Updated: May 15, 2026
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Erie ranks 12th for overall affordability based on an average of all driver types, but ninth for full coverage affordability and 11th for minimum liability coverage with average rates of $101 and $42 monthly, respectively.
Erie ranks second nationwide for overall customer satisfaction, driven by its personalized agent service and positive forum reviews from policyholders.
Erie ranks seventh for coverage options, with unique features like its Rate Lock guarantee and Vanishing Deductible program for accident-free drivers.
Erie ranks fourth overall nationally among the best car insurance companies for most drivers. It offers competitive rates and good coverage options, giving policyholders strong financial protection.
This ranking is based on a 40-year-old male driver with good credit and no violations. Erie's position may differ based on your profile and coverage needs.
| Overall Score | 4.6 | 4 |
| Customer Experience | 4.91 | 2 |
| Coverage | 4.08 | 7 |
| Affordability | 4.53 | 12 |
Erie works best for drivers with newer cars, young drivers, those seeking excellent customer experience, and adult drivers looking for competitive rates. You shouldn't consider Erie if you have bad credit or are a senior driver.\n\nBelow, you can compare how Erie stacks up for your unique profile.
| Overall Score | 4.37 | 9 |
Erie ranks among the top five providers in 11 out of 51 states and territories across the United States. While the company doesn't hold the top spot in any individual state, its consistent top-five performance demonstrates reliable coverage options for drivers in multiple regions.
| District of Columbia | 4.5 | 2 |
| Illinois | 4.28 | 5 |
| Maryland | 4.25 | 3 |
| New York | 4.31 | 6 |
| North Carolina | 4.34 | 3 |
| Ohio | 4.04 | 3 |
| Pennsylvania | 4.69 | 3 |
| Tennessee | 4.08 | 4 |
| Virginia | 4.46 | 4 |
| West Virginia | 4.28 | 2 |
| Wisconsin | 4.48 | 3 |
*Ratings are based on a 40-year-old male driver with good credit and no driving violations who insures a 2012 Toyota Camry.
Erie auto insurance costs vary widely based on your profile, ranging from $33 to $1,084 monthly. We've analyzed national costs by age group, gender, coverage type, credit score and driving record to help you make the best decision for your situation.
| $234 | $2,810 | -15% | 15 |
Drivers with newer cars will find Erie among the most affordable car insurance companies available. Adult drivers, seniors and those with violations or credit issues face much higher costs. Review how affordable Erie is for your specific driving category below.
| Adult Drivers | $43 | $101 | -15% | 12 |
| Drivers With A DUI | $83 | $190 | -15% | 11 |
| Drivers With An Accident | $62 | $141 | -16% | 11 |
| Drivers With A Speeding Ticket | $48 | $114 | -21% | 11 |
| Drivers With Bad Credit | $88 | $216 | -11% | 17 |
| Drivers With Low Income | $59 | $139 | -8% | 17 |
| Drivers With Newer Cars | $52 | $126 | -22% | 4 |
| Drivers With Old Cars | $33 | $81 | -24% | 11 |
| Senior Drivers | $57 | $138 | -7% | 13 |
| Young Drivers | $82 | $196 | -27% | 7 |
*All profiles are modified based on a 40-year-old male driver with good credit and no driving violations, driving a 2012 Toyota Camry. Young drivers represent ages 25 and under, Adults 26 to 64, and seniors 65 and older. Older vehicles change the vehicle age to 2007, and newer vehicles change it to 2025.
Across states, Erie rates range from $26 to $135 per month on average. The insurer ranks among the five most affordable options in seven out of 51 states and territories. Below you can review Erie's affordability and pricing for your area.
| District of Columbia | $56 | $110 | -35% | 3 |
| Illinois | $35 | $104 | -7% | 5 |
| Maryland | $71 | $135 | -13% | 6 |
| New York | $58 | $123 | -1% | 7 |
| North Carolina | $48 | $112 | 3% | 10 |
| Ohio | $29 | $83 | -8% | 5 |
| Pennsylvania | $29 | $82 | -33% | 3 |
| Tennessee | $38 | $103 | -6% | 5 |
| Virginia | $44 | $92 | -9% | 7 |
| West Virginia | $36 | $92 | -22% | 3 |
| Wisconsin | $26 | $74 | -18% | 4 |
*Rates are based on a 40-year-old male driver with good credit, no driving violations and a 2012 Toyota Camry.
Erie offers 10 car insurance discounts, with average savings of up to 25% depending on your driving profile, involvement in programs and your area. Check out its offerings:
Multi-Policy/Bundle | 15% to 25% | Bundle auto with home, life insurance, or other policies | Available in 12 states + DC |
Multi-Car | Variable | Insure 2+ vehicles with Erie Insurance | Available in 12 states + DC |
College Student | Variable | Student away from home 100+ miles, no vehicle access for 9+ months | Available in 12 states + DC |
Youthful Driver | Variable | Unmarried drivers under 21 living with parents | Available in 12 states + DC |
Driving Training | Variable | Young drivers under 21 complete accredited driver training course | Not available in KY and NC |
Safety Features | Variable | Factory-installed airbags, anti-theft devices, anti-lock brakes | ABS discount not available in KY |
Paid in Full | 6% to 14% | Pay annual premium in full upfront | Available in 12 states + DC |
Vehicle Storage/Reduced Usage | Variable | Vehicle stored for 90+ consecutive days | Not available in KY |
Youthful Longevity | Variable | Young drivers previously on family member's Erie policy | Available in 12 states + DC |
Safe Driver | Variable | Good driving record with no violations or accidents | Available in 12 states + DC |
Erie ranks second for overall customer satisfaction in MoneyGeek’s customer experience study. Customers highlight responsive agent service and easy-to-use digital tools, while claims processing tends to draw more criticism.
Below, we break down the buying, policy management and claims process experiences based on our research.
Erie's online auto quote process is straightforward and transparent, allowing customers to enter driver, vehicle, and location information with real-time premium adjustments.
Still, customers must submit quotes to local agents to complete car insurance purchases - no direct online buying available. With over 13,000 independent agents, Erie provides personalized auto coverage consultations and competitive rates for clean-record drivers.
Erie's website and mobile app provide basic auto policy management including viewing auto ID cards, making payments, and accessing policy documents. Customer reviews indicate mixed experiences with the mobile app, reporting frequent crashes and limited functionality.
The app cannot save ID cards to Apple Wallet, and users must rely on PDF downloads. Website management is generally more reliable than the mobile experience for auto policy changes.
Auto claims experiences vary dramatically. Positive reviews praise responsive adjusters, quick rental car arrangements, and flexible repair shop choices. Erie ranked #6 out of 97 insurers in CRASH Network's 2025 collision repair study and #3 in J.D. Power's auto claims satisfaction.
However, negative experiences include unresponsive adjusters, disputed fault determinations, delayed vehicle damage assessments, and poor communication during accident claims. Auto claims must be initiated by phone with 24/7 availability.
Erie ranks well for financial strength from all industry rating agencies, but in J.D. Power studies, the company finishes average or below average in most areas. Here are Erie's scores from industry agencies.
AM Best Financial Strength | A+ (Superior) | A++ to D- | Superior ability to meet financial obligations and pay claims |
AM Best Long-Term Credit Standing | aa | aaa to d | High credit quality |
S&P Global Financial Strength | A | AAA to D | Strong financial security characteristics |
Moody's Financial Strength | A2 | Aaa to C | Upper-medium grade with low credit risk |
J.D. Power Auto Claims Satisfaction | 672/1,000 | 1,000-point scale | Below average (industry average: 697) |
J.D. Power Digital Service Experience | 715/1,000 | 1,000-point scale | Above average (tied for 3rd) |
J.D. Power Auto Insurance Shopping Study | 678/1,000 (9th of 17) | 1,000-point scale | 9th out of 17 companies; better than average |
J.D. Power Overall Customer Satisfaction | 621/1,000 | 1,000-point scale | Below average in all regions studied |
NAIC Auto Complaints | 0.98 | 1.00 is average | Slightly fewer complaints than expected |
Reddit users and forum members praise Erie for its affordable rates, attentive agents and reliable claims handling on straightforward cases. Many also point to perks like Rate Lock and the added financial protection that comes with Erie Auto Plus.
Common complaints center on limited availability across only 12 states, difficulties with complex claims and occasional slow customer service responses. Some customers also report frustrations with policy changes and coverage disputes.
Here's what real customers say about their experiences on forums:
Regional availability creates loyal customers who benefit from competitive rates, but limited geographical coverage restricts options for many drivers:
"FYI: If your auto insurance is increasing with Geico, Progressive, etc. Give Erie a call. They were the best quote by far and I even referred my boyfriend who switched to Erie."
Most customers experience smooth claims handling, with Erie ranking #3 overall in J.D. Power's 2024 Claims Satisfaction Study and #6 out of 97 insurers nationally in CRASH Network's 2025 Insurer Report Card. However, complex claims can face delays:
"When I told the repair shop manager that I had Erie for insurance, he said that he consistently finds that company easy to work with. Overall, I was satisfied with my claims experience and found the claims process to be straightforward and easy."
"I was hit by another car who had Erie insurance. It was a 10 month nightmare to get Erie to settle the claim. They don't return phone calls or emails, claim to have not received documents when they have, and drag it out hoping you'll get desperate and settle for less than your medical bills."
Agent interactions generally receive positive feedback, though experiences with corporate customer service show more variation:
"My agent is always available for me and answers any questions I have. I bundled my house and car with him. Service is outstanding. I'll never change."
"Getting through to Erie feels like a full-time job. Different reps tell you different things, nobody returns calls, and when they answer, they act like you're bothering them."
Erie's mobile app receives mixed to negative reviews, with customers finding it easier to manage policies on the website or by phone. Claims must be filed by phone rather than online:
"Erie's app and website work great for paying bills and checking your policy, but good luck using them when something goes wrong with your claim."
Erie's NAIC complaint index scores have stayed below the industry average for the past three years, indicating fewer customer complaints than insurers of similar size. However, trust varies based on individual experiences:
"I switched from State Farm after 20 years, and have since had Erie for about 15 years. Costs WAY less and have had amazing customer support and claim handling for glass breakage and accident."
"Erie fights you on everything. They'll change their tune real quick when the state insurance department gets involved, which tells you everything you need to know."
Many policyholders value Erie’s wide range of coverage choices and extras like Rate Lock, although some mention limits that can be frustrating:
"Erie offers all the bells and whistles you'd want in coverage options, but what's the point if they'll find every excuse not to pay when you need it?"
"The Rate Lock feature is fantastic - my rates stayed the same for three years until I added my teenage driver. No surprise increases like other companies."
Negative reviews dominate forums and don't reflect overall service quality. For a complete picture, combine user reviews with industry resources like J.D. Power, independent agents, National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and the Insurance Information Institute.
Erie provides standard coverages like other top insurers, including liability, comprehensive and collision protection. The company also offers these additional add-ons:
ERIE Auto Plus® Endorsement | Comprehensive package including diminishing deductible, higher limits for "Xtra Protection Features," death benefit, personal property coverage | Around $30 per year; deductible reduced by $100 each claims-free year up to $500; covers all vehicles on policy |
Auto Security Coverage | New/better car replacement without depreciation worry; gap coverage for lease/loan balance | New cars (<2 years): newest model year replacement; older cars: up to 2 years newer replacement |
Transportation Expense Coverage | Rental car coverage for covered losses; six different rental car classes available | Basic compact car coverage included; upgradeable to larger vehicles; $20-$900 per loss depending on state |
ERIE Rate Lock® | Locks in premium rates year after year, even with claims | Rates only change if you add/remove vehicles, drivers, or change address; limited to 3 years in Virginia |
Roadside & Rentals Bundle | Emergency roadside service plus enhanced transportation expense coverage | Covers towing, locksmith, fuel delivery, flat tire repair; enhanced rental limits |
Full Window Glass | Waives deductible for both windshield repairs and replacements | Includes new wiper blades; upgrade from basic glass repair coverage |
You can bundle these insurance types with your auto policy or buy them separately:
Who Offers It? | Insurance Products |
|---|---|
Erie (Directly Offered) | Auto insurance, home insurance, renters insurance, life insurance, business insurance, RV insurance, boat insurance, ATV insurance, snowmobile insurance, personal watercraft insurance, umbrella insurance, mobile/manufactured home insurance, classic/antique auto insurance |
Third-Party Partner | Medicare supplement insurance, long-term care insurance, annuities (through independent agents and financial services partners) |
Erie excels in affordability, customer experience and coverage, earning 5th place for both full and minimum coverage overall. However, we recommend you compare around, do your own research and decide on coverage needs before buying to get the best deal.
Below are MoneyGeek's expert answers to frequently asked questions about Erie car insurance:
Yes, Erie is a legitimate car insurance company that secured fourth place in our comprehensive car insurance provider analysis. The insurer excels in customer experience, where it ranks 2nd nationally.
I don't have access to the specific data about which states Erie ranks as the #1 car insurance provider. To provide an accurate answer following your format, I would need you to provide the actual number of states and the list of specific states where Erie is ranked #1.
Could you please share this data so I can create the properly formatted response you're looking for?
Erie costs adults an average of $516 annually for minimum coverage and $1,223 for full coverage. Annual premiums range from $397 to $4,304 for minimum and $940 to $10,252 for full coverage.
Erie gets mixed reviews for claims handling. Some policyholders report denials and processing delays in online forums, though comprehensive data comparing its denial rate to industry averages isn't publicly available.
Erie can work well for some high-risk drivers. It ranks fourth overall for drivers with newer cars, which makes it a strong fit for that group.
Yes. Erie raises rates over time due to inflation driving up repair and medical costs, plus more claims tied to distracted driving and severe weather. It also adjusts pricing based on local risk, regulatory changes and personal factors like credit shifts.
No. Erie ranks 7th for overall affordability among young drivers, with full coverage averaging $196 per month.
MoneyGeek pulled auto insurance rate data from Quadrant Information Services and compared prices from 79 insurers across every U.S. ZIP code.
Standard Driver Profile Used for Analysis
Rates are based on a 40-year-old male driver with a clean record, good credit and no prior claims. He drives a 2012 Toyota Camry LE about 12,000 miles per year, with a valid, active license and continuous coverage.
We then adjusted variables including age, driving record, credit score and military status to find which insurers offer the best rates for different driver categories. Minimum coverage rates reflect policies meeting state-required minimums. Full coverage includes 100/300/100 liability limits plus comprehensive and collision with $1,000 deductibles.
Company Rating System
Our evaluation process weighted three factors:
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty (P&C) Insurance Producer in Connecticut, is MoneyGeek's resident insurance expert. He has spent nearly a decade analyzing the market, first at LendingTree and now at MoneyGeek, where he has produced original research on hundreds of carriers and millions of rates across auto, home, renters, health and life insurance.
He covers economics and insurance at MoneyGeek, and his work has been featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times and NPR, among other outlets.
Like all MoneyGeek analysts, he draws on independent cost and consumer experience data. No insurance company partnership influences his recommendations.
Fitzpatrick earned his degrees from Johns Hopkins University (M.A. Economics and International Relations) and Boston College (B.A.). He began his career in financial risk management at State Street. He's also a five-time “Jeopardy!” champion.
