Erie Auto Insurance Review

Last Updated on January 6, 2026

Erie Insurance is a Pennsylvania-based insurer that sells auto, home, business, and life insurance primarily through independent agents. Founded in 1925, ERIE marked its 100th anniversary in 2025 and remains a well-known regional carrier with a reputation for strong service and value-packed policies.

Today, Erie auto insurance is available in 12 states and Washington, D.C. If you live in its footprint and prefer working with a local agent (instead of buying everything 100% online), Erie is often worth a quote—especially if you like policy “extras” that some insurers charge for.

Our Rating of Erie Auto Insurance

A high-value regional insurer with strong service and built-in perks—if you’re in its 12-state footprint.

4.8

out of 5

★★★★★

Based on pricing, coverage options, claims experience, and ease of service.

Strong value Agent support Built-in perks

Summary

Bottom line: Erie is a strong pick for drivers in its service area who want agent-led help and policies that often include valuable extras, but it’s not nationwide and isn’t built for online-only shoppers.

Erie is a regional carrier known for strong customer satisfaction in the markets it serves and for value-added features that may cost extra elsewhere. If you live in its footprint and prefer working with an independent agent, Erie is often worth a quote—just be sure to compare matching limits and deductibles, since coverage options and discounts can vary by state.

Best for

  • Drivers who prefer working with an independent agent instead of a fully DIY online process
  • Shoppers who want strong “value” features (like accident forgiveness, glass repair options, and other built-in perks)
  • Drivers who live in Erie’s 12-state + Washington, D.C. service area

Not ideal for

  • Drivers outside Erie’s limited service footprint
  • People who want instant, online-only quoting, buying, and self-service
  • Shoppers who need a true nationwide carrier for frequent moves

Erie Auto Insurance at a Glance

Best forDrivers who want agent-led service, strong claims support, and built-in perks (accident forgiveness, pet coverage, glass repair features, etc.).
Not ideal forDrivers outside Erie’s service area or anyone who wants a fully self-serve, online-only experience.
Where it’s availableIllinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Washington, D.C.
How to buyPrimarily through independent agents (online quoting is limited to “active states” and still routes you to an agent).
Good to knowCoverage, add-ons, and discounts vary by state. Always confirm details with your Erie agent.

Where Erie Auto Insurance Is Available

Erie writes auto insurance in 12 states plus Washington, D.C. Availability is a big limitation—if you live outside these areas, you’ll need to shop another insurer.

  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Kentucky
  • Maryland
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • Pennsylvania
  • Tennessee
  • Virginia
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Washington, D.C.

Types of Auto Insurance Coverage Offered by Erie

Erie offers the standard coverage types most drivers need, from state-minimum liability to full coverage with comprehensive and collision. Your exact options (and required coverages) depend on your state.

Common coverages you can expect to see include:

Depending on your state and policy, you may also be able to add coverages like rental reimbursement, roadside service, custom equipment coverage, loan/lease payoff (gap-style coverage), and rideshare endorsements.

What Makes Erie Auto Insurance Different?

Erie’s biggest differentiator isn’t a flashy app or a giant national footprint—it’s the agent-driven model and the “extras” built into many policies. Here are standout features that many drivers like about Erie:

  • Sold through agents (not call centers): Erie policies are sold through a network of independent agents, which can be a plus if you want a real person to review coverages, explain options, and advocate during a claim.
  • Extra perks often included: Many Erie policies come with valuable add-ons that other insurers commonly charge for, such as first accident forgiveness (eligibility rules apply) and travel-related benefits.
  • Erie Auto Plus: Erie’s “Auto Plus” package can include a diminishing deductible and other enhanced protections (availability and features vary by state).
  • Rate Lock (in eligible states): Erie’s Rate Lock is designed to keep your base rate from increasing at renewal just because you had a claim. Your price can still change if you add/remove drivers or vehicles, change your address, or change coverage.
  • Accident forgiveness: Erie includes first accident forgiveness on many policies once you meet eligibility requirements.
  • Glass repair features: Erie is known for strong glass coverage options, including windshield repair and situations where you may pay no comprehensive deductible when repairing a broken windshield (state rules and policy details apply).
  • Pet injury coverage: Erie may include pet injury coverage on many policies, which can help reimburse certain veterinary costs if your pet is hurt in a covered accident.
  • Borrowed and rental vehicle coverage: Erie often extends coverage to borrowed or rented vehicles similarly to how your personal auto policy works (always confirm with your agent, especially for business use and international rentals).
  • Lockout help: Depending on your coverages, Erie may help with locksmith services (often through roadside-type coverage).
  • Roadside assistance options: Erie offers roadside help in many states—learn how it works and what it includes at Erie roadside assistance coverage. (Tip: Accident-related towing is typically handled differently than breakdown roadside service.)
  • Personal item coverage: Some Erie policies include personal item coverage for certain belongings damaged or stolen from your vehicle (coverage limits apply).
  • New car replacement: Erie offers new car replacement coverage in many states as an optional upgrade.

How Much Does Erie Auto Insurance Cost?

Erie’s pricing is often competitive within its service area, but the “right” price depends on your location, driving record, age, vehicle, coverage limits, deductible choices, and credit-based insurance score (where allowed by law).

A better way to think about cost is this: Erie tends to shine when you compare value. Many policies include extras that would cost more elsewhere, so the cheapest quote isn’t always the best deal.

Tip: When you compare quotes, match the same liability limits and deductibles across companies—otherwise, you might accidentally compare “apples to oranges.”

Erie Auto Insurance Discounts

Erie offers a solid lineup of discounts, though availability can vary by state. You can also review common Erie discounts to see what you might qualify for.

  • Multi-policy bundling: Bundling auto with home/renters/other coverage is one of the biggest savings opportunities.
  • Safe driver savings: If you are a safe driver with a good record, you may qualify for lower rates.
  • Safety equipment: Some vehicles qualify for car safety equipment discounts based on factory-installed safety features.
  • Multi-car discount: If you insure two or more vehicles with Erie, you may see additional savings.
  • Reduced usage: Low-mileage or reduced-use situations may qualify for a discount (rules vary).
  • Young driver discounts: Some young drivers can qualify for extra savings based on grades, training, or living situation.
  • Pay-in-full / payment plan discounts: Paying in full or choosing certain payment options may reduce fees.

Pros and Cons of Erie Auto Insurance

Pros

  • Excellent option for drivers who want strong coverage and “built-in” perks
  • Local, agent-led service model that many customers prefer
  • Rate Lock can help reduce surprise renewal increases in eligible situations
  • Strong customer satisfaction in multiple regional studies
  • 24/7 claims support phone line

Cons

  • Not available nationwide (limited to 12 states and Washington, D.C.)
  • Less “instant” online self-service than some direct-to-consumer insurers
  • Some perks and bundles vary significantly by state and underwriting rules

Erie Reviews and Ratings

Erie is frequently recognized for customer experience, especially in the regions where it operates. In J.D. Power’s 2025 U.S. Auto Insurance Study, Erie ranked highest in the North Central region (for the fifth consecutive year) and highest in the Southeast region. Other regions have different leaders, so results can vary depending on where you live.

From a financial strength standpoint, Erie Insurance Group has an A (Excellent) rating from A.M. Best, which is commonly used as a quick “ability to pay claims” signal when comparing insurers.

Important: Ratings and rankings change over time. Use them as one data point—but also consider your quote, coverages, deductibles, and your experience with the local agent you’ll actually work with.

See Erie’s awards and rankings and browse Erie’s review highlights directly from the company.

How to Get a Quote From Erie

Erie is primarily sold through agents. In many cases, the fastest way to get an accurate quote is to contact an Erie agent in your area.

  1. Start online (where available): You can begin a quote in “active states” here: https://www.erieinsurance.com/onlinequote.
  2. Or find an agent first: Use Erie’s agent locator: https://www.erieinsurance.com/find-an-insurance-agent.
  3. Compare apples to apples: Match liability limits and deductibles across companies before deciding.

How to File a Claim With Erie

For many claims, you can start by contacting your agent or calling ERIE’s claims line. Erie also supports claims help through its online account and mobile app.

24/7 claims support: Call (800) 367-3743 for auto, home, and workers’ comp claims.

Roadside assistance: Roadside help is commonly accessed through the same phone system (typically option-based routing) or through Erie’s mobile app, depending on your coverage and state.

FAQs About Erie Auto Insurance

Final Word on Erie Auto Insurance

Erie is a standout regional insurer if you live in its service area and want a policy with strong coverage, useful built-in perks, and a local agent who can help you tailor your protection.

If you want to learn more about Erie or need help finding the right contact, you can contact them today.

Erie Insurance Contact Information

Claims (24/7)Call (800) 367-3743
Roadside AssistanceCall (800) 367-3743 (typically option-based routing for roadside)
Billing / PaymentsCall (800) 458-0811 (hours vary by department and menu option)
Find an Erie Agenthttps://www.erieinsurance.com/find-an-insurance-agent
Start a Quote Onlinehttps://www.erieinsurance.com/onlinequote
James Shaffer
James Shaffer James Shaffer is a writer for InsurancePanda.com and a well-seasoned auto insurance industry veteran. He has a deep knowledge of insurance rules and regulations and is passionate about helping drivers save money on auto insurance. He is responsible for researching and writing about anything auto insurance-related. He holds a bachelor's degree from Bentley University and his work has been quoted by NBC News, CNN, and The Washington Post.