Are you paying too much for car insurance? If you’re a State Farm customer, you might be leaving money on the table. The Drive Safe & Save program promises discounts up to 30% just for safe driving, but does it actually deliver?
After analyzing over 3,000 customer reviews and testing the program firsthand, I’m breaking down everything you need to know about State Farm’s Drive Safe & Save in 2025. Whether you’re a cautious driver looking to slash your premium or someone wondering if sharing your driving data is worth the savings, this comprehensive review will help you decide.
What Is State Farm Drive Safe & Save?
Drive Safe & Save is State Farm’s usage-based insurance (UBI) telematics program that rewards safe driving with premium discounts. Unlike some competitor programs that can increase your rates for risky behavior, Drive Safe & Save only offers discounts, meaning your rates won’t go up based on your driving data.
Here’s what makes it unique: You get an instant 5-10% discount just for enrolling, then earn up to 30% off at your next policy renewal based on your actual driving habits.
How the Program Works
For Most Drivers:
- Text “SAVE” to 42407 to verify your phone’s eligibility
- Download the State Farm mobile app (now integrated—no separate app needed as of 2025)
- State Farm mails you a small Bluetooth beacon
- Attach the beacon to your windshield behind the rearview mirror
- The beacon pairs with your phone to track driving data
- Review your scores in the app after each trip
For 2020+ Ford or Lincoln Owners: State Farm offers a Connected Car option that pulls data directly from your vehicle through FordPass or Lincoln Way, eliminating the need for the beacon and app tracking.
What Does Drive Safe & Save Actually Track?
Understanding what behaviors State Farm monitors is crucial for maximizing your discount. The program evaluates six key driving factors:
| Driving Factor | What It Measures | How to Score Well |
| Speed | Exceeding posted limits by 8+ mph | Stay within 7 mph of speed limits |
| Acceleration | How quickly you speed up | Accelerate gradually and smoothly |
| Braking | Hard or sudden stops | Brake gently; maintain safe following distance |
| Cornering | Sharp or fast turns | Take turns at controlled speeds |
| Phone Distraction | Screen use while driving | Enable Do Not Disturb mode when driving |
| Annual Mileage | Total miles driven per year | Drive under 7,000 miles annually for best savings |
The Phone Distraction Problem
This is where the program gets controversial. The app flags phone distraction anytime your screen turns on while the vehicle is moving, even from incoming notifications you don’t look at. Multiple customers report this as the most frustrating aspect.
Pro tip: Put your phone in Do Not Disturb mode before driving, or manually edit trips in the app to indicate a passenger was using the phone.
How Much Can You Actually Save?
State Farm advertises “up to 30% or more” in savings, but real-world results vary significantly based on your state and driving habits.
Discount Breakdown
- Enrollment discount: 5-10% immediately upon signing up
- Renewal discount: 0-30%+ based on driving performance (calculated every 6 months)
- First renewal: Based on 60-90 days of driving data
- Subsequent renewals: Based on up to 12 months of driving history
Real Customer Savings Examples
High Performer (Low Mileage + Safe Driving):
- Base Premium: $685.60
- Drive Safe & Save Discount: $273.45 (40% savings)
- Final Premium: $412.15
- Annual Mileage: ~4,500 miles
- Average Score: 98%
Moderate Performer (Typical Driving):
- Discount: 10-15% ($150-200 per 6-month period)
- Average Score: 90-95%
- Common issue: Occasional phone distraction flags
Lower Performer (Urban/High Mileage):
- Discount: 0-5%
- Challenge: Frequent hard braking in traffic
- High annual mileage (15,000+ miles)
State Availability and Restrictions
Available in: Most U.S. states, including major markets like Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and New York
NOT Available in:
- California
- Massachusetts
- Rhode Island
- North Carolina (limited availability depending on circumstances)
Important Note: In New York, the discount is capped at 30%, while some other states may see discounts exceed 30%.
Drive Safe & Save vs. Competitors: How Does It Stack Up?
Here’s how State Farm’s program compares to other major insurance telematics offerings:
| Program | Max Discount | Enrollment Discount | Tracking Method | Rate Increase Risk? |
| State Farm Drive Safe & Save | 30%+ | 5-10% | Bluetooth beacon + app | No |
| Progressive Snapshot | $169 avg | $32 avg | App or plug-in | No |
| Allstate Drivewise | Not disclosed | 5-10% | App only | Yes |
| GEICO DriveEasy | 15% | 5% | App only | Yes |
| Nationwide SmartRide | 40% | 10% | App or plug-in | No |
| Liberty Mutual RightTrack | 30% | 10% | App | No |
| USAA SafePilot | 30% | 10% | App only | No |
State Farm’s Advantage: No rate increase risk combined with competitive maximum discounts makes it a low-risk, high-reward option for safe drivers.
Pros and Cons: The Real Customer Experience
Advantages ✓
- No Downside Risk: Your rates will never increase based on driving data; only your discount changes.
- Immediate Savings: Get 5-10% off just for enrolling, before you drive a single mile.
- Driving Feedback: Review each trip’s performance and identify areas for improvement.
- Crash Detection: Built-in Accident Assistance can detect collisions and automatically contact emergency services if you don’t respond.
- Multiple Discount Opportunities: Low-mileage drivers benefit from both safe driving and reduced annual miles.
- User-Friendly Integration: As of 2025, everything runs through State Farm’s main app (4.8 stars on the App Store, 4.6 on Google Play).
Disadvantages ✗
- Overly Sensitive Phone Tracking: The app flags any screen activity as distraction, including passenger use and notifications.
- Battery Drain: Constant Bluetooth and location tracking noticeably impacts phone battery life.
- Lacks Situational Context: Hard braking to avoid an accident still counts against you, the app can’t distinguish necessary from reckless braking.
- State Restrictions: Not available in California, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and limited in North Carolina.
- Modest Savings for Some: Many drivers report discounts dropping to 5-10% after the initial enrollment period, especially in urban areas.
- Privacy Concerns: Requires constant location tracking, and State Farm may share data with marketing partners per their privacy policy.
What Real Customers Are Saying
After analyzing over 3,000 reviews across Reddit, TrustPilot, BBB, and app stores, here are the most common themes:
Top Positive Feedback
- “Worth it for the initial discount alone”
Most customers appreciate the guaranteed 5-10% enrollment discount, viewing anything additional as bonus savings. - “Made me a more conscious driver”
Many users report that seeing their scores after each trip helped them identify and correct unsafe habits. - “Great for low-mileage drivers”
Remote workers and retirees consistently achieve the highest discounts (20-40%) due to minimal annual mileage.
Top Complaints
- “Phone distraction tracking is ridiculous”
The #1 complaint across all platforms. Customers frustrated by penalties for passenger phone use or incoming notifications. - “Discount dropped significantly after first renewal”
Initial savings of several hundred dollars often decrease to $100-150 at subsequent renewals. - “Penalizes urban driving”
City drivers with unavoidable stop-and-go traffic struggle to maintain high braking scores.
App Store Ratings (2025)
- Apple App Store: 4.8/5 stars
- Google Play Store: 4.6/5 stars (improved from 4.0 after app integration)
Tips to Maximize Your Drive Safe & Save Discount
Based on high-performing customers and industry analysis, here’s how to achieve the highest possible savings:
1. Master the Basics
- Keep speeds within 7 mph of posted limits
- Accelerate and brake gradually
- Increase following distance to avoid hard stops
- Take corners at controlled speeds
2. Solve the Phone Problem
- Enable Do Not Disturb mode automatically when driving
- Keep your phone face-down or in a closed center console
- Manually edit trips to mark passenger phone use
- Consider leaving your phone in the trunk for short trips
3. Reduce Your Mileage
- Combine errands into single trips
- Work from home when possible
- Use alternative transportation for short distances
- Target under 7,000 miles annually for maximum discount
4. Monitor Your Scores
- Check the app regularly to identify problem areas
- Scores update every two weeks
- Focus improvement efforts on your weakest categories
5. Plan Around Urban Challenges
- Avoid rush hour when possible
- Choose routes with less stop-and-go traffic
- Allow extra time so you’re not tempted to speed
6. Enroll All Household Vehicles
- More data typically equals better discounts
- Each vehicle needs separate enrollment
- All drivers sharing a vehicle should download the app
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Enroll
Drive Safe & Save Is Ideal For:
✓ Low-mileage drivers (under 7,000 miles/year)
✓ Remote workers with minimal commuting
✓ Retirees without daily driving obligations
✓ Suburban drivers with less traffic congestion
✓ Safe drivers looking to prove their low-risk status
✓ Young drivers hoping to offset higher premiums with behavior-based discounts
✓ Anyone willing to modify driving habits for savings
Not Recommended For:
✗ Drivers in California, Massachusetts, Rhode Island
✗ High-mileage commuters (15,000+ miles annually)
✗ Urban drivers dealing with constant stop-and-go traffic
✗ Those uncomfortable with location tracking
✗ Drivers unwilling to change phone usage habits
✗ People who value privacy over potential savings
How to Enroll in Drive Safe & Save
The enrollment process takes less than 10 minutes:
Step 1: Text “SAVE” to 42407
Step 2: Download the State Farm app from App Store or Google Play
Step 3: Log in with your credentials or driver’s license
Step 4: Follow the in-app prompts to complete enrollment
Step 5: Wait 5-7 days for your Bluetooth beacon to arrive
Step 6: Pair the beacon with your phone in your vehicle
Step 7: Attach the beacon to your windshield behind the rearview mirror
Step 8: Enter your odometer reading (if required in your state)
Step 9: Start driving and earning discounts
For Ford/Lincoln Owners (2020+):
- Add your vehicle to FordPass or Lincoln Way app
- Inform your State Farm agent you want to enroll
- Accept the in-vehicle agreement next time you start your car
- Start earning discounts immediately; no beacon needed
Alternative Ways to Save with State Farm
If Drive Safe & Save isn’t right for you, consider these other State Farm discounts:
- Bundling Discount: Combine auto with home or renters insurance (typically 15-25% savings)
- Multi-Car Discount: Insure multiple vehicles on one policy
- Good Student Discount: Students under 25 with 3.0+ GPA save 15-25%
- Low Mileage Discount: Drive under 7,500 miles/year (available separately from Drive Safe & Save)
- Anti-Theft Device Discount: For qualifying security systems
- Defensive Driving Discount: Complete approved course (ages 55+)
- Vehicle Safety Features: Discounts for airbags, anti-lock brakes, etc.
Pro tip: Stack multiple discounts for maximum savings. A good student with a multi-car policy who bundles with renters insurance could save 40%+ before even considering Drive Safe & Save.
How to Cancel Drive Safe & Save
If you decide the program isn’t working for you:
Option 1: Call State Farm customer service at 1-800-STATE-FARM
Option 2: Contact your local State Farm agent directly
Option 3: Email agentselection@statefarm.com
Important: Simply deleting the app or not using it won’t cancel your enrollment. You must formally unenroll to avoid potential issues.
Beacon Disposal: State Farm recommends recycling the lithium-ion battery beacon at any location accepting such batteries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Drive Safe & Save worth it in 2025?
For most State Farm customers, yes—especially since there’s no risk of rate increases. The guaranteed 5-10% enrollment discount makes it worthwhile even if your renewal discount is modest. However, urban drivers and high-mileage commuters may find the effort doesn’t match the savings.
Can State Farm use my driving data against me in a claim?
State Farm’s privacy policy allows them to use data internally and share it with marketing partners, but they state they don’t sell your information. The company hasn’t publicly disclosed using Drive Safe & Save data to deny or reduce claims.
What’s a good Drive Safe & Save score?
State Farm doesn’t define specific score thresholds, but the program rates each category 0-100%. Based on customer reports, scores above 95% typically qualify for maximum discounts (20-30%), while scores of 85-95% earn moderate discounts (10-20%).
Does every driver in my household need to enroll?
No, but enrolling all drivers who use the insured vehicle provides more data and can increase your discount. Each person must download the app separately and log in with their own credentials.
Will my discount stay the same forever?
No. State Farm recalculates your discount at each 6-month renewal based on your recent driving data (up to 12 months). Your discount can increase, decrease, or stay the same depending on your performance.
Does Drive Safe & Save track my exact location?
The app requires location services to validate trips and track speed relative to posted limits. The Bluetooth beacon itself doesn’t have GPS. State Farm states they don’t track or store your specific destinations, only driving behaviors during trips.
Can I use Drive Safe & Save with multiple cars?
Yes. You can enroll multiple vehicles on your policy. Each car needs a separate beacon, and drivers should use the app with the appropriate vehicle.
What happens if I forget my phone or the battery dies?
Trips won’t be recorded if your phone isn’t present or functioning. Missing too many trips may result in a $0 discount at renewal due to insufficient data. State Farm recommends keeping a phone charger in your vehicle.
Will emergency braking hurt my score?
Yes, unfortunately. The app can’t distinguish between reckless hard braking and necessary emergency stops to avoid accidents. This is one of the most common customer complaints.
How long does it take to see my enrollment discount?
Your enrollment discount (5-10%) applies immediately once you complete setup. Your performance-based discount appears at your next policy renewal, typically 6 months from enrollment.
Does State Farm’s Steer Clear program work with Drive Safe & Save?
Steer Clear is a separate program specifically for drivers under 25. It requires completing educational modules and can be used in combination with Drive Safe & Save for maximum savings if you qualify for both.
Can I participate if I have a prior accident or ticket on my record?
Yes! Drive Safe & Save doesn’t consider your past driving history; it only evaluates your current behavior. This makes it an excellent option for drivers looking to offset higher premiums from previous violations.
The Bottom Line: Should You Enroll in Drive Safe & Save?
State Farm’s Drive Safe & Save program is a low-risk opportunity to reduce your car insurance costs and for most customers, that makes it worth trying.
The guaranteed enrollment discount of 5-10% provides immediate savings with zero downside. If you’re a safe, low-mileage driver, you could realistically save 20-30% or more at renewal. Even if you’re an average driver dealing with urban traffic, you’ll likely see at least modest savings without any risk of rate increases.
The program works best when you:
- Drive fewer than 10,000 miles annually
- Have flexibility to adjust driving habits
- Don’t mind phone battery drain from constant tracking
- Live in areas with less traffic congestion
- Can work around the phone distraction tracking issues
Consider skipping if you:
- Drive in heavy urban traffic daily
- Commute 15,000+ miles per year
- Strongly value privacy over potential savings
- Live in California, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, or North Carolina
With car insurance costs rising nationwide (up 26% in 2024 alone, according to Bankrate), usage-based insurance programs like Drive Safe & Save represent one of the few ways drivers can actively reduce their premiums. The technology isn’t perfect; the phone tracking is overly sensitive and the app lacks situational awareness, but State Farm’s approach of rewards-only (no penalties) makes it one of the safer telematics options available.
Final recommendation: If you’re a current State Farm customer, enroll in Drive Safe & Save for at least one policy period. The initial discount covers any inconvenience, and you can always cancel if the program doesn’t work for your driving style. There’s truly nothing to lose and potentially hundreds of dollars per year to gain.
Ready to start saving? Text “SAVE” to 42407 or log into your State Farm app today to begin enrollment. Your wallet will thank you.
Compare Your Options: Find the Best Car Insurance Rates
While State Farm’s Drive Safe & Save offers compelling savings, it pays to compare quotes from multiple insurers. You might find better base rates elsewhere or discover that another company’s telematics program better fits your driving style.
See what you qualify for today Rates change frequently and comparing takes just minutes. Get personalized quotes from top-rated insurers and start saving on your car insurance now.
In another related article, Nationwide Auto Insurance: Guide to Rates, Coverage & Savings
