What have a rescued Rickman Triumph, the new Husqvarna Norden 901 and a Japanese hoverbike got in common? Absolutely nothing at all, except they’re in this week’s Speed Read. Enjoy.
Larry Maas’ Rickman Triumph T120 Some fifty years ago, Larry Maas worked at Kosman Specialties, one of the most famous names in motorcycle racing. He laced up about 3,000 wheels for Sandy Kosman in his time, and when not working, watched another employee put together a bike from a Rickman Métisse frame and tank, and Avon seat unit.
The engine had a ’67 bottom end, 800cc barrels, a modified TR6 head, and racing cams. The forks were Ceriani GP35s, with a Fontana 4LS brake. Then the build stopped, the Triumph went up for sale, and Larry tipped off a friend—who bought it.
“Everyone was amazed at how powerful it was,” says Larry. “It had the standard one-gallon Rickman motocross tank and weighed in at only 295 pounds with oil and gas!”
Larry welded up a pair of megaphone pipes for his friend, and added the necessities to make it road legal. And when his friend passed away in 1990, he inherited the bike.
The T120 had been sitting in a garage unused, and stayed like that until around two years ago. So Larry decided restore the bike, “As a street-legal ride but keeping it as period-correct as possible… and with no oil leaks.”
As you can imagine, it was a long and often frustrating process—complicated by Larry suffering from a degenerative nerve disease called Charcot-Marie-Tooth. But the result was worth it. “It now idles beautifully, a little rough from the hot cams, but it’s music to my ears!” he says. If you’re into Rickmans or old British iron, the story is long but worth a read.
Paul Smart, 1943-2021 One of the most famous (and likeable) British motorcycle racers passed away on Wednesday, after an accident while riding his bike in the south of England.
In the 1960s, Paul Smart was an extremely successful short circuit specialist in the UK, and a podium finisher at the Isle of Man TT. But he’s best remembered for his exploits across the pond—notably his win at the 1972 Imola 200 on a Ducati 750.
It was a hugely important victory for the Italian marque. At that time, Ducati was known for its small-capacity bikes, and had a low racing profile in the States. But today, anyone with a passing interest in historic racing would recognize the 750 that was piloted by the amiable Brit, with its blue frame and silver metalflake gelcoat.
Ducati celebrated Smart’s win with the stunning Paul Smart 1000 LE road bike in 2006, although the frame replicated the ‘sea foam green’ paint from the 750SS. Smart’s legacy has also inspired several custom builders.
He is survived by his wife Maggie (Barry Sheene’s sister) and two children.
Royal Enfield Meteor 350 by Ironwood The Meteor might be a low budget, no frills commuter bike, but it’s already winning fans. The design team included ex-Triumph people and Harris Performance, so the mini-cruiser performs well—enough to win the ‘Retro Bike Of The Year’ award from the British magazine Motorcycle News.
The Meteor is built down to a price, and sells for a mere £3,749/$4,399. Aesthetic corners have inevitably been cut, so Royal Enfield tapped Arjan van den Boom of Amsterdam’s Ironwood Motorcycles to add a little spice.
The brief was maximum effect for minimum cost, so Arjan had to temper his usual approach and focus on smaller changes. He’s done a remarkably good job though, tidying up the back end with a custom bobber seat, blacking out as much chrome as he could, and building a custom exhaust.
After adding new bars, YSS piggyback shocks and chunky Continental TKC tires, Arjan’s work was done. He handed over the bike to Royal Kustom Works, who finished it off with lashings of black paint and Star Wars-themed striping, complete with pinpricked star constellations.
Adrian Sellers, the head of Royal Enfield’s custom program, says: “This build reinforces how important accessibility is to us as a brand, and how much can be achieved with a little imagination. Full credit to Arjan and the wider Ironwood team.”
If you’re going to the EICMA show in Milan at the end of this month, look out for the Ironwood Custom Meteor 350 on the Royal Enfield stand. [US Meteor product page]
Husqvarna Norden 901 launched The ADV market sure is heating up. The Harley Pan America 1250 has made a refreshing splash, the Aprilia Tuareg 660 looks extremely promising, and a few hours ago Husqvarna revealed the long-teased Norden 901.
The Norden is based on the KTM 890 Adventure platform, with the same excellent 899 cc parallel twin pumping out 105 hp. The styling is clean and retro-futuristic; thankfully there’s no clumsy ‘beak.’
The spec list is impressive too. Claimed dry weight is a very reasonable 204 kilos (450 pounds), which is a substantial 50 kilos (or so) less than many of the higher-capacity ADV bikes. You won’t need a crane to pick this one up if you drop it.
Suspension is via KTM’s in-house WP brand, with 220 mm of travel in the 43mm Apex forks. The electronics package includes a 5-inch TFT display, multiple riding modes, switchable ABS, adjustable traction control, KTM’s superb quickshifter and auto blipper, and a slipper clutch.
It looks like the Norden 901 has actually been designed for off-roading and exploration. As well as the obvious F21/R18 wheelset, the projected range is over 400 km when the 19-liter tank is full. The engine also has knock sensors to prevent damage from low-quality fuel.
On paper it looks very promising, and we love the aesthetics too. There’s no word on pricing yet, and it remains to be seen how the Norden performs in the real world. But given that parent company KTM has won more Dakar rallies in the 21st century than any other manufacturer, we suspect Husqvarna is onto a winner. [Norden 901 product page]
A.L.I. Technologies Xturismo hoverbike We’re still getting to grips with the idea of electric motorcycles, so this one is a bit of a stretch. It’s not the first flying motorcycle we’ve seen—Lazareth attempted it a couple of years ago in France—but the Xturismo is going into production.
A.L.I. Technologies is a drone company based in Tokyo, and apparently counts the electronics corporation Mitsubishi as one of its backers. It plans to manufacture 200 hoverbikes by the middle of next year.
The Xturismo is around 12 feet long and weighs 661 pounds, which is about the same as a fueled-up Harley Softail Standard—and less than some of the bigger cruisers out there. With a rider weighing up to 220 pounds, it can fly for 40 minutes and reach a claimed 62 mph.
The Xturismo is available for pre-order right now, but there’s a small catch: the price is around $680,000. In other words, Ferrari Stradale money.
But even the most advanced hybrid supercar won’t transport you from your superyacht moored off Cannes to your favorite hotel on the Croisette. And that’s gotta be worth something, right? [Xturismo]
Affiliate disclosure: Automoblog and its partners may be compensated when you purchase the products below.
USAA Car Insurance
In Our Opinion:
USAA offers financial services and insurance products to military members and their families. Generous discounts and knowledgeable customer service representatives help the company stand apart, but coverage is limited to USAA members only.
United Services Automobile Association (USAA) car insurance provides active duty military members, veterans, and their immediate families with a variety of standard and military-specific vehicle coverage options. In this article, we’ll take a look at USAA insurance reviews, policy options, discounts, pricing, and more.
Our team has performed thorough research on each of the best car insurance companies in the industry, going through the quotes process and evaluating coverage and customer feedback. Read on to learn more about USAA car insurance.
USAA Overview
USAA is one of the best car insurance providers in the industry. It’s known for its affordable rates and wide-ranging coverage options (including accident forgiveness), and USAA insurance reviews are overwhelmingly positive. However, coverage is not available to every driver. USAA insurance coverage is only available to military personnel and their immediate family members.
Though USAA does not have any physical branches readily available to the public (there are a few locations on military bases), its customer satisfaction ratings are still high. In J.D. Power’s customer satisfaction studies, USAA regularly tops the list for auto insurance. The auto insurer also boasts an A++ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best and an A+ from the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
The company is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, and offers auto insurance as well as renters insurance, homeowners insurance, life insurance, and more.
USAA Car Insurance Coverage Options
USAA truly tailors its coverage to meet the unique demands of military life. From special extended benefits to vehicle storage discounts for deployed persons, USAA auto insurance has serviced military families for nearly a century.
Here are your options for car insurance with USAA:
Liability coverage: Required in most states, this insurance covers injury, death, and property damage if you are at fault in a collision.
Comprehensive coverage: A plan for damage unrelated to a collision or rollover. Certain custom equipment is also covered, including some non-OEM parts.
Collision insurance: Protect your vehicle in the event of an accident or rollover, no matter who is at fault.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: Opt for bodily injury protection or property damage protection in case of a hit-and-run or collision caused by a driver with poor or no insurance.
Extended benefit coverage: This covers wage earner and services disability benefits, as well as a death benefit. You must purchase medical payments coverage to receive extended benefits.
Rental car insurance: Get a rental reimbursement while your car is being repaired following a covered accident.
Roadside assistance: Be prepared for roadside emergencies with a package that includes fuel delivery, jump starts, lockout services, and towing to the nearest repair shop.
Personal injury protection (PIP): Get covered up to a certain amount for funeral expenses, income continuation, loss of services expenses, and child care.
Rideshare coverage: USAA is one of the few providers to insure Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare drivers while they wait for a trip request.
We especially like USAA’s accident forgiveness benefit, which you won’t find with some competitors. Accident forgiveness is given after five years without an accident or violation. If you cause an accident after that time, your insurance premiums won’t go up.
One of the downsides of USAA insurance coverage is how some special benefits are limited by where you live. Extended benefits coverage, for example, may not be available in your state.
Another limitation is USAA membership eligibility requirements. USAA car insurance is only available to the following people:
Spouses of USAA members
Children and stepchildren of USAA members
Officer candidates from the ROTC, OTS/OCS, or an academy
Active, retired, or honorably discharged officers and military service members
Widows, widowers, and unmarried former spouses of USAA members who joined during marriage
USAA Auto Insurance Cost
According to our rate estimates, USAA is one of the cheapest car insurance companies across states and driving profiles. Good drivers can find full coverage insurance from USAA for an average of $1,113 per year, which is much cheaper than the national average of $1,732.
Below, you can see how USAA compares to a variety of leading providers on the market. These estimates apply to 35-year-old drivers with good credit and driving records.
Car Insurance Provider
Average Annual Cost Estimate
USAA
$1,113
Erie Insurance
$1,113
Auto-Owners
$1,229
State Farm
$1,339
Geico
$1,352
Progressive
$1,397
Nationwide
$1,533
Travelers
$1,617
National Average Cost
$1,732
Farmers
$2,032
The Hartford
$2,166
Allstate
$2,430
Even if you are a good driver, the state where you live can drastically affect your rate. This is because different states have different car insurance regulations, coverage requirements, population densities, and environmental events. Below, you can see how USAA compares to the average rate in each state.
State
State Average Cost Estimate
USAA Cost Estimate
Alabama
$1,448
$770
Alaska
$1,287
$856
Arizona
$1,625
$1,202
Arkanksas
$1,449
$838
California
$2,339
$1,323
Colorado
$1,672
$1,031
Connecticut
$1,885
$1,152
Delaware
$1,921
$1,073
District of Columbia
$1,787
$768
Florida
$2,894
Data not available
Georgia
$1,548
$1,054
Hawaii
$1,238
$1,017
Idaho
$1,089
$634
Illinois
$1,474
$1,192
Indiana
$1,087
$668
Iowa
$1,095
Data not available
Kansas
$1,364
$745
Kentucky
$1,817
$1,089
Louisiana
$3,828
$1,659
Maine
$995
$638
Maryland
$1,941
$813
Massachusetts
$2,568
$1,650
Michigan
$4,390
$1,737
Minnesota
$1,487
$905
Mississippi
$1,357
$791
Missouri
$1,741
$691
Montana
$2,214
$788
Nebraska
$1,372
$962
Nevada
$2,332
$1,303
New Hampshire
$1,181
$628
New Jersey
$2,108
Data not available
New Mexico
$1,356
$835
New York
$3,964
$2,146
North Carolina
$1,277
Data not available
North Dakota
$1,310
$651
Ohio
$923
$635
Oklahoma
$1,630
$857
Oregon
$1,284
$954
Pennsylvania
$1,405
$1,430
Rhode Island
$1,923
$1,016
South Carolina
$1,592
$980
South Dakota
$1,331
$1,049
Tennessee
$1,217
$725
Texas
$2,067
$1,370
Utah
$1,446
$841
Vermont
$1,013
$651
Virginia
$1,079
$751
Washington
$1,271
$736
West Virginia
$1,390
$875
Wisconsin
$946
$584
Wyoming
$1,499
$810
USAA Insurance Discounts
According to J.D. Power, USAA ranks at the top for customer satisfaction in terms of affordability, which makes it popular among veterans and military families. USAA lowers prices even more with a number of driver discounts and plans based on the following factors:
Good student: Receive a discount for maintaining good grades.
New vehicle: If your car is less than three years old, you’ll get a discount.
Loyalty: The longer you stick with USAA, the more you’ll save on premiums.
Multi-policy: Bundle your auto insurance with USAA home insurance and get a discount across the board.
Multi-vehicle: Extend your plan to two or more vehicles and receive a discount.
Vehicle storage: Receive a discount of up to 60 percent for storing your vehicle.
Annual mileage: Get a discount for driving fewer miles per year with a usage-based plan.
Safe driver: Improve your rate when you stay accident-free maintain a good driving record for five years or more.
Driving courses: Complete a defensive driving course from USAA (or a basic driving course if under 21 years of age) for a discount.
Family discount: USAA members’ adult children can save up to 10 percent on car insurance by continuing USAA auto insurance services.
Military installation discount: Save up to 15 percent on comprehensive insurance plans if you store your vehicle in a garage on a military base.
Your auto insurance rates will also be influenced by factors such as your age, credit score, vehicle, and whether you’ve had any recent at-fault accidents or traffic violations.
USAA Claims Process
The only thing rated as highly as USAA’s coverage and affordability is its customer service and claims process. We give USAA customer service a 100 percent rating for the overall claims experience. USAA insurance reviews frequently praise customer service representatives for their professionalism and quick responses.
Although USAA doesn’t have any brick-and-mortar locations, policyholders are still able to effectively communicate over the phone or online. When requesting a car insurance quote, the online quote engine is simple and fast. The USAA mobile app allows USAA members to check their auto insurance policy information, request quotes, and download insurance ID cards.
Customers also have several payment plan options, including a six-month or 12-month payment plan. There is no payment required at the start of the policy.
Based on our research, we give USAA car insurance a 100 percent rating for the overall claims satisfaction and customer service experience. USAA car insurance is the best on the market for military families.
Based on our research, we give USAA car insurance a 100 percent rating for the overall claims and customer service experience. USAA car insurance is the best on the market for military families.
USAA Insurance Reviews & Reputation
USAA insurance reviews are largely positive. The company has near-perfect scores in customer satisfaction for its fair claim settlements, claims handling, price estimation process, and efficient repair process. Your USAA claims representative will work with you until your repairs are complete.
USAA customers are loyal, and many families report sticking with USAA for decades.
Here are a few examples of USAA auto insurance reviews from customers on Trustpilot:
“I have been with USAA for over 10 years and only when dealing with other insurance companies do you see just how fantastic the customer service at USAA is.” – Randolph W.
“I have been a USAA member for years … and am certain there is no better company to work with. They are fast, responsive, and very adaptable to your needs. I have checking and savings accounts with USAA, a credit card, my vehicle insurance, homeowners insurance, and life insurance through them. With each additional product, I get bigger discounts. … The staff is super professional and helpful any time I need them.” – Lisa P.
According to the Better Business Bureau, customers have mixed reviews on some USAA services, such as banking, but USAA insurance reviews tend to be favorable.
“I’ve had USAA insurance, home and auto, for over 20 years, no problems. Last accident = forgiveness. They were very courteous, and I had no problems at all.” – D. Thomas
“My husband and I have been USAA members since 2009. They have been nothing but kind and professional. … They have been five stars for us.” – Mandy E.
Despite USAA’s good reputation, there has been an increase in customer complaints on the BBB website. These cases typically involve being denied roadside assistance or having issues reaching an assigned customer service representative. However, the insurer does boast an A++ rating from AM Best, which indicates it has a superior ability to pay out customer claims.
Conclusion: Best Car Insurance for Military Families
USAA auto insurance is our pick for Best for Military Families. With a 15-percent storage discount and special medical coverage plans, USAA meets the specific needs of military members, veterans, and their families.
Our research shows that a USAA auto policy is an affordable and efficient option for drivers, but this insurance is not for everyone. If you are not in the military or a spouse or child of a military member, then this company is not for you.
If that’s the case, you still have plenty of solid options. Consider our other highly rated companies, including State Farm (Best for Student Drivers), Liberty Mutual (Best for New Drivers), or GEICO (Best Overall).
FAQ: USAA Car Insurance
How much does USAA car insurance cost?
The cost of USAA car insurance is different for each individual. Your premium will differ based on:
Your age
Your gender
The deductible you choose
Type and model of your vehicle
Your driving and violation history
Type of policy, including mileage-based plans
Number of teenagers or students on your policy
The number of vehicles and other drivers on your policy
Discounts used (bundling, good student discount, family discounts, etc.)
Does USAA car insurance cost less than GEICO or State Farm?
According to a recent shopping survey from J.D. Power, customers rank USAA’s affordability above major competitors, such as GEICO, State Farm, Farmers, Progressive, and Nationwide.
While USAA may seem cheaper, it is not a guarantee, as your coverage and special add-ons from different companies may change the price.
How much does it cost to be a USAA member?
There is no charge to be a USAA member. However, banking services and other USAA products may involve a fee.
Does USAA offer teen driver insurance?
Yes. A teenager with an active learner’s permit or driver’s license can be insured under a USAA plan. USAA also offers a driver training course for teenagers.
How do you cancel USAA auto insurance?
You can now cancel your USAA auto insurance online or through the company’s mobile app. However, you can still cancel your USAA auto insurance over the phone by calling 1(800)531-8722.
What are USAA’s payment options?
USAA’s payment options are an electronic payment from your checking account, savings account, debit card, or credit card. You can also set up automatic payments.
What is the number for USAA complaints?
If you have USAA complaints, you can call customer service at 1(800)531-8722. Based on its average complaint index and high ratings from the BBB among other factors, we gave USAA 100 percent for its customer service. You should be able to resolve your problem.
Can anyone join USAA?
Not just anyone can join USAA. To be eligible for USAA auto insurance, you must be a member of the military or be the family member of a military member.
Affiliate disclosure: Automoblog and its partners may be compensated when you purchase the products below.
State Farm Auto Insurance
In Our Opinion:
With over 16 percent of the market and close to $41 billion direct premiums written in 2019, State Farm is a clear industry leader. We awarded the company with the title of “Best for Student Drivers” for its safe driving program and discounts for drivers under the age of 25.
Industry Standing
95
Availability
95
Coverage
95
Affordability
90
Customer Service
95
Online Experience
100
Pros
Excellent financial strength
Insurance for classic and antique cars
Loyalty discounts
Most value for customers with multiple insurance policies through State Farm
Cons
Limited online and app features
Reported issues for individuals filing a claim against another driver
Based on the number of direct premiums written, State Farm is the largest personal auto insurer in the country, but is it the best choice for you? In this article, we’ll take a look at State Farm auto insurance reviews, policy options, discounts, costs, and more to help you decide.
Choosing the right insurer is key to protecting your finances after an accident. Along with State Farm, we’ve reviewed some of the best car insurance companies on the market and rated them based on their policy options, affordability, customer service, and other important factors.
Even if the company looks like the right provider for you after reading this State Farm insurance review, we always recommend getting quotes from multiple providers and comparing them before making a decision.
State Farm Overview
Established in 1922, State Farm is the biggest car insurance company in the U.S. In 2019 alone, State Farm wrote $40.9 billion in insurance premiums, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). This figure accounted for 16.1 percent of the market share. Since State Farm is such a large insurer, it has sound financial stability. AM Best rated the company A++ for its financial strength, indicating its superior ability to pay customer claims.
State Farm is available in 48 states, excluding Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Though State Farm has received more customer complaints than the average insurer, the high number is largely due to the company’s size. It’s difficult to insure as many drivers as State Farm without accruing some customer complaints. State Farm regularly performed above regional averages in the J.D. Power 2020 U.S. Auto Insurance Satisfaction StudySM.
In our State Farm insurance review, we named State Farm the best insurer for student drivers based on its wide-ranging discounts available to teens and students.
State Farm Auto Insurance Coverage
The type of car you own can have a major impact on the type of coverage you choose and the price you pay for your policy. We like that State Farm auto insurance can cover a wide range of vehicles, from your standard Toyota to your Porsche 911.
With State Farm, you can purchase:
Standard collision, comprehensive, and liability insurance
Sports car insurance
Collector and classic car insurance
Standard Auto Insurance Coverage
Customers looking for standard insurance policies will find the following coverage options and policy add-ons:
Liability insurance: Property damage liability policies cover the cost of damages to someone else’s vehicle, home, or personal property after an accident you cause. Bodily injury liability insurance covers the other party’s injuries, medical expenses, and lost wages.
Collision insurance: This covers your own vehicle, whether it’s new, a temporary substitute, or a car not owned by someone in your household. This insurance pays for damage from any collision, up to the amount of your vehicle.
Comprehensive insurance: With a comprehensive policy, you can get covered up to the amount of your vehicle for damage not related to a collision, such as a fire, civil unrest and riots, theft, vandalism, weather, or hitting an animal.
Uninsured motorist insurance: You can choose either uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance to cover your vehicle and any potential injuries caused by a driver without insurance or with a policy that can’t adequately cover damages.
Medical payments coverage: No matter who is at fault, medical payment insurance will cover injuries to you, your passengers, and anyone you may injure in an accident. Coverage includes pedestrian injuries and funeral costs.
Emergency roadside assistance: This service covers the costs of mechanical labor at the breakdown site, locksmith labor if your key is lost, stolen, or locked in your vehicle, emergency fuel delivery, oil delivery, battery delivery, and flat tire changes.
Rideshare insurance: This insurance covers you while driving for rideshare services like Lyft or Uber in three different situations: when your app is on and ready for hire, when you match with a rider, and when you transport the rider. Coverage may include property damage, liability, uninsured motorist, and rental car benefits.
Rental car coverage: This covers the cost of a rental up to a certain amount for those who don’t have rental coverage or who have exceptionally high deductibles. If you’re in a collision in a rental car, State Farm will cover your deductible up to $500. You can also opt for travel expense coverage, which pays for meals, transportation, and lodging up to $500 if you are more than 50 miles from home.
Sports Cars & Classic Cars
Sports cars and classic cars can be very expensive to insure. Sports cars are generally fast, which is considered a potential risk, and classic cars are often expensive to repair due to the required parts.
State Farm works with customers to make sure they get a lower price for their policy and take the necessary steps to qualify for specialized insurance. But if you drive these vehicles often, you may have trouble finding affordable coverage with State Farm. This is because rates increase based on usage, and classic cars only qualify if they are mainly used for exhibition.
Sports cars can be more expensive to insure, and it may be difficult to find affordable coverage from State Farm.
State Farm provides free, direct quotes through the quote engine on its website. In our experience, the quote engine is fast, but it’s rather bare-bones and could use some extra features, such as price comparison tools and other personal calculators.
Discounts on State Farm Auto Insurance
Not all insurance companies reward their loyal customers with discounts and other cost-saving benefits, but State Farm offers insurance discounts for customers who stick with the company and buy beyond a single-driver policy. For this reason, State Farm car insurance is a better value for customers who use State Farm for more than just vehicle coverage. Loyalty discounts include:
Multiple vehicles: Save up to 20 percent on your insurance policy if two or more cars are insured in your household.
Multi-policy: Save up to 17 percent on your insurance policy if you also purchase State Farm homeowners insurance, renters insurance, condo insurance, life insurance, or other insurance products and bundling them together.
Teenagers and safe drivers perhaps benefit the most from State Farm insurance. The following discounts help young drivers, their parents, and cautious drivers save money:
Anti-theft discount: Qualify for a discount if your vehicle has an anti-theft alarm or other warning system.
Driver training discount: Drivers under the age of 21 can get a discount for completing an authorized drivers ed program.
Good driving discount: New State Farm customers can get an additional discount if they go three years without a moving violation or accident.
Student away at school discount: Students under the age of 25 can qualify for a discount if they only use their car during summers and holidays.
Defensive driving course discount: State Farm agents can provide a list of qualifying defensive driver courses that count toward a safe driving discount.
Vehicle safety discount: Save up to 40 percent on medical payment coverage for vehicles made after 1994. That’s a large number of vehicles on the road today.
Good student discount: Save up to 25 percent on your insurance policy for getting good grades. This discount lasts even after you finish college, up to the age of 25.
Accident-free discount: Qualify for a discount if you avoid a chargeable accident for three years. Your discount may increase over time if you continue to use State Farm auto insurance.
Passive restraint discount: Receive a discount up to 40 percent on medical coverage for 1993 models and older vehicles that have a factory-installed air bag or passive restraint system.
State Farm Claims Process
State Farm auto insurance claims can be made online, through the mobile app, by calling the claims department (open 24/7), or by calling your local State Farm agent. After you make a claim, State Farm will review the claim and request additional information if needed. An agent will send an estimate and repair options to you.
State Farm pays for repairs in three ways: directly to the repair facility, directly to your bank account, or directly to your mailbox through a check. Using the mobile app to make and manage a claim, pay a bill, or upload photos is very simple.
State Farm Insurance Reviews
State Farm has nearly 100 years of experience insuring drivers. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) rates State Farm with an A+ for positive business ethics and resolving customer complaints. In J.D. Power surveys, State Farm regularly performs at or above the regional average for customer satisfaction.
Positive State Farm Insurance Reviews
Customers who use multiple State Farm services tend to have good things to say about their overall experience. Take, for example, this State Farm auto insurance review by a loyal customer on Trustpilot:
“[I] love State Farm. All of my insurance, banking, and financial planning is through [State Farm]. Quick service, both at the agent’s office and on the phone. Needed a tow, they sent someone ASAP and no [money] paid out of pocket for the tow. [I] had a checking [account] question and they were available on the phone super late and to chat with online as an [instant message]. Love my agent!” – Anonymous
And another customer:
“State Farm has all my insurance business.” – James E.
Negative State Farm Insurance Review
During our research, we found customers had the most negative feedback in regard to claim and repair duration, customer service professionalism, and issues with claims in which another driver was at fault. These claims took longer on average, and customers did not always hear back promptly from their representative or agent.
Here are two examples of negative State Farm auto insurance reviews from Trustpilot:
“State Farm was a great bargain years ago. The prices skyrocket after an accident, even if you’re not at fault. The agents are great, but it is so unaffordable now. I had to cancel the policy [and] switch to Progressive.” – Emma
“I asked Thursday afternoon for proof of payment – and they hung up. Yet, I called again. Then they hung up – again. They also are beyond incompetent – two different people could not spell my email address correctly.” – Rhett W.
Infographic courtesy of State Farm.
Apps & Technology
State Farm offers two mobile app-based programs that reward good driving habits: Drive Safe & SaveTM and Steer Clear?.
Drive Safe & Save offers up to a 30 percent discount on your insurance policy. Using a mobile app, good driving habits are monitored and rewarded. For example, State Farm rewards drivers who avoid quick accelerations, hard braking, fast cornering, speeding, and distracted driving.
Steer Clear is a safe driving program made with young drivers in mind. If you have a driver under the age of 25 on your policy, they may be eligible for this program. Through a series of courses, mentoring sessions, and practice driving hours, young drivers can earn a program certification and policy discounts. Like Drive Safe & Save, this program also uses a mobile app to monitor driving behavior.
Conclusion: Best for Student Drivers
Based on our own research and State Farm auto insurance reviews, we believe State Farm’s greatest asset is its programs for student drivers. State Farm also offers many forms of insurance, such as homeowners, condo, renters, and life insurance, which many customers bundle with their auto insurance for optimal value.
Affordability, by contrast, is not as strong. Companies like GEICO offer a better experience in that area. Learn more about competitor policies in our ranking of the best auto insurance companies.
If you are looking for insurance from a well-known brand, and you are also in the market for other lines of insurance, then consider State Farm auto insurance for your vehicle.
Is State Farm expensive?
Our research found that State Farm insurance was about average, on par with many of the other large insurance providers we reviewed. While State Farm insurance isn’t expensive compared to others, it’s also not the cheapest provider.
What is the phone number for State Farm customer service?
You can reach State Farm customer service via the customer care phone number at 888-559-1922. This customer service line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
How much does car insurance drop when you turn 25?
Based on our research, we found that car insurance rates can drop as much as 20% when you turn 25. Of course, your rates also depend on your driving record, vehicle information, and several other factors.
Does State Farm cover towing?
State Farm covers towing to the nearest repair facility as part of its roadside assistance package. While this package does cost extra as a policy add-on, it may save you money if you have a roadside emergency.
What is the State Farm accident claim number?
The State Farm accident claim number is 800-732-5246 (800-SF-CLAIM). You can also file a claim from the State Farm mobile app.
