Farmers is one of the largest personal-lines insurers in the United States, founded in Los Angeles in 1928 and sold mainly through a large network of exclusive agents. It is known for a deep menu of coverage options and roughly 20 discounts, but independent rate studies place its premiums above the national average for essentially every driver profile. Here is an independent look at Farmers auto insurance, its estimated rates, and how it compares in 2026.
Farmers Insurance was founded in 1928 in Los Angeles and today writes auto, home, life, and business coverage through roughly 42 states, selling primarily through exclusive agents rather than direct-to-consumer. Its members carry an A (Excellent) financial strength rating from AM Best, affirmed in August 2025, and the group is strategically linked to Zurich Insurance Group through Farmers Group, Inc., Zurich's wholly owned management subsidiary. Farmers' real differentiator is breadth: close to 20 discounts and a long list of add-ons, including new car replacement, OEM parts coverage, and a declining deductible. Its weak spot is price and service scores. Independent 2026 rate sampling put Farmers well above the national average for every driver profile tested, and it ranked 17th of 20 companies in J.D. Power's 2025 auto claims satisfaction study, though NAIC complaint volume sits close to what would be expected for a company its size.
Independent market estimates based on NAIC rate filings and state insurance department data. Not provided by or endorsed by Farmers. Actual rates vary by state, ZIP, and individual profile.
| Driver profile | Est. annual premium | vs. market avg. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clean record, 30–45 | ~$1,760/yr | Above avg. | Bundling is where Farmers closes the gap |
| Single accident (3 yrs) | ~$2,380/yr | Above avg. | Accident forgiveness available |
| DUI on record | ~$3,420/yr | Above avg. | Standard-market surcharge |
| Young driver (18–24) | ~$3,180/yr | Above avg. | Good-student and distant-student discounts |
| Senior driver (65+) | ~$1,500/yr | Above avg. | Defensive-driving discount applies |
| Lower credit tier | ~$2,900/yr | Above avg. | Credit scoring applies where legal |
ⓘ Source: NAIC filings and state regulatory data. Not quotes from Farmers. Verify pricing directly with the carrier or a licensed agent.
Farmers is built for drivers who want to shape a policy rather than buy a standard one. The add-on list is genuinely deeper than most national carriers — OEM parts coverage, new car replacement, a declining deductible, and close to 20 discounts — and the exclusive-agent network suits people who would rather call someone than use an app. Its A (Excellent) AM Best rating, affirmed in August 2025, and a complaint volume close to expected for its size mean the fundamentals are sound. The trade-offs are pricing and claims experience. Independent 2026 sampling found Farmers above the national average on every profile tested, from clean records to poor credit, and it placed 17th of 20 in J.D. Power's 2025 claims satisfaction study. It is also unavailable in eight states. For a driver who needs the specialty coverages or who can stack a home bundle on top, Farmers can still land competitively — but the base rate rarely wins on its own, which makes comparing it against other carriers unusually worthwhile.
Farmers is a strong fit if you want a heavily customized policy, value a local agent, and can bundle enough business to offset the price. If you want standard coverage at the lowest rate, its above-average premiums and middling claims-satisfaction ranking are hard to justify. Comparing Farmers against other carriers in your area is the fastest way to see whether the coverage breadth is worth the premium for your profile.
Disclaimer: RateWire is an independent lead generation and comparison service and is not affiliated with, authorized by, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected to Farmers. All carrier names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners used solely for informational and comparison purposes. Rate figures are independent market estimates from publicly available NAIC and state regulatory data — not quotes from Farmers. By submitting your ZIP code, you may be connected with licensed insurance agents or carriers who will provide actual quotes based on your individual profile. Always verify coverage terms and pricing directly with the carrier or a licensed agent before purchasing.