Progressive vs State Farm at a Glance
| Progressive | State Farm | |
|---|---|---|
| AM Best financial rating | A+ | A++ |
| Avg. annual premium (clean record) | ~$1,820–$1,988 | ~$2,204 |
| Premiums written (Q1 2026) | Largest in U.S. | 2nd largest |
| Telematics program | Snapshot (app or plug-in device) | Drive Safe & Save (app-based) |
| J.D. Power claims satisfaction | 672/1,000 | 710/1,000 |
| NAIC complaint index | 2.79 | 2.46 |
| Pay-in-full / paperless discounts | Yes / Yes | No / No |
Figures reflect industry-wide averages compiled from multiple 2026 rate studies. Your actual quote depends on your specific driving record, location, vehicle, and coverage selections — always compare live quotes for your situation.
See our full Editorial Methodology for the criteria and data sources behind every rating on this site.
Where State Farm Wins
- Clean-record and teen drivers: For a clean-record driver, State Farm runs around $123/month versus Progressive's $150/month in typical comparisons. State Farm is also consistently cheaper for teen drivers specifically
- After a ticket or accident: If you're in a not-at-fault accident, State Farm tends to hold its price steady while Progressive's rate can jump noticeably more
- Customer satisfaction: State Farm scores well above average in J.D. Power's Auto Claims Satisfaction Study (710 vs. Progressive's 672)
- Fewer complaints: State Farm's NAIC complaint index (2.46) runs lower than Progressive's (2.79)
- Bigger agent network: State Farm's 19,000+ local agents offer more in-person, personalized service than Progressive's more digital-first model
- Telematics satisfaction: In J.D. Power's usage-based insurance study, State Farm's Drive Safe & Save scored higher than Progressive Snapshot for customer trust and clarity
Where Progressive Wins
- Poor credit, tickets, accidents, or a DUI: This is Progressive's clearest strength — its risk-based pricing tends to be meaningfully more forgiving than State Farm's for higher-risk driver profiles
- Lower overall average rate: Across broad sample-rate studies, Progressive's average annual premium (~$1,820) runs below State Farm's (~$2,204) — though State Farm can still be cheaper for specific clean-record and teen profiles
- More discount flexibility: Progressive offers pay-in-full and paperless billing discounts that State Farm doesn't offer at all
- Stronger digital tools: You can get quotes, buy policies, file claims, and manage nearly everything online without ever speaking to an agent
- Market scale: Progressive overtook State Farm in Q1 2026 private auto direct premiums written, making it the largest U.S. auto insurer by that specific measure
Telematics: Snapshot vs Drive Safe & Save
Progressive Snapshot
Offers a choice between a plug-in device or a mobile app. If you regularly drive late at night, commute in heavy traffic, or brake hard often, read the Snapshot disclosures carefully before enrolling — those factors can work against you in the program's scoring.
State Farm Drive Safe & Save
App-based only, with potential savings up to 30% for safe drivers. J.D. Power's usage-based insurance study found it scores higher than Snapshot specifically on customer trust and understanding of how driving behavior translates into discounts.
Coverage Options Compared
Both offer the standard coverages — liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured/underinsured motorist protection — plus rideshare and roadside assistance. Progressive's lineup skews broader with more customization options and digital self-service tools. State Farm counters with a larger agent network for those who want hands-on guidance, plus strong bundling options across home, renters, and other policies.
Customer Complaints — What the Data Shows
NAIC complaint index data (where 1.00 is the industry baseline for a carrier's size) shows Progressive at 2.79 and State Farm at 2.46 — both above the industry average, but State Farm's is noticeably lower. Worth weighing alongside price, since Progressive's rate advantage for high-risk drivers may come with a somewhat higher likelihood of a frustrating claims experience relative to State Farm.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose State Farm if: You have a clean or near-clean record, are a teen driver or insuring one, prioritize customer service and claims satisfaction, or want access to a large local agent network.
Choose Progressive if: You have poor credit, a DUI, tickets, or an at-fault accident on record, want the most discount flexibility (pay-in-full, paperless), or prefer managing everything digitally without an agent.
Either way, get quotes from both directly rather than relying on averages — your specific ZIP code, vehicle, and driving history can shift which insurer actually comes out cheaper for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on your driver profile. State Farm tends to be cheaper for clean-record and teen drivers, while Progressive tends to be cheaper for drivers with poor credit, tickets, accidents, or a DUI. Broad sample-rate averages favor Progressive overall, but your specific situation matters more than the average.
State Farm scores meaningfully higher in J.D. Power's Auto Claims Satisfaction Study (710 vs. 672) and has a lower NAIC complaint index.
Both can offer real savings for safe drivers, but J.D. Power's usage-based insurance study found State Farm's Drive Safe & Save scores higher on customer trust and clarity than Progressive Snapshot.
Yes — this is one of Progressive's most consistent strengths across independent rate studies. If you have a DUI, tickets, an at-fault accident, or below-average credit, it's worth getting a Progressive quote specifically.
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