Auto-Owners vs State Farm
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
State Farm
Like a good neighbor
Advantages
- Largest agent network in the U.S. for in-person service
- Deep bundling discounts when you combine auto, home, and life
- Strong financial stability ratings and long claims track record
- Drive Safe & Save telematics program for additional discounts
- Available in all 50 states
Drawbacks
- Base rates are not primarily behavior-based without opting into telematics
- Quoting and policy management can feel dated compared to app-first insurers
- Rates vary heavily by state and can be above average in some markets
Auto-Owners and State Farm both play in auto insurance, but they're aimed at different buyers. Auto-Owners is built for drivers in Auto-Owners' 26 states who want elite service and don't mind an agent-only process. State Farm is built for drivers who value agent relationships and want to bundle multiple policies. Which one fits depends on which of those descriptions sounds more like you.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Auto-Owners | State Farm |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Monthly Cost | Avg $115-$170/mo before bundling | Avg $120-$180/mo; heavy discount stacking |
| Quote Process | Independent agent only | Online, phone, or in-person with agent |
| Available Discounts | Multi-policy, safe driver, diminishing deductible, paid-in-full, good student | Multi-policy, good student, defensive driving, telematics |
| Claims Experience | 24/7 phone, agent-assisted, app for basic submission | Agent-assisted, app, phone, 24/7 hotline |
| Customer Support | Independent agents, phone | Local agents, phone, app, online |
| Coverage Options | Liability, collision, comprehensive, gap, roadside, rideshare in some states | Full line, liability, collision, comprehensive, umbrella, rideshare |
| Mobile App Quality | Basic, ID cards, payments, simple claim start | Good, claims, ID cards, payments |
| Bundling Options | Auto, home, life, umbrella, business, boat | Auto, home, renters, life, umbrella |
Auto-Owners Wins
Auto-Owners takes it overall (9/10 vs 8/10), but State Farm is still the sharper pick for drivers who value agent relationships and want to bundle multiple policies.
Auto-Owners's standout strength: Consistently top J.D. Power scores for claims and customer satisfaction. Its biggest drawback (quotes only through independent agents, no online purchase) is easier to live with than State Farm's (base rates are not primarily behavior-based without opting into telematics). State Farm isn't out of the running though — its own standout strength is largest agent network in the U.S. for in-person service. If you fit the profile of drivers who value agent relationships and want to bundle multiple policies, that alone can flip the decision.
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