State Auto Insurance Review (2024)

State Auto car insurance might not be the most well-known source of coverage, but it offers reliable plans with unique coverage options. Currently owned by Liberty Mutual, State Auto still manages its own policies in 33 states.

State Auto Insurance does not have the cheapest rates and is typically one of the most expensive companies. However, it might be one of the best companies for drivers who have a DUI.

Read on to learn more about State Auto Insurance and whether the extra coverage is right for you. Then, compare quotes with as many companies as possible to find the best prices.

What You Should Know About State Auto Insurance Companies

State Auto Insurance reviews are generally positive, although it receives more customer complaints than similarly sized companies.

Some of the best reviews to start with are from third-party rating companies. For example, A.M. Best rates companies on their financial strength. State Auto previously had an excellent rating of A but was recently downgraded to an A-.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) rates companies on their ability to resolve customer issues. State Auto Insurance gets an A+ from the BBB, though over a hundred complaints are listed on the site. Customers also report low satisfaction with the company on the BBB site.

A final important third-party rating organization is the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). The NAIC compares the number of complaints a company receives compared to its size, with the national average being 1.0. Anything higher than 1.0 means a company gets more complaints than usual.

State Auto has a score of 1.60, which means it receives a little less than double the complaints of similar companies.

State Auto Insurance Companies Insurance Coverage Options

Although Liberty Mutual purchased State Auto, it still sells policies under its own name. And it’s worth noting that State Auto offers a variety of coverage options, some of which can’t be found with Liberty Mutual auto insurance.

There are two basic types of insurance needs that State Auto covers — minimum insurance and full coverage. State Auto sells car insurance in 33 states, most of which require a minimum amount of coverage to drive legally. State Auto can meet those requirements and knows exactly what you need.

No state law requires full coverage, but you might need it if you have a car lease or loan. Even if it’s not required, full coverage is often a good choice for people with newer, expensive cars they can’t afford to replace.

No matter which type of coverage you need, you can buy the following basic insurance staples from State Auto:

• Bodily injury liability coverage. As one-half of liability insurance, bodily injury liability insurance pays for damages resulting from injuries to others when you’re at fault in an accident.
• Property damage liability coverage. Property damage liability insurance pays for damage you cause to cars, buildings, and other property. It does not cover your vehicle.
• Collision insurance. If you want help paying for your car’s repairs after an accident,  you’ll need collision insurance. Collision coverage also covers you if you strike another vehicle or hit a stationary object, like a tree.
• Comprehensive insurance. There’s a lot that can damage your car besides a collision. Comprehensive insurance covers unexpected events like theft, vandalism, fire, extreme weather, animal contact, and flooding.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Although most states require insurance, not all drivers obey the law. Uninsured motorist insurance helps cover your injuries or property damage caused by another driver with no insurance, insufficient insurance, or a hit-and-run-driver.
• Personal injury protection coverage. Depending on the state you live in, you can buy either medical payments coverage or personal injury protection insurance to cover your medical expenses after an accident.

Full coverage includes every insurance option listed above. Minimum insurance is your cheapest option if you’re interested in keeping your costs down. State requirements vary, but most at least include liability insurance. Other common requirements are personal injury protection or uninsured motorist insurance.

It can be a little tricky to understand exactly which insurance you need, but you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. A State Auto representative can help you choose the right levels of coverage.

Does State Auto offer car insurance add-ons?

Like most insurance companies, State Auto offers a few add-ons you can purchase to increase the value of your policy. State Auto offers the following add-ons:

• Rideshare insurance. If you drive for a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft, your personal policy doesn’t cover you while you’re working. Rideshare insurance fills in the gaps in Uber or Lyft insurance, so you’re always covered.
• Auto replacement cost. No matter what your car is worth, State Auto will completely replace it if it’s totaled. Only cars two years old or newer are eligible.
• Total loss plus. For cars older than two years, you can choose this add-on. State Auto will either replace your vehicle with a model one year newer or pay you 120% of your car’s total value.

Although it’s not the most comprehensive list of add-ons, there are still a few valuable options. You should carefully consider adding more coverage to your policy, though — add-ons can significantly increase your monthly rates.

What are State Auto insurance packages?

Aside from regular insurance options, State Auto also offers convenient packages. There are three main packages — standard, Protection Plus, and AutoXtended Premier.

All packages include the basic coverage options you’ll need to drive your car, like liability or collision insurance. They also include up to $100 in roadside assistance services.

The standard package offers nothing else beyond roadside assistance. Protection Plus and AutoXtended Premier offer a variety of coverages to choose from, including:

• Safety glass. As long as your glass isn’t damaged in an accident, State Auto will pay for repairs.
• Accident forgiveness. If you’ve gone without making a claim, State Auto will forgive your first accident or minor traffic violation. The amount of time you need to be claim-free varies by state.
• Bail bonds. This endorsement covers bonds related to a car accident where you caused injuries or property damage.
• Attorney fees. If you’re arrested after causing an accident, State Auto will pay your lawyer fees.
• Total disability. State Auto will cover your wages if a car accident disables you.
• Death indemnity. This endorsement acts as a life insurance policy and pays a set amount if you die in an accident.
• Rented vehicle. This covers rental cars — and repairs if you damage them — if you need a temporary ride while your vehicle is being repaired.
• Customized equipment. Standard insurance only covers the equipment your car comes with. Auto insurance for custom vehicles covers parts you add to your vehicle, like rims or stereo systems.
• Cell phone coverage. If your cell phone is damaged in a car accident, State Auto will pay up to $500 to repair or replace it.
• GPS coverage. If you have a GPS damaged in a car accident, State Auto will pay to replace or repair it.
• Emergency ambulance. Ambulance rides in the U.S. can cost thousands, but State Auto will cover up to $10,000 after an accident.
• Locksmith services. State Auto will cover up to $250 in locksmith services if your keys are stolen, damaged, or lost.
• Pet coverage. State Auto will pay up to $500 in vet bills if your pet is injured or killed in a car accident.

The main difference between the Protection Plus and AutoXtended packages is coverage limits. The AutoXtended package has much higher limits — for example, emergency ambulance covers up to $25,000.

What other types of insurance does State Auto sell?

State Auto sells much more than just car insurance. You can buy the following when choosing to shop at State Auto:

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

State Auto also offers three packages of homeowners insurance. All packages include the basic coverage you need for your home, including personal liability, dwelling, personal property, and detached physical structures.

The three home insurance packages are the Standard, Protection Plus, and Premier. The standard package includes identity theft protection in case you become the victim of identity theft. It also includes replacement costs coverage, which pays for the brand-new value of your personal belongings rather than their depreciated value.

The Protection Plus package includes golf cart rentals, locksmith services, and $1,000 worth of freezer content coverage. It also includes everything in the standard package.

Finally, the Premier package includes several additional coverages, including:

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

The better packages come with higher prices. However, you can save a little by purchasing both home and car insurance from State Auto.

Find State Auto Insurance Quotes Today

State Auto doesn’t have the cheapest rates on the market, but the unique coverage options you can add to your policy might make the price worth it. Although rates are usually expensive, drivers with a DUI might find affordable quotes from State Auto.

Many customers enjoy the extra coverages available for purchase, but high rates mean you should compare other companies. While State Auto’s unique coverage might be worth the higher prices, you might overpay if you don’t see what other companies are charging.

State Auto Insurance Companies Insurance Rates Breakdown

When people buy car insurance from State Auto, it’s usually for the extra coverage available in the Protection Plus or AutoXtended packages. State Auto rates are generally more expensive than other companies, regardless of your situation.

Although State Auto rates are usually higher than other companies, it might be worth it for the extra coverage you can add to your policy. Consider the rates for different demographics below, but keep in mind that your exact State Auto quote will vary depending on a variety of factors.

State Auto Minimum Insurance Rates

Unless you live in Virginia or New Hampshire, you’ll need to meet your state’s minimum auto insurance requirements before driving or registering your car. Most states require liability insurance, while many also include uninsured motorist or personal injury protection coverage.

No matter how much insurance your state requires, minimum coverage is your cheapest option. Minimum insurance is a good option for drivers who need to stick to a budget or have older, less valuable cars.

See below for the average minimum insurance policy costs.

Liability Auto Insurance Average Rates From Top Providers

State Auto’s minimum insurance rates are 22% higher than the national average, much more than those of cheaper companies like Geico.

Although you’ll save a significant amount by choosing minimum coverage, it comes with a financial risk. Minimum insurance does not cover repairs to your car, so you’ll have to pay from your own pocket.

State requirements usually have low coverage limits, so there’s also a chance that your insurance will run out. If that happens, you’ll be responsible for paying for any leftover damages.

State Auto Full Coverage Rates

You’ll never have to buy full coverage auto insurance to meet state requirements, but you might need it if you have a car loan or lease. Full coverage is a good idea for drivers with new or expensive cars or those who can’t afford to replace their vehicles.

Full coverage is a suite of insurances, including liability, comprehensive, collision, uninsured motorist, and personal injury protection coverages. While it doesn’t cover everything, full coverage insurance offers relatively complete protection.

Once again, State Auto is not the cheapest option on the market — check below to compare how it does against its competitors.

Average Monthly Full Coverage Rates for the Top Auto Insurance Companies

State Auto’s rates run a little higher than the cheapest full coverage company. At 27% higher than the national average, you’ll likely pay more for State Auto coverage. However, it’s not the most expensive option — Allstate car insurance typically costs more than State Auto.

State Auto Insurance Rates by Age

Insurance companies look at a variety of factors to determine your rates, and one of the most impactful is your age. Teens and young adults pay some of the highest prices for car insurance, with rates as much as triple what other drivers pay.

Young drivers pay more for car insurance for a few reasons. The most important is that young drivers are statistically more likely to get into accidents, drive recklessly, and engage in other dangerous driving habits.

Insurance companies also consider your driving record to get an idea of how risky you are to cover. Since new drivers don’t have a history, companies charge more to protect themselves financially.

To get an idea of how much drivers of different ages will pay for auto insurance, check below.

Full Coverage Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Age and Gender

State Auto rates vary significantly between age groups, like most other companies. For example, the average policy for a teen is 27% higher than the national average, while an older adult will see rates that are only 7% higher.

Although young drivers pay more for car insurance, they won’t be stuck with high rates forever. If you keep your driving record clean, your insurance rates will start to go down around age 25. Learn more about the average auto insurance rates by age.

State Auto Insurance Rates After a Speeding Ticket

Speeding tickets are one of the most common traffic violations American drivers can get, and even a minor infraction will increase your insurance rates. Unfortunately for State Auto drivers, you’ll pay at least $41 more per month after a speeding ticket than you would at other companies.

To see how State Auto compares for car insurance after a speeding ticket, check below.

Full Coverage Auto Insurance Monthly Rates: One Ticket vs. Clean Record

Once again, there are plenty of cheaper options than State Auto, including Geico, Progressive, and State Farm insurance. Although you’ll pay more for insurance, you’ll have the option to buy accident forgiveness, which would ignore your first speeding ticket.

Your car insurance rates will be higher after getting a speeding ticket, but they won’t stay high forever. Companies usually look back three years, meaning your rates will return to normal if you keep your driving record clean. Learn how a speeding ticket can affect your auto insurance rates.

State Auto Insurance Rates After an Accident

Besides speeding tickets, at-fault accidents have one of the most significant impacts on your insurance rates. Insurance companies consider a driver with one at-fault accident more likely to cause another in the future.

The average at-fault accident raises your insurance rates by about 50%, though the exact amount depends on the state you live in. You’ll see even higher spikes if you have multiple at-fault accidents, and you might be dropped as a customer if you get too many.

State Auto tends to have higher rates than other companies after an at-fault accident, but you can see the average rates.

Full Coverage Auto Insurance Monthly Rates: One Accident vs. Clean Record

State Auto is one of the most expensive companies for insurance after an at-fault accident, with only Allstate having higher average rates.

Although you’ll pay higher rates after an at-fault accident, prices eventually drop the same way they do after getting a speeding ticket. Insurance companies look back about three years for accidents, so your rates will be lowered if you avoid additional incidents. Learn how long an accident can stay on your record.

State Auto Insurance Rates After a DUI

Although speeding tickets or at-fault accidents affect your rates, getting a DUI charge has one of the largest impacts on your insurance. Aside from license suspension, legal fees, and jail, DUIs have long-lasting effects on your insurance rates.

Finding affordable auto insurance for drivers with a DUI, is usually a challenge. You’ll find a few companies that refuse to work with you after a single DUI, and you’ll always see your rates increase. Many drivers need to find high-risk car insurance, especially if they have more than one DUI.

You should expect your rates to double or even triple after a DUI charge, although rates vary by company. However, some companies are more forgiving than others, so it’s critical that you compare quotes after a DUI. If you don’t compare quotes, you could overpay for insurance by thousands every year.

Compare auto insurance rates after a DUI charge with other companies below.

Full Coverage Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Driving Record

As with most other demographics, State Auto does not have the most affordable rates. However, State Auto’s DUI insurance rates are only 2% higher than the national average. State Auto is actually cheaper than many other companies after a DUI, including Geico, Nationwide, and Allstate.

Similarly to other traffic incidents, DUIs don’t affect your car insurance rates forever. However, DUIs impact your rates for much longer than speeding tickets or at-fault accidents — your insurance quotes will be higher for about seven years. Learn more about what a DUI is here.

State Auto Insurance Rates for Drivers With Low Credit Scores

Some factors that affect your car insurance rates are obvious, such as your age or driving history. One that often catches drivers off-guard is their credit score — drivers with low credit scores pay more for insurance.

There are two reasons why companies charge more for car insurance if you have poor credit. The first is that companies assume people with higher credit scores will pay their monthly bills on time. Companies also have detailed statistics for claims, and the numbers show that people with lower scores file more claims.

Drivers with low credit scores pay about $100 a month more than people with higher scores. However, high prices are not necessarily permanent. If you can improve your credit score, your car insurance rates will drop.

Check below to see if State Auto is a good choice if you have a low credit score.

Average Monthly Auto Insurance Rates by Credit Rating

Although State Auto’s rates are only 7% higher than the national average, there are plenty of cheaper options. If your credit score is on the low side, you should consider companies like Geico, Progressive, or Farmers. Learn how a credit score can impact your insurance rates.

State Auto Insurance Companies Discounts Available

Insurance companies offer discounts to help customers save money, which you should look at when shopping for coverage. Smaller companies are often lacking in discount selections compared to larger companies, but State Auto doesn’t have this problem.

When you shop at State Auto, you might be eligible for the following auto insurance discounts:

• Multi-car. If you have more than one vehicle in your household, you can save money by adding them to the same policy.
• Bundling. State Auto sells several types of insurance. You’ll earn a discount if you buy a home or umbrella policy in addition to car insurance.
• Paid in full. You can pay for your entire policy at once or split payments into monthly increments. You’ll earn a small discount if you choose to pay in full.
• Anti-theft devices. If your car has anti-theft devices, State Auto will discount your comprehensive insurance.
• Driver education. Drivers under the age of 21 — or 25 in South Carolina — can earn a discount for completing a driver education course.
• Start-up. New customers who had an existing policy with another company for at least six months can earn this discount.
• Good student. Full-time students under age 21 who maintain a 3.0 GPA can earn an auto insurance discount for good students.
• Student away. State Auto will lower your rates if you leave your car at home while you attend a college more than 100 miles from home. Learn more about auto insurance for a child at college.
• Defensive driver. Earn this discount by completing a defensive driving course. Only drivers under 21 are eligible.

You can also take advantage of the State Auto Safety 360 program, which is a usage-based insurance plan that rewards safe driving. You can save up to 50%, which is one of the largest discounts any company offers.

However, the Safety 360 program is one of the only plans of this kind that includes surcharges for bad driving habits, so you should consider if this plan is right for you before signing up.