles to avoid misleading price differences.
Progressive vs. State Farm: Cost by State
State Farm has the biggest annual savings in California, Texas, Illinois, Georgia, and Pennsylvania, where its average full-coverage premiums are meaningfully lower than Progressive’s. Progressive has the largest advantage in Florida, Nevada, Louisiana, New York, and Rhode Island, where higher-risk pricing and underwriting differences can make it more competitive.
State Farm is not currently writing new personal auto policies in Massachusetts or Rhode Island at the time of publication, so availability may be limited even if historical or sample rate data appear in comparison tools. Drivers in those states should confirm current eligibility directly with State Farm or a local agent before relying on quoted pricing.
| State | Progressive Average Full-Coverage Annual | State Farm Average Full-Coverage Annual | Winner |
| Alabama | $2,286 | $1,972 | State Farm |
| Alaska | $2,104 | $1,944 | State Farm |
| Arizona | $2,286 | $2,014 | State Farm |
| Arkansas | $2,318 | $2,041 | State Farm |
| California | $2,714 | $2,106 | State Farm |
| Colorado | $2,692 | $2,428 | State Farm |
| Connecticut | $2,514 | $2,336 | State Farm |
| Delaware | $2,846 | $2,604 | State Farm |
| District of Columbia | $2,706 | $2,488 | State Farm |
| Florida | $3,982 | $4,218 | Progressive |
| Georgia | $2,918 | $2,504 | State Farm |
| Hawaii | $1,688 | $1,604 | State Farm |
| Idaho | $1,496 | $1,382 | State Farm |
| Illinois | $2,018 | $1,622 | State Farm |
| Indiana | $1,734 | $1,566 | State Farm |
| Iowa | $1,542 | $1,406 | State Farm |
| Kansas | $2,018 | $1,842 | State Farm |
| Kentucky | $2,612 | $2,438 | State Farm |
| Louisiana | $4,226 | $4,584 | Progressive |
| Maine | $1,326 | $1,218 | State Farm |
| Maryland | $2,644 | $2,386 | State Farm |
| Massachusetts | $2,108 | N/A — not writing new business | Progressive |
| Michigan | $3,142 | $2,988 | State Farm |
| Minnesota | $2,014 | $1,824 | State Farm |
| Mississippi | $2,314 | $2,052 | State Farm |
| Missouri | $2,206 | $1,982 | State Farm |
| Montana | $2,276 | $2,098 | State Farm |
| Nebraska | $1,932 | $1,756 | State Farm |
| Nevada | $3,088 | $3,412 | Progressive |
| New Hampshire | $1,488 | $1,376 | State Farm |
| New Jersey | $2,876 | $2,652 | State Farm |
| New Mexico | $2,108 | $1,944 | State Farm |
| New York | $3,484 | $3,782 | Progressive |
| North Carolina | $1,586 | $1,472 | State Farm |
| North Dakota | $1,692 | $1,548 | State Farm |
| Ohio | $1,624 | $1,508 | State Farm |
| Oklahoma | $2,482 | $2,204 | State Farm |
| Oregon | $2,016 | $1,842 | State Farm |
| Pennsylvania | $2,092 | $1,788 | State Farm |
| Rhode Island | $2,924 | N/A — not writing new business | Progressive |
| South Carolina | $2,428 | $2,186 | State Farm |
| South Dakota | $1,844 | $1,676 | State Farm |
| Tennessee | $2,064 | $1,842 | State Farm |
| Texas | $2,441 | $1,992 | State Farm |
| Utah | $2,126 | $1,964 | State Farm |
| Vermont | $1,354 | $1,246 | State Farm |
| Virginia | $1,824 | $1,666 | State Farm |
| Washington | $1,936 | $1,782 | State Farm |
| West Virginia | $2,184 | $1,964 | State Farm |
| Wisconsin | $1,602 | $1,458 | State Farm |
| Wyoming | $1,782 | $1,648 | State Farm |
Progressive vs. State Farm: Claims
Winner: State Farm
State Farm wins the claims category because it consistently performs better in third-party claims satisfaction studies and complaint trends. It earned a stronger score than Progressive in the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study and also maintains a better reputation among repair shops and customers for communication, responsiveness, and overall claims handling experience.
Progressive Claims
Progressive allows customers to file claims through its mobile app, website, or 24/7 claims phone line. In many cases, customers report receiving initial contact from an adjuster within several hours, though response times vary by claim complexity and location. Progressive also offers a network repair program that streamlines estimates and repairs through approved body shops.
For total-loss claims, Progressive typically uses third-party vehicle valuation vendors that compare local market sales data and vehicle condition to determine payout amounts. Some customers have disputed these valuations during periods of volatile used-car pricing.
Progressive scored 672 out of 1,000 in the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, below the industry average. One recurring pain point is reflected in CRASH Network’s Insurer Report Card, where repair shops have historically rated Progressive below top-performing carriers for claims and repair experience consistency.
State Farm Claims
State Farm customers can file claims through local agents, the State Farm mobile app, online, or through the company’s 24/7 claims phone service. Many customers receive first contact from a claims representative within hours, and the company’s large local-agent network remains one of its biggest differentiators during stressful claims situations.
For total-loss claims, State Farm generally uses market valuation systems based on comparable local vehicle sales, mileage, equipment, and vehicle condition. Customers also have the option to discuss settlement details directly with claims representatives or their local agent.
State Farm scored 710 out of 1,000 in the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, outperforming both Progressive and the industry average. The company also maintains a stronger complaint trend with the NAIC and has historically performed well in CRASH Network repair-shop surveys for communication and repair coordination.
Quick Tip: Ask how each insurer handles OEM parts, rental reimbursement timelines, and total-loss valuations before buying a policy, not after a claim happens.
Progressive vs. State Farm: Coverage Options
Both Progressive and State Farm include the core coverages most drivers expect, including liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist, roadside assistance, and rental reimbursement coverage. The biggest differences appear once you compare optional protections and policy flexibility.
Progressive generally offers a broader selection of add-ons designed for drivers who want more customization, while State Farm focuses more heavily on traditional coverage paired with agent-based service and claims support.
Progressive stands out for optional protections such as loan/lease payoff coverage, accident forgiveness, pet injury protection, and mechanical breakdown insurance. These coverages can appeal to drivers financing newer vehicles or drivers who want additional financial protection after an accident. Progressive also makes it easier to compare and add optional coverages entirely online during the quote process.
State Farm’s coverage lineup is more streamlined, but the company performs well for drivers who value simplicity and local guidance. Many customers prefer working directly with an agent to review coverage limits, deductible choices, and bundling opportunities.
State Farm also offers rideshare coverage in most states and provides access to Payoff Protector products through certain State Farm Bank relationships. While both companies cover the essentials well, Progressive offers more optional coverage flexibility overall.
Progressive’s biggest advantage is its optional coverage lineup. Loan/lease payoff and accident forgiveness are particularly valuable for drivers financing newer vehicles.
State Farm’s standout differentiator is its local-agent support, combined with Payoff Protector products available through State Farm Bank relationships in certain situations.
Progressive vs. State Farm: Customer Satisfaction
Winner: State Farm
State Farm performs better than Progressive in most regions measured by the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Auto Insurance Study, particularly in agent interaction, billing experience, policy offerings, and overall customer trust.
Customer satisfaction scores
Progressive generally scores lower across the study’s 11 geographic regions, though it performs better with drivers who prefer digital policy management and online purchasing tools rather than agent-based service.
The NAIC’s most recent auto insurance Complaint Index also favors State Farm, which receives fewer customer complaints relative to its market share than Progressive. State Farm additionally maintains stronger third-party reputation indicators overall, including higher customer-service marks across major consumer-review platforms and stronger repair-shop feedback in industry surveys.
Progressive remains competitive for convenience and online accessibility, but State Farm consistently produces stronger satisfaction results for traditional service, claims communication, and policyholder support.
Key Fact: The NAIC’s most recent Complaint Index shows State Farm receives fewer customer complaints relative to market share than Progressive.
| Region | Progressive | State Farm | Regional Average |
| California | 618 | 654 | 637 |
| Central | 629 | 666 | 647 |
| Florida | 621 | 653 | 635 |
| Mid-Atlantic | 635 | 672 | 648 |
| New England | 629 | 661 | 645 |
| New York | 626 | 664 | 647 |
| North Central | 639 | 682 | 655 |
| Northwest | 632 | 668 | 649 |
| Southeast | 627 | 671 | 648 |
| Southwest | 630 | 665 | 646 |
| Texas | 634 | 676 | 651 |
Reddit Reviews
Recent Reddit discussions show a clear difference in how customers view the two insurers. Progressive customers most often discuss pricing competitiveness and rate increases after claims or Snapshot participation. State Farm customers most often praise local-agent communication and smoother claims handling, though some complain about higher renewal premiums in certain states.
“Just switched to Progressive today. 1 vehicle. 6 months fully paid was $520. Previous company was at $886. ” — Reddit user, r/Insurance
“I got the $50 discount going in, aced the Snapshot, got a $150 increase on renewal.” — Reddit user, r/Insurance
“I have State Farm. I recently filed a claim where I wasn’t at fault. The process took about 2 weeks from the date of the incident to the day I picked up my car from the repair shop. It all went smoothly, insanely smooth.” — Reddit user, r/Insurance
“I have had State Farm for 30+ years. It’s had minor fluctuations in cost over the first 20+ years, but the last three years it has skyrocketed.” — Reddit user, r/Insurance
Progressive customers most often complain about post-claim rate hikes; State Farm customers most often praise their local agent.
Progressive vs. State Farm: Discounts
Winner: Progressive
Progressive wins the discounts category because it offers a broader overall lineup of savings opportunities, particularly for online shoppers and multi-policy households. Its online quote, online signing, homeowner, and Snapshot telematics discounts provide more ways for drivers to reduce premiums. State Farm still performs strongly for younger drivers and vehicles with advanced safety technology.
Discount Comparison
Both Progressive and State Farm offer many of the standard auto insurance discounts drivers expect, including multi-policy, multi-car, safe-driver, and good-student savings. The biggest differences appear in how each company approaches telematics, online purchasing, and driver-specific programs. Progressive focuses heavily on digital discounts and flexible pricing tools, while State Farm leans more on driver-behavior programs and long-term customer relationships through its local-agent network.
Progressive’s standout savings opportunities are its online-signing discount and homeowner discount, which can meaningfully reduce premiums for digitally focused shoppers. State Farm’s strongest offerings are its safety-features discount and the Steer Clear program for drivers under 25. Steer Clear combines driving education, app-based tracking, and safe-driving habits to help younger drivers lower premiums over time while building a cleaner driving history.
Progressive: Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Strong for DUI drivers | Lower customer satisfaction scores |
| Competitive for poor credit | Snapshot can raise rates |
| Fully online purchasing | Claims ratings trail State Farm |
| Accident forgiveness available | Premium volatility |
| Broad optional coverages | Fewer local-agent interactions |
State Farm: Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Strong claims satisfaction | No accident forgiveness |
| Lower rates for clean drivers | Harder for DUI drivers |
| Extensive local-agent network | No fully online purchase completion |
| Strong teen-driver pricing | Limited high-risk flexibility |
| Drive Safe & Save cannot raise rates | Not writing new MA/RI policies |
Telematics: Snapshot vs. Drive Safe & Save
Progressive Snapshot and State Farm Drive Safe & Save both use telematics technology to reward safer driving habits, but the programs work very differently in practice. Both programs monitor driving behavior through a mobile app, connected-car system, or plug-in device, and both can generate meaningful discounts for safe drivers. However, the biggest practical difference is how the programs handle risky driving behavior at renewal.
Progressive Snapshot can raise a driver’s premium in many states if the program detects habits such as hard braking, excessive late-night driving, distracted driving, or high mileage. State Farm’s Drive Safe & Save does not increase premiums based on monitored driving behavior. Drivers who perform poorly may simply receive a smaller discount instead of a surcharge.
Snapshot tends to be more aggressive and data-heavy overall, especially for drivers who frequently commute in heavy traffic or drive late at night. Drive Safe & Save is generally viewed as less punitive and more predictable for long-term policyholders.
In the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Auto Insurance Study’s usage-based insurance section, State Farm’s Drive Safe & Save program scored higher overall for customer satisfaction than Progressive Snapshot, particularly in customer trust and understanding of how driving behavior affects discounts.
| Category | Snapshot | Drive Safe & Save |
| Device type | App, plug-in, connected car | App and connected car |
| Availability by state | Most states | Most states |
| Monitors braking | Yes | Yes |
| Monitors speed | Yes | Yes |
| Monitors phone distraction | Yes | Limited |
| Monitors mileage | Yes | Yes |
| Monitors time of day | Yes | Yes |
| Sign-up discount | Yes | Yes |
| Renewal discount / max savings | Up to 30% | Up to 30% |
| Rate-increase risk | Yes | No |
Quick Tip: If you regularly drive late at night, commute in heavy traffic, or brake hard often, read Snapshot disclosures carefully before enrolling.
The Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
Choose Progressive if you…
- Have poor credit or a lower insurance score
- Have a DUI or serious violation
- Want fully online policy management
- Want accident forgiveness options
- Prefer broader optional coverages
- Need more flexible underwriting
Choose State Farm if you…
- Have a clean driving record
- Are adding a teen driver
- Prefer a local-agent relationship
- Prioritize claims satisfaction
- Want stronger customer-service scores
- Plan to bundle home and auto insurance
No matter which company looks better initially, always compare quotes from Progressive, State Farm, and at least one additional insurer before making a final decision.
Our Methodology
Rate comparisons in this article were based on publicly available insurance-rate datasets from Quadrant Information Services, Insurify, and carrier filings reviewed in 2026.
The base driver profile assumed a clean-record driver with full-coverage limits, average annual mileage, and a mid-size sedan, though profiles varied by age, driving history, and credit category where noted.
This article referenced the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Auto Insurance Study, the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, AM Best financial-strength ratings, NAIC complaint data, BBB business profiles, and S&P Global Market Intelligence market-share reporting.
State-by-state winners were determined by comparing average quoted annual premiums for comparable driver profiles in each state.
Quoted premiums are sample rates only. Your actual quote will differ based on your ZIP code, driving history, vehicle, coverage selections, and discounts.
FAQs
Is Progressive or State Farm cheaper?
State Farm is generally cheaper for clean-record drivers, teens, and standard households. Progressive often becomes cheaper for drivers with DUIs, accidents, or poor credit histories.
Is Progressive or State Farm better at paying claims?
State Farm generally scores better in claims satisfaction studies and customer-service rankings. Progressive performs adequately but trails State Farm in most major claims surveys.
Does Progressive Snapshot raise your rate?
Yes. In many states, Progressive Snapshot can increase your premium if your driving habits are considered risky based on braking, mileage, speeding, or nighttime driving.
Can I buy a State Farm car insurance policy entirely online?
Usually not. Many State Farm customers still complete parts of the process through a local agent, especially when finalizing coverage details.
Is State Farm car insurance available in every state?
State Farm serves most states, but it is not currently writing new personal auto policies in Massachusetts or Rhode Island.
Which is bigger, Progressive or State Farm?
Progressive overtook State Farm in private auto direct premiums written during Q1 2026, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence.
Do Progressive and State Farm offer home insurance, too?
Yes. Both companies also sell homeowners, renters, condo, and other personal insurance products in addition to auto insurance.
Sources
- S&P Global Market Intelligence. “Progressive Surpasses State Farm in Private Auto Premiums.” https://www.spglobal.com/. Accessed May 30, 2026.
- J.D. Power. “2025 U.S. Auto Insurance Study.” https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-us-auto-insurance-study. Accessed May 30, 2026.
- J.D. Power. “2025 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study.” https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-us-auto-claims-satisfaction-study. Accessed May 30, 2026.
- NAIC. “Consumer Insurance Search — Complaint Index.” https://content.naic.org/cis_consumer_information.htm. Accessed May 30, 2026.
- AM Best. “State Farm and Progressive Financial Strength Ratings.” https://ratings.ambest.com/. Accessed May 30, 2026.
- Progressive. “Auto Insurance Coverages.” https://www.progressive.com/auto/. Accessed May 30, 2026.
- Progressive. “Snapshot.” https://www.progressive.com/auto/discounts/snapshot/. Accessed May 30, 2026.
- State Farm. “Auto Insurance Discounts.” https://www.statefarm.com/insurance/auto/discounts. Accessed May 30, 2026.
- State Farm. “Drive Safe & Save.” https://www.statefarm.com/insurance/auto/discounts/drive-safe-save. Accessed May 30, 2026.
- Reddit. “State Farm Claims Experience Discussion and Progressive Snapshot Discussion.” https://www.reddit.com/r/Insurance/. Accessed May 30, 2026.