Auto-Owners vs Erie
Last updated July 2026
Auto-Owners
The 'no problem' people
Advantages
- Consistently top J.D. Power scores for claims and customer satisfaction
- Diminishing deductible and accident forgiveness available on eligible policies
- Green Deductible waives up to $250 of your deductible for a claim-free year
- Strong bundling discounts with home, life, and umbrella policies
- Available in 26 states across the Midwest, Southeast, and Mid-Atlantic
Drawbacks
- Quotes only through independent agents, no online purchase
- Not available on the West Coast or in the Northeast
- Digital tools trail Progressive and Geico for on-the-go management
Erie
Above all in service since 1925
Advantages
- Top-tier J.D. Power scores across its regions
- Rate Lock holds your premium steady until you change your policy
- First Accident Forgiveness included as standard on many policies
- Diminishing deductible reduces your deductible each claim-free year
- New car protection replaces a totaled car with a comparable current-year model
Drawbacks
- Only available in 12 states plus DC
- Independent Erie agents only, no direct online purchase
- Digital tools are functional but trail the national carriers
Auto-Owners and Erie are two of the best-kept secrets in auto insurance, both are regional mutual carriers with elite J.D. Power scores that most drivers have never heard of. Auto-Owners operates in 26 states, mostly Midwest and Southeast. Erie is smaller with 12 states plus DC, mostly Mid-Atlantic and Midwest. Where they overlap, both consistently undercut the national brands on price while beating them on service.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Auto-Owners | Erie |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Monthly Cost | Avg $115-$170/mo before bundling | Avg $110-$165/mo before bundling |
| Quote Process | Independent agent only | Independent agent, online quote requests |
| Available Discounts | Multi-policy, safe driver, diminishing deductible, paid-in-full, good student | Multi-policy, safe driver, Rate Lock, YoungRider, reduced usage |
| Claims Experience | 24/7 phone, agent-assisted, app for basic submission | 24/7 phone, agent-assisted, app for basic claim submission |
| Customer Support | Independent agents, phone | Independent agents, phone, limited chat |
| Coverage Options | Liability, collision, comprehensive, gap, roadside, rideshare in some states | Liability, collision, comprehensive, rideshare, roadside, new car protection |
| Mobile App Quality | Basic, ID cards, payments, simple claim start | Basic, ID cards, payments, simple claim start |
| Bundling Options | Auto, home, life, umbrella, business, boat | Auto, home, renters, life, umbrella |
Too Close to Call
In the states where both operate (PA, OH, IL, WI, IN, TN, KY, NC, VA, WV), it's a genuine coin-flip. Erie edges on Rate Lock predictability, Auto-Owners edges on state footprint.
Both carriers are elite service operations that consistently outperform the national brands. In the overlap states, get quotes from an agent for each and pick the cheaper policy, they're both good enough that price should decide. Outside the overlap, whichever one is available wins by default. If you can get either, don't waste time shopping Geico or State Farm on service quality.
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