State Farm and Progressive are large insurance companies with policies available in all 50 states. State Farm is known for its competitive pricing and high J.D. Power customer satisfaction ratings. Progressive stands out due to its robust coverage options, including loan payoff protection and pet injury coverage.

Both companies offer solid coverage, but depending on your priorities, one might be better for you. To determine the best option for you, compare rates, customer service reviews, and discount options. Your age, driving record, location, and chosen coverage levels can also help determine which insurer is better for your unique situation.

Here’s how Progressive and State Farm compare.

Progressive vs. State Farm: The verdict

State Farm earns a higher Insurify Quality (IQ) Score and offers lower average rates, making it an excellent pick for budget-conscious drivers with high standards. Drivers can also expect top-notch customer service since the company regularly ranks above average for customer satisfaction in J.D. Power’s auto insurance studies.

Progressive, on the other hand, has more coverage options. Drivers can get pet injury protection and loan/lease payoff coverage, which aren’t available from State Farm.

Progressive’s average rates are higher than State Farm’s, but the company offers a few more discounts, which could help you lower the costs of a Progressive auto insurance policy. And some drivers might consider access to more add-ons worth slightly higher rates.

Progressive

Progressive is the second-largest car insurance company in the U.S., based on market share, according to data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).

State Farm

State Farm is the largest car insurer by market share in the U.S, according to the NAIC.

Progressive Snapshot vs. State Farm Drive Safe & Save

Progressive and State Farm have optional telematics programs that allow drivers to opt in to tracking through a mobile app. Drivers can earn discounts for safe driving decisions, like following the speed limit, staying off phones, and obeying traffic signs.

With State Farm’s Drive Safe & Save program, you can reduce your car insurance rate by up to 30% — a significant savings. You can enroll in two ways: Download the Drive Safe & Save app or register an eligible vehicle in Connected Car. Your choices on the road determine how much you can save, and State Farm calculates deductions each time your policy renews (typically every six months).

Progressive’s Snapshot program is similar. Policyholders can participate in the program with the mobile app or a plug-in device. Most drivers save around $231 per year with Snapshot, but your actual rate deduction depends on your driving patterns and the amount you drive. You also earn a discount when you sign up.

Progressive vs. State Farm: Which is the cheapest?

State Farm has the lower average rates of the two, according to Insurify data. But other factors also affect how much you’ll pay, including your ZIP code, credit history, driving record, and age.1

Here’s how State Farm and Progressive rates compare for different driver categories.

State Farm: Cheapest for drivers with a clean driving record

State Farm has cheaper average rates for drivers with clean records.

State Farm: Cheapest for drivers with a speeding ticket

Regardless of the insurer, car insurance rates usually increase after a speeding ticket or accident. State Farm’s rates for drivers with a speeding ticket are lower than Progressive’s.

State Farm: Cheapest for teen drivers

Due to inexperience and reckless driving, teen drivers typically pay a higher rate.2 Because of that, it can be even more essential to find competitive rates. State Farm offers lower average rates for young drivers — nearly half the price of Progressive.

State Farm: Cheapest for drivers with bad credit

Drivers with good credit typically pay less for coverage, while drivers with bad credit tend to pay more. State Farm auto insurance has slightly lower rates for drivers with bad credit. However, the difference in cost between State Farm and Progressive is minimal.

State Farm: Cheapest for senior drivers

State Farm’s average rates for senior drivers are more competitive than Progressive’s average rates, which likely makes it a better choice for drivers on a budget.

Compare coverages: Progressive vs. State Farm

Progressive and State Farm offer many car insurance options, including liability insurance, personal injury protection, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, medical payments, collision, and comprehensive. Both insurers also have optional coverage for roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and rideshare coverage.

The primary difference between the companies is that Progressive offers lease/loan payoff coverage, while State Farm doesn’t. This coverage is similar to gap insurance, which helps cover the difference between what you owe and what your car is worth if it’s totaled. Progressive customers can also access pet injury protection, a unique perk for pet owners.

Here’s how the optional coverage selections for State Farm and Progressive compare.

Compare discounts: Progressive vs. State Farm

State Farm has better discounts than Progressive. State Farm drivers can earn discounts for completing a defensive driving course, maintaining a clean driving record, and installing an anti-theft device — none of which are available from Progressive. However, neither company offers discounts for military affiliation, low mileage, or alternative fuel.

Here’s how the discount options compare.

Progressive vs. State Farm FAQs

State Farm and Progressive are well-known insurers with solid coverage, but they have some notable differences. Here’s what to consider as you decide between the two companies.

  • Is Progressive or State Farm more expensive?

    Progressive is more expensive than State Farm based on average car insurance rates since State Farm’s rates are lower. However, your car insurance company is only one factor that affects how much you pay — others include your location, age, driving record, and vehicle type.

  • Is Progressive bigger than State Farm?

    State Farm is the largest auto insurer by market share, which means it’s the most prominent car insurance company in the United States. Progressive has the third-largest market share.3 Both auto insurance companies have solid financial strength and provide insurance nationwide.

  • Is State Farm the same as Progressive?

    State Farm and Progressive aren’t the same company. Both companies offer car insurance coverage and other insurance products for consumers, including homeowners and life insurance. But the companies aren’t connected.

  • Is Progressive or State Farm better for car insurance?

    The best car insurance company depends on what you’re looking for in an insurer. State Farm is probably the best choice if you’re looking for the cheapest rates. However, Progressive auto insurance might be better if you need lease/loan payoff protection or want auto insurance coverage for your pet.

Taylor Milam-Samuel
Taylor Milam-Samuel

Taylor Milam-Samuel is a writer and credentialed educator who is fascinated by how people earn, save, and spend their money. When she's not researching financial terms and conditions, she can be found in the classroom teaching.

Taylor has been a contributor at Insurify since February 2023.

Progressive vs. State Farm: Which Is The Best? (2025) | Insurify