What Farmers Insurance is and who sells it

Farmers Insurance is a property and casualty insurance company that sells auto, home, life, and business coverage through a network of independent agents. You do not buy directly from Farmers — you contact a local Farmers agent, who writes the policy and handles claims on Farmers' behalf. The agent is typically self-employed and may also sell other insurance brands.

Farmers Insurance Group is owned by Zurich Insurance, a Switzerland-based parent company. The Farmers brand operates in all 50 states, though the specific policies and prices available to you depend on your state and the individual agent's service area.

Because Farmers uses independent agents rather than company employees, the experience of getting a quote, making changes, or filing a claim depends partly on which agent you work with. Some agents operate solo; others run larger offices with multiple staff members.

Key Takeaways

  • Farmers sells auto insurance through independent agents in your area, not through a central phone line or website checkout.
  • Auto policies include liability coverage (required by law in most states), collision, comprehensive, and optional add-ons like roadside information and rental car reimbursement.
  • Farmers offers discounts for bundling home and auto, safe driving records, completing a defensive driving course, and paying your premium in full upfront.
  • Claims are filed through your local agent or directly with Farmers, and the agent can often recommend repair shops or help coordinate the process.
  • Rates and coverage options vary by state, so what is available in one state may not be in another.

Auto coverage types Farmers offers

Farmers auto policies include liability coverage, which pays for damage or injury you cause to someone else. Every state except New Hampshire requires you to carry liability, and most states set a minimum amount — typically $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. You can choose higher limits if you want more protection.

Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your car if you hit another vehicle or object, regardless of who is at fault. Comprehensive coverage covers theft, weather, vandalism, and other non-collision damage. Both collision and comprehensive are optional if your car is paid off, but required by lenders if you have a loan or lease.

Farmers also offers uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, which protects you if you are hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage. Medical payments coverage (sometimes called MedPay) pays your medical bills after an accident, up to a limit you choose, regardless of fault.

Discounts and how to find your local agent

Farmers advertises several common discounts: bundling auto with home insurance, maintaining a clean driving record for three to five years, completing a defensive driving course, paying your full premium upfront instead of monthly, and being a good student (usually a 3.0 GPA or higher). Some agents also offer discounts for low annual mileage, safety features in your car, or being a member of certain professional organizations. The discounts available and their size vary by state and agent.

To find a Farmers agent near you, use the agent locator on the Farmers website or call 1-800-835-2000. You can also search "Farmers Insurance agent" plus your city name. When you contact an agent, they will ask about your driving history, current coverage (if any), and the vehicles you want to insure, then provide a quote.

Some agents offer online quoting tools on their individual websites, but most require a phone call or in-person meeting to get a formal quote. The process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes.

How claims work with Farmers

To file a claim, contact your local Farmers agent or call the claims line number on your policy card. Farmers has a 24/7 claims hotline, and you can also file through the Farmers mobile app if you have one set up. You will need your policy number, details of what happened, and photos of damage if applicable.

After you report the claim, a claims adjuster will contact you to schedule an inspection of your vehicle. The adjuster assesses the damage and determines what Farmers will pay based on your coverage and deductible. If the repair cost is less than your deductible, you pay the full cost yourself. If it exceeds the deductible, you pay the deductible and Farmers covers the rest, up to your policy limits.

Farmers maintains a network of preferred repair shops, and your agent can recommend one. You are not required to use a preferred shop — you can choose any licensed repair facility — but using one may streamline the process because the shop has an existing relationship with Farmers.

Rates, state variations, and what affects your premium

Farmers does not publish a single rate for auto insurance because premiums vary widely by state, ZIP code, age, driving record, vehicle type, and coverage choices. A 25-year-old with a clean record in rural Montana will pay far less than a 19-year-old with a speeding ticket in Los Angeles, even for identical coverage.

Your premium is also affected by how often you drive, whether you use the car for commuting, your credit score (in states where insurers are allowed to use it), and claims history. Farmers offers usage-based insurance programs in some states — you install a device or app that tracks your driving, and safe drivers may receive a discount.

Some states regulate how much insurers can raise rates after an accident or violation. Others allow larger increases. If you move to a different state or your situation changes significantly, ask your agent for a new quote — your rate may go up or down.

Comparing Farmers to other auto insurers

Farmers competes with national insurers like State Farm, Allstate, and GEICO, as well as regional and online-only companies. The main difference is how you buy: Farmers uses agents, while GEICO and some others sell online or by phone directly to consumers. Some people prefer working with an agent who knows them; others prefer the convenience and often lower prices of online insurers.

Farmers' rates are not consistently cheaper or more expensive than competitors — it depends on your age, location, driving record, and the specific coverage you need. The best way to compare is to get quotes from at least three insurers using the same coverage limits and deductibles, then decide based on price, discounts, and customer service reputation.

Customer service experiences vary by agent. If you are unhappy with your agent's service, you can switch to a different Farmers agent in your area or move your policy to another insurer entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy Farmers insurance online?

You cannot complete a full purchase online, but some Farmers agents offer online quoting tools on their individual websites. Most require a phone call or meeting to finalize the policy. You can manage your policy online or through the Farmers mobile app once it is active — paying bills, viewing documents, and reporting claims.

What happens if I get a speeding ticket or accident?

Your rate may increase at your next renewal, depending on your state's regulations and Farmers' underwriting rules. The size of the increase varies. Some states allow surcharges for accidents and violations; others cap how much the rate can rise. Ask your agent what impact a specific ticket or claim will have on your renewal premium.

Does Farmers offer roadside information?

Yes, roadside information is available as an add-on to your auto policy. It typically covers towing, lockout service, fuel delivery, and jump-starts. The cost and coverage limits vary by state and agent. Ask your agent about the cost and what is included when you get your quote.

Can I change my coverage mid-policy?

Yes. Contact your agent to add or remove coverage, change your deductible, or adjust your limits. Changes usually take effect when ready or on the date you request. Your premium will be adjusted for the remainder of the policy period.

What if I am unhappy with my Farmers agent?

You can switch to a different Farmers agent in your area or move your policy to another insurer. If you switch agents, your policy stays with Farmers but your new agent handles service and claims going forward. If you switch insurers, contact the new company to start a policy, then notify your Farmers agent to cancel.