Erie car insurance review 2023
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BLUEPRINT
Updated 11:37 a.m. UTC Sep. 20, 2023
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Erie
Pros
- Strong claims process according to auto collision repair experts.
- Competitive rates for drivers in their 60s and 70s.
Erie’s Rate Lock program ensures rates won’t go up unless you make certain changes to your policy. - Lower than average rates for drivers with a speeding ticket or gap in coverage on their record.
Cons
- Coverage only available in 12 states and Washington, D.C.
- Above average rates for drivers with poor credit.
- Less competitive rates for drivers in their 80s.
Why trust our insurance experts
Our team of experts evaluates hundreds of insurance products and analyzes thousands of data points to help you find the best product for your situation. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content. You can read more about our methodology below.
- 780 companies analyzed.
- 7,800 rates reviewed.
- 5 levels of fact-checking.
Is Erie car insurance good?
Erie car insurance may be a good fit for some drivers, especially seniors. It receives 3 stars out of 5 in our evaluation of top auto insurance companies in the nation. It earns 4.5 stars in our best car insurance for seniors rating, thanks to competitive rates for that group of drivers. Erie also has below-average rates for drivers with a speeding ticket or gap in coverage on their record.
Other drivers may not find Erie’s average rates as competitive as other companies included in our best car insurance and cheapest car insurance ratings. Despite that, if you’re shopping for a new car insurance policy, it may be worth it to get a quote from Erie, as individual rates vary. In addition, the Erie Rate Lock feature provides rate stability, so your premiums won’t increase as long as you don’t make changes to your policy.
Erie also has the highest CRASH Network rating (A-) among the insurers we analyzed. CRASH Network surveys collision repair professionals about their interactions with insurers and scores those insurers based on key factors, such as claims handling policies, payment practices, customer service and repair quality.
While some drivers may find competitive rates and a quality collision repair experience with Erie, its coverage is limited to a few states. Only residents in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia will be able to purchase car insurance with Erie — a drawback for drivers in the other 38 states.
Erie compared to other car insurance companies
| Company | Our rating | Average annual cost | Complaint level | LEARN MORE | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Family | 5.0 stars | $2,176 | Very low | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| Auto-Owners | 5.0 stars | $1,628 | Low | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| Nationwide | 5.0 stars | $2,041 | Very low | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| USAA | 5.0 stars | $1,412 | Average | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| Geico | 4.5 stars | $1,716 | Average | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| Travelers | 4.5 stars | $1,852 | Very low | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| Westfield | 4.5 stars | $1,759 | Very low | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| Allstate | 3.5 stars | $3,000 | Low | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| Farmers | 3.5 stars | $2,381 | Low | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| Progressive | 3.5 stars | $2,157 | Low | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| State Farm | 3.5 stars | $1,959 | Low | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| Erie | 3.0 stars | $2,144 | Low | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| Safe Auto | 1.0 stars | $2,647 | Very high | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners |
Types of car insurance offered by Erie
- Collision coverage.
- Comprehensive coverage.
- Gap insurance.
- Liability insurance.
- Personal injury protection.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist.
- Accident forgiveness.
- Auto glass repair.
- Better car protection.
- New and used car replacement.
- Non-owners.
- Pet coverage (while in vehicle).
- Rental coverage.
- Replacement coverage.
- Rideshare insurance.
- Roadside service.
- Travel expenses.
- Windshield repair.
Other insurance products offered by Erie
- Homeowners insurance.
- Renters insurance.
- Boat insurance.
- ATV insurance.
- Collectors and classic car insurance.
- Condo insurance.
- Extended water coverage.
- Flood insurance.
- Golf car insurance.
- Mobile home insurance.
- Motorcycle insurance.
- Personal valuables insurance.
- Recreational vehicle coverage.
- Snowmobile insurance.
- Term life insurance.
- No-exam life insurance.
- Whole life insurance.
- Universal life insurance.
- Long-term care insurance.
- Business insurance.
Erie car insurance reviews
Erie auto insurance has a low consumer complaint level, based on data collected by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). This means that Erie has a lower-than-average number of complaints to state auto insurance departments. NAIC complaints can reflect claims processing issues, such as delays or unsatisfactory settlements, as well as premiums and surcharges.
Erie also gets an A- on the 2023 CRASH Network report card, coming in third out of 29 insurers in the annual Honor Roll. The CRASH Network surveys collision repair professionals on their experience while working with insurers. Factors that may contribute to a high grade include using high-quality repair parts, quick and satisfactory customer claims, and encouraging repair procedures recommended by car manufacturers.
Methodology
Our insurance experts evaluated top car insurance companies in the nation to determine which offer the best auto insurance based on average rates, coverage features, collision claims process and consumer complaints.
Each car insurance company was eligible for up to 100 points, based on its performance in the following key categories:
Cost: 50 points. We analyzed rates from Quadrant Information Services based on seven driver profiles for a policy with 100/300/100 in liability coverage, uninsured motorist coverage and comprehensive and collision coverage. We awarded up to 50 points based on insurers’ average rates for:
- Drivers in various age groups.
- Drivers with bad credit.
- Good drivers.
- Drivers with infractions, such as speeding tickets, an accident or a DUI on their record.
Consumer complaints: 30 points. We collected complaint data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), which shows the volume of car insurance consumer complaints against each company. When a consumer lodges a complaint to their state’s department of insurance — often about an insurance company’s claims process, delays, denials or settlements — these complaints are logged and tracked.
Car insurance coverage features: 15 points. Car insurance policy features can help make coverage more affordable both before and after an accident or covered incident. We evaluated car insurance policies offered by each insurer and awarded points to insurers that offered these valuable benefits:
- Accident forgiveness (5 points).
- New car replacement (5 points).
- Vanishing deductible (5 points).
SR-22 availability: 5 points. After a major traffic violation, some drivers must provide proof that they have the type and amount of coverage required by their state. Proof of coverage is obtained throug
In most cases no, you’ll need to call your local Erie agent or contact the insurer’s 24/7 support line at (800) 367-3743 to file a car insurance claim. However, if you need to submit a glass damage claim, you can do so by logging into your account.
No, in most cases Erie auto insurance doesn’t offer SR-22s. However, if you need an SR-22 and are a current Erie customer, consult your agent to inquire.
An SR-22 is a proof of insurance form that is often required if you are convicted of a major traffic violation, such as a DUI or reckless driving infraction.
No, Erie doesn’t offer usage-based auto insurance.
If you’re looking for usage-based car insurance, consider getting car insurance quotes from one of our top-rated car insurance companies that provide this type of coverage, including American Family, Auto-Owners, Geico, Nationwide or Travelers.
Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.
