State Auto car insurance review: Customizable auto insurance coverage

Over the shoulder view of a person looking at a car app on phone next to red car.Image: Over the shoulder view of a person looking at a car app on phone next to red car.
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Editors’ take: State Auto offers customers the opportunity to customize coverage options or choose from three insurance packages. State Auto could be a good option for people who want to combine personal, business and farm insurance. But if you like an online-centric experience, other insurers may be a better fit — State Auto only provides insurance quotes via an agent.


State Auto Insurance at a glance

J.D. Power customer satisfaction ratingsNot listed
How to get an insurance quoteVia an agent
How to submit a claimOnline

Pros

  • Range of coverage options
  • Opportunity for rate discounts based on your driving
  • Easy online claims process

Cons

  • Limited discounts

What you need to know about State Auto

State Auto is owned by Liberty Mutual. It operates with a network of independent agents.

In addition to auto insurance, the company offers various insurance policies for individuals, businesses, farms and ranches.

Numerous auto insurance coverage options

State Auto offers standard car insurance coverages including liability, medical payments/personal injury protection, uninsured/underinsured motorist, comprehensive and collision coverage.

State Auto also offers three levels of coverage options, plus other features you can add to meet your unique needs and budget.

 Rate discounts based on driving

The State Auto Safety 360 telematics program allows drivers to reduce their auto insurance premiums by up to 50%.

Just by participating in the program and installing a telematics device on your windshield, you earn an initial 10% participation discount. If the device gives you a high score for safe driving habits, you can get up to a 50% discount total on your auto renewal premium.

Auto coverage offered by State Auto

State Auto offers three coverage level options, allowing you to customize coverage to meet your needs.

  • Standard — The standard package offers the basic coverages like liability, medical payments, uninsured/underinsured motorists, comprehensive and collision.
  • Protection Plus — The AutoXtended® Plus option provides all the basic coverages of the Standard plan. It also provides Accident Forgiveness & Minor Violations coverage. These features allow you to avoid a rate increase after your first fender bender or minor traffic violation — such as rolling through a stop sign — as long as you’ve been free of accidents and moving violations for 35 consecutive months. The Plus option also offers additional coverage like locksmith/key replacement and cellphone coverage.
  • Premier — The AutoXtended® Premier option provides the highest level of coverage by adding policy enhancements and higher coverage amounts to the AutoXtended Plus plan.

Auto insurance discounts offered by State Auto Insurance

State Auto offers discounts for bundling multiple policies, installing an anti-theft device on your vehicle, having two or more cars on the same policy, taking an accident prevention or driver education course, paying your entire policy premium in advance, being a good student, and enrolling in the Safety 360 program.

While these discounts are helpful for customers, they’re not exactly unique. Many auto insurance companies offer discounts for bundling policies, installing anti-theft devices, insuring more than one car on a policy, taking a defensive driving course, being a student driver with good grades, and agreeing to allow your insurance company to track your mileage and driving behavior.

FAQs about State Auto insurance

Who is State Auto owned by?

Liberty Mutual Insurance acquired State Auto Group, the holding company that owned State Auto Insurance, in 2022.

Why is State Auto insurance so expensive?

Insurance carriers consider risk when quoting insurance premiums. Many use a credit-based insurance score to assess the likelihood of a car accident or claim. Prices can vary based on different factors, such as your age, driving history and annual mileage.

Not sure if State Auto Insurance is right for you? Consider these alternatives.

Many other car insurance providers can offer competitive rates and discounts if you’re looking for an alternative to State Auto.

  • Progressive offers coverage direct to consumers via phone or online. If you prefer a large insurance carrier with the potential for many discounts, Progressive could be a good option.
  • Geico offers special auto insurance rates for members of many organizations, including alumni associations, federal organizations and professional organizations.

About the author: Janet Berry-Johnson is a freelance writer with a background in accounting and insurance. She has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Morrison University. Her writing has appeared in Capitalist Review, Chase News &a… Read more.