Metromile vs. American Family
Metromile and American Family may not be as visible as State Farm, Geico or Allstate. However, they offer surprising benefits that might make them worth your while.
Many consumers may not know that American Family is one of the largest auto insurers in the United States. The company has been around for 90 years, so it may be the right pick if you’re looking for an experienced player in the insurance market.
On the opposite side of the spectrum is Metromile . Founded in 2011, it’s a very young company. It’s been gaining attention, however, because of its pay-by-mile insurance. With this type of coverage, you pay a flat monthly rate and a per-mile rate.
- Pay by miles driven
- Low base rates
- Drive less, pay less
Our top pick: Metromile
Drive less than 30 miles a day? Save on the coverage you need with pay-per-mile insurance from Metromile. Get a low monthly rate then pay just a few cents per mile. Available in AZ, CA, IL, NJ, OR, PA, VA and WA.
- Rates from $29/month plus pennies per mile
- Low-mileage drivers could save $611/year
- All miles over 250 a day are free
- Easy app and online claims plus 24/7 support
 American Family |
 Metromile |
|
|---|---|---|
| About the provider | 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. | Founded in San Francisco, Metromile is revolutionizing car insurance for drivers in metropolitan areas. Low-mileage drivers benefit from the pay-per-mile platform and their app, Pulse, offers a car health monitor and street sweeping alerts so you won’t get ticketed. |
| Price | Policy costs depend your personal situation. Visit American Family for a quote based on your specific needs. | Policy costs depend your personal situation. Visit Metromile for a quote based on your specific needs. |
| States served | 19 | 7 |
| User satisfaction* | B+ | A+ |
| J.D. Power ratings** | 4/5 on overall claims satisfaction | N/A |
| Driver discounts | View driver discounts | View driver discounts |
| Vehicle discounts | View vehicle discounts | View vehicle discounts |
* Based on Better Business Bureau’s company rating
** Based on the 2016 U.S Auto Claims Satisfaction Study
Driver discounts
Vehicle discounts
American Family |
Metromile |
|
|---|---|---|
| Anti-theft device | ||
| Anti-lock brake | ||
| Passive restraints | ||
| Air bag | ||
| Other discounts | Auto safety equipment – 10-30% | |
Bottom line
Metromile may be the right choice if you want pay-by-mile insurance. Through the insurer, you may pay low premiums if you drive very little. American Family doesn’t offer pay-by-mile coverage, but it gives discounts for drivers who accumulate less than 7,500 miles per year.
For a large insurer, American Family scores quite well on claims satisfaction. It received a four-out-of-five score from J.D. Power — a higher grade than what most large insurers earn. Though Metromile hasn’t received a J.D. Power rating, many of its customers report a slow claims process.
If you’re on the hunt for discounts, American Family may be the right pick. It offers promotions like good-student, defensive-driver, low-mileage and young-volunteer discounts. It also gives vehicle discounts for airbags and auto-safety equipment. Metromile offers discounts only if you insure multiple vehicles.
Compare your car insurance options to find the best insurance company for you.