- No. 1 in J.D. Power’s auto insurance shopping and claims satisfaction studies.
- A- CRASH Network grade (No. 4 of 91 insurers nationally).
- Several standard coverages included that competitors charge extra for.
- Strong bundling options across auto, home, life and more.
- AM Best A (Excellent) financial strength rating.
- Available in only 12 states and Washington, D.C.
- Must purchase through a local independent agent, no fully digital purchase option.
- Rates may run above average for some driver profiles.
- AM Best downgraded from A+ to A (Excellent) in September 2025.
Erie car insurance: Jerry’s verdict
Erie is one of the best auto insurers in the country, but the catch is that most drivers can’t get it.
Based in Erie, Pennsylvania, Erie Insurance Group has been offering auto insurance since 1925. It operates through a network of independent agents and is currently available in 12 states: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin, plus Washington, D.C. That regional footprint is the defining constraint of this carrier, as most other aspects of Erie are exceptional.
Erie’s industry ratings are the best of any carrier in this set. It ranked No. 1 in both J.D. Power’s 2025 auto insurance shopping study and claims satisfaction study, scoring 714 and 743 out of 1,000 respectively, both well above each study’s average. It also earned an A- from CRASH Network (No. 4 of 91 insurers nationally), has a consistently low NAIC complaint index and holds an A financial strength rating from AM Best (down from A+ following a September 2025 downgrade). Erie is the only carrier in this review set to top both J.D. Power studies in the same year.
Standard coverages are what make Erie particularly stand out. Most major carriers treat coverages like pet injury, personal item protection, locksmith service and auto glass repair as paid add-ons, but Erie includes them as part of a full coverage policy. For drivers who want comprehensive protection without building a policy piece by piece, this bundled approach delivers real value — and simplifies the comparison with carriers that appear cheaper on premium but require add-ons to match the coverage.
Erie also rewards loyalty in ways that compound over time. Its diminishing deductible drops $100 per claim-free year, and its First Accident Forgiveness program (available after three years with Erie) means your first at-fault accident won’t raise your premium. For drivers who plan to stay long-term, these features add up.
The agent-only model is a real constraint for drivers who prefer a fully digital experience, though, and while you can start a quote online, you’ll need to work with a local Erie agent to finalize coverage. That’s a benefit for some drivers, as you’ll always have a go-to person who knows your policy and can guide you through a claim. However, it’s a friction point for others who prefer to buy and manage their policy digitally.
Overall, for drivers in one of Erie’s 12 states, it’s one of the strongest options available. For everyone else, it simply isn’t an option.
Who Erie is best and worst for
A driver in one of Erie’s 12 available states who values quality over everything else. If you’re in a serviced state, Erie is worth getting a quote. Its combination of industry ratings, included coverages, and loyalty benefits is difficult to match.
Someone who prefers working with a local agent. Erie sells exclusively through independent agents. For drivers who want a personal relationship with someone who knows their policy and can advocate for them during a claim, this is a genuine advantage.
A long-term, claim-free driver. Erie’s diminishing deductible and First Accident Forgiveness program are specifically designed to reward loyalty. The longer you stay, the more value these features accumulate.
A driver outside Erie’s coverage area. Erie is not available in 38 states. If you don’t live in one of its 12 active states, this review ends here (but you can still use Jerry to compare top-rated carriers available in your state!).
Someone who wants a fully digital experience. Erie requires working through a local independent agent to finalize a policy. If you prefer to quote, buy and manage your insurance entirely online without speaking to anyone, other carriers are better suited.
A high-risk driver. Erie’s strong ratings and standard coverages are oriented toward preferred-risk drivers. Drivers with DUIs, multiple violations, or SR-22 needs will likely find better options with GEICO or Progressive.
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Learn more: Full coverage vs. liability-only insurance
How much does Erie car insurance cost?
Erie may offer competitive rates to drivers with clean records. Your premium is determined by many different factors including your age, location, vehicle type and age, driving record, other drivers on your policy and the amount of coverage you choose.
The factors that matter most include your:
- Driving record. This is the biggest lever, as a clean record gets you Erie’s best rates while violations push them up significantly. Even a single at-fault accident will raise your premium meaningfully, and a DUI conviction can mean an even larger increase.
- Credit score. This plays a role in most states, as it does with most major insurers. Erie uses a credit-based insurance score, and drivers with poor credit will pay more.
- Location. Where you live matters more than many drivers expect. State regulations, local accident rates, weather exposure and litigation costs all affect what Erie charges in your area. Rates vary substantially from state to state and even between zip codes — particularly relevant given that Erie only operates in 12 states, each with its own risk profile.
- Coverage level. This determines the floor of your premium. Minimum liability coverage is significantly cheaper than full coverage, but leaves your own vehicle unprotected. The right coverage level depends on your car’s value, your risk tolerance and whether you’re financing or leasing.
Keep in mind that Erie’s full coverage policies include several protections like pet coverage, glass repair, personal items and locksmith service. Other carriers charge extra for these, which can affect how Erie’s total cost compares when coverage is matched apples-to-apples. Let Jerry compare quotes from top carriers available in your state to see where prices actually land for your specific profile.
Key takeaway: To figure out the right coverage for you, start with your comfort level around risk and what your car is worth. Then let Jerry show you what each option costs in real time.
Learn more: Best car insurance companies
Industry ratings of Erie car insurance
Erie holds some of the strongest industry ratings of any insurer in this review set across every major agency
| Rating | Erie’s score |
| NAIC consumer complaint index (2025) | About average (1.17). |
| CRASH Network report card (2026) | A-. |
| JD Power auto insurance shopping study (2025) | No. 1 of 18. |
| JD Power auto insurance claims study (2025) | No. 1 of 20. |
| AM Best (2025) | A (Excellent). |
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NAIC details
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CRASH Network details
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JD Power details
Erie ranked No. 1 of 18 in JD Power’s 2025 Insurance Shopping Study with a score of 714 out of 1,000, the second consecutive year Erie has topped that study. Erie also ranked No. 1 of 20 in the 2025 Auto Claims Satisfaction Study with a score of 743 out of 1,000, well above the study average of 700. Erie is the only carrier in this review set to rank first in both studies in the same year.
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AM Best details
Jerry pulls up to 20 quotes from top rated carriers.
Erie car insurance coverage options
Like most insurers, Erie offers collision, comprehensive, bodily injury liability, property damage liability, medical payments, personal injury protection (PIP) and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
What sets Erie apart is what it may include as part of a full coverage policy… coverages that most carriers treat as paid add-ons. These include:
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Pet coverage pays up to $500 per pet in vet costs if your pet is injured in an accident while riding in your covered vehicle.
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Personal item coverage pays up to $350 to replace clothes, luggage and other personal items stolen from or damaged in your covered vehicle.
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Auto glass repair coverage repairs or replaces eligible glass with no deductible, including new windshield wipers.
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Locksmith coverage offers up to $75 for a locksmith if you lock your keys in your vehicle.
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Roadside assistance and rental coverage covers jump-starts, towing and rental car costs whether you’re driving your own vehicle or a rental.
Erie also offers these optional add-ons or policy features:
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Diminishing deductible drops your deductible $100 for each consecutive claim-free year, up to a $500 maximum reduction.
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First Accident Forgiveness won’t raise your premium after your first at-fault accident, as long as you’ve been with Erie for at least three years.
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Gap insurance covers the difference between what you owe on a financed or leased vehicle and its actual cash value if totaled.
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Rideshare insurance offers extended coverage for drivers working for rideshare or delivery platforms.
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Coverage Definitions
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Who it pays: The other person, for injuries when you’re at fault in a crash.
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What it covers: Medical bills, lost wages and legal costs for people injured in an accident you cause.
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How it pays: Up to your policy limits, shown as two numbers. For example, 50/100 means $50K per person and $100K per accident.*
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Do you need it? Required by law in every state except New Hampshire. Your state sets a minimum, but Jerry recommends considering limits of at least 100/300.
Property damage liability (PD)
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Who it pays: The other person, for property you damage in a crash.
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What it covers: Costs to repair or replace another person’s car, fence, mailbox or other property you hit.
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How it pays: Up to your policy’s limit. For example, $50K.*
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Do you need it? Required by law in every state except New Hampshire. Your state sets a minimum, but Jerry recommends considering limits of at least $100K.
*Bodily injury liability and property damage liability are typically shown as three numbers on your policy, like 100/300/100. The first two numbers represent your bodily injury limits per person and per accident, while the third number represents your property damage limit.
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Who it pays: You, for damage to your own car.
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What it covers: Costs to repair or replace your own car after a crash with another car or object, like a guardrail or pole.
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How it pays: You pay a deductible first, then insurance covers the rest, typically up to your car’s current market value.
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Do you need it? Required if you’re financing or leasing your car. Optional otherwise, but recommended if your car is worth more than $5,000. May not be worthwhile for older, lower-value cars.
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Who it pays: You, for damage to your own car.
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What it covers: Damage from non-crash events like theft, vandalism, hail, flooding, falling trees, fire or hitting an animal.
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How it pays: You pay a deductible first, then insurance covers the rest, typically up to your car’s current market value.
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Do you need it? Required if you’re financing or leasing your car. Optional otherwise, but recommended if your car is worth more than $5,000. May not be worthwhile for older, lower-value cars.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM)
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Who it pays: You and your passengers, for injuries and property damage.
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What it covers: Your own injuries and property damage when the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough to cover your costs, including hit-and-runs in many states.
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How it pays: Up to your chosen limits, which often match your BI limits. There’s usually no deductible for UM, but UIM may have one.
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Do you need it? Required in some states, but Jerry recommends every driver get it, since about 1 in 8 drivers does not have car insurance.
Personal injury protection (PIP)
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Who it pays: You and your passengers, for medical bills and lost income, no matter who caused the accident.
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What it covers: Medical bills, lost wages, childcare, funeral costs and other expenses after an accident, regardless of fault.
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How it pays: Up to your policy limit. There’s usually no deductible, though this varies by state.
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Do you need it? Required in no-fault states. If available in your state, it’s worth considering.
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Who it pays: You and your passengers, for medical bills.
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What it covers: Medical expenses after an accident, regardless of fault.
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How it pays: No deductible. Pays up to your policy’s limit.
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Do you need it? Optional in most states, but can be valuable if you don’t have health insurance or have a high-deductible health plan.
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Erie car insurance discounts
Erie offers a range of discounts, though availability varies by state:
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Multi-vehicle — Multiple cars on one policy
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Multi-policy — Bundle auto with home, renters, condo, umbrella, life, or business insurance
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Reduced usage — Vehicle stored unused for at least 90 consecutive days
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Pay in full — Pay the full premium upfront
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Driver training — Complete a qualifying driver training program
👨👩👦
Young driver at home — Insure a teen or young adult driver under 21 who lives at home
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Vehicle safety — Airbags, anti-theft devices or anti-lock brakes
Does Erie offer insurance based on driving behavior?
Yes. Erie’s YourTurn telematics program uses a mobile app to monitor driving behavior including hard braking, fast acceleration, hard cornering, speeding and cell phone use. The app assigns drivers a score, and high scores earn rewards redeemable as gift cards or charitable donations.
Unlike some telematics programs that directly reduce your premium, YourTurn rewards are points-based rather than a direct rate discount.
Jerry helps you bundle home and auto for less in just minutes.
Filing a claim with Erie
Liberty Mutual offers multiple ways for filing a claim and managing it once filed.
File through your agent, by phone or online for glass claims
Erie recommends contacting your local independent agent to file most claims. You can also initiate a claim 24/7 by calling 800-367-3743. Glass claims specifically can be filed online or by phone.
Get assigned an adjuster
After filing, Erie assigns an adjuster to assess the damage. Erie’s A- CRASH Network grade and strong JD Power claims scores reflect what repair shops and policyholders consistently describe: a straightforward, fair process where the adjuster works with the shop rather than against it.
Repair authorization and lifetime guarantee
Erie will provide a repair estimate which you can take to any licensed shop. Erie’s high CRASH Network grade suggests most repair shops have a positive working relationship with Erie adjusters, giving it an advantage over carriers like Safeco or Allstate that earn D+ grades.
Repair and rental
Erie’s standard full coverage policy includes rental car and roadside assistance coverage, so no separate add-on is needed in most cases.
Settlement or payout
For total losses, Erie offers a settlement based on your car’s actual cash value (ACV). If you disagree with the valuation, you can negotiate — particularly with comparable market data to support your position.
Customer reviews of Erie
A handful of Jerry customers have reviewed Erie’s auto insurance, giving the company a high score compared to most carriers in this review set.
Is Erie a good insurance company?
Erie is one of the best auto insurers available, period. Its combination of top JD Power scores, an A- from CRASH Network, low complaint volume and standard coverages that competitors charge extra for is nearly impossible to match.
The only meaningful caveat is geography: Erie is only available in 12 states. If you’re in one of them, it’s worth comparing Erie against any other carrier you’re considering. If you’re not, it’s not an option.
See coverage options for your car.
How to contact Erie
Erie sells exclusively through independent agents. You can start a quote online but must work with a local agent to finalize coverage.
- Glass claims: Online or by phone
- Find an agent: erieinsurance.com/find-an-agent
- Customer service: 800-485-0811 (Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET; Saturday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET)
- Claims (24/7): 800-367-3743
Related guides
FAQ
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What are the pros and cons of Erie auto insurance?
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What states does Erie car insurance cover?
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Does Erie include pet coverage in its policies?
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What is Erie’s First Accident Forgiveness program?
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How do I get a quote from Erie?
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How do I file a claim with Erie?
Drivers who switch with Jerry save an average of $54/mo on car insurance.
Methodology
We looked at over 400,000 actual policies quotes from real Jerry customers during 2024 across 24 different insurance companies. The pricing data included both those with clean driving records as well as those with a violation.
How we rate car insurance companies
Jerry’s team of car insurance expert writers and editors analyze real customer ratings and industry reports to get a holistic view of an insurer’s performance. Our rubric emphasizes the shopping and claims experiences, customer complaints and reviews, repair shops’ evaluations of insurers, policy and quote pricing, and state availability.
We regularly reassess insurers’ star ratings and fact-check these reviews to ensure they’re accurate and up-to-date.
These individual factors roll up into one weighting system as follows:
20% Financial strength.
20% Complaints.
20% Industry ratings.
20% Customer ratings.
20% Cost and discounts.
Stephanie Colestock is a professional writer, CFEI®, and licensed insurance agent specializing in personal finance. With over 14 years of experience, she crafts insightful and accessible content on a wide range of financial topics, including insurance, loans, credit/debt, investing, retirement planning, and banking.
Her bylines appear in top-tier publications such as TIME, Fortune, MSN, Business Insider, USA Today, Money, Fox Business, and CBS. Stephanie’s deep understanding of complex financial concepts and her ability to communicate them clearly have made her a trusted voice in the industry.
When she’s not writing, Stephanie enjoys SCUBA diving, reading a good book, and traveling the world with her family.
