GEICO vs. State Farm: Which company is best for you?
GEICO and State Farm collectively take a large share of the car insurance market as two of the most popular names in insurance. While they both enjoy nationwide brand recognition, selecting the one you can depend on is an important decision you'll need to make when you're shopping around for the best price and coverage.
We've compared both companies to give you an idea of what you can expect as a customer. Read on to find out more.
GEICO car insurance
GEICO generally receives positive customer satisfaction ratings, and our data found that the company offers some of the most affordable rates compared to other insurers. As of 2020, GEICO has the second-largest share of the auto insurance market and is one of the most recognizable insurers in the country.
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State Farm car insurance
Claiming 16% of the auto insurance market, State Farm is the most prominent car insurance provider in the U.S. State Farm has received good ratings from reputable third-party organizations and customers alike, especially in customer satisfaction and financial outlook. It also received strong ratings in The Zebra's independent customer satisfaction survey. State Farm has a large network of agents, a perk for customers who prefer a personalized experience.
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Which company comes out on top?
Tie
GEICO and State Farm are very comparable and performed well in most categories, including customer satisfaction, coverage options and price. We recommend looking into both companies for quotes and selecting a company based on cost and quality of coverage.
GEICO vs. State Farm:Â car insurance rate comparison
We've analyzed average rates from State Farm and GEICO to help simplify the comparison process. Companies use an array of pricing components, including credit rating, driving history and age to estimate quotes. Taking a look at these rates should help you recognize what a fair premium looks like from either insurer. Just remember that your rates are likely to be different than our samples since you likely don't match our driver profile in our methodology exactly — so these premiums should be used as a jumping-off point while you're shopping for auto insurance.
Because companies' rates differ by so many factors, including driving history, age, location and more, choosing a car insurance company can prove challenging, which makes it all the more important to compare their pros and cons.
Want to learn more about these two companies? Read our full reviews of GEICO and State Farm.
GEICO has the most affordable rates overall on average. However, this can vary from person to person according to the rating factors companies use to generate estimates. This is why it's always a good idea to get quotes from many different insurers to see which policy is best for you.
GEICO vs. State Farm:Â pricing by credit score
If you have very poor credit, GEICO could be the best option for you. In fact, GEICO offers lower premiums than State Farm at every credit tier level. View common insurance rates by credit level for State Farm and GEICO below.
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RATES BY CREDIT LEVEL: STATE FARM VS. GEICO
Credit level | GEICO avg. annual premium | State Farm avg. annual premium |
Very Poor (300-579) | $2,051 | $3,522 |
Fair (580-669) | $1,358 | $2,003 |
Good (670-739) | $1,485 | $1,613 |
Very Good (740-799) | $1,120 | $1,451 |
Exceptional (800-850) | $1,064 | $1,260 |
The Zebra’s auto insurance data methodology
The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.
The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.
For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.
GEICO vs. State Farm: rates for high-risk drivers
RATES BY CITATION: STATE FARM VS. GEICO
Violation | GEICO avg. annual premium | State Farm avg. annual premium |
At-fault accident (damage < $1,000) | $1,857 | $2,849 |
At-fault accident (damage > $1,000) | $1,580 | $1,524 |
DUI/DWI | $2,550 | $3,854 |
Reckless driving | $2,238 | $2,895 |
Speeding ticket | $1,395 | $1,983 |
GEICO vs. State Farm: rates by age
Insurance companies use a driver's age to estimate potential risk and price premiums on a sliding scale. An auto insurance policy is commonly most expensive for teens — due to their inexperience — and relatively more affordable for drivers aged 25 or older. Since every insurance company evaluates age brackets differently, it's wise to compare rates and find great coverage.
As a general rule, teen drivers should choose GEICO before State Farm: GEICO offers average yearly savings of $2,312, compared to State Farm. GEICO was also cheaper for most drivers no matter their age.
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RATES BY AGE: STATE FARM VS. GEICO
Age tier | GEICO avg. annual premium | State Farm avg. annual premium |
Teens | $3,508 | $5,820 |
20s | $1,438 | $2,379 |
30s | $1,218 | $2,379 |
40s | $1,189 | $1,587 |
50s | $1,160 | $1,558 |
60s | $1,065 | $1,485 |
Costs aside, GEICO and State Farm both have pros and cons, including discount programs, customer satisfaction ratings, policy add-ons and financial stability. Continue reading to learn more about these companies' ratings, and make an informed decision by getting quotes and comparing rates before finalizing a policy.
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Ratings comparison: GEICO vs. State Farm
When looking for a new auto policy, cost shouldn't be the only thing to compare. Positive assessments from customers and third-party rating agencies can help you find an insurance company that provides good rates and great customer service. We compared a variety of ratings for both GEICO and State Farm to help you determine each company's customer satisfaction level, number of complaints and fiscal security. An insurer's financial outlook is crucial in its ability to pay out claims.
Ratings comparison | GEICO | State Farm |
---|---|---|
Financial strength (A.M. Best) | Superior | Excellent |
JD Power (claims satisfaction) | Average | Above average |
JD Power (customer satisfaction) | Average | Above average |
NAIC rating | Average | Above average |
The Zebra's editorial review score | 5/5 | 4.5/5 |
The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey | 4.4/5 | 4.5/5 |
Which company scores best?
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GEICO and State Farm both got high marks in The Zebra's annual Customer Satisfaction Survey, which you can see in more detail below. While GEICO has a better editorial review score, State Farm makes up for this with above-average assessments from JD Power and the NAIC.
The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey
The Zebra conducted a survey to get a sense of which major car insurance providers are viewed by their customers. Find a rundown of the results below.
GEICO came in fourth place overall with a score of 4.4 out of 5. Below are some highlights from the survey.
- GEICO placed first for Online Satisfaction (website and apps)
- Scored well for Customer Service and Willingness to Recommend
- Viewed most favorably by drivers in the Boomer generation
State Farm came in third place overall with a score of 4.5. Find more of the survey highlights below.
- Scored well among younger drivers
- Second place for Claims Satisfaction
- Third place for Ease, Customer Service, Trust and Willingness to Recommend
The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey methodology
Methodology:
These results are based on a survey of 2,722 U.S. insurance policyholders assessing satisfaction with their car and homeowners insurance providers. The survey was conducted using Survey Monkey and designed by our in-house team. It aimed to collect detailed insights from a census-balanced sample reflecting age, gender, and region.
Questionnaire
The questionnaire included demographic questions about age and gender identification and detailed inquiries into insurance experiences. Key topics:
- Duration with insurance provider and coverage specifics, including teen drivers.
- Claim filing experiences and satisfaction with claims handling.
- Customer service interactions, trust in providers, and likelihood of recommending their insurance.
- Use and satisfaction with digital tools and usage-based insurance programs.
Respondents rated their satisfaction on a Likert scale from 1 to 10 and provided qualitative feedback.
Data Analysis
Data were analyzed focusing on descriptive and inferential statistics to identify satisfaction trends and demographic impacts. Data cleaning and weighting were applied to ensure accuracy, alongside strict confidentiality protocols to protect data security.
GEICO vs. State Farm: discount comparison
Car insurance discounts can help you save money on your insurance premiums. While individual discounts tend to be quite small, they can add up. Take a look at how discounts from GEICO and State Farm stack up below.
GEICO and Progressive both offer a similar number of discounts on car insurance. GEICO also offers a senior citizen discount to qualifying drivers. If unsure, ask a representative about which discounts for which you may qualify.
Telematics options: GEICO vs. State Farm
GEICO and State Farm both offer telematics car insurance programs that can be beneficial for certain types of drivers and help save money on their premiums. Have a look at the comparison below to see if one stands out as a better option for your insurance needs.
GEICO Drive Easy Pro is an app that tracks your driving habits to better assess your level of risk. For safe drivers, this can sometimes result in cheaper rates. Currently, the app is rated on app stores at 3.5 out of 5 stars (both Google Play and the Apple Store).
State Farm Drive Safe & Save is available in most states and could be a good option for low-mileage drivers. The app collects data on your mileage and the way you drive in order to calculate your savings. The company claims that it can save customers up to 30% on premiums, though this may vary by state.
Zebra tip: Explore both companies for telematics options
The telematics options from both State Farm and GEICO could offer savings for careful drivers. However, keep in mind that depending on your driving habits, you may not save as much as you'd expect — but nonetheless, these programs are worth exploring to potentially save money on your premium.
Roadside assistance: GEICO vs. State Farm
Roadside assistance is a great safety net against getting stranded on the side of the road due to a breakdown. Check out the different roadside assistance packages offered by both GEICO and State Farm below.
GEICO
GEICO's roadside assistance offers the following benefits:
- Towing
- Jump starts
- Tire changes (when you have a spare)
- Up to $100 for lockout services
- Fuel delivery
- Winching for stuck vehicles (depending on severity)
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State Farm
State Farm's Emergency Road Service offers the following:
- Mechanical labor at the place of breakdown
- Towing of your vehicle to a repair facility,
- Removal of a stuck vehicle
- Delivery of gas or oil
- Assistance with changing a tire or a jumpstart
- Locksmith services
GEICO vs. State Farm: home insurance
Both State Farm and GEICO offer homeowners coverage options. These can be purchased as individual policies or bundled together with auto or other coverage types. Progressive has a much larger presence in the auto insurance space than it does homeowners, and some policyholders may find its policy options limiting. GEICO offers homeowners insurance through a number of partner companies instead of under its own banner.
GEICO homeowners insurance review
While not as large a portion of its business as auto insurance, homeowners coverage remains an important part of GEICO's product offerings. The company partners with many insurers throughout the nation to provide home insurance. Customer service scores and third-party ratings remain high, though the company doesn't offer very many discount opportunities on home insurance.
- The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey – 4.4/5: GEICO's home insurance coverage earned a relatively high score in The Zebra's 2021 customer satisfaction survey.
- Claims satisfaction (J.D. Power) – Not ratedÂ
- Customer satisfaction (J.D. Power) – Not ratedÂ
- Financial strength (AM Best) – Superior: GEICO received an 'A' rating from AM Best, underlining its solid financial standing.Â
- NAIC Rating – Excellent: The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) received fewer customer complaints than average regarding GEICO homeowners insurance in 2020.
State Farm homeowners review
State Farm has a number of great options for add-on coverage, making it a great option for customers looking for flexible or unique coverages. However, State Farm's average rates tend to be higher than average. The company also suffers from a lack of available homeowners discounts — only three discount options at present. State Farm's home insurance options enjoy good ratings from third-party agencies, and the company ranked fifth place overall in The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey. Still, homeowners looking for basic insurance with not many bells or whistles may wish to look for an alternative.
Learn more about the company's home insurance in our detailed review below.
- The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey — 4.4/5: State Farm was given an above-average rating among the top 15 home insurance providers surveyed.
- Claims satisfaction (J.D. Power Rating) — Below average: J.D. Power's most recent study rated State Farm as just shy of the industry average for property claims satisfaction.
- Customer satisfaction (J.D. Power Rating) — Above average: State Farm was awarded an above-average rating for customer satisfaction in J.D. Power's Home Insurance Study.
- Financial strength — Excellent: A.M. Best rated State Farm as having excellent financial viability, signaling its ability to pay for claims.
- NAIC Rating — Average: State Farm's home insurance received an average amount of complaints as logged by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
Which company comes out on top?
Tie
Both GEICO and State Farm can provide customers with good homeowners policies. If you go with GEICO, however, it's important to keep in mind that it doesn't actually underwrite its own policies.
GEICO vs. State Farm: home insurance rate comparison
State Farm's average annual homeowners insurance rate is $1,356, or about $113 a month. Because GEICO does not underwrite its own homeowners policies, it's more difficult to provide accurate rate data.
Your individual rates will vary from one company to another. This is because every insurance company has different methods for underwriting. Your rates are highly dependent upon both where you live and your individual profile, and each company will weigh factors such as area crime, proximity to fire-fighting services and the age of your home differently. Learn more about these rating factors.
For this reason, it's highly recommended that you shop for homeowners quotes from a number of different sources, as this will likely lead you to the best rate. While cost is an important factor when shopping for homeowners insurance, it's most important to have good coverage from an insurer that you can trust.
Based on the data we have available, State Farm has the cheapest home insurance rates at around $113 per month.
The Zebra’s homeowners insurance data methodology
The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.
The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.
For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.
GEICO vs. State Farm: homeowners discount comparison
Home insurance discounts are useful for saving some money on your policy. Both companies offer few discounts compared to other insurers.
Discount comparison | GEICO | State Farm |
---|---|---|
Claims free | ||
Recent home buyer | ||
Multi-policy | ✓ | ✓ |
Early signing | ||
Newer/more durable roof | ✓ | |
Protective devices (smoke/burglar alarms, etc.) | ✓ | ✓ |
Paid in full | ||
Auto pay |
It's important to note that there may be more options for discounts through GEICO's partner companies. Be sure to verify with each insurer that you're getting all of the discounts you qualify for before finalizing your policy.
Zebra tip: Check out State Farm if you are seeking home insurance discounts
Neither company offers a large number of discount opportunities, but State Farm has a slight edge over GEICO — especially if your home has a newer roof. However, even with extra discounts, other companies may still offer more affordable rates. Compare quotes from both to see which is a better fit and a better price.
Other insurance products and bundling options
GEICO and State Farm both have options for bundling multiple policy types. Bundling policies can lead to savings in many cases. See our table below for a side-by-side comparison.
Other products | GEICO | State Farm |
---|---|---|
Boat insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
Condo insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
Life insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
Homeowners insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
Travel trailer insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
Renters insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
RV insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
Motorcycle insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
Mobile home insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
Umbrella | ✓ | ✓ |
Offroad vehicles and ATVs | ✓ | ✓ |
Find the best insurance policy for your needs.
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About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
- The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
- The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
- The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.