A century ago, a former farmer and insurance salesperson founded State Farm Insurance. Today, the company still stands by its signature mottos of “being there when you need us” and “like a good neighbor,” ready to offer a helping hand. State Farm now services close to a fifth of the U.S. auto insurance market.
Farmers Insurance came along six years after State Farm with similar aspirations but lower rates. Both companies aimed to provide farmers with vehicle insurance they could afford. Farmers is now one of the biggest auto insurers in the U.S., offering a wide variety of coverage options and premium discounts to drivers of all types.
State Farm vs. Farmers Average Rates
The average rate of Farmers Insurance is more expensive than State Farm’s, with up to a 50% nationwide difference in premiums. Policy owners with State Farm experience an average monthly premium of more than $170. Policy owners with Farmers Insurance average closer to $290 per month.
Some differences in average premium rates are even greater, depending on the state. For example, in Michigan, State Farm averages $330 per month while Farmers averages $764. With these rate differences come different customer experiences.
Customer Service and Claims Handling
Of the two insurers, State Farm is the easier one to open a policy with, earning a 72% customer satisfaction rating. Starting a policy with Farmers is slightly more complicated, with a 59% satisfaction rating.
The margin between satisfaction ratings is less when it comes to making an auto claim. The happiness levels of claimants with Farmers and State Farm are 66% and 69%, respectively. Those insured with State Farm report it’s easier to contact the customer service center than with Farmers. State Farm’s initial response is also more satisfactory than Farmers’.
Which Is Cheaper: Farmers or State Farm?
Farmers Insurance policyholders with high credit scores typically get a significant reduction in premiums. For most other situations, State Farm is the cheaper insurer. State Farm is less expensive for drivers of all ages, including seniors over 60 years old and teen drivers.
State Farm likes to reward good drivers with major discounts on their premiums. State Farm also charges less than Farmers’ for drivers with accidents, speeding tickets, and DUIs on their records.
When comparing both insurers’ high and low coverages, State Farm beats Farmers for premium rates. On average, Farmers is more expensive than the national average of $1,321. State Farm keeps its average premiums of $1,169 well below the national average, making it a far more attractive insurer.
Discounts: Farmers vs. State Farm
Official numbers can tell you a lot about how an insurance company functions but don’t paint the full picture about its customer service. Most insurance companies will offer deals to current customers. Existing policies often have add-ons or serve as incentives for the insurer to give you a discount.
Farmers Insurance offers more savings on premiums than State Farm. State Farm does not offer discounts to military personnel and teachers or for advance or online payments. Both insurers offer discounts to students and customers with multiple policies.
Special Add-On Coverage
As with any product, some brands are worth paying extra for what they offer. State Farm and Farmers both cover similar incidents, but each has its own coverage that stands out.
State Farm has emergency travel expense coverage, which you can use if you become stranded with your car more than 50 miles from your home. This coverage pays for your transportation home, meals, and a hotel room if you need to stay overnight.
Farmers offer more custom-made coverage than State Farm and lower excess policies. Coverage that sets Farmers apart includes its glass and windshield policy, which covers 100% of repairing or replacing the glass.
Farmers will cover unique equipment, such as repairing or replacing audio systems or custom wheels. Another benefit of Farmers Insurance is it will pay out an agreed-upon value if the vehicle is a total loss.
State Farm or Farmers Insurance?
You want to sign up with a dependable insurance company. You need to feel secure that a claim will be simple and the insurer will not have financial trouble fulfilling its obligations. State Farm has an A++ rating, and Farmers has an A- rating. These are both respectable scores, and neither insurer is in danger of going under.
State Farm has enticing premium discount packages for homeowners making improvements to their dwellings. For example, the installation of an impact-resistant roof might qualify the policyholder for a discount. You can also arrange automatic valuations with State Farm. This means State Farm will adjust the value of your property based on rising construction costs in that area.
Farmers Insurance gives those looking for inexpensive policies more pricing options than State Farm. If money is tight or the policyholder wants to exclude certain coverage, Farmers Insurance is more flexible. Farmers is also better about adjusting premiums to fit the policyholder’s individual risk on standard plans.
If you want better or full coverage, Farmers has Enhanced and Premier insurance options. Each Farmers Insurance policy is more flexible than State Farm’s. Farmers will also negotiate your coverage so the insurance policy fits your situation and needs.
If a case meets certain prerequisites of the Premier plan, Farmers might guarantee the replacement cost of a home. Farmers might even cover the cost when it’s outside the policy’s limits. The Enhanced plan also gives homeowners the choice to cover a full roof replacement or the devaluation of household fittings.
Farmers Insurance and State Farm offer similar services, but it is clear from the numbers that State Farm has lower prices and better customer interactions. Farmers can be the cheaper insurer for many people and is worth considering if you want to work through a policy and cut certain items from your coverage. State Farm policyholders, however, are more likely to renew than those with Farmers Insurance.
At FIXD, our mission is to make car ownership as simple, easy, and affordable as possible. Our research team utilizes the latest automotive data and insights to create tools and resources that help drivers get peace of mind and save money over the life of their car.
