Auto Insurance And State: What You Need To Know

State Auto Insurance, now part of Liberty Mutual, offers auto, home, and various other insurance policies in 28 to 33 states. It is a good option for those who want to add extra coverage, such as pet and cell phone coverage, to their policy. However, State Auto is more expensive compared to other companies and has been rated poorly for its customer service.

State Auto Insurance coverage options

State Auto Insurance offers a range of coverage options for your vehicle, including the standard liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance.

Liability Insurance

Liability coverage pays for another party's medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and property damage if you are responsible for an accident.

Collision Insurance

Collision coverage helps pay for the repair or replacement of your vehicle if it overturns or collides with another vehicle or object. This coverage requires a deductible.

Comprehensive Insurance

Comprehensive coverage assists in repairing or replacing your vehicle if it is damaged by something other than a collision. This includes theft, fire, vandalism, or hitting an animal. Like collision insurance, comprehensive insurance also requires a deductible.

State Auto Insurance also offers additional coverage options through their Protection Plus and AutoXtended Premier packages:

Protection Plus Package

• Safety Glass Coverage: Pays for glass damage not caused by a collision.
• AutoXtended Coverage Endorsement: Includes bail bonds coverage, accident forgiveness, customized equipment coverage, death indemnity, total disability coverage, attorney fees coverage, rented vehicle coverage, cell phone coverage, GPS coverage, emergency ambulance coverage, locksmith services or key replacement, and pet coverage.

AutoXtended Premier Package

This package includes higher coverage amounts for some of the options in the Protection Plus package. For example, emergency ambulance coverage is increased to $25,000, and cell phone coverage is raised to $1,000.

State Auto Insurance also provides additional auto insurance options, such as rideshare insurance for Uber and Lyft drivers, auto replacement cost coverage for totalled vehicles less than two years old, and total loss plus coverage for vehicles more than two years old.

Furthermore, State Auto Insurance offers various discounts depending on your location and eligibility. These include discounts for insuring multiple vehicles, having anti-theft devices, paying your premium in full upfront, taking driver education classes, maintaining good grades, and more.

It is important to note that State Auto Insurance was acquired by Liberty Mutual in 2022, and current policies will be transferred to Safeco, a Liberty Mutual subsidiary, by the end of 2024.

State Auto Insurance pros and cons

State Auto Insurance is a good option for those who want to add extra coverage to their insurance policy. However, it is expensive and has poor customer service. State Auto Insurance offers a range of insurance policies, including auto, home, boat and yacht, and farm and ranch insurance.

Pros

State Auto Insurance offers the following benefits:

• A range of insurance policies, including auto, home, boat and yacht, and farm and ranch insurance
• The option to add extra coverage, such as pet and cell phone coverage
• A variety of coverage options
• Flexible billing options
• Explains coverage well

Cons

State Auto Insurance has the following drawbacks:

• It is expensive compared to other companies
• It has poor customer service, with a high number of complaints about claim handling issues and delays
• It does not reward loyal customers
• It does not offer gap insurance or rental car and travel reimbursement coverage
• It is not available in all states
• It does not offer quotes online

State Auto Insurance customer satisfaction

State Auto Insurance is a good option for those seeking to add extra coverages, such as pet and cell phone coverage, to their policy. However, it is an expensive option with subpar customer service. State Auto Insurance is based in Ohio and offers insurance products for individuals, businesses, farms, and ranches. The company operates in at least 26 states and provides insurance products through independent agents.

State Auto Insurance offers standard auto insurance options, such as liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage. They also provide additional coverage options like roadside assistance, accident forgiveness, and new car replacement. Notably, State Auto does not offer gap insurance or rental car and/or travel reimbursement coverage. One of the unique features of State Auto Insurance is its Protection Plus and Premier packages, which offer optional coverages not available in the Standard package. These include towing, fuel delivery, tire changes, battery jumps, and lockout services.

State Auto Insurance has received mixed reviews when it comes to customer satisfaction. According to the Better Business Bureau, the company has an A+ rating. However, customer reviews on the same website average only one star, with many complaints about claims resolutions. State Auto has a customer complaint ratio of 1.89, which means it receives more complaints than most other insurance companies in the nation. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) gives State Auto an Auto NAIC complaint index of 1.61, while the home NAIC complaint index is 0.58, indicating higher dissatisfaction with car insurance services.

State Auto Insurance offers various common discounts, including bundling, pay-in-full, anti-theft system, good student, and multiple car discounts. However, they do not offer discounts for safe driving, paperless policies, or airbags. State Auto also provides an early signing discount for customers who get a quote before the effective date of their policy.

State Auto Insurance cost

The cost of state auto insurance varies depending on the state and other factors. The national average cost for car insurance is $2,118 per year, according to Forbes Advisor's analysis of full-coverage car insurance rates. However, the cost of car insurance can range from as low as $29 per month in South Dakota to as high as $8,232 per year in New York.

Several factors contribute to the variation in state auto insurance costs. One of the primary factors is the state's insurance regulations and requirements. Each state has different minimum coverage requirements for bodily injury liability, property damage liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and personal injury protection. States with higher coverage requirements, such as New York, tend to have higher insurance rates.

Another factor is the number of uninsured drivers in the state. States with a high percentage of uninsured drivers, such as Florida, typically have higher insurance rates. The frequency of insurance claims and the cost of car repairs and medical care in the state also impact insurance rates. For example, states with severe weather conditions, such as Florida, tend to have higher insurance rates due to the increased number of weather-related claims.

Additionally, the population density and traffic congestion in a state can affect insurance rates. Urban areas with high population densities and congested cities tend to have higher insurance rates due to the increased risk of accidents and claims. For instance, New York, being a highly populated state, has one of the highest insurance rates in the country.

Other factors that influence state auto insurance costs include the driver's age, driving record, credit score, gender, and marital status. Younger and less experienced drivers typically pay higher insurance rates, and a driver with a clean driving record may enjoy lower rates. In most states, credit score also plays a role, with higher credit scores resulting in lower insurance rates.

Overall, the cost of state auto insurance is determined by a combination of state-specific factors, such as insurance regulations and claim frequencies, as well as individual factors related to the driver's profile and driving history.

State Auto Insurance claims

State Auto Insurance is an insurance company that offers a variety of insurance products for individuals, businesses, farms, and ranches. The company provides auto, home, and personal umbrella insurance, as well as workers' compensation and business owners' policies. State Auto Insurance has been acquired by Liberty Mutual, but it continues to operate under its own brand and offers policies through independent agents.

When it comes to State Auto Insurance claims, the process may vary depending on the type of insurance and the specific circumstances of the claim. Here is a detailed guide on how to file a claim with State Auto Insurance:

Auto Insurance Claims:

In the event of an auto accident, there are several important steps to take:

• Ensure your safety and the safety of others. Move to a secure location and check for injuries. If there are any injuries, immediately call 911 for emergency assistance.
• Contact the police and report the accident. Avoid discussing insurance policy coverage and fault with law enforcement or other involved parties.
• Document the accident by taking photos or videos of the scene, including vehicle damage, intersections, street signs, and mile markers.
• Gather detailed information about the accident, such as the year, make, model, and license plate numbers of all vehicles involved.
• Exchange contact and insurance information with all drivers involved, as well as witnesses.
• Contact your State Auto Insurance agent or the company directly as soon as possible. They will guide you through the claim process and inform you about your coverage.
• Provide necessary information to your claims professional, such as policy details, incident details, driver information, and any relevant photos or reports.
• Work with your claims professional to evaluate the damage and determine the next steps, which may include repairing your vehicle or declaring it a total loss.
• Choose a repair facility or select one from State Auto's network of trusted body shops.
• Receive an estimate for the repairs and wait for State Auto to issue payment, typically via direct deposit.
• Authorize the repairs and work directly with your chosen repair facility to complete the process.

Home Insurance Claims:

For homeowners insurance claims, here are the key steps to follow:

• If there is an injury, call 911 for emergency assistance. Otherwise, contact your insurance agent or company immediately to report the claim.
• In cases of burglary or vandalism, notify the police and provide them with any relevant information or witness statements.
• Make temporary repairs or take steps to prevent further damage to your home. For example, in the case of a minor flood, mop the water to prevent mould.
• Gather and submit any receipts for temporary repairs, as you may be reimbursed by your insurance company if coverage applies.
• Obtain and fill out the necessary claims forms provided by your insurance company, and send them back promptly.
• Create a detailed list of lost or damaged items, including their cost and age if possible. Keep a copy of this inventory for your records.
• Take photos or videos of the damage to support your claim.
• If you need to relocate due to your home being uninhabitable, keep all receipts and records of expenses incurred. Most homeowner policies provide coverage for the "loss of use" of your home.
• An adjuster from the insurance company may need to inspect your home to assess the damage and determine the necessary repairs.
• Review your insurance policy to understand your responsibilities and coverage during the claims process.

Business and Farm Insurance Claims:

For business and farm insurance claims, State Auto Insurance also provides guidance and support:

• Ensure your safety and that of others. Contact emergency services if there are any injuries.
• Document the incident by taking photos or videos of any damage to your business or farm equipment.
• Gather relevant information, such as the contact details and license plate numbers of any involved parties or witnesses.
• Report the claim to State Auto Insurance online or by contacting your dedicated CARE Professional.
• Provide necessary information, such as your policy number and details of the incident.
• Work with your chosen contractor or select one from State Auto's network of qualified professionals to assess and repair the damage.
• Receive an estimate for the repairs and wait for State Auto to issue payment.
• Authorize the repairs and work with your chosen contractor to complete the process.

It is important to remember that each state has its own laws governing the claims process, so always consult with your independent agent or State Auto Insurance representative for specific guidance on filing a claim.

Frequently asked questions