GEICO vs State Farm: Which is Better for You?

  • The Zebra's pick: GEICO
  • GEICO is cheaper and has better ratings than State Farm.
  • Your experience with GEICO and State Farm will vary based on individual rating factors.
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Why you can trust The Zebra

The Zebra partners with some of the companies we write about. However, our content is written and reviewed by an independent team of editors and licensed agents. Reference our data methodology and learn more about how we make money.

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Ross Martin

Insurance Writer

Ross joined The Zebra as a writer and researcher in 2019. He specialized in writing insurance content to help shoppers make informed decisions.

Ross h…

Credentials
  • 5+ years in the Insurance Industry
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Beth Swanson

Insurance Analyst

Beth joined The Zebra in 2022 as an Associate Content Strategist. A licensed insurance agent, she specializes in creating clear, accessible content t…

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • Associate in Insurance (AINS)
  • Professional Risk Consultant (PRC)
  • Associate in Insurance Services (AIS)
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Kristine Lee

Insurance Analyst

Kristine is a licensed insurance agent who joined The Zebra in 2019 as an in-house content researcher and writer. Before joining The Zebra, she was a…

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • 6+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry

GEICO vs. State Farm: What's the difference?

The Zebra's choice: GEICO

GEICO has higher ratings and offers cheaper rates than State Farm.

GEICO:

  • Cost: $79/month for full coverage
  • Customer service: 4
  • Claims handling: 2
  • Digital experience: 4.8
  • Trust: 4.5
  • Overall rating: 3.8

GEICO comes out on top when it comes to cheaper rates, customer service and trust scores

State Farm:

  • Cost: $98/month for full coverage
  • Customer service: 3.6
  • Claims handling: 2
  • Digital experience: 4.8
  • Trust: 4
  • Overall rating: 3.6

State Farm scored lower in customer service and trust than GEICO.


GEICO vs. State Farm: rates for high-risk drivers

If you have infractions like an at-fault collision, speeding ticket, reckless driving violation or DUI in your driving history, finding cheap car insurance can prove more difficult. However, we found that GEICO could be more affordable than State Farm if you have recent violations. Each auto insurance company has different post-violation pricing structures, so always do your due diligence and compare quotes to understand which insurer suits you best.
 
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

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 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.

 

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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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 vs. State Farm: discount comparison
Discount comparison GEICO State Farm
Good student
Multiple policies
Multiple vehicles
Anti-theft device(s)
Anti-lock brake system
Air bags
Good driver
Defensive driver
Student away at school
Driver training
Green vehicles
Affinity membership alum
Advanced purchase
Pay in full
Home owner
eSign or ePay
Telematics
New Vehicle
Annual Mileage
Military
Continuous coverage

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 logo
GEICO DriveEasy

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 logo
State Farm Drive Safe & Save

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)

 

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
tow truck

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

4 100% filled Star icon 100% filled Star icon 100% filled Star icon 100% filled Star icon 0.0% filled Star icon

Rating from The Zebra Question mark icon

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.

100% filled Star icon 100% filled Star icon 100% filled Star icon 100% filled Star icon 0.0% filled Star icon
4 stars Rating from The Zebra
Ratings based on price, customer service, coverage, and financial strength.
Learn more
  • 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 rated 
  • Customer satisfaction (J.D. Power) – Not rated 
  • Financial strength (AM Best) – Superior: GEICO received an 'A' rating from AM Best, underlining its solid financial standing. 
  • 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

4 100% filled Star icon 100% filled Star icon 100% filled Star icon 100% filled Star icon 0.0% filled Star icon

Rating from The Zebra Question mark icon

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.

100% filled Star icon 100% filled Star icon 100% filled Star icon 100% filled Star icon 0.0% filled Star icon
4 stars Rating from The Zebra
Ratings based on price, customer service, coverage, and financial strength.
Learn more
  • 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.

Cheapest average rates
Cheapest average rates

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.

GEICO VS. STATE FARM: HOMEOWNERS DISCOUNT COMPARISON
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.

GEICO VS. STATE FARM: Other insurance products
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

Frequently asked questions: GEICO vs State Farm

 

GEICO wins overall for better pricing and overall ratings; however, State Farm wins in agent access and claims experience.

GEICO typically offers the lowest average rates, but costs can differ for each driver depending on the rating factors insurers use. That’s why it’s smart to compare quotes from multiple companies to find the policy that fits you best.

Yes, State Farm has strong financial strength (which can hint at a financial ability to pay out claims) has above-average claims satisfaction, complaints, and customer ratings.

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.