Encompass is a homeowners insurance brand owned by State Farm
Encompass is a homeowners insurance brand operated by State Farm, one of the largest insurance companies in the United States. It sells home, auto, and umbrella policies directly to consumers, primarily online and by phone, rather than through independent agents. Encompass policies are underwritten by State Farm Fire and Casualty Company and other State Farm subsidiaries.
The brand positions itself as a direct-to-consumer alternative within the State Farm family, meaning you buy from Encompass rather than from a local State Farm agent. Your policy is backed by State Farm's financial strength and claims network, but your day-to-day contact is with Encompass customer service and online tools.
Key Takeaways
- Encompass offers homeowners, auto, and umbrella insurance sold directly online or by phone, backed by State Farm's underwriting and claims handling.
- Homeowners policies cover the structure of your home, personal property inside it, liability if someone is injured on your property, and additional living expenses if you cannot stay there temporarily.
- Auto policies include liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured motorist coverage, with optional add-ons like roadside information and rental car reimbursement.
- Rates and coverage options vary by state, property type, and personal risk factors; you can get a quote online without committing to anything.
- Claims are handled through State Farm's network, and you can report them online, by phone, or through the Encompass mobile app.
What homeowners coverage includes
An Encompass homeowners policy typically covers four main areas. Dwelling coverage pays to repair or rebuild the structure of your home if it is damaged by a covered peril — fire, wind, theft, vandalism, and others — up to the limit you choose. Personal property coverage protects your belongings inside the home, such as furniture, electronics, and clothing, usually up to a percentage of your dwelling limit (often 50 to 70 percent). Liability coverage pays legal costs and damages if someone is injured on your property and sues you, or if you accidentally damage someone else's property. Additional living expenses cover the cost of a hotel, meals, and other necessities if your home becomes temporarily uninhabitable after a covered loss.
Most Encompass homeowners policies are HO-3 forms, which cover the home itself on an "open peril" basis (meaning most causes of loss are covered unless specifically excluded) and personal property on a "named peril" basis (meaning only losses listed in the policy are covered). Some states and property types may offer HO-5 or other forms with broader coverage. Deductibles typically range from $250 to $2,500 or higher, and you choose the deductible when you buy the policy.
Auto insurance options through Encompass
Encompass auto policies include liability coverage, which pays for injuries and property damage you cause to others in an accident. Most states require this by law, and Encompass lets you choose your limits — commonly $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, or higher. Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your car if you hit another vehicle or object, minus your deductible. Comprehensive coverage pays for damage from theft, weather, vandalism, and other non-collision events.
You can also add uninsured motorist coverage, which protects you if you are hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage. Optional add-ons include roadside information (towing, lockout service, fuel delivery), rental car reimbursement, and gap insurance (which covers the difference between what you owe on a car loan and what the car is worth if it is totaled). Deductibles for collision and comprehensive are usually $250 to $1,000.
How rates are set and what affects your quote
Encompass rates depend on several factors: your age and driving record, the type and age of the vehicle, how much you drive, where you live, the coverage limits and deductibles you choose, and your claims history. Some states allow insurers to use credit score as a rating factor, while others do not. Encompass also offers discounts for bundling home and auto policies, paying in full upfront, maintaining continuous coverage, and completing a defensive driving course.
Because rates vary widely by location and individual circumstances, there is no single "Encompass rate." You can get a quote online by entering your information; Encompass does not charge for a quote, and getting one does not obligate you to buy. Rates can change when you renew your policy, usually annually, and you can shop around at renewal time if you want to compare prices.
How to file a claim and what to expect
You can report a claim to Encompass online through your account, by calling their claims line, or through the Encompass mobile app. For homeowners claims, you will need to describe the damage, provide photos if possible, and give the date the loss occurred. For auto claims, you will need the other driver's information (if applicable), police report number, and photos of the damage.
Once you report a claim, Encompass assigns an adjuster who will contact you to schedule an inspection or review your documentation. The adjuster estimates the cost of repairs and determines whether the loss is covered under your policy. If it is, Encompass pays the claim minus your deductible. The timeline varies — straightforward claims may be resolved in days, while complex ones involving structural damage or disputes can take weeks. You can track your claim status online or by phone.
State availability and policy limits
Encompass operates in most states but not all. Coverage options, limits, deductibles, and discounts vary by state because insurance is regulated at the state level. For example, some states have specific requirements for wind or hail coverage, and some do not allow certain discounts that are available elsewhere. Before you get a quote, you can check Encompass's website to confirm it writes policies in your state.
When you buy a policy, you choose your coverage limits and deductibles within the range Encompass offers in your state. Higher limits cost more but protect you more fully if a large loss occurs. Lower deductibles mean you pay less out of pocket when you file a claim, but your premium is higher. Umbrella policies are also available in most states and provide additional liability coverage beyond what your home and auto policies include.
How Encompass differs from other direct insurers
Encompass competes with other direct-to-consumer brands like Geico, Progressive, and Allstate Direct. The main difference is that Encompass is owned and underwritten by State Farm, so claims are handled through State Farm's established network of adjusters and repair shops. This can be an advantage if you value State Farm's reputation and local presence, or a disadvantage if you prefer a smaller, newer company or want to work with an independent agent.
Encompass typically does not offer as many add-on products as some competitors — for example, it may not offer pet liability or water backup coverage in all states, whereas some other insurers do. Discounts also differ; Encompass offers bundling and continuous coverage discounts, but may not offer discounts for smart home devices or usage-based programs that some competitors provide. Comparing quotes from multiple insurers is the best way to see which offers the coverage and price that fits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy Encompass insurance if I have had claims or accidents?
Yes. Encompass will quote you even if you have filed claims or had accidents, but your rates will be higher than if you had a clean history. The impact depends on how recent the claim or accident was and how serious it was. You can still get a quote online to see what the rate would be.
What happens if I cancel my Encompass policy early?
You can cancel at any time, though some states allow insurers to charge a cancellation fee if you cancel before your policy term ends. Encompass will refund any premium you prepaid for the unused portion of your policy. Check your policy documents or contact Encompass to confirm the cancellation terms in your state.
Does Encompass offer discounts for home security systems or smart devices?
Encompass offers discounts for bundling home and auto policies, paying in full, and maintaining continuous coverage. Discounts for specific home security systems or smart devices vary by state. You can ask about available discounts when you get a quote or contact Encompass directly.
How do I update my coverage if my home or car changes?
You can update your coverage online through your Encompass account, by calling customer service, or through the mobile app. Changes take effect on the date you request them. If you make changes mid-policy, your premium may be adjusted, and you will receive a new declarations page showing your updated coverage.
What if I disagree with how Encompass handled my claim?
If you believe your claim was handled unfairly, you can file a complaint with Encompass directly. If you are not satisfied with their response, you can file a complaint with your state's insurance commissioner or department of insurance, which investigates consumer disputes at no cost to you.