State Farm Insurance has the largest car insurance company in America. State Farm had 16.19% market share in 2020 and had written more than 80 million policies. State Farm offers a wide range of insurance products, including pet insurance and health insurance. State Farm employs over 19,000 agents, and offers coverage in all 50 US states.
Farm Bureau Insurance, a smaller insurance agency, was established in 1939 to meet the unique insurance needs of farmers. The company currently sells car insurance in a few Midwestern and Western states. Farm Bureau sells insurance as well as a few financial, investment, and retirement products.
Comparison of car insurance rates between State Farm and Farm Bureau
Farm Bureau and State Farm have different third-party ratings. They also offer different rates. Below is a side-byside comparison of average car insurance premiums and overall customer satisfaction ratings from State Farm vs. Farm Bureau.
Rates based on credit score
Most states allow credit scores to be factored in to your car insurance rate. This is only allowed in Hawaii, Washington, and Massachusetts. While the comparison of Farm Bureau’s average annual rates vs. State Farm’s based on credit scores may be helpful, remember that your actual quotes from these providers might differ.
Rates based on age
The general rule is that the higher your age, the lower your car insurance premium. The rates for young drivers aged 16-18 are the highest because they are the most likely drivers to cause an accident. As shown below, the average annual rates of State Farm and Farm Bureau reflect the decline in rates over time.
Driving record rates
A clean driving record and no convictions will usually result in a lower car insurance rate. Drivers with one speeding ticket or one DUI conviction will pay higher rates. A DUI conviction is the most significant impact on average annual rates based on driving records, but Farm Bureau’s rise is more noticeable.
Discounts: State Farm vs Farm Bureau
Car insurance discounts can help save you money on your premiums for most drivers. Both Farm Bureau and State Farm offer drivers savings, though the details and savings may differ in Maine. These are the most prominent discounts offered by both companies:
State Farm
- State Farm offers vehicle safety discounts – If your vehicle is equipped with certain safety features like an anti-theft system or newer seat belts, you can save money.
- Student discount for good students — Students younger than 25 who have a 3.0 GPA, a ‘B average’, are in top 20% of their class, or have qualified test scores can receive a discount on their premium.
- Steer Clear Program — State Farm’s Steer Clear Program rewards drivers who are under 25 years old with a lower rate on their car insurance. This is if they have no claims for the past three years, successfully complete a safe driver training course and show safe driving skills.
Farm Bureau
- Farm Bureau offers a low mileage discount — Farm Bureau will offer a lower premium for those who drive less than 7,500 km per year.
- Loyal Farm Bureau customers may get a discount for customer loyalty based on how long they have been insured.
- Safe young driver discount — Drivers younger than 25 who have completed Farm Bureau’s Young Driver Safety program may be eligible for a discount on their car-insurance premium.
Comparison of State Farm and Farm Bureau: Online and Mobile Experience
Both State Farm and Farm Bureau have excellent websites that provide useful information. We found State Farm’s online experience to be better. State Farm offers many online resources and tools, including online quotes. Farm Bureau doesn’t offer this. State Farm also offers an online claim system. Farm Bureau requires that you call to submit a claim.
We also compared the mobile apps of State Farm and Farm Bureau. These mobile apps have a lot in common. Farm Bureau offers both a general Financial Services app and state-specific apps. Kentucky Farm Bureau and Indiana Farm Bureau, for example, have separate mobile apps. Despite this, State Farm’s apps are rated higher by policyholders overall.
This is a deeper comparison between the State Farm and Farm Bureau mobile apps.
State Farm
- App Store (4.8 star) — State Farm’s iPhone application allows you to file auto insurance claims and get roadside assistance. You can also pay your premium, access your ID cards, and contact your agent. The State Farm mobile app also allows you to use Apple’s most popular features like Siri and Apple Pay.
- Google Play (4.5 Stars) — State Farm’s Android application has the same features and the same user reviews as the iPhone app, but they have received less favorable reviews. Android users have complained about issues with the app’s payment system, as well as difficulties logging in and resetting passwords.
Farm Bureau
- App Store (3.2 Stars) — Farm Bureau’s Financial Services app is available for iPhone. You can view your policy information, access your ID cards and make payments. You can also contact your agent by calling or sending a message.
- Google Play — The Farm Bureau Financial Services Android app offers all the same features as the iPhone app. While most people have positive comments about the app, some Android users have had issues logging in or dealing with bugs within it.
Questions frequently asked
What is the average price of car insurance?
The average cost of full coverage car insurance in the United States is $1,674 annually. You might pay more or less than this national average depending on your state, driving record, claims history, and how much coverage you need.
Which is the best car insurance company?
Each driver will find the best car insurer unique, as providers can vary in many ways. To find the best rate, shop around for car insurance carriers.
Can I change my car insurance carrier?
You can change car insurance providers at anytime. There is usually no cancellation fee charged by most insurance companies. It is possible to switch car insurance companies and get a lower rate, or benefit from discounts that you were not eligible for.