State Auto Insurance Reviews: A Comprehensive Overview
Choosing the right auto insurance provider can be daunting, with numerous factors to consider, from coverage options to customer service and cost. State Auto Insurance, now part of Liberty Mutual following its acquisition in 2022, has been serving policyholders across 33 states for over a century. This review aims to provide a detailed analysis of State Auto’s performance, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses based on customer feedback and third-party ratings.
From its inception in 1921, State Auto has built a reputation for offering customizable insurance packages and unique coverage options, such as Total Loss Plus and rideshare insurance. However, the company’s recent acquisition by Liberty Mutual has led to changes in its operations, including the cessation of new policy sales under the State Auto brand.
In this review, we will delve into the following key areas:
– **Customer Satisfaction**: Analyzing over 5,000 customer reviews to understand the overall satisfaction level with State Auto’s services, including cost, claims handling, and customer service.
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Customer Reviews
– **Coverage Options**: Exploring the range of insurance products offered by State Auto, including premium packages and additional features like auto glass and bail bonds coverage.
– **Claims Process**: Evaluating the efficiency and satisfaction with State Auto’s claims process, including the ease of filing claims and the resolution times.
– **Cost and Discounts**: Comparing State Auto’s insurance premiums with national averages and examining the available discounts, such as telematics and multi-policy discounts.
Types of Insurance Coverage Offered by State Auto
State Auto Insurance offers a variety of coverage options tailored to meet different driver needs and state regulations. Here are some of the key types of insurance coverage provided by State Auto:
**Liability Insurance**:
Bodily Injury Liability covers bodily injury to others in an accident where the policyholder is at fault.
– **Property Damage Liability**: Covers damage to others’ property in an accident where the policyholder is at fault.
**Medical Payments (MedPay)**:
– Provides coverage for medical bills for the driver and others in the vehicle during an accident, grouped with personal injury protection.
**Comprehensive and Collision Coverage**:
– **Comprehensive Coverage**: Covers non-collision damages such as theft, vandalism, and natural disasters.
– **Collision Coverage**: Covers damages to the insured vehicle in an accident, regardless of fault.
**Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage**:
– It covers damages if the other party is in an accident, lacks insurance, or has insufficient coverage.
**Additional Coverage Options**:
– **Rideshare Insurance**: Provides driver coverage while waiting for ride requests, filling the gap between Uber and Lyft’s coverage.
– **Auto Replacement Cost**: Pays to replace the vehicle if declared a total loss within two model years of the policy date.
– **Total Loss Plus**: Pays to replace the vehicle with a model one year newer or provides 120% of the vehicle’s value at the time of the crash, whichever is less, if the car is over two years old.
– **Pet Coverage**: Pays up to $500 if a pet is injured or killed in a car accident.
– **Emergency Ambulance Coverage**: This coverage provides coverage for emergency ambulance services, with higher limits available in the AutoXtended Premier package.
– **Locksmith and Key Replacement Coverage**: Covers locksmith services and key replacement.
– **Cell Phone Coverage**: Covers cell phone damage or loss, with higher limits in the AutoXtended Premier package.
– **Bail Bonds Coverage**: Covers bail bonds related to an accident that caused injury or property damage.
Accident Forgiveness and Minor Violation Coverage**prevents surcharges after the first accident or minor violation if the policyholder has had no traffic incidents for a set length of time.
State Auto offers these coverage options through three main packages: Standard, Protection Plus, and AutoXtended Premier. Policyholders can choose the level of coverage that best suits their needs.
Comparing State Auto to Other Insurers
| Feature | State Auto | Progressive | Geico | Allstate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Competitive rates, varies by state; discounts available | Competitive rates with Snapshot program for discounts | Generally low rates; offers multiple discounts | Typically higher rates; offers various discounts |
| Coverage Options | Standard, Protection Plus, and Premier packages; includes unique options like rideshare insurance and Total Loss Plus | Wide range of coverage options including custom parts and equipment value | Comprehensive coverage options with mechanical breakdown insurance | Extensive coverage options including new car replacement |
| Customer Satisfaction | Mixed reviews; generally positive feedback for claims handling but some complaints about rate increases | Generally positive reviews for customer service and claims process; Snapshot program praised for savings | High customer satisfaction ratings; praised for low rates and efficient claims process | Mixed reviews; positive feedback for local agents but some complaints about claims handling |
Customer Satisfaction and Reviews
State Auto Insurance has received a mix of reviews from customers across different states, reflecting various aspects of their service, such as customer service, claim handling, and pricing. Here’s a summary of customer satisfaction and reviews, focusing on common themes and highlights from states like Texas and Georgia.
**Customer Satisfaction and Common Themes**
**Customer Service**:
– State Auto generally receives above-average ratings for customer service. Many customers appreciate the responsiveness and professionalism of their agents. The company scored 4.41 out of 5 for customer service, higher than the national average.
– Positive testimonials often highlight the ease of communication with agents and the helpfulness in resolving queries.
**Claims Handling**:
The claims process at State Auto is rated slightly below the national average, with a score of 3.42 out of 5. While some customers report efficient claims handling, others express dissatisfaction with the resolution times.
– A common complaint involves delays in claim settlements, although some customers have praised specific adjusters for their promptness and efficiency.
**Ease of Use**:
– Customers find State Auto’s online tools for managing policies and filing claims convenient, though there are occasional reports of technical issues or delays in updates.
**Highlights from Texas and Georgia**
– **Texas**:
– In Texas, many customers have shared positive experiences regarding claim payouts and the affordability of premiums compared to other insurers.
– The presence of responsive local agents is frequently mentioned as a significant advantage for policyholders in Texas.
– **Georgia**:
– In Georgia, State Auto is noted for competitive pricing compared to statewide averages. Customers have highlighted cost-savings programs as a key benefit.
– Positive reviews often mention the company’s efforts to provide personalized service through its network of independent agents.
The cancellation process for State Auto Insurance
**Contact State Auto**: The most straightforward way to initiate the cancellation is by contacting State Auto directly. This can typically be done by calling their customer service line, available on your insurance card or the company’s website. Speaking with an agent allows you to clarify any details and understand any potential fees associated with cancellation.
**Written Notice**: Some insurance companies, including State Auto, may require a written cancellation notice. You can send this via mail or fax to your agent’s office or directly to the company. Ensure the notice includes your policy number, the desired cancellation date, and signature.
**New Insurance Policy**: If you still own a vehicle, it’s crucial to have a new insurance policy before canceling your state auto policy. This prevents any lapse in coverage, which could lead to penalties or increased premiums in the future.
**Refunds and Fees**: Upon cancellation, if there is any time left on your policy, you may receive a prorated refund for the unused portion of your premium. However, some customers have reported surprise fees when canceling renewed policies shortly after they begin. It’s advisable to confirm any potential fees with your agent beforehand.
**State Notification**: After canceling your policy, State Auto will likely notify your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) that you no longer have insurance coverage with them. Ensure you provide proof of new insurance to avoid issues such as registration suspension.
**Customer Experiences**
Customer reviews indicate mixed experiences with State Auto’s cancellation process. Some have encountered unexpected fees when canceling policies early in their term. It’s essential to thoroughly review your policy terms and discuss any concerns with an agent before proceeding with cancellation.
While canceling an auto insurance policy with State Auto should be straightforward, attention to detail and communication with the company are key to avoiding complications.
frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to State Auto Insurance
Blake Insurance Group
Phone: (888) 387-3687
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sat-Sun: Closed
Blake Nwosu
Owner & Principal Agent