What Farmers Insurance is and who sells it

Farmers Insurance is a property and casualty insurance company that sells auto, home, life, and business insurance through independent agents rather than online or through a central call center. When you buy a policy from Farmers, you work with a local agent who handles your account, answers questions, and processes claims. That agent is typically self-employed and represents Farmers in your area, though they may also sell policies from other insurers.

Farmers Insurance Group is owned by Zurich Insurance, a Switzerland-based company, but operates as a separate brand in the United States. The company has been in business since 1928 and is one of the largest auto and home insurers in the country by number of customers.

Key Takeaways

  • Farmers sells auto, home, life, and business insurance through local independent agents, not online portals or phone centers.
  • Your agent handles policy changes, billing questions, and claims, so the relationship with that specific person matters to your experience.
  • Farmers auto policies typically include liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, with optional add-ons like roadside information and accident forgiveness.
  • Home policies cover the structure, personal belongings, liability, and additional living expenses if you cannot stay in your home.
  • Rates vary based on driving history, claims history, home age and location, and the coverage limits you choose.

How to find and work with a Farmers agent

To get a quote or buy a Farmers policy, you first locate an agent in your area. Farmers maintains a searchable agent directory on its website where you enter your zip code and see nearby agents. You can also call Farmers' main number to be referred to an agent near you. Once you contact an agent, they will ask about your situation — what you drive, where you live, what coverage you currently have — and provide quotes based on that information.

The agent becomes your main point of contact. If you need to change your coverage, add a vehicle, file a claim, or ask a billing question, you typically contact that agent first rather than calling a central Farmers number. Some agents have office staff who handle routine tasks; others work solo. The quality and responsiveness of your experience often depends on how well-staffed and organized your particular agent's office is.

Auto insurance coverage Farmers offers

Farmers auto policies include several layers of coverage. Liability coverage pays for damage or injury you cause to someone else in an accident — it is required by law in every state, though the minimum amount varies. Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your car if you hit another vehicle or object. Comprehensive coverage pays for damage from events other than collisions, such as theft, weather, or vandalism.

You choose how much liability coverage you want (within legal minimums) and whether to buy collision and comprehensive. If you have a car loan or lease, the lender typically requires collision and comprehensive. You also choose a deductible — the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in — usually $250, $500, $1,000, or higher. A higher deductible lowers your monthly premium but means you pay more if you have a claim.

Farmers also offers optional add-ons: roadside information (towing, lockout service, fuel delivery), accident forgiveness (your rate does not increase after your first accident), new car replacement (pays the full price of a new car if yours is totaled within a certain time), and uninsured motorist coverage (pays for your injuries if hit by someone without insurance). These extras cost more per month but can be worth it depending on your situation.

Home insurance coverage Farmers offers

A Farmers home policy covers four main things. Dwelling coverage pays to repair or rebuild your house if it is damaged by fire, wind, hail, theft, or other covered events — but not flood or earthquake, which require separate policies. Personal property coverage pays to replace your belongings (furniture, clothes, electronics) if they are damaged or stolen. Liability coverage pays if someone is injured on your property and sues you. Additional living expenses pay for hotel, meals, and other costs if you cannot live in your home while it is being repaired.

You choose how much dwelling coverage you want — typically based on what it would cost to rebuild your house, not its market value. You also choose a deductible, usually $500 to $2,500. The more coverage you select, the higher your premium. Farmers offers optional add-ons such as water backup coverage (sump pump failure, backed-up sewers), valuable items coverage (jewelry, art, collectibles), and home business coverage (if you run a business from home).

Flood and earthquake damage are not covered under standard home policies anywhere in the United States. If you live in a flood-prone area, you can buy a separate flood policy through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer. Earthquake coverage is optional and sold as an add-on in most states.

What affects your Farmers insurance rate

Farmers calculates your premium based on several factors. For auto insurance, your driving history is the largest factor — accidents and traffic violations raise your rate. Your age, gender, and marital status also matter. The type of vehicle you drive, how far you commute, and whether you use your car for business all affect the price. Some Farmers agents offer usage-based programs where you install a device or app that tracks your driving, and safe drivers get a discount.

For home insurance, the age and construction of your house matter — older homes and those made of wood cost more to insure than newer brick homes. Your location affects the rate because some areas have higher theft, weather damage, or claim frequency. Whether you have a security system, smoke detectors, or deadbolts can lower your premium. Your claims history — whether you have filed home insurance claims before — also influences the price.

Both auto and home rates are affected by your credit score in most states. Insurers use credit-based insurance scores (different from credit scores used for loans) to predict the likelihood you will file a claim. You cannot see this score, but you can ask your agent what factors are driving your rate and whether any discounts explore to you.

How to file a claim with Farmers

If you have an accident, theft, or damage, contact your agent as soon as possible. For auto claims, you can also call Farmers' claims line directly — the number is on your insurance card. For home claims, your agent typically handles the initial report. You will need to describe what happened, provide photos if possible, and answer questions about the damage.

Farmers will assign a claims adjuster to inspect the damage and estimate repair costs. For auto claims, you can choose to use Farmers' preferred repair shop or take your car to any shop you want — Farmers will pay the adjuster's estimate, and you pay any difference if your shop charges more. For home claims, the adjuster's estimate determines what Farmers will pay toward repairs. If you disagree with the estimate, you can hire your own adjuster or contractor to provide a second opinion, though you typically pay for that yourself upfront.

Discounts and ways to lower your premium

Farmers offers several discounts that can reduce your premium. Bundling — buying multiple policies (auto and home, for example) from Farmers — typically saves 10 to 15 percent on each policy. Paying your premium in full rather than monthly usually saves money. Completing a defensive driving course can lower your auto rate. Having safety features in your car (anti-theft devices, automatic seat belts) or home (security system, smoke detectors) may may have access to you for discounts.

Some discounts are automatic; others you have to ask your agent about. Farmers periodically runs promotions for new customers or specific groups (teachers, military members, alumni of certain organizations). Your agent knows which discounts you currently receive and which ones you might be missing. It is worth asking your agent to review your policy annually to see if new discounts have become available or if your situation has changed in a way that lowers your rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy Farmers insurance online?

Farmers does not sell policies directly through its website. You must work with a local independent agent to get a quote and purchase a policy. Some agents may allow you to start the quote process online, but you will need to speak with an agent to complete the purchase.

What if I am unhappy with my Farmers agent?

You can switch to a different Farmers agent in your area by contacting Farmers directly or finding another agent through the agent directory. You can also cancel your Farmers policy and switch to a different insurance company. Most policies can be canceled with 10 to 30 days' notice, depending on your state and policy type.

Does Farmers offer renters insurance?

Yes. Farmers renters insurance covers your personal belongings and liability if you rent an apartment or house. It does not cover the building itself — that is the landlord's responsibility. Renters policies are usually less expensive than home policies and can be bundled with auto insurance for a discount.

How long does a Farmers claim usually take?

Auto claims typically take two to four weeks from the time you file to when you receive payment, though straightforward claims may be faster. Home claims can take longer — four to eight weeks — if significant damage requires multiple inspections or if there is a dispute over the estimate. Your adjuster can give you a more specific timeline based on your situation.

Can I change my coverage mid-policy?

Yes. You can contact your agent to increase or decrease coverage, add or remove vehicles, or make other changes. Changes typically take effect when ready or on the date you request. Your premium will be adjusted based on the new coverage, and you may receive a refund or owe additional premium depending on whether you are increasing or decreasing coverage.