MetLife is a global diversified insurance and financial services company offering life, auto, and home insurance, while State Farm is primarily a mutual insurance company specializing in auto and home coverage with a strong local agent network. State Farm leads in auto insurance market share in the US, while MetLife offers broader international presence and retirement products.
MetLife vs State Farm — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Global diversified insurance and financial services company offering life, auto, home, dental, and retirement products.
America's largest auto insurer with strong home, life, and claims service delivered through exclusive local agents.
Company Structure. Primary Business Focus. US Auto Insurance Market Share. Distribution Model. Global Presence. Life Insurance Offerings. Average Customer Satisfaction (J.D. Power). Digital Claims Processing
State Farm excels for customers seeking personalized service through local agents and dominant auto insurance rates, making it ideal for traditional insurance shoppers. MetLife is better suited for those seeking comprehensive, diversified insurance and retirement planning solutions with international reach. The choice depends on whether you prioritize local relationship banking or broader financial services integration.
MetLife: 67 million | State Farm: 88 million (US + Canada primarily)
MetLife: Term, whole life, universal life, variable life, indexed universal life | State Farm: Basic term and whole life options
MetLife: 3-5 business days | State Farm: 2-4 business days
MetLife: Online, phone, and select agent partnerships | State Farm: 20,000+ exclusive local agents
MetLife: N/A | State Farm: $12.9 billion
MetLife: N/A | State Farm: Standard package
MetLife: N/A | State Farm: More competitive
MetLife: N/A | State Farm: All 50 states
MetLife: N/A | State Farm: Solid ratings
MetLife: N/A | State Farm: Agent + Digital
MetLife: N/A | State Farm: 700,000+ (Florida, April 2026)
MetLife: N/A | State Farm: Full digital + agent options
MetLife: N/A | State Farm: Comprehensive
MetLife: N/A | State Farm: User-friendly
MetLife: N/A | State Farm: Record dividend
MetLife: N/A | State Farm: Auto, Home, Renters, Life
MetLife: N/A | State Farm: ~18,000+ nationwide
MetLife: N/A | State Farm: 90+ years (founded 1931)
MetLife: N/A | State Farm: A+ (Superior)
MetLife: N/A | State Farm: 12-15 minutes
MetLife: N/A | State Farm: A++ (AM Best)
Average Annual Auto Premium (Good Driver)
Customer Service Satisfaction (J.D. Power 2025)
MetLife: N/A | State Farm: 4.3 (289K reviews)
MetLife: N/A | State Farm: DriveWise: Up to 30%
Average Annual Auto Premium (Safe Driver)
J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Ranking
MetLife: N/A | State Farm: 1st place (2024)
MetLife: N/A | State Farm: Standard auto, home, life, umbrella
MetLife: N/A | State Farm: 17.6% (largest)
Average Annual Premium (Full Coverage, Age 25-35)
Mobile App Rating (iOS/Android Combined)
MetLife: N/A | State Farm: 18,000+ agents
MetLife: N/A | State Farm: 15-20 minutes
MetLife: N/A | State Farm: $2.1 trillion
MetLife: N/A | State Farm: $54.8 billion
J.D. Power Auto Claims Satisfaction (2024)
MetLife: N/A | State Farm: Not primary focus
Average Auto Insurance Premium (National Average)
How to choose between MetLife and State Farm
MetLife vs State Farm — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for MetLife vs State Farm. Contains 100 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
MetLife vs State Farm — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for MetLife vs State Farm.
Which company offers better auto insurance rates?
State Farm typically offers the most competitive auto insurance rates due to its dominant 17.1% US market share and pricing power. However, MetLife may provide better overall value through bundling discounts (up to 30%) when combining auto with other products like home or life insurance. Rates vary by location, driving record, and coverage needs, so comparing quotes directly is recommended.
Does MetLife operate outside the United States?
Yes, MetLife is a global company operating in 67 countries with approximately 67 million customers worldwide. State Farm's operations are primarily limited to the United States and Canada, making MetLife the better choice for international customers or those requiring global coverage.
What is the main advantage of State Farm's agent network?
State Farm's 20,000+ local agents provide personalized, face-to-face service and local decision-making authority. This enables agents to better understand community-specific risks, offer customized coverage recommendations, and provide dedicated support throughout the claims process—something difficult to replicate through online or phone-based channels.
Which company has better life insurance options?
MetLife offers significantly more life insurance variety, including term, whole life, universal life, variable life, and indexed universal life policies. This makes MetLife ideal for comprehensive life planning. State Farm focuses primarily on auto and home insurance, offering only basic life insurance options, typically through bundled packages.
How do the companies handle claims differently?
State Farm processes auto claims faster (2-4 business days) through its local agent network, allowing for in-person assessment and expedited settlement. MetLife uses a digital-first approach (3-5 business days) with photo-based mobile claims, appealing to tech-savvy customers. Both offer 24/7 claim reporting, but State Farm's agent availability may feel more personal.
How to Choose Between MetLife and State Farm
Company Structure: MetLife has Public corporation (stock-based), while State Farm has Mutual insurance company (policyholder-owned).
Primary Business Focus: MetLife has Diversified: Life, auto, home, dental, vision, retirement, while State Farm has Specialized: Auto and home insurance primarily.
Consider: US Auto Insurance Market Share
US Auto Insurance Market Share: MetLife has ~7.2%, while State Farm has ~17.1%.
Distribution Model: MetLife has Direct online, phone, and licensed agents, while State Farm has Exclusive local agent network (20,000+ agents).
Global Presence: MetLife has 67 countries, ~67 million customers worldwide, while State Farm has United States, Canada, and select international markets.
Life Insurance Offerings: MetLife has Comprehensive: Term, whole life, universal life, variable life, while State Farm has Limited: Basic life insurance through bundling.
Consider: Average Customer Satisfaction (J.D. Power)
Average Customer Satisfaction (J.D. Power): MetLife has 805/1000, while State Farm has 821/1000.
Digital Claims Processing: MetLife has Mobile app with photo-based claims, while State Farm has Mobile app with real-time claim tracking and agent support.