- One of the broadest coverage menus of any major insurer.
- Nearly 20 available discounts.
- Signal telematics app with potential savings for safe drivers.
- Above-average JD Power claims satisfaction score,
- Strong agent network with online and app access.
- AM Best A (Excellent) financial strength rating.
- Among the most expensive major carriers for most driver profiles.
- CRASH Network grade of C- from collision repair professionals,
- Below-average JD Power shopping satisfaction score,
- Auto insurance available in only 43 states,
- AM Best A rating is lower than most major competitors.
- Rate increases at renewal are a common customer complaint.
Farmers car insurance: Jerry’s verdict
Farmers has built its reputation on breadth, offering more coverage options, more discounts and more agent touchpoints. But it charges more for the privilege, and not every driver will find the tradeoff worthwhile.
Founded in 1928 in Los Angeles and now headquartered in Woodland Hills, California, Farmers has grown into one of the largest multiline carriers in the United States, serving more than 10 million households across auto, home, life and specialty insurance lines. It operates through a network of more than 48,000 exclusive and independent agents nationwide, supplemented by robust online tools and a mobile app. Farmers is owned by Zurich Insurance Group, a Swiss multinational. It holds an AM Best Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent), which is solid but a step below the A+ or A++ ratings held by many of its major competitors.
The case for Farmers is coverage depth and discount volume. Farmers offers a notably wide array of optional add-ons like rideshare coverage, custom equipment protection, new car replacement, accident forgiveness, a vanishing deductible and more. This makes it one of the more customizable policies available from a national carrier. Its Signal telematics app, which monitors driving behavior via smartphone and can lower your premium for safe habits, adds another way to reduce costs at renewal. With close to 20 listed discounts including first responder, military veteran and alternative fuel vehicle discounts, Farmers reaches driver profiles that many competitors don’t.
Price is where Farmers struggles, consistently ranking among the most expensive major auto insurers in independent rate analyses; in some comparisons, only Allstate and Mercury run higher. Its CRASH Network grade of C- reflects below-average performance in collision repair professionals’ assessments of its claims handling, and its JD Power scores place it below-average (or even near the bottom of the field). Unexplained rate increases at renewal are among the most frequently cited complaints from long-term policyholders, too.
For drivers who qualify for several of Farmers’ discounts and want the coverage flexibility, it’s worth getting a quote, especially when you can shop and compare multiple insurers through Jerry at once. But for drivers looking primarily for competitive base rates, other carriers will almost certainly beat it.
Who Farmers is best and worst for
A driver who wants a highly customizable policy. Farmers’ coverage menu is one of the deepest available from a national carrier. If you drive for a rideshare platform, have custom equipment on your vehicle or want specialty protections like new car replacement or a vanishing deductible, Farmers is one of the few major insurers that reliably offers all of them.
Someone who qualifies for several of Farmers’ discounts. Farmers lists close to 20 discounts, including profession-based discounts for first responders and military veterans that are hard to find elsewhere. If your profile lines up with multiple discount categories, the pricing gap between Farmers and cheaper carriers can narrow considerably.
A driver who values agent support and a strong digital experience together. Farmers combines a broad local agent network with a well-rated mobile app and online claim management — a combination that appeals to drivers who want personalized service without sacrificing digital convenience.
A driver looking for competitive base rates. Farmers is consistently among the most expensive major auto insurers in independent analyses, regardless of driver profile. Drivers who don’t qualify for multiple discounts will almost certainly find lower premiums elsewhere.
Someone who wants top-tier financial strength ratings. Farmers holds an AM Best A (Excellent) rating — a sound insurer, but lower than the A+ or A++ held by competitors like GEICO, Progressive, USAA and Travelers. For drivers who weigh financial strength heavily, this is worth noting.
A driver outside its 42-state footprint. Farmers offers auto insurance in 43 states. Drivers in the remaining seven states (Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont) will need to look elsewhere regardless of Farmers’ other attributes.
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Learn more: Full coverage vs. liability-only insurance
How much does Farmers car insurance cost?
Farmers tends to run well above the national average for most driver profiles, making it one of the pricier options among major national carriers. That said, your actual premium is shaped by a specific combination of factors, and drivers who qualify for multiple discounts may find the gap narrower than the averages suggest.
The factors that matter most:
- Your driving record is the biggest lever. A clean record gets you Farmers’ best rates. At-fault accidents, speeding tickets and serious violations push premiums up significantly. Plus, Farmers’ surcharges for violations tend to be larger than many competitors’.
- Credit score plays a role, as it does with most major insurers. Farmers uses a credit-based insurance score in most states, and its penalty for poor credit is among the steepest of any major carrier. (Note that California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts prohibit the use of credit in insurance pricing.)
- Location matters more than many drivers expect. State regulations, local accident rates, weather exposure and litigation costs all affect what Farmers charges in your area.
- Coverage level determines the floor. 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.
- Discounts can meaningfully change the math. Farmers’ nearly 20 available discounts give it more levers to reduce premiums than most competitors. Drivers who qualify for bundling, safe driver, good student, profession-based and pay-in-full discounts simultaneously can see substantial rate reductions.
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 Farmers car insurance
Farmers presents a mixed picture across industry measures: its claims satisfaction score is above average, its NAIC complaint volume is lower than expected for its size but its CRASH Network grade and shopping satisfaction score both trail the field.
| Rating | National General’s score |
| NAIC consumer complaint index (2025) | Low (0.52). |
| CRASH Network report card (2026) | C-. |
| JD Power auto insurance shopping study (2025) | No. 11 of 18. |
| JD Power auto insurance claims study (2025) | No. 17 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
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AM Best details
Jerry pulls up to 20 quotes from top rated carriers.
Farmers car insurance coverage options
Farmers offers one of the deepest coverage menus of any major national carrier. Standard coverage includes collision, comprehensive, bodily injury liability, property damage liability, medical payments, personal injury protection (PIP) and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Optional add-ons include:
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Accident forgiveness, which means your rate won’t increase after your first qualifying at-fault accident.
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New car replacement, which replaces your totaled vehicle with a new vehicle of the same make and model, if the accident happens in the two model years.
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Rideshare coverage extends protection for drivers working for Uber, Lyft or delivery platforms, bridging the gap between personal and commercial coverage.
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Vanishing deductible decreases your deductible by $100 for each year you go without an at-fault accident, up to $500.
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Custom equipment coverage covers aftermarket parts and upgrades (rims, infotainment systems, light bars) that aren’t included in standard collision and comprehensive.
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Transportation coverage pays for car rental, public transit or other transportation costs when your vehicle is disabled.
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Gap insurance pays the difference between your car’s actual cash value and the remaining loan or lease balance if the vehicle is totaled.
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Rental car reimbursement covers a rental vehicle while yours is being repaired after a covered claim.
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Roadside assistance offers towing, flat tire, jump-start, fuel delivery and lockout services.
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Glass deductible buyback reduces or eliminates the deductible for windshield and glass claims.
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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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Farmers car insurance discounts
Farmers lists close to 20 discounts on its website, though availability varies by state. Known discounts include
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Multi-vehicle — Insure more than one vehicle on the same policy insurance
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Multi-policy — Bundle auto with home, renters or life insurance
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Safe driver — Three or more years without a citation or at-fault accident
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Pay in full — Pay the full premium upfront
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Signal enrollment — Discount for enrolling in the Signal telematics app
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Good student — Full-time student with qualifying grades
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Distant student — Student listed on the policy who attends school at least 100 miles from home without a vehicle
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Paperless — Enroll in electronic billing
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Alternative fuel — Drive a hybrid or electric vehicle
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First responder — Active or retired firefighters, EMTs, law enforcement, and military veterans
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Passive restraint / safety features — Factory-installed airbags or anti-theft systems
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Transfer discount — Switch to Farmers from another carrier with continuous coverage
Does Farmers offer insurance based on driving behavior?
Yes. Farmers’ Signal telematics app monitors driving behavior via smartphone — tracking phone use while driving, hard braking and other factors — and adjusts your rate based on performance. Drivers who enroll receive a discount at signup, with the potential for additional savings at renewal if the app rates their driving positively. Note that the Signal app can also increase your rate at renewal if driving behavior raises your risk profile. The app also includes a CrashAssist feature that can detect a collision and alert emergency services.
Jerry helps you bundle home and auto for less in just minutes.
Filing a claim with Farmers
Farmers offers multiple ways for filing a claim and managing it once filed.
File online, by phone, through the app, or via your agent
Farmers offers multiple paths for filing a claim: online at farmers.com, through the Farmers mobile app, by calling the claims department directly or by contacting your local agent. The claims line is available 24/7.
Work with a claims representative
After filing, a Farmers claims representative will contact you to walk through next steps, schedule an inspection or appraisal if needed, and help finalize the estimate. You can track your claim status and upload documents through the online portal or app.
Repair and rental
Farmers has a service provider locator to help you find a partnering repair shop, and repairs at network shops come with a satisfaction guarantee. If you have rental coverage, Farmers will authorize a rental vehicle or reimburse transportation costs while your car is repaired.
Repair and rental
If you have rental or transportation coverage, National General will authorize a rental car or reimburse alternative transportation costs while your vehicle is being repaired.
Settlement or payout
Once your claim is approved, Farmers can pay via check, direct deposit or directly to the repair shop. For total losses, settlement is based on actual cash value (ACV). Drivers with new car replacement coverage may qualify for a new vehicle replacement instead.
Customer reviews of Farmers
Hundreds of Jerry customers have reviewed Farmers car insurance, giving this carrier a moderate feedback score.
Is Farmers a good insurance company?
Farmers is a financially sound, well-established insurer with more coverage customization than most competitors and a claims satisfaction record that holds up under scrutiny. For the right driver — one who qualifies for several discounts, wants a highly tailored policy and values agent support — Farmers delivers real value.
The problem for most drivers is price. Farmers consistently ranks among the most expensive major carriers regardless of profile, and unexplained rate increases at renewal are a documented pattern. Its CRASH Network grade suggests the repair experience can be frustrating, and its shopping satisfaction score trails the field. For drivers whose priority is finding a competitive rate, Jerry is the right place to compare Farmers against other insurers before committing.
See coverage options for your car.
How to contact Farmers
You can get a quote, manage your policy, file a claim or locate an agent online at farmers.com. Farmers also has a mobile app for iOS and Android with full policy management, claims filing and the Signal telematics program.
- Claims (24/7): 1-800-435-7764
- Get a quote or find an agent: farmers.com or 1-888-327-6335
- Customer service: 1-888-327-6335
Related guides
FAQ
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What are the pros and cons of Farmers car insurance?
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Is Farmers car insurance expensive?
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What states does Farmers offer car insurance in?
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Does Farmers offer a telematics or usage-based program?
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Who owns Farmers Insurance?
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How do I file a claim with Farmers?
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Does Farmers cover rideshare drivers?
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.
