Allstate vs. American Family: Which provider is better?

Allstate vs. American Family

Trying to choose between Allstate and American Family Insurance? Allstate is a household name, but don’t let American Family’s smaller size fool you. It aims to gain the trust of their customers through top-notch customer service and protection.

Both providers get good marks from the Better Business Bureau, and both provide discounts to bring the cost of your insurance down. So which one should you choose? We help you answer that question by lining up Allstate and American Family side by side in a comprehensive comparison. Take a look at the details below to pick the right one for you.

	Allstate	American Family
About the provider	Allstate was founded in 1931 and aims to deliver quick service to get customers insured and on the road. 16 million households are currently being served by Allstate. In 2016, they were awarded The World’s Most Ethical Company by the Ethisphere Institute.	For 90 years, American Family has worked hard to give quality rates and services. In addition to auto insurance, it offers home, life, business, and farm and ranch insurance with a strong commitment to protect its customers.
Price	Policy costs depend your personal situation. Visit Allstate for a quote based on your specific needs.	Policy costs depend your personal situation. Visit American Family for a quote based on your specific needs.
States served	All 50 states	19
User satisfaction*	A	B+
J.D. Power ratings**	3/5 on overall claims satisfaction	4/5 on overall claims satisfaction
Driver discounts	View driver discounts	View driver discounts
Vehicle discounts	View vehicle discounts	View vehicle discounts
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* Based on Better Business Bureau’s company rating ** Based on the 2016 U.S Auto Claims Satisfaction Study

Driver discounts

	Allstate	American Family
Good student	Up to 20% (full-time student, under 25).	Varies. Teen Safe Driver Discount + Generational Discount (18-24 with a parent who is an American Family customer)
Defensive driver	Up to 10% — must be at least 55, complete at least 6 hours of defensive driving courses and have no violations or at-fault claims	5-10% (55+, completed defensive driving course)
Good driver	Up to 22% — must have driven for at least 3 years without any violations or accidents. Goes up to 35% after 5 years.
Pay in full discount	Up to 10%
Multicar
Military
Homeowner
Other discounts	Drivewise – Up to 20% cash back (based on everyday safe driving) EZ pay plan discount – Up to 5% (automatic withdrawal) Allstate eSmart discount – Up to 10% (sign up for ePolicy to view all insurance documents online) Auto/life discount – Varies Multi policy discount – Up to 10% Early signing discount – Up to 10% (sign 7 days before policy becomes effective) Good payer discount – Up to 5% (no cancellation notice for non-payment during the past 12 months) Senior discount – Up to 10% (55+, not seeking full-time employment) Safe drivers discount – Up to 45% TeenSMART discount – Up to 10%	Loyalty discount Early-bird discount Steer into Savings discount Low mileage discount – Drive less than 7,500 miles per year Teen Safe Driver discount – Enroll teen in free program Young volunteer discount – Under 25, 40+ hours per year volunteering for non-profit Generational discount – 18-24 with a parent who is an American Family customer KnowYourDrive discount – Up to 40% on your car insurance (based on evaluation during KnowYourDrive periods)
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Vehicle discounts

	Allstate	American Family
Anti-theft device	Up to 10%
Anti-lock brake	10%
Passive restraints	Up to 30%
Air bag
Other discounts	New car – Up to 30% (First owner, car under 2 years old) Economy car – Up to 10% Utility discount – Up to 15% (Utility vehicle with a model year of 2002 or prior) Farm vehicle – Up to 10%	Auto safety equipment – 10-30%
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Bottom line

Allstate edges out ahead in the sheer number of discounts it offers, but if those don’t apply to you, then there’s no real benefit. Keep your personal situation in mind when choosing, and you’ll make the right decision. Also be aware that American Family only offers coverage in 19 states. Compare your car insurance options to find the best insurance company for you.