Farmers Insurance—based in Los Angeles, California—offers a wide variety of products, including auto, home, renters, life, and business coverages in 41 states. It’s one of the largest and most prominent providers in the United States.

This shopping guide will go over Farmers’ auto, homeowners, and renters insurance to help you decide if it’s the best company for you. We’ll explain, in detail, its coverages and discounts. We’ll also tell you about the factors the provider uses to set your rates. Finally, you’ll learn about important company information. This includes its financial strength and customer satisfaction scores, claims process, contact info, and more.

Farmers Auto Insurance

Farmers is the seventh-largest auto insurer in the United States, per the Insurance Information Institute (III). It’s also a well-regarded company. It ranks number two on J.D. Power’s 2022 national study, with a customer satisfaction score of 862 out of 1,000. Finally, in our rankings for best auto insurer in the country, Farmers ranks number two overall.

Auto Coverages

Farmers offers several types of auto insurance. Its sheer number of options makes it the second-best insurer for coverage. These coverage types all protect your car from different disasters and damage. Their options include essentials, such as liability and full coverage, as well as many extra options. Some of their coverages only apply to the Farmers Smart Plan branded policies, which offer extra perks.

Below is a complete list of auto coverages:

• Liability insurance. Liability pays for damages and injuries you cause in an at-fault accident. Most states require liability coverage to drive.
• Collision insurance. Collision pays to repair damages to your car from a crash with another object or vehicle.
• Comprehensive insurance. Comprehensive pays for non-collision damages, such as weather, water damage, crime, fires, etc.
• Uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM). UM and UIM pays for damages that an uninsured or underinsured driver causes. Some states require you to have this coverage.
• Medical payments (MedPay). MedPay covers medical bills for you and your passengers after an accident, no matter who was at fault.
• Personal injury protection (PIP). PIP pays for medical costs that you and your passengers have from a car accident. Like MedPay, PIP kicks in regardless of fault.
• Rideshare coverage. Whenever you’re logged into a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft, rideshare insurance covers costs related to vehicle damages.
• Rental reimbursement. Rental reimbursement coverage pays for a rental vehicle while your car’s under repair because of a covered accident. Only covers a rental for up to 30 days.
• Loss of use. With this coverage, you’ll receive a flat payment to use for transportation while your car’s undrivable. You may use this for public transportation, rentals, taxis, etc.
• Guaranteed value. When your car’s a total loss, this coverage pays you an initially agreed-upon value for your car. This is different from a car’s actual cash value or ACV.
• Customized equipment. This covers any aftermarket equipment you install, such as radios, wheels, or seats.
• Umbrella insurance. An Umbrella policy adds extra liability coverage to protect you from expensive claims and lawsuits.
• Glass deductible buyback. This covers your glass and windshield with a low deductible of $100.
• Full glass coverage. With full glass on your policy, you receive glass and windshield repairs with no deductible.
• Spare parts. If you need to use any spare parts, this coverage will pay for up to $750 in replacements.
• Original equipment manufacturer (OEM). This pays for any original parts for your car if it’s undergoing repairs due to a covered accident. Note that this is only for cars that are 10 years old or newer.
• Classic and collector cars. Coverage for classic and collector cars is available whether you drive a 1970s muscle car or you show a rare collectable on weekends.
• New car replacement. If your car’s less than two years old or has fewer than 24,000 miles and becomes a total loss, this coverage will pay for a replacement car of the same make, model, and year. Not available in Hawaii.
• Accident forgiveness. After every three years of being accident-free, you may be forgiven one at-fault collision. This means your rates won’t go up after an accident. Not available in CA, HI, NC, NY & SC.

Roadside Assistance

Farmers offers 24/7 towing and roadside service if you’re stuck on the side of the road. Here’s what roadside assistance covers:

• Towing
• Dead battery jump-starts
• Flat tire changes
• Locksmith services if you lock yourself out
• Winching if your car is stuck in a ditch, mud, or snow

Farmers has partnered with over 20,000 towing/car repair shops and 10,000 locksmiths to get you the help you need. Contact them directly or ask an agent about adding emergency roadside assistance coverage.

How to Contact Roadside Assistance

Request roadside assistance on the company’s website, mobile app, or by calling the roadside assistance phone number: (800) 435-7764. Help is sent to your location once you call or request coverage.

Policy Term Length

12-month auto policy periods are standard. But you can always ask for a six-month period. 12-month policy periods keep your rates stable and allow you time to settle into paying the same amount each month. Be sure to speak to your agent about the ideal term length for you. If you’re looking for a short-term or temporary policy, you won’t find one.

High-Risk Auto Coverage

High-risk coverage is available for drivers with lots of tickets or accidents on their records. These people may also have severe offenses, such as a DUI. Prepare for your policy to be very expensive if you’re a high-risk driver. This will be true no matter which insurer you go with.

Salvage Titles

Farmers does not offer coverage for salvage branded vehicles. The cars were declared total losses by their insurance company and are unfit to drive. This branding exists to inform consumers about this important event in the car’s history. This brand indicates you can’t register, insure, or drive the car.

Rebuilt Titles

Farmers insures cars with rebuilt titles that meet requirements. However, you may only offer qualify for a liability-only policy depending on the vehicle’s condition. Acquiring full coverage insurance from Farmers isn’t out of the question but doesn’t always make sense. Rebuilt title vehicles are valued as much as 20% less than similar models. Also, because of the car’s claim history, expect to pay more despite the lower valuation.

How to Get a Quote

Is Farmers looking like a good fit for you? You’ll want to get a quote if this is the case. Here are three ways you can do it:

• By completing An online form
• By calling (800) 974-6755
• With a local agent

Before you get a quote, be prepared to provide some information about yourself. Insurers need this info to give you a personalized rate. Here’s what you may need to provide:

• Your first and last name
• Date of birth
• Residential address
• Employer (optional)
• Phone number
• Email address
• Desired coverage and limits
• Vehicles on your policy
• Drivers on your policy

Be aware that if you get a quote online, this may not be your actual rate. You’ll likely need to speak with a company representative or agent to finalize it.

Auto Rates

How much your car insurance costs will depend on many different factors. These factors include details about you and your car. These facts tell them how risky you are as a driver and customer. Many of them are under your control. But there are some that you can’t control, like your gender and age. Below are factors insurers consider when setting your rates:

• The car you drive i.e., engine size, trim level, value, make and model, etc.
• Where you live
• Driving record
• Credit rating
• How much coverage you buy

Once your rate is set, don’t worry, you can lower it with discounts such as Farmers’ Signal and bundling. Make sure to ask your agent about all the discounts you may qualify for when you’re getting a quote.

Auto Insurance Discounts and Policy Perks

You’ll be delighted by Farmers rich selection rate-lowering auto discounts. According to our research, Farmers is the best auto insurer for discounts. Better yet, many of them are easy to qualify for. Others, such as Signal, reward you for safe driving habits. Keep in mind that some discounts only apply to Smart Plan branded policies, which offer additional benefits. Below is an in-depth look at every discount:

Loyalty Discounts

Farmers strives to find ways to reward policyholders with a wide variety of customer loyalty discounts. The most common one is bundling. You can also score discounts based on your profession, especially those in the military, active duty or retired. 

Business/Professional Group

Some professions and professional affiliations qualify for this discount. This bonus is for both currently employed and retired policyholders.

Homeowner

All you need to do to get the homeowners discount is own a house, even if Farmers doesn’t insure it.

Military

The military discount is the insurer’s way of saying “Thank you for your service.” Active duty or retired members of the military or reserves qualify for these savings.

Multi-Line/Multi-Policy

The multi-policy discount is basically the same as bundling. Bundle your auto policy with renters, homeowners, condominium, boat, life, umbrella, small business, or another Farmers policy and save up to 45%. Actual savings can vary based on many factors. Check with your agent for details.

Multi-Car

You may qualify for the multi-car discount if you insure two or more vehicles with a Farmers auto policy.

Driver and Behavior Discounts

Good students and good drivers are rewarded with several discounts. Join the Farmers Signal program for a chance to save the most. There’s also a senior driver discount for more experienced policyholders.

Distant Student

If there’s someone on your policy who’s living on-campus at least 100 miles away, you qualify for the distant student discount if the car stays at home. College students can only drive on school breaks and holidays to get this discount.

Good Student

Students with good grades typically get into fewer accidents. Farmers recognizes this important fact by giving a good student discount to families of full-time high school or college students between 16 and 24 that perform well.

Students who reach the following scholastic achievements qualify:

• Upper 20% of class on standardized testing
• “B” grade point or 3.0 GPA
• Dean’s list, Honor Roll, or equivalent indication of scholastic achievement

On Your Own

This discount is for people formerly listed as a named driver on a family member’s policy. The driver must be no older than 28 years and be an active driver on a Farmers Insurance Group policy for at least 12 months.

Safe Driver

The Farmers safe driver discount applies to drivers with clean driving records and zero BI points. This means no accidents or moving violations for three years. Availability varies by state.

Senior Defensive Driver

Farmers sometimes refers to this as the mature defensive driver discount. These savings apply when the principal operator of the insured vehicle is at least 65 years old. In some states, the driving age for this discount is 55 years old so long as you complete a DMV-approved driver’s education course. The agency sponsoring the course must provide a certification of completion.

Shared Family Car

This discount applies to all vehicles on a policy when:

• At least one household driver is between 15 and 20 years old
• There are more drivers than cars on the policy

Doesn’t apply to “storage” vehicles. Available everywhere but California.

Signal + CrashAssist

Signal is a Farmers telematics program that utilizes your phone via a mobile app to monitor your driving behavior. When your policy renews, you could see huge savings on your premium if you’re a good driver. The website says you save up to 15% when you use their Signal app with CrashAssist.

CrashAssist is a new mobile app feature that detects a car crash and offers immediate assistance. After an accident, it can connect you with emergency services and help you file your claim.

Drivers with an 80% or better on focused driving time each month qualify for a $100 drawing each month. Speed demons and tailgaters should think twice before joining. That’s because risky driving could cause your rates to increase!

Driving data collected by the app includes:

• Harsh braking
• Phone usage
• Time of day
• Mileage

In all, Signal examines the percentage of drivers on a policy using the app, if young drivers participate, and the habits of these drivers.

To begin using Signal, talk to your agent or call (800) 709-7821. You’ll receive a discount just for signing up. Next, download the app when you’re texted a link. That’s it. Now, hit the road and Signal will start working.

Available everywhere except CA, HI, NY, and SC.

Youthful Driver

This discount applies when you add a driver between 16 and 25 to your FSPA policy. To qualify, your policy must have been in force at least 12 months prior.

Car-Based Discounts

These savings may be applied if your car has any of these safety and anti-theft devices. Check with your agent for availability in your state. This is one of the industry’s richest collections of rate reductions for qualifying vehicle equipment.

• Alternative fuels. Save 5% for owning a vehicle not powered by gas alone. This applies to hybrids, electric cars, propane, fuel cells, etc.
• Anti-lock brakes. Factory-installed anti-lock brakes might save more than your life. It might save you some cash, too. Aftermarket anti-lock braking systems do not qualify for the discount.
• Anti-theft devices. Customers with factory-installed anti-theft equipment can get a discount. Alarms and devices that disable a car are examples. The device must self-activate when doors close to qualify.
• Daytime running lights. Many current cars come with lights that always stay on when you’re driving. If yours do, ask your agent about this discount.
• Homing device. This discount is for approved devices that track stolen cars to aid in their recovery.
• Passive restraints. Airbags and automatic seatbelts are not just smart, they can also save you a few bucks.
• VIN etching. You get this discount by getting your VIN etched in glass and a few other places.

Account-Based Discounts

Farmers offers fantastic discounts for responsible customers that take very little effort. They even reward you for simply making payments on time or early. Keep even more of your money by opting into convenient electronic payment and document delivery. Almost everyone can qualify for these discounts.

• EFT. Set up automatic payments that make an electronic funds transfer (EFT) from your bank account to qualify.
• ePolicy. Enroll in Go Paperless to receive electronic documents.
• Good payer. Customers with no late fees for the 12 months before their renewal date qualify for the good payer discount. Savings are re-evaluated at renewal. Not available in California.
• Pay in full. Discount applies when you pay your entire premium in full before the new policy term begins.

Filing an Auto Claim

Filing a claim is a simple process with Farmers. In fact, the company ranks number two on our list for best companies for filing claims. You can file either online or by phone at (800) 435-7764. Once you submit your request, you’ll receive a claims representative dedicated to your case. Afterward, expect the claims process to follow these steps:

• Claims are investigated and damages assessed.
• After an estimate is made for your claim, you should be able to receive payment. If any portion of your claim is denied, you’ll receive a written notice and explanation.
• The claim is closed, but you may always contact your claims representative if you have any lingering questions or need help.

Farmers Homeowners Insurance

According to the III, Farmers is the country’s fifth-largest home insurance provider. J.D. Power gave them an 813 out of 1,000 in their 2021 homeowners customer satisfaction study. This number puts the provider at 13th out of all other insurers.

Homeowners Coverages

Farmers offers the four basic types of home insurance. These are the coverages most homeowners need to meet a lender’s requirements and protect your house from most disasters.

Below is a complete list of homeowners coverages:

Dwelling Coverage

Dwelling coverage protects the physical structure of your home from covered perils. For most people, this is the big one, the type of coverage most people think of when they hear the words “homeowners insurance.” A home’s physical structure includes:

• Walls
• Roof
• Floors

Personal Property Coverage

This coverage helps you replace your personal belongings if a covered disaster destroys them. Note that personal property coverage protects your items no matter where they are, even in your car or self-storage locker. Depending on your policy, you may receive either the replacement cost or actual cash value (ACV) for your items.

Liability Coverage

Your homeowners liability insurance covers injuries or damage you’re at fault for. For example, if a neighbor slips and falls on your property, your liability coverage will help pay for any medical costs.

Additional Living Expenses Coverage (ALE)

This pays for living expenses you have while your home is unlivable due to a covered disaster. Living expenses include:

• Food
• Rent
• Hotel fees
• Pet boarding costs

Homeowners Discounts

Farmers has a few homeowners discounts to help save you money. These discounts aren’t too difficult to qualify for and every little bit helps.

Here’s a list of homeowners discounts:

• Non-smoking discount. You get a discount if nobody has smoked in your home for two years.
• Home security discount. Installing home security measures, such as a fire alarm or burglar alarm, can get you a discount.
• Multi-policy discount. Bundling your home and auto policies can save you money. This may even be able to get you a discount on both policies at the same time.

Extra Coverage Options

Even with a standard homeowners policy, you still have gaps in your coverage. By adding extra coverages and endorsements, you close those gaps and have a more well-rounded policy. Here’s a list of extra homeowners coverage options:

• Personal article floater. This raises coverage limits for specific valuable items you own, such as jewelry.
• Umbrella policy. An umbrella policy adds extra liability protection. This can help you avoid ever having to pay out of pocket for liabilities.
• Replacement cost. Most standard policies come with ACV payouts. Replacement cost will pay you enough to fully repair or replace your house or items.
• Flood insurance. Add flood coverage to protect against inundations and water damage to your home.
• Earthquake insurance. An earthquake can wreck your home. This coverage will protect you from this disaster and pay to repair your home afterward.
• Claim-forgiveness. After going claim-free for five years, your rates won’t go up because of one claim.

Homeowners Rate Factors

Your home insurance rates will depend greatly on a few important factors. These factors generally have to do with your home. But a few relate to you as a customer and homeowner.

Below are common homeowners rate factors that insurers use to set your rates:

• Your home’s value
• Cost of home repairs near you
• Replacement cost vs. actual cash value
• How high or low your deductible is
• Claims history
• Credit rating

Filing a Homeowners Claim

The homeowners claims process is fairly easy. Start your claim online or over the phone at (800) 435-7764. After you file the claim, you’ll be assigned a representative. Then, they’ll assess the damages and determine how much money you’ll receive. The representative may also work with you to prevent future losses. Finally, your claim is settled and you’ll receive the payout so repairs to your home can begin.

Farmers Renters Insurance

Farmers also provides renters insurance which protects your belongings and finances from unexpected disasters. J.D. Power ranked the insurer sixth for customer satisfaction in 2021 with a score of 831.

Renters Coverages

Farmers’ renters policies have all of the basic coverages you’ll need. Below is a complete list of renters coverages:

• Property coverage. This will cover your personal items, such as furniture, appliances, and electronics.
• Renters liability coverage. Covers damages and injuries you’re responsible for. This coverage will protect you from lawsuits and expensive medical bills.
• Medical payments coverage. If someone gets injured on your property, medical payments coverage will take care of any costs that arise.
• Additional living expenses coverage (ALE). If your rental unit becomes unlivable, ALE pays for living expenses until you move in again. This includes food, hotel fees, and other similar expenses.

Renters Discounts

There are a few ways to qualify for discounts on your renters coverage. Discounts can go a long way in saving you extra cash each month. Here’s a rundown of every renters discount:

• No-smoking. If your rental unit has been smoke-free for at least two years, you get a discount.
• Security system. Installing a home security system, such as burglar or fire alarms, can get you a renters discount.
• Multi-policy. Buying both renters and auto coverage together saves you money. Be sure to ask your agent about bundling policies.

Extra Renters Coverage Options

Your standard renters insurance policy will protect you from most disasters. But there may still be gaps in your coverage. Extra coverages help you fill gaps and avoid paying out of pocket. Below are extra coverage options you can add to your policy:

• Identity shield. This will pay for any costs relating to protecting or restoring your identity.
• Replacement cost. With this coverage, damaged items are replaced at the replacement cost instead of their actual cash value.

Renters Rate Factors

Providers consider many different factors when they’re setting your rates. These are common renters insurance rate factors:

• Claims history
• Credit rating
• How much coverage you buy
• Where you live
• How high your deductible is set

Filing a Renters Claim

File renters claims online or over the phone at (800) 435-7764. Renters claims are grouped in the “Home” category. After you file a claim, you’re assigned a representative. Your rep will assess the damages and gather information about the claim. Then, if the claim is accepted, you’ll receive the proper payment.

Company Information

In a 2021 report by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), Farmers had a market share percentage of 3.14% in the property and casualty industry. That same year, the company wrote over 25 billion premiums, making it the nation’s ninth-largest insurer.

Below are some key facts about Farmers:

• Revenue: $14.055 billion
• Number of employees: over 11,000
• Parent company: Zurich Insurance Group
• CEO: Jeffrey Dailey
• Headquarters: Woodland Hills, CA

Farmers sells auto, homeowners, and renters insurance in nearly every state, except:

• Alaska
• Delaware
• Hawaii
• Maine
• New Hampshire
• Rhode Island
• Vermont
• Washington, D.C.
• West Virginia

History

Farmers Insurance Group was founded in 1928 by John C. Tyler and Thomas E. Leavey, who both grew up on farms. The two started the company because they believed that farmers posed less of a risk on the road and, therefore, deserved to pay cheaper rates. Tyler and Leavey launched the business in a small office in downtown Los Angeles.

Since its founding, Farmers expanded its reach by adding more products to its portfolio. In 1988, the insurer was acquired by an American company that would later become part of Zurich Insurance Group, a Swiss corporation.

Following the turn of the century, the provider has enjoyed a lot of success and growth. Notable achievements include some acquisitions, major sponsorships, and steady corporate growth. The company acquired Bristol West Insurance Group in 2007 and 21st Century Insurance in 2009. Since 2010, it’s sponsored the Farmers Insurance Open PGA Tournament in Torrey Pines.

Customer Satisfaction

Farmers has positive financial strength and customer satisfaction ratings from organizations such as A.M. Best, S&P Global, and J.D. Power.

The following are up-to-date customer satisfaction ratings:

• A.M. Best Rating: A (Stable)
• S&P Global: A
• NAIC Complaint Index: 0.73

J.D. Power releases an annual study on the best auto, home, and renters insurers. It scores each company on a scale of 1,000 points. Four states and seven regions comprise the auto part of the study, while both the homeowners and renters studies include scores for the entire US.

Farmers ranked as a top company on eight of the lists in J.D. Power’s 2022 auto insurance study. Its average customer service score across each state and region was 815.

Farmers was the 13th best company on J.D. Power’s 2021 homeowners insurance study with a score of 813. MetLife Auto and Home, a subsidiary, was 15th on the list with a score of 810. In the 2021 renters study, it came in sixth with a score of 831.

Types of Coverage Farmers Offers

Vehicle

• Car
• Motorcycle
• Boat & Watercraft
• Collectible Auto
• RV
• ATV & Off-Road
• RV & Motor Home
• 5th Wheel
• Travel Trailer

Property

• Homeowners
• Renters
• Landlord
• Condo
• Mobile & Manufactured Home
• Vacation Homes
• Vacant Homes
• Earthquake
• Flood

Farmers provides lots of other insurance options, such as life, business, pet, and personal umbrella coverage.

Claims Process

You can report a claim online, over the phone, or with the mobile app. When you file a claim, you’ll need to provide the following:

• Policy number
• Date and time of the incident
• Your first and last name
• What happened

After you file, your home or vehicle’s damage is assessed. That’ll help them figure out a repair estimate. A claims representative will be assigned to you, who’ll help you through the claims process. You can track your claim online or on the mobile app.

With auto claims, you can use the mobile app to take photos of your car’s damage. This can help you get a quick damage estimate. After receiving the estimate, you can take your car in to get fixed by a nearby repair shop.

These are some useful links for filing claims:

• File a claim
• Track a claim
• Auto claims process page
• Home and renters claims process page

Claims hotline: (800) 435-7764

Cancellation Process

To cancel your policy, you’ll have to either contact your agent, call the company’s customer service phone number at (888) 327-6335, or do so through the mail (address down below).

Keep in mind that you could incur cancellation fees if you cancel without proper notice. Fees could also vary based on state laws, policy details, and other factors.

Mobile Apps

The mobile app lets you easily control your policy from your phone or mobile device. These are some of its main features:

• Access payment and billing options
• Access digital ID cards
• View policy info and documents
• Report and track claims
• Get a quote
• Enable paperless billing
• Contact your agents
• Notifications about your account

Download links:

• Apple
• Android

Signal

The Signal safe driving program can help you save on your premium. To get started, you’ll need to enroll in Signal (contact your agent or call (800) 709-7821) and download the app. You’ll then have to enable the app using a link from. After that, the app will automatically track your driving habits and will give you a discount if you drive safely. The Signal app monitors things like:

• Braking
• Speed
• Phone use
• Time of day you drive

Download links:

• Apple
• Android

Contact Information