State Farm vs. Metromile
If you’re looking for auto insurance, you might be comparing State Farm and Metromile.
Founded in 1922, State Farm is a mainstay in the insurance industry. In fact, it’s the largest auto insurer in the United States. Meanwhile, Metromile is the young upstart, founded in 2011.
Metromile is unique because it offers pay-by-mile insurance. Essentially, you’ll pay a flat monthly fee and a per-mile rate. Unlike larger insurers who offer a variation of pay-by-mile insurance, Metromile doesn’t track your driving habits (for example, hard braking or the times you drive).
State Farm doesn’t offer pay-by-mile insurance. However, through its Drive Safe & Save program, you may qualify for discounts through low mileage and safe driving habits. The insurer also covers all 50 states, while Metromile covers eight states.
- 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
 State Farm |
 Metromile |
|
|---|---|---|
| About the provider | Founded in 1922, State Farm ranks as one of the top companies where cars and homes are insured. State Farm stands by its customers by striving to offer the best products and prices. The company is no stranger to the Fortune 500 list. | 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 State Farm 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 | All 50 states | 7 |
| User satisfaction* | B+ | A+ |
| J.D. Power ratings** | 3/5 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
Bottom line
If you’re looking for pay-by-mile insurance, consider Metromile. The insurer may be an especially good choice if you drive very little.
State Farm is what might come to mind when you think of traditional auto insurance. When calculating your premium, the insurer puts more emphasis on on risk-pool assessments like your zip code and car model.
If you think you’ll qualify for discounts, you may have better luck with State Farm. The insurer offers promotions like good-student, defensive-driver and good-driver discounts. Metromile, meanwhile, offers discounts only if you insure multiple vehicles.
If neither one’s right for you, compare car insurance options to find the best policy for you.
