State Farm is the largest auto insurer in the United States, but they also sell home, life, and umbrella insurance through local agents

State Farm operates differently from most other insurers. Instead of selling online or through a call center, they distribute policies through independent agents who work in local offices. You contact an agent in your area, meet with them in person or by phone, and they handle your quotes, policy setup, and claims. State Farm has roughly 19,000 agents nationwide, so finding one near you is usually straightforward.

The company is a mutual insurer, meaning it is owned by its policyholders rather than shareholders. This structure affects how they operate and how they return profits — they issue annual dividends to long-term customers in some states, though the amount varies and is not may provide year to year.

State Farm's main business is auto insurance, but they have expanded into home, renters, life, and umbrella policies. Many customers bundle multiple policies with the same agent to get discounts. The company also offers banking products through State Farm Bank, though that is separate from their insurance division.

Key Takeaways

  • State Farm sells insurance only through local agents, not online or by phone directly — you must contact an agent in your area to get a quote or start a policy.
  • Auto insurance is their core product, but they also offer home, renters, life, and umbrella coverage, with discounts available for bundling multiple policies.
  • As a mutual company, State Farm returns profits to policyholders as dividends in some states, though the amount changes annually and is not promised in advance.
  • Claims are handled through your local agent or the State Farm claims phone line, and the company offers mobile apps to report accidents and manage your policy.

Auto Insurance Coverage Options at State Farm

State Farm offers the standard auto insurance types: liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured motorist. Liability covers damage you cause to someone else's car or property; collision covers damage to your own car from an accident; comprehensive covers theft, weather, and vandalism. You choose your deductible — typically $250, $500, $1,000, or higher — which is what you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in.

The company also sells uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, which pays for your injuries if hit by someone without insurance or with insufficient coverage. This is required in some states and optional in others. State Farm allows you to set these limits separately from your liability limits, which gives you more control over what you pay.

Discounts are common and vary by state and agent. Multi-policy bundling (combining auto and home insurance) typically saves 15 percent or more. Safe driver discounts, good student discounts, and discounts for completing defensive driving courses are also available. Some agents offer usage-based discounts through the State Farm mobile app, which tracks your driving habits and can lower your rate if you drive safely.

Home and Renters Insurance Through State Farm

State Farm homeowners insurance covers the structure of your home, personal property inside it, liability if someone is injured on your property, and additional living expenses if you have to leave due to a covered loss. You choose your deductible and coverage limits, and the agent helps you determine how much coverage you need based on your home's replacement cost, not its market value.

Renters insurance through State Farm works similarly but covers only your belongings and liability, not the building itself — the landlord's insurance covers that. Renters policies are less expensive than homeowners policies and are often overlooked, but they protect your clothes, furniture, electronics, and other items if there is a fire, theft, or other covered event.

Both homeowners and renters policies include liability coverage, which pays if someone is injured at your home and sues you. You can also add umbrella coverage on top of your home and auto policies for additional liability protection at a lower cost per dollar of coverage than adding it to each individual policy.

Life Insurance Products State Farm Offers

State Farm sells term life insurance, whole life insurance, and universal life insurance. Term life is the simplest and least expensive — you pay a monthly premium for a set period (10, 20, or 30 years), and if you die during that term, your beneficiary receives the death benefit. Term policies have no cash value and expire at the end of the term.

Whole life and universal life are permanent policies that build cash value over time. You can borrow against the cash value or surrender the policy and receive the accumulated value. These policies cost significantly more than term but do not expire as long as you pay the premiums. State Farm agents can explain the differences and help you decide which type fits your situation.

Life insurance through State Farm is underwritten by State Farm Life Insurance Company, a separate legal entity from the main property and casualty division. You will need to complete a health questionnaire and may need a medical exam depending on the amount of coverage you request.

How to Get a Quote and Start a Policy

To get a State Farm quote, search for a local agent on their website or call 1-800-STATE-FM. You can also use their online agent locator tool, which shows agents in your area with their contact information and office hours. Some agents offer online quote tools on their individual websites, but most will ask you to call or visit in person.

When you contact an agent, have your driver's license and current insurance information ready if you are switching from another insurer. For a home quote, you will need your address and information about the home's age, construction, and any recent updates. The agent will ask about your coverage needs and budget, then provide quotes for different deductible and coverage combinations.

Once you choose a policy, the agent will set up your account, collect payment, and issue your policy documents. Most policies start the day you pay the first premium. You can pay monthly, quarterly, or annually, and State Farm offers automatic payment options through bank account or credit card.

Filing a Claim and Getting Help

If you have an accident or loss, you can report it to your local agent or call State Farm's claims line at 1-800-STATE-FM. For auto accidents, you can also use the State Farm mobile app to report the claim, take photos, and get a claim number when ready. The company has a network of repair shops and can arrange a rental car while yours is being fixed.

A claims adjuster will be assigned to your case and will contact you to schedule an inspection if needed. For auto claims, this usually happens within a day or two. For home claims, the adjuster will visit your property to assess the damage. The adjuster will then determine what State Farm will pay based on your policy terms and the cause of the loss.

State Farm also offers 24/7 roadside information for auto policyholders, including towing, lockout service, and fuel delivery. This service is included with most auto policies at no extra cost, though coverage limits vary.

Discounts and Ways to Lower Your Premium

Multi-policy bundling is the largest discount most customers see — combining auto and home insurance typically saves 15 to 25 percent depending on your state and agent. Safe driver discounts reward customers with no accidents or violations in a set period, usually three to five years. Good student discounts explore if you or a household member maintains a certain GPA, typically 3.0 or higher.

Defensive driving course discounts are available in most states if you complete an approved course — some courses are online and take a few hours. Usage-based insurance through the State Farm mobile app can lower your rate by up to 30 percent if you drive safely, though the actual savings depend on your driving habits and location.

Home insurance discounts include bundling, installing security systems or smoke detectors, and maintaining your home in good condition. Some agents also offer discounts for paying your premium in full rather than monthly, though this varies by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy State Farm insurance online without talking to an agent?

No. State Farm requires you to work with a local agent to get quotes and set up a policy. Some agents have online quote tools on their websites, but you still need to contact them to finalize coverage and payment. This is different from companies like Geico or Progressive, which sell entirely online.

Does State Farm offer discounts for bundling auto and home insurance?

Yes. Bundling auto and home policies typically saves 15 to 25 percent on your total premium, though the exact amount varies by state and agent. Ask your agent about the specific discount available in your area when you get a quote.

What happens if I miss a premium payment?

State Farm typically gives you a grace period of 10 days after your payment due date before your policy lapses. If you miss a payment, contact your agent when ready to make it up. If your policy lapses, you will need to reapply and may face higher rates or coverage restrictions.

Can I switch to State Farm if I have a poor driving record?

State Farm will consider applicants with accidents or violations, but your rate will be higher than someone with a clean record. The company uses your driving history, age, location, and type of vehicle to calculate your rate. An agent can give you a quote even if you have had accidents or tickets.

Does State Farm offer coverage for rideshare drivers like Uber or Lyft?

State Farm offers rideshare coverage as an add-on to your auto policy if you drive for Uber, Lyft, or similar services. This coverage fills gaps between your personal auto policy and the rideshare company's coverage. Ask your agent about rideshare coverage and its cost if you drive for these services.