State Auto Insurance Review: Should you buy in 2024?

Although not as well-known as more prominent companies, State Auto Insurance offers unique coverage options, convenient packages, and opportunities to save. Liberty Mutual recently purchased the company, but State Auto still manages its policies in 33 states.

Drivers looking for the most affordable coverage probably won’t find it at State Auto, although the company has reasonable rates after a DUI. While State Auto doesn’t sell the cheapest auto insurance, many customers say the price is worth it for the excellent coverage.

Read on to learn more about State Auto car insurance and whether the higher rates might be worth it. Then, compare rates with as many companies as possible to determine where to buy auto insurance.

What You Should Know About State Auto Insurance Companies

State Auto Insurance reviews state that its customer service isn’t the best, but most people report overall satisfaction.

A great place to start looking for insurance company reviews is third-party rating companies. For example, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) rates companies by the number of complaints they receive compared to their size. The national average is 1.0 — anything lower means the company receives fewer complaints than average.

State Auto has a 1.60, which means it receives a few more complaints than companies of a similar size.

Another crucial rating comes from A.M. Best. A.M. Best rates companies on their financial strength. Higher ratings indicate that the company is financially stable and can pay future claims without hesitation. State Auto has maintained an excellent rating but was recently downgraded to an A-.

Finally, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) looks at how well companies resolve customer issues. The BBB gives State Auto an A+, but more than a hundred complaints have been filed on the site. BBB reviewers state a low level of satisfaction with customer service.

State Auto Insurance Companies Insurance Coverage Options

Liberty Mutual owns State Auto, but the two companies do not sell the same types of insurance. If you’re interested in one of State Auto’s unique insurance packages, you won’t be able to buy one from Liberty Mutual.

State Auto sells enough coverage to meet the two basic types of insurance most drivers need. State Auto operates in 33 states, most of which require at least liability auto insurance before you can drive or register your car.

The other type of insurance is full coverage, which is never required by law but is usually necessary when you have a car loan or lease. Even if you don’t need full coverage, it’s still a good idea if your car is newer or valuable.

Whatever the amount of coverage you want to buy, State Auto can cover you with the following:

• Bodily injury liability. Bodily injury liability covers injuries you cause to other drivers, their passengers, and pedestrians. It does not cover your medical bills.
• Property damage liability. As the other half of liability coverage, this insurance covers damage you cause to other people’s property, including cars and buildings.
• Collision auto insurance. Collision insurance pays for your car repairs after an accident, no matter who was at fault. It also covers you if you hit a stationary object, like a tree.
• Comprehensive auto insurance. For unexpected events, you need comprehensive insurance. Comprehensive covers damage from fire, theft, animal contact, extreme weather, vandalism, and floods.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Even though most states require insurance, not all drivers follow the law. Uninsured motorist insurance covers you if you’re hit by a driver without adequate coverage.
• Personal injury protection (PIP). PIP will cover your and your passengers’ medical bills after an accident, as well as lost wages and more if you’re unable to work as you recover.
• Medical payments coverage (MedPay). MedPay also pays for medical bills and rehabilitation costs, but it does not offer the same extent of coverage as PIP. Depending on your policy, it might cover you when you’re a passenger in someone else’s car.

Minimum insurance is your cheapest option for coverage, but the amount you need depends on your state. Most states require liability insurance, while many also include personal injury protection or uninsured motorist coverage.

Full coverage includes everything listed above. It costs more, but it offers much better protection for your vehicle.

No matter your situation, a State Auto representative can tell you exactly how much auto insurance you need based on how much is required in your state.

Does State Auto offer car insurance add-ons?

State Auto offers a few add-ons you can buy to increase the value of your policy and the protection of your car. State Auto offers the following add-ons:

• Rideshare auto insurance. You can’t rely on your personal insurance if you work for a rideshare company. Uber and Lyft provide insurance for their drivers, but it has gaps in coverage. State Auto’s rideshare insurance fills in those gaps.
• Auto replacement cost. If your car is under two years old, State Auto will pay to replace it with a new model instead of its depreciated value.
• Total loss plus. If your car is older than two years, this add-on will replace your vehicle with a model one year newer. If that’s not possible, State Auto will pay you 120% of your vehicle’s total value.

State Auto doesn’t have the longest list of add-ons, but the few available options provide valuable coverage. Make sure you only add extra coverage you think you need — add-ons can significantly raise your rates.

What are State Auto insurance packages?

When you buy minimum or full coverage, you can choose which insurance you want to include in your policy. Unlike many other insurance companies, State Auto offers convenient packages that bundle various coverage options.

There are three insurance packages to choose from:

• Standard
• Protection Plus
• AutoXtended Premier

All packages include basic insurance options like liability and comprehensive insurance, as well as $100 in roadside assistance.

The standard package includes nothing else beyond basic insurance and roadside assistance. If you choose the Protection Plus or AutoXtended Premier plans, you can add the following to your policy:

• Accident forgiveness. State Auto will forgive your first accident or minor traffic incident if you’ve been claims-free for a certain amount of time. The length you need to be claims-free varies by state.
• Safety glass. If your windshield or other glass is damaged outside of an accident, State Auto will pay for repairs.
• Total disability. If you become disabled after a car accident, State Auto will cover your wages.
• Attorney fees. If you’re arrested after causing an accident, your policy will cover any costs associated with your legal defense.
• Bail bonds. As additional protection, State Auto will cover any bonds set for your release if you’re arrested after an accident.
• Rented vehicle. This endorsement pays for rental cars if you need a temporary ride after a covered incident. It also handles repairs if you damage your rental car.
• Death indemnity. If you die in a car accident, this add-on acts as a life insurance policy, and State Auto will pay a beneficiary of your choice.
• GPS coverage. State Auto will repair or replace your GPS if it’s damaged in an accident.
• Customized equipment. Standard insurance only covers the original parts in your car. If you’ve modified your vehicle with custom equipment, this add-on covers them.
• Cell phone coverage. State Auto will pay up to $500 to repair or replace your cell phone if it’s damaged or destroyed in an accident.
• Locksmith services. You can get up to $250 in locksmith services covered if your keys are lost, damaged, or stolen.
• Pet coverage. State Auto covers up to $500 in veterinarian services if your pet is hurt in a covered accident.
• Emergency ambulance. With ambulance rides costing thousands of dollars, State Auto will pay up to $10,000 to get you to the hospital after an accident.

The difference between the Protection and AutoXtended plans is the amount of coverage in each add-on.

The AutoXtended plan comes with higher limits, giving you better coverage. For example, the emergency ambulance add-on covers ups to $25,000 with the AutoXtended package.

What other types of insurance does State Auto sell?

State Auto’s most popular product is car insurance, but you can also buy the following types of insurance:

• Condo
• Boat and yacht
• Business
• Renters
• Umbrella
• Farm and ranch

Like its car insurance, State Auto also offers three homeowners packages. Each package contains the basic types of home insurance, including dwelling, detached physical structures, personal belongings, and liability coverage.

The most basic package is the Standard plan, which includes identity theft protection with traditional home coverage. It also adds replacement costs, which pay to replace your personal belongings with new items rather than the depreciated value.

The Protection Plus plan includes everything from Standard, as well as locksmith services, golf cart rentals, and up to $1,000 coverage for freezer contents.

The most comprehensive plan State Auto offers is the Premier package, which includes:

• $500 to replace or repair GPS equipment and cell phones
• Fire extinguisher recharge fees
• $10,000 of identity theft recovery services
• $5,000 worth of coverage for equipment you use for a home business
• Mortgage expense coverage, which covers fees associated with a new mortgage
• Computer records coverage, which helps restore corrupted data
• Volunteer coverage, in case you’re sued for actions you performed as a volunteer
• Valuable items coverage for personal effects in your home, including furs, art, and jewelry
• False alarm coverage, in case the fire or police department responds to a false alarm

Like car insurance, you’ll pay more for better packages, but the coverage might be worth it. If you’re not sure how much home insurance you need, speak with a State Auto representative.

Find State Auto Insurance Quotes Today

State Auto isn’t the cheapest option for car insurance, so it’s not the best choice for drivers trying to stay on a budget. However, State Auto’s unique coverage options and convenient packages might make it a good choice if you don’t mind spending a little extra.

Although State Auto has good insurance choices, the expensive rates mean you should compare your options. If you don’t look at what other companies have to offer, you’ll probably overpay.

Get free auto insurance quotes today with our comparison tool below. Enter your ZIP code to compare Safe Auto to local companies in your area.

State Auto Insurance Companies Insurance Rates Breakdown

The main selling point for State Auto insurance is the variety of options, some of which are difficult or impossible to find elsewhere. Although Protection Plus or AutoXtended Premier packages offer excellent coverage, State Auto insurance quotes are generally higher than other companies.

Before you decide if State Auto’s extra coverage is worth it, you should compare rates with other companies. You can check how State Auto compares to other companies below, but remember that your rates will change based on your unique circumstances.

State Auto Minimum Insurance Rates

Most states require a minimum amount of auto insurance before you can drive or register your car. All states with minimum coverage laws require liability insurance, while many others require uninsured motorist or personal injury protection.

Minimum insurance is your cheapest option, no matter how much insurance your state requires. Minimum insurance is your best bet if you have an older, less valuable car or need to stick to a budget.

However, there can be significant variation between companies. Check below to see what the average driver pays for minimum insurance from the top companies:

Average Monthly Minimum Coverage Auto Insurance Rates for the Top Auto Insurance Companies

State Auto customers pay about 22% more for minimum insurance than the national average. These rates are significantly higher than cheaper companies like Progressive and State Farm.

Minimum insurance is cheaper, but it comes with the financial risk of paying for your own car repairs and medical bills out of pocket. An additional risk is hitting your policy limits before all damages are covered. If that happens, you’ll have to pay the rest.

State Auto Full Coverage Rates

State law never requires full coverage auto insurance, but loan lenders often require it when you finance a new car. It’s also useful for people with new or valuable cars or those who can’t afford to replace or repair their cars after an incident.

As you saw above, full coverage includes several types of insurance, including liability, comprehensive, collision, uninsured motorist, and personal injury protection. Although it doesn’t cover every inch of your car, it offers relatively complete protection against most of what life can throw at you.

Full coverage costs more than minimum insurance, and State Auto is once again a more expensive option. Check below to see how State Auto compares with its competition.

Average Monthly Full Coverage Rates for the Top Auto Insurance Companies

At 27% more expensive than the national average, State Auto is certainly not the cheapest option on the market. However, it is more affordable than a few options, including Allstate.

State Auto Insurance Rates by Age

There are a variety of factors that insurance companies look at to determine your rates. One with a huge impact is your age. Young drivers see some of the highest auto insurance rates, with quotes sometimes being three times what older adults pay.

Check State Auto average auto insurance rates by age to get an idea of how much you might pay for insurance:

Full Coverage Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Age & Gender

Like most companies, State Auto rates vary significantly between age groups. The average teen will pay 27% more for insurance than the national average, while the average adult sees rates only 7% higher.

There are a few reasons young drivers pay so much for insurance, but it all comes down to financial risk for companies. Young drivers are more likely to drive distracted, get into accidents, and engage in other reckless driving behaviors. The increased likelihood that teens will file claims is the most significant reason they pay more for insurance.

Teen drivers pay more for insurance, but they don’t have to worry about high rates forever. As long as they keep their driving record clean, their rates will start to decrease when they turn 25.

State Auto Insurance Rates After a Speeding Ticket

All driving violations will increase your insurance rates, including speeding tickets. As one of the most common traffic violations in the U.S., thousands of drivers see their rates increase after even a minor infraction.

While some companies are relatively forgiving of speeding tickets, the average driver pays about $41 more per month at State Auto than at other companies. Consider the following rates after a speeding ticket to get an idea of what you might pay at State Auto.

Average Monthly Auto Insurance Rates for the Top Insurance Companies for Drivers with a Traffic Ticket

If you’re interested in keeping your insurance rates low after a speeding ticket, companies like Progressive, Geico, and State Farm are usually better options. However, you can protect yourself from a rate increase with State Auto if you purchase accident forgiveness.

It takes about three years for your rates to return to normal after a speeding ticket, and you’ll likely see even higher rates if you get additional infractions during those three years. You may even need high-risk auto insurance.

State Auto Insurance Rates After an Accident

Insurance companies carefully examine your driving record for at-fault accidents because of the risk they pose for future claims. Statistically, a driver with one at-fault accident is more likely to cause another.

At-fault accidents can increase your rates by about 50%, though the exact amount depends on your state. If you have multiple at-fault accidents, you’ll see even higher spikes in your insurance rates. Some companies might even drop you as a customer if you have too many accidents on your record.

Once again, State Auto does not offer the cheapest rates. Compare how State Auto rates look after an at-fault accident with other companies:

Average Monthly Auto Insurance Rates for the Top Insurance Companies After an Accident

Unfortunately for State Auto customers, it has some of the most expensive rates after an at-fault accident. Only Allstate’s car insurance rates are more expensive.

Similarly to speeding tickets, at-fault accidents fall off your insurance record in about three years. As long as you don’t add more cause for concern, your coverage will eventually return to normal. Find out how auto insurance rates can change after an accident.

State Auto Insurance Rates After a DUI

Although even minor incidents will affect your rates, nothing has as big an impact as a DUI. Not only will you see higher insurance rates, but you’ll also face legal fees, license suspension, and possibly jail after a DUI.

Although State Auto is often far more expensive than other companies, it has slightly lower rates after a DUI. Compare State Auto’s rates after a DUI with other companies below:

Average Monthly Auto Insurance Rates for the Top Insurance Companies with a DUI

State Auto might not have the lowest rates, but it’s only 2% higher than the national average. For once, State Auto has more affordable rates than competitors, including Nationwide, Geico, and Allstate.

Insurance rates can be prohibitively expensive after a DUI, so it’s important to compare your options. If rates at standard companies are too high, you should consider shopping with a high-risk insurance company specializing in coverage after a DUI.

Your rates can double or triple after a single DUI charge, but some companies are less harsh than others. Even if you already have a policy, you should always compare new quotes after getting a DUI charge. Skipping this crucial step can lead to overpaying thousands of dollars for car insurance.

Like other traffic violations, you won’t be stuck paying high prices forever. However, having a DUI on your record will affect your car insurance rates for about seven years. Learn how to get auto insurance after a DUI.

State Auto Insurance Rates for Drivers With Low Credit Scores

Your credit score affects your insurance rates for two reasons. First, people with higher scores tend to pay their monthly bills on time. The second is that people with low credit scores file more claims.

When you have a lower credit score, you can pay up to $100 more per month for your insurance than people with higher scores.

Many companies are hesitant to insure drivers with low credit scores, but a few are more forgiving. Check below to see if State Auto is one of the more forgiving companies:

Full Coverage Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Credit Score

State Auto is still on the high side, but its average rates for low credit scores are only 7% higher than the national average. Companies like Geico, Farmers, and Progressive are cheaper choices if your credit isn’t as high as it could be.

Although it takes time and effort, you can lower your insurance rates by improving your credit score. Find out how to buy cheap auto insurance for drivers with bad credit.

State Auto Insurance Companies Discounts Available

Most insurance companies offer discounts to help people lower their rates. A company’s available discounts should be one of the things you consider when researching your insurance options.

Smaller companies often struggle to match the discount lists of larger companies, but State Auto doesn’t have that problem. State Auto offers the following auto insurance discounts:

• Bundling. State Auto offers a variety of insurance policies to meet nearly every need. You’ll earn this discount if you buy a homeowners or umbrella policy with your car insurance.
• Mutli-car. Households with more than one vehicle can earn a discount if they include more than one car in their policy.
• Anti-theft devices. State Auto will give you a discount on your comprehensive car insurance if your vehicle comes with or you install anti-theft devices.
• Paid in full. If you pay for your entire six-month policy at once rather than in monthly increments, State Auto will give you a small discount.
• Start-up. You can earn this discount when you’re a new customer with a pre-existing policy with another company. You must have had your pre-existing policy for at least six months to qualify.
• Driver education. Drivers under the age of 21 can earn a discount by taking a driver education course. The course must be on the approved State Auto course list to qualify.
• Defensive driver. State Auto rewards drivers who pass an accident prevention course with a small discount. You must be 21 or younger to qualify.
• Good student. Full-time students under 21 who maintain a 3.0 GPA can see significant savings.
• Student away. State Auto offers reduced rates for students who plan to attend college more than 100 miles from their home address. You can only earn this discount if you leave your car at home.
• Defensive driver. Earn this discount by completing an accident prevention course. Only drivers under 21 are eligible.

State Auto also offers a usage-based insurance program called Safety 360. Safety 360 rewards drivers for safe driving habits, such as obeying speed limits and driving during the day.

You can save up to 50% on your car insurance if you regularly practice safe habits, but this plan is not ideal if you don’t. Safety 360 is one of the few plans that penalize drivers for bad driving habits.