Comprehensive Review of State Auto Insurance 2024
Discover a comprehensive review of State Auto Insurance, covering their products, customer satisfaction, pricing, and performance. Learn about their coverage options, customer reviews, and how they compare to competitors. Find out if State Auto Insurance is the right choice for you.
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When choosing an insurance provider, it’s crucial to understand the various aspects that define the company’s offerings, customer satisfaction, pricing, and overall performance. This detailed review of State Auto Insurance covers these elements, supported by data, customer reviews, and comparisons with competitors.
Company Overview
State Auto Insurance, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, is part of Liberty Mutual, one of the largest property and casualty insurers in the United States. Established in 1921, State Auto provides a range of insurance products, including auto, home, and business insurance. The company operates in 33 states and primarily sells its products through independent agents.
Company Highlights:
- Founded: 1921
- Headquarters: Columbus, Ohio
- Parent Company: Liberty Mutual
- Operations: 33 states
- Products: Auto, home, business insurance
Customer Satisfaction and Reviews
Customer satisfaction is a key indicator of an insurance company’s performance. Based on a study by Jerry, State Auto ranks 9th overall among companies of similar size. The company has a customer satisfaction rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 60 reviews.
Customer Ratings Breakdown:
| Rating | Percentage |
|---|---|
| 5 Stars | 68.33% |
| 4 Stars | 11.67% |
| 3 Stars | 15% |
| 2 Stars | 5% |
| 1 Star | 0% |
In a survey of over 5,000 customers, 81.25% had a positive experience with State Auto, while only 4.17% reported negative feedback. These figures surpass the national average of 64% for positive reviews and 18.54% for negative reviews.
Key Points from Customer Reviews:
- Positive Feedback: Cost savings programs, coverage options, easy buying process, rideshare insurance, and efficient renewal process.
- Negative Feedback: High car insurance rates and limited availability across states.
Coverage Options
State Auto offers a variety of coverage options to cater to different customer needs. These include standard coverages and additional options for more comprehensive protection.
Standard Coverage Options:
| Coverage Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Liability Coverage | Protects against bodily injury and property damage claims if you are at fault in an accident. |
| Collision Coverage | Pays for damage to your car resulting from a collision, regardless of fault. |
| Comprehensive Coverage | Covers non-collision incidents like theft, vandalism, fire, and natural disasters. |
| Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage | Protects you if you're hit by a driver with insufficient or no insurance. |
| Medical Payments (MedPay) | Covers medical expenses for you and your passengers after an accident. |
| Personal Injury Protection (PIP) | Covers medical expenses, lost wages, and related costs, regardless of fault. |
Additional Coverage Options:
| Additional Coverage | Description |
|---|---|
| Roadside Assistance | Provides help for flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts, and towing. |
| Rental Reimbursement | Covers the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered loss. |
| Gap Insurance | Pays the difference between the actual cash value of your car and the remaining balance on your loan or lease if your car is totaled. |
| New Car Replacement | Replaces your car with a new one if it's totaled within the first year of ownership. |
| Better Car Replacement | Provides a car one model year newer if yours is totaled. |
| Rideshare Coverage | Extends your personal auto policy while you're driving for a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft. |
Highlighted Coverage: AutoXtended Endorsement Package State Auto’s AutoXtended Endorsement includes various additional coverages such as:
| Coverage Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Bail Bonds | Covers bonds related to an accident that caused injury or property damage. |
| Accident Forgiveness | Prevents rate increases after your first accident. |
| Customized Equipment Coverage | Pays for damage to equipment not installed at the factory or dealership. |
| Death Indemnity | Pays a set amount if the policyholder dies in a car accident. |
| Total Disability | Covers lost wages if you’re disabled as a result of an accident. |
| Attorney Fees Coverage | Pays lawyer fees if you’re arrested for causing injury in an accident. |
| Cell Phone Coverage | Pays to replace or repair your phone if it’s damaged in a car accident. |
| GPS Coverage | Covers repairs or replacement if your GPS is damaged. |
| Emergency Ambulance Coverage | Covers up to $10,000 for emergency transportation after an accident. |
| Locksmith Services or Key Replacement | Pays up to $250 if your keys are lost or stolen. |
| Pet Coverage | Pays up to $500 if your pet is injured or dies in a car accident. |
Rates and Pricing
State Auto’s insurance rates vary based on driver profile, location, and coverage needs. However, the company is generally considered more expensive than many competitors.
Average Monthly Rates:
| Insurer | Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| State Auto | $178 |
| Geico | $78 |
| State Farm | $55 |
| Allstate | $152 |
Discounts and Savings
State Auto offers a variety of discounts to help policyholders save on their premiums. Some notable discounts include:
| Discount Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Multi-Policy Discount | Save by bundling auto insurance with home, renters, or other policies. |
| Multi-Car Discount | Available when you insure more than one vehicle with State Auto. |
| Claims-Free Discount | Receive a cashback reward for going claim-free. |
| Diminishing Deductible | Reduce your deductible for every year without a claim. |
| Good Student Discount | Available for full-time students with a "B" average or better. |
| Safety Features Discount | Save for having safety features like anti-lock brakes and airbags. |
| Accident Prevention Course Discount | Save for completing an approved accident prevention course. |
| Low Mileage Discount | Get a discount for driving fewer miles. |
| State Auto Safety 360® | Based on safe driving habits tracked via a mobile app or plug-in device, potentially saving up to 50% on premiums. |
Claims Process
The claims process at State Auto has received mixed reviews. According to J.D. Power's 2023 claims satisfaction survey, State Auto scored below average in customer satisfaction. Customers have reported issues with the speed of claims resolution and communication during the process.
Claims Handling Ratings:
| Rating Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Overall Claims Satisfaction | 3.7/5 |
| Ease of Filing a Claim | 4.0/5 |
| Claim Resolution Speed | 3.5/5 |
Despite these challenges, State Auto offers several tools to streamline the claims process, including online claims filing, a mobile app, and access to a network of repair shops that guarantee repairs for as long as you own the vehicle.
Customer Feedback and Reviews
In addition to official ratings, customer feedback on platforms like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Consumer Affairs provides further insight into State Auto’s performance.
Comparison with Competitors
When compared to other major insurers, State Auto holds its own in several categories, particularly in pricing for good drivers and the availability of discounts.
State Auto vs. Competitors:
| Feature | State Auto | Geico | Progressive | State Farm | Allstate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 3.8/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.0/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Average Annual Cost | $2,100 | $1,846 | $2,112 | $1,976 | $2,665 |
| Discounts Available | Excellent | Good | Excellent | Good | Fair |
| Claims Satisfaction | 3.7/5 | 4.0/5 | 4.3/5 | 4.4/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Coverage Options | Broad | Broad | Broad | Broad | Broad |
| Telematics Program | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Sources: NerdWallet, Forbes Advisor, U.S. News and World Report
State Auto's strengths lie in its pricing for good drivers and its extensive discount offerings. However,it falls slightly behind in claims satisfaction and customer service when compared to some competitors.
Pros:
- Variety of Discounts: State Auto offers a wide range of discounts, making it possible to lower your premiums significantly.
- Broad Coverage Options: With numerous add-ons and standard coverage options, State Auto can tailor policies to fit diverse needs.
- Telematics Program: The RightTrack program rewards safe driving behaviors with premium discounts.
Cons:
- Claims Handling: Mixed reviews indicate that the claims process can be slow and communication can be improved.
- Customer Service: Some policyholders report issues with customer service, including long wait times and unhelpful responses.
- Rate Increases: Unexpected rate increases upon renewal are a common complaint among customers.
Conclusion
State Auto offers a robust selection of coverage options and discounts, making it a competitive choice for many drivers. However, its customer service and claims handling could benefit from improvements. For those who prioritize a variety of coverage options and potential savings through discounts, State Auto is worth considering. However, it's important to compare quotes and read reviews to ensure it meets your specific needs and expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What types of insurance does State Auto offer?
State Auto Insurance offers a range of insurance products, including auto, home, and business insurance. They also provide additional coverage options and endorsement packages to cater to various customer needs.
How does State Auto rank in customer satisfaction?
Based on a study by Jerry, State Auto ranks 9th overall among companies of similar size, with a customer satisfaction rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 60 reviews. The company has a positive feedback rate of 81.25%, surpassing the national average.
What are the average insurance rates at State Auto?
State Auto’s insurance rates vary depending on the driver’s profile, location, and coverage needs. Generally, the company is considered to be more expensive than many competitors. Average monthly rates can be obtained by getting a personalized quote from the company.
What discounts does State Auto offer to help reduce premiums?
State Auto provides a variety of discounts to help policyholders save on their premiums. Notable discounts include multi-policy discount, multi-car discount, claims-free discount, good student discount, safety features discount, and accident prevention course discount.
How does the claims process work at State Auto, and what are common customer experiences?
The claims process at State Auto can be initiated online, through their mobile app, or by contacting an agent. The company offers access to a network of repair shops that guarantee repairs. However, some customers have reported issues with the speed of claims resolution and communication during the process. Despite mixed reviews, tools like online claims filing and a mobile app aim to streamline the process.
Save on Car Insurance Today
Explore and compare rates from over 50 top insurance companies, including Progressive, Travelers, AAA, and Nationwide, to find the best car insurance deals.
Get Your Free Quote- No lengthy forms
- No spam or unwanted calls
- Quotes from trusted insurance providers
