⚡ Quick Verdict
CHOOSE STATE FARM IF:
- ✓ You want lower rates
- ✓ You want the biggest agent network
- ✓ You're bundling home + auto
CHOOSE ALLSTATE IF:
- ✓ You want accident forgiveness
- ✓ You want deductible rewards
- ✓ You need rideshare coverage
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Factor | State Farm | Allstate | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. Full Coverage | $2,167/yr | $2,605/yr | State Farm |
| NAIC Complaint Index | 0.79 | 1.10 | State Farm |
| AM Best Rating | A++ | A+ | State Farm |
| J.D. Power Claims | Above Avg | Below Avg | State Farm |
| Bundle Discount | ~23% | Up to 25% | Tie |
| Accident Forgiveness | Add-on (some states) | Built-in | Allstate |
| Deductible Rewards | ✗ Not offered | $100/year off | Allstate |
| Agent Network | 19,000+ | 10,000+ | State Farm |
| Dog Breed Restrictions | None | Yes | State Farm |
Overall: State Farm wins on price, complaints, and financial strength. Allstate wins on unique perks like accident forgiveness and deductible rewards. For most drivers, State Farm is the better value.
Unique Perks Comparison
State Farm Exclusives
- Drive Safe & Save: Up to 30% discount for safe driving tracked via app or device.
- Steer Clear (under 25): Driver training program for young drivers to earn discounts.
- No banned dog breeds: Unlike most insurers, State Farm doesn't restrict home coverage based on dog breed.
- Simple Insights blog: Financial education resources for policyholders.
Allstate Exclusives
- Accident Forgiveness: Your first at-fault accident won't raise your rates (built-in after being claim-free).
- Deductible Rewards: $100 off your deductible each year you're accident-free, up to $500 total.
- Safe Driving Bonus: Get a check every 6 months for driving accident-free.
- Rideshare coverage: Specific protection for Uber/Lyft drivers.
Claims Experience
State Farm Claims
- • 88% claims satisfaction (Insure.com)
- • Above average J.D. Power score
- • NAIC complaint index: 0.79
- • Local agent handles claims personally
Allstate Claims
- • 77% claims satisfaction (Insure.com)
- • Below average J.D. Power score
- • NAIC complaint index: 1.10
- • QuickFoto Claim app for fast estimates
Important: Allstate's higher complaint index (1.10 vs State Farm's 0.79) suggests you may face more friction during the claims process. This is worth considering, especially if you're accident-prone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Allstate more expensive than State Farm? ▼
Allstate includes more built-in perks (accident forgiveness, deductible rewards, safe driving bonuses) that add to the base premium. State Farm offers a simpler, more stripped-down product at a lower price. You're essentially paying for Allstate's bells and whistles whether you use them or not.
Which is better for bundling home and auto? ▼
State Farm offers about 23% bundling discount and is the #1 home insurer in the US. Allstate offers up to 25%. However, State Farm's lower base rates usually make it the better deal overall. Plus, State Farm's 0.79 complaint index for home insurance beats Allstate's.
Does State Farm have accident forgiveness? ▼
Yes, but it's an add-on in most states, not built-in like Allstate. You'll pay extra for it. If accident forgiveness is important to you and you expect to use it, calculate whether Allstate's higher premium is worth the built-in coverage.
The Bottom Line
State Farm is the better choice for most drivers. Lower rates ($2,167 vs $2,605), better complaint record (0.79 vs 1.10), stronger financial rating (A++ vs A+), and a massive agent network make it hard to beat.
Allstate makes sense if you specifically want built-in accident forgiveness and deductible rewards—and are willing to pay extra for them. Otherwise, State Farm offers better value.