Farm Bureau is a membership organization that sells insurance, not a government program

Farm Bureau is a private insurance company owned by its members. It is not a government agency, and you do not receive Farm Bureau coverage through a government program. You buy a membership and pay premiums directly to Farm Bureau, the same way you would with any other insurance company like State Farm or Geico.

Farm Bureau operates in most U.S. states through separate regional companies — for example, State Farm Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company in some states, or local Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company branches in others. Each regional company sets its own rates and coverage options, so what you pay and what you can buy depends on which state you live in.

The organization grew out of agricultural cooperatives in the early 1900s, which is why the name includes "Farm." Today, Farm Bureau members include farmers, ranchers, and people who live in rural or suburban areas. You do not have to own a farm to join.

Key Takeaways

  • Farm Bureau is a private insurance company you join as a member and pay premiums to, not a government benefit or subsidy.
  • Farm Bureau offers auto, home, life, and business insurance, with rates and coverage that vary by state and region.
  • Membership in Farm Bureau sometimes includes discounts on insurance or access to other member services like financial products.
  • You contact Farm Bureau directly to get a quote, compare coverage options, and purchase a policy.
  • Farm Bureau is separate from government insurance programs like Medicare, Medicaid, or unemployment insurance.

Types of insurance Farm Bureau sells

Farm Bureau's main insurance products are auto, home, life, and business coverage. Auto insurance covers liability (damage you cause to others), collision (damage to your car), and comprehensive (theft, weather, vandalism). Home insurance covers the building itself, your belongings inside, and liability if someone is injured on your property.

Life insurance through Farm Bureau is typically term life (coverage for a set number of years) or whole life (permanent coverage). Business insurance includes general liability, property coverage, and workers' compensation if you have employees. Some regional Farm Bureau companies also offer umbrella policies (extra liability coverage above your home or auto limits) and specialty coverage for equipment or vehicles.

Rates and available coverage depend on your state and the specific regional Farm Bureau company serving your area. You can contact your local Farm Bureau agent to see what options are available to you.

How membership and discounts work

When you buy insurance from Farm Bureau, you become a member of that regional company. Membership usually costs a small annual fee (the amount varies by state and company). As a member, you may be may be able to access for discounts on your insurance premiums — for example, discounts for bundling multiple policies, maintaining a safe driving record, completing a defensive driving course, or installing safety devices in your home.

Farm Bureau membership can also give you access to other services, such as financial planning, banking products, or discounts on travel and shopping. These extras vary by region. You can ask your local Farm Bureau agent what member benefits are available in your area.

Getting a quote and choosing coverage

To get a quote from Farm Bureau, you contact a local agent by phone, online, or in person. The agent will ask about your situation — what you drive, where you live, your driving history, the value of your home, and what coverage you want. Based on that information, they will give you a price and show you what is and is not covered under each option.

You can get quotes from multiple insurance companies and compare them side by side. When comparing, look at the deductible (the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in), the coverage limits (the maximum the insurance company will pay), and what specific risks are covered. A cheaper premium might have a higher deductible or lower coverage limits, so make sure you understand what you are actually getting.

Once you choose a policy, you sign the agreement and set up payment — usually monthly, quarterly, or annually. Your coverage starts on the date you and Farm Bureau agree to.

How Farm Bureau differs from government insurance programs

Farm Bureau is a private company you pay directly. Government insurance programs like Medicare (for people 65 and older), Medicaid (for low-income people), or unemployment insurance are funded by taxes and run by state or federal agencies. You do not "join" those programs the way you join Farm Bureau; instead, you meet certain requirements and the government determines whether you are covered.

Farm Bureau also differs from government programs in that it can deny you coverage, charge you more based on risk, or cancel your policy if you do not pay. Government programs have different rules about who can be turned away and how rates are set. If you are looking for government-funded insurance or information, you would contact your state's Medicaid office, the Social Security Administration, or your state's unemployment office — not Farm Bureau.

What to do if you have a claim

If you have an accident, theft, or damage covered by your Farm Bureau policy, you report it to your agent or directly to Farm Bureau's claims department. You can usually file a claim by phone, online, or through the Farm Bureau mobile app. Have your policy number and details of what happened ready when you call.

Farm Bureau will assign an adjuster to investigate the claim, estimate the damage, and decide how much they will pay. The process usually takes a few days to a few weeks, depending on the complexity. Once approved, Farm Bureau pays you or the repair shop directly, minus your deductible.

If you disagree with Farm Bureau's decision on a claim, you can file a complaint with your state's insurance commissioner. The commissioner's office can investigate and may require Farm Bureau to reconsider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a farmer to join Farm Bureau insurance?

No. While Farm Bureau started as an agricultural organization, it now insures people in rural, suburban, and some urban areas. You do not need to own a farm or work in agriculture. Check with your local Farm Bureau agent to see if they serve your area.

Is Farm Bureau cheaper than other insurance companies?

Rates vary by company, location, and your personal situation. Farm Bureau may be cheaper for some people and more expensive for others. Always get quotes from multiple companies — Farm Bureau, State Farm, Geico, Progressive, and others — and compare the coverage and price before deciding.

What happens if I do not pay my Farm Bureau premium?

If you miss a payment, Farm Bureau will usually send you a notice and give you a grace period (often 10 to 30 days) to pay. If you do not pay by the end of that period, your policy will be cancelled and your coverage will end. You will then be uninsured, which is illegal for auto insurance in most states.

Can I cancel my Farm Bureau policy anytime?

Yes, you can cancel at any time, though some policies have cancellation fees or require you to give notice in advance. Contact your agent or Farm Bureau's customer service to cancel. If you are switching to another insurance company, make sure your new coverage starts before your Farm Bureau policy ends so you are never without insurance.

Is Farm Bureau the same as the American Farm Bureau Federation?

No. The American Farm Bureau Federation is a separate advocacy organization for farmers and agricultural interests. Farm Bureau insurance companies are private insurers that grew out of that movement but operate independently. They are related historically but are not the same organization.