What State Farm is and how it sells auto insurance
State Farm is the largest auto insurer in the United States by market share. It sells car, home, life, and business insurance through local agents in all 50 states, plus Washington D.C. Unlike online-only insurers, State Farm requires you to work with a licensed agent — either in person, by phone, or online — to get a quote, buy a policy, or make changes.
State Farm is a mutual company, meaning it is owned by its policyholders rather than shareholders. The company has been in business since 1922 and is rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best, a financial strength rating service. That rating means State Farm has the financial reserves to pay claims.
When you contact State Farm, you will speak with a local agent assigned to your area. That agent handles your quotes, policy setup, billing questions, and claims. Some agents work from their own offices; others work from State Farm regional centers. Either way, you are working with one person or a small team who knows your account.
Key Takeaways
- State Farm sells auto insurance only through licensed local agents, not online directly, so you must contact an agent to get a quote or buy a policy.
- You can reach State Farm agents by phone, in person at their office, or through the State Farm website or mobile app to request a quote.
- State Farm offers liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured motorist coverage, with optional add-ons like roadside information and rental car reimbursement.
- Your rate depends on your age, driving record, the vehicle you drive, where you live, how much you drive, and the coverage limits you choose.
- State Farm handles claims through local agents or a dedicated claims phone line, and you can file a claim online, by phone, or through the mobile app.
How to get a quote from State Farm
To get a quote, you have three main routes: call a local agent, visit an agent's office in person, or start online and have an agent contact you.
The fastest route is usually the State Farm website or mobile app. You enter your zip code, and the site shows you local agents. You can request a quote online, and an agent will call you back within one business day. During that call, the agent will ask about your driving history, the vehicle you want to insure, how many miles you drive per year, and what coverage limits you want. The agent will then give you a quote over the phone or email.
If you prefer to speak to someone when ready, you can call State Farm's main number and ask to be connected to an agent in your area. You can also visit an agent's office in person. Bring your driver's license, vehicle registration, and current insurance information if you have it. The agent will walk you through coverage options and give you a quote on the spot or within a few hours.
State Farm does not offer quotes through third-party comparison websites. You must contact State Farm directly.
Coverage types and what they cost
State Farm offers the same basic coverage types as other auto insurers, but the cost of each type varies based on your personal situation. Your rate depends on your age, driving record, the make and model of your vehicle, your zip code, how many miles you drive annually, and the coverage limits you choose.
Liability coverage pays for damage or injury you cause to someone else. State Farm requires you to carry at least the minimum liability limits set by your state. Most states require $25,000 to $100,000 in bodily injury liability per person and $50,000 to $300,000 per accident. You can buy higher limits if you want more protection.
Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your car if you hit another vehicle or object. Comprehensive coverage pays for damage from theft, weather, vandalism, or hitting an animal. Both collision and comprehensive are optional if you own your car outright, but your lender will require them if you have a loan or lease.
Uninsured motorist coverage pays your medical bills and vehicle damage if you are hit by a driver who has no insurance or not enough insurance. This is required in most states.
State Farm also offers optional add-ons: roadside information (towing and lockout service), rental car reimbursement (covers a rental car while yours is being repaired), and accident forgiveness (does not raise your rate after your first accident). Each add-on costs extra.
How State Farm handles claims
If you have an accident or damage to your vehicle, you can file a claim with State Farm through three channels: your local agent, the State Farm claims phone line, or the State Farm mobile app.
The fastest route is usually the mobile app or phone line. You can file a claim 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When you file, you will provide details about what happened, the date and time, where it occurred, and whether anyone else was involved. If another vehicle was involved, you will provide the other driver's name, phone number, address, insurance company, and policy number if you have it.
After you file, State Farm will assign a claims adjuster to your case. The adjuster will contact you within one business day to schedule an inspection of your vehicle. The inspection may happen at a State Farm office, an approved repair shop, or your home, depending on the damage. The adjuster will estimate the cost to repair or replace your vehicle and determine how much State Farm will pay based on your coverage and deductible.
If your vehicle is repairable, State Farm will send payment to the repair shop you choose (if it is in their network) or to you. If your vehicle is a total loss, State Farm will pay you the actual cash value of the vehicle minus your deductible. You then own the vehicle and can sell it for scrap or parts.
Discounts State Farm offers
State Farm offers discounts that can lower your rate. The discounts available to you depend on your situation and your state. Common discounts include bundling (buying auto and home insurance together), safe driver discounts (no accidents or violations in a set period), good student discounts (GPA 3.0 or higher), defensive driving course discounts, and low-mileage discounts (if you drive fewer than a set number of miles per year).
State Farm also offers Steer Clear, a mobile app that tracks your driving habits — hard braking, speeding, and phone use — and can lower your rate if you drive safely. Participation is optional, and you can see your driving score in the app.
Ask your agent which discounts you may be able to use. Some discounts are automatic; others require you to take an action, like completing a defensive driving course or signing up for Steer Clear.
How to manage your policy and make changes
You can manage your State Farm policy through your local agent, the State Farm website, or the mobile app. You can view your policy documents, check your coverage limits, see your billing history, and make changes like adding a driver or updating your address.
To make changes, contact your agent directly or log into your account on the State Farm website or app. Some changes take effect when ready; others require your agent to process them. For example, adding a driver or changing your coverage limits may take one to two business days.
You can pay your premium monthly, quarterly, or annually. State Farm offers automatic payment (draft from your bank account) and also accepts credit card, debit card, and check payments. If you pay by credit card or debit card through an agent, there may be a small fee.
When to contact State Farm and what to expect
Contact your local agent if you want to change your coverage, add or remove a driver, update your address, or have questions about your policy. Agents are usually available Monday through Friday during business hours, and some offices are open on Saturday. Response time is typically one business day.
For claims, use the 24/7 claims line or mobile app. For billing questions, you can call the billing department or contact your agent. For general customer service questions, you can call State Farm's main number and ask to be routed to the right department.
State Farm does not have live chat support on its website, but you can submit a message through your online account and expect a response within one business day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy State Farm auto insurance online without talking to an agent?
No. State Farm requires you to work with a licensed agent to buy a policy. You can start the quote process online or by phone, but an agent must complete the sale. This is different from online-only insurers like Geico or Progressive, which let you buy entirely online.
What happens if I get into an accident and it is my fault?
Your collision coverage will pay to repair your vehicle, minus your deductible. Your liability coverage will pay for damage you caused to the other vehicle and any injuries to the other driver. Your rate may increase after an at-fault accident, unless you have accident forgiveness coverage. Ask your agent whether you have it.
Can I switch to a different agent if I do not like mine?
Yes. You can request a different agent in your area at any time. Contact State Farm's main number or your current agent and ask to be reassigned. There is no penalty for switching agents, and your policy and rates stay the same.
Does State Farm offer discounts for bundling auto and home insurance?
Yes. State Farm offers a multi-policy discount if you buy auto and home insurance together. The discount amount varies by state and your situation. Ask your agent for a quote that includes both policies to see the savings.
How long does it take to get paid after I file a claim?
Payment timing depends on the type of claim. For a straightforward claim with no dispute, you may receive payment within one to two weeks. For more complex claims or total losses, it may take three to four weeks. Your claims adjuster will give you a timeline when they contact you.