Farmers vs. USAA Auto Insurance (2024)
We compare Farmers vs. USAA auto insurance rates by age, driving record, and credit score. USAA has cheaper car insurance rates overall, but coverage is only available to members of the military, veterans, and their immediate family members. You can still secure cheap Farmers insurance rates by qualifying for the company's wider variety of discounts.
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Tim Bain
Licensed Insurance Agent
Tim Bain is a licensed insurance agent with 23 years of experience helping people protect their families and businesses with the best insurance coverage to meet their needs. His insurance expertise has been featured in several publications, including Investopedia and eFinancial. He also does digital marking and analysis for KPS/3, a communications and marking firm located in Nevada.
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Dec 19, 2023
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- USAA is available only to members of the military, veterans, and their immediate family members
- You can save up to 42% on car insurance for your teen driver by choosing USAA over Farmers
- Farmers has a wider variety of discounts, but USAA has some discounts as high as 90%
Both Farmers and USAA are on the list of the top 10 best auto insurance companies, but which company will be your best option based on your characteristics?
We’ll compare Farmers vs. USAA auto insurance rates to see which one better suits your needs based on age, driving record, and credit history. We also compare available discounts and ratings from agencies with a credible and trustworthy view of Farmers vs. USAA auto insurance companies.
USAA will have some of the best rates across the board but is available only to military members, veterans, and their immediate family members.
Before you find out who has more affordable Farmers vs. USAA auto insurance rates, enter your ZIP code to start comparing free auto insurance quotes from the multiple providers in your area.
Is Farmers insurance or USAA auto insurance cheaper based on age?
The older we get, the more driving experience we have. car insurance companies use age as one of the most influential factors in determining your car insurance rates.
It’s legal to base car insurance rates on marital status and gender in most states; however, some states have outlawed it. Let’s compare Farmers insurance and USAA insurance rates based on age, gender, and marital status.
| Age, Gender, and Marital Status | Farmers Average Annual Rates | USAA Average Annual Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Single 17-year-old female | $8,666.24 | $4,695.06 |
| Single 17-year-old male | $9,202.06 | $5,225.88 |
| Single 25-year-old female | $2,672.81 | $1,913.08 |
| Single 25-year old male | $2,791.21 | $2,119.73 |
| Married 35-year-old female | $2,316.82 | $1,484.88 |
| Married 35-year-old male | $2,306.44 | $1,482.91 |
| Married 60-year-old female | $2,117.42 | $1,395.84 |
| Married 60-year-old male | $2,179.61 | $1,400.76 |
USAA is a much better option if you have a young driver in your household. You will save 42% with USAA to cover your teen driver.
When it comes to car insurance for drivers 25 and older, USAA is around 37% cheaper than Farmers.
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Is Farmers insurance or USAA auto insurance cheaper based on driving record?
Speeding tickets, accidents, or DUIs on your driving record will raise your car insurance rates no matter what company you pick because you become a high-risk driver.
| Driving Record | Farmers Average Annual Rates | USAA Average Annual Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Clean record | $3,460.60 | $1,933.68 |
| With 1 accident | $4,518.73 | $2,516.24 |
| With 1 DUI | $4,718.75 | $3,506.03 |
| With 1 speeding violation | $4,079.01 | $2,193.25 |
Again, USAA will usually have the best rates, but it’s also essential to take a closer look at how punitive each company is if you sign up with a clean driving record but then later get an infraction.
Farmers is not as punitive with current customers as USAA.
If you have a clean record now and choose Farmers, your rates would increase by only 18% if you got a speeding ticket, 31% if you caused an accident, and 36% if you got a DUI.
With USAA, your rates would increase by 13% if you got a speeding ticket, 30% if you caused an accident, and 81% if you got a DUI.
Is Farmers insurance or USAA auto insurance cheaper based on credit score?
A good credit score can drop in a matter of months if you experience some financial trauma such as medical debt or going through a divorce.
In most states, it is legal for car insurance companies to base rates on your credit score; however, some are outlawing this along with basing rates on gender and marital status.
Based on the assumption that those with higher credit scores are more responsible and overall safer drivers less likely to file a claim, car insurance companies justify using your credit score to determine your rates.
Let’s take a look at how Farmers and USAA address rates for drivers with low credit scores.
| Credit History | Farmers Average Annual Rates | USAA Average Annual Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Good | $3,677.12 | $1,821.20 |
| Fair | $3,899.41 | $2,219.83 |
| Poor | $4,864.14 | $3,690.73 |
No matter what your credit score is, your rates will be cheaper with USAA than with Farmers.
Once you are with Farmers and your credit score drops, expect your car insurance rates to increase by 32% compared to USAA, which will more than double.
You may live in a state like California, where basing car insurance on credit scores is illegal. So be sure to check your state’s laws before judging Farmers vs. USAA car insurance rates based on credit score alone.
Does Farmers or USAA have better auto insurance discounts?
Car insurance company discounts vary widely, and they are usually based on a company’s values and philosophy.
That’s why it pays to shop around, especially if you have a bad driving record or a low credit score. Discounts can help offset high rates.
| Car Insurance Discounts | Farmers (%) | USAA (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Adaptive Headlights | N/A | N/A |
| Anti-lock Brakes | N/A | N/A |
| Anti-Theft | N/A | N/A |
| Claim Free | N/A | 12 |
| Continuous Coverage | N/A | N/A |
| Daytime Running Lights | N/A | N/A |
| Defensive Driver | N/A | 3 |
| Distant Student | N/A | N/A |
| Driver's Ed | N/A | 3 |
| Driving Device/App | N/A | 5 |
| Early Signing | N/A | 12 |
| Electronic Stability Control | N/A | N/A |
| Family Legacy | N/A | 10 |
| Family Plan | N/A | N/A |
| Farm Vehicle | N/A | N/A |
| Federal Employee | N/A | N/A |
| Full Payment | N/A | N/A |
| Garaging/Storing | N/A | 90 |
| Good Student | N/A | 3 |
| Green Vehicle | 5 | N/A |
| Homeowner | N/A | N/A |
| Low Mileage | N/A | N/A |
| Loyalty | N/A | N/A |
| Married | N/A | N/A |
| Military | N/A | N/A |
| Military Garaging | N/A | 15 |
| Multiple Policies | N/A | N/A |
| Multiple Vehicles | N/A | N/A |
| Newer Vehicle | N/A | 12 |
| Occasional Operator | N/A | N/A |
| Occupation | N/A | N/A |
| Paperless Documents | N/A | N/A |
| Paperless/Auto Billing | N/A | 3 |
| Passive Restraint | N/A | N/A |
| Safe Driver | N/A | 12 |
| Senior Driver | N/A | N/A |
| Switching Provider | N/A | N/A |
| Utility Vehicle | N/A | N/A |
| Vehicle Recovery | N/A | N/A |
| VIN Etching | N/A | N/A |
| Volunteer | N/A | N/A |
| Young Driver | N/A | $75 |
When comparing discounts offered by either company, Farmers has a total of 35 car insurance discounts, but our data source doesn’t include the percentage of each discount. USAA has a total of 14 discounts.
USAA offers car insurance discounts between 10% and 75%, and the best bargains are for garaging your vehicle while deployed and teen drivers.
The discounts offered by car insurance companies often target specific types of drivers. When you call Farmers or USAA customer service, be sure to ask if there are any additional discounts.
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What types of car insurance coverages are offered by Farmers and USAA?
Since both Farmers and USAA are two of the ten companies that make up the most of the market share, they can offer a wider variety of car insurance coverages beyond the standard six coverages listed below.
Be sure you understand the various car insurance coverage types before purchasing each one:
- Liability car insurance coverage – bodily injury and property damage
- Comprehensive car insurance coverage
- Collision car insurance coverage
- Uninsured/Underinsured car insurance coverage
- Medical Payments (MedPay) car insurance coverage – essential in states that require no-fault car insurance
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) car insurance coverage
Be sure to take a closer look at any specialty coverages such as rental reimbursement, roadside assistance, guaranteed auto protection (GAP), mechanical breakdown, and recreational vehicles such as ATVs or boats.
Does Farmers or USAA have better mobile apps?
Usage-based car insurance has become an individualized trend in the last decade or so. All more prominent car insurance companies have a driving app that uses your mobile phone or a device installed into your auto.
Large car insurance companies also provide a more general app to enable you to view your policy, make changes, and pay your bill. Usually, your Farmers insurance login or USAA insurance login will work with the general app and the driving app.
How does Farmers vs. USAA auto insurance compare in financial strength and customer satisfaction?
Buying car insurance is a big financial responsibility, so you want to make sure you choose the right company that will be there for you when you need it.
A company’s financial strength, customer satisfaction with USAA vs. Farmers insurance claims process, and customer complaints should be examined before you make your decision.
The following three agencies provide insight into these factors:
A.M. Best scores companies based on their ability to meet their ongoing insurance obligations, such as balancing premiums collected and claims paid. The highest score A.M. Best awards is Superior A++.
Consumer Reports collects annual data from its subscribers regarding customer satisfaction of the Farmers claims process, and the USAA claims process, step by step.
In their 2017 survey, 27 insurance companies were rated, and scores ranged between 86 to 96.
And the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) calculates a complaint ratio based on the total number of customers against the total number of complaints. In 2017, the national average complaint ratio was 1. The lower the ratio, the better.
Let’s take a closer look at external ratings for Farmers and USAA.
| Rating Agency | Farmers | USAA |
|---|---|---|
| AM Best Rating | A | A++ |
| Consumer Reports | 89 | 95 |
| NAIC Company Complaint Ratio | 0.59 | 0.74 |
| NAIC Total Complaints | 7 | 296 |
Both Farmers and USAA are highly rated when it comes to customer satisfaction with the claims process. Farmers has earned A from A.M. Best, and USAA has earned an A++, which is the highest possible rating.
USAA, however, has a higher customer complaint ratio and a higher number of complaints overall.
Before you buy Farmers vs. USAA car insurance, enter your ZIP code to start comparing multiple car insurance companies in your local area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Farmers and USAA?
Farmers and USAA are both insurance companies, but there are a few key differences between them. USAA primarily serves military members and their families, offering exclusive benefits and excellent customer service tailored to their needs. Farmers, on the other hand, serves a wider customer base and provides a range of insurance options beyond just auto insurance.
What are the key features of Farmers auto insurance?
Farmers auto insurance offers a range of features, including:
- Customizable coverage options: Farmers allows policyholders to tailor their coverage to their specific needs, such as liability, comprehensive, collision, and personal injury protection.
- Additional coverage options: Farmers provides various add-on options, including roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and rideshare coverage.
- Discounts: Farmers offers various discounts, such as multi-policy, multi-car, good driver, and safe driver discounts.
- Mobile app: Farmers has a user-friendly mobile app that enables policyholders to manage their policies, file claims, and access policy documents conveniently.
What are the key features of USAA auto insurance?
USAA auto insurance is known for its comprehensive coverage and excellent customer service. Some key features of USAA auto insurance include:
- Coverage options: USAA offers standard coverage options like liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
- Military-focused: USAA primarily serves military members, veterans, and their families, offering unique features such as deployment and garaging discounts.
- Claims satisfaction: USAA is well-regarded for its prompt and efficient claims process, consistently receiving high customer satisfaction ratings.
- Mobile app and digital tools: USAA provides a mobile app and various digital tools to make managing policies, filing claims, and accessing information easier for its customers.
Can anyone get insurance from USAA?
USAA membership is generally restricted to active duty military personnel, veterans, and their immediate family members. However, eligibility criteria may vary, and it’s advisable to check with USAA directly or visit their website for the most up-to-date information on membership qualifications.
How can I obtain insurance from Farmers or USAA?
To obtain insurance from Farmers or USAA, you can follow these steps:
- Research: Compare the coverage options, discounts, and customer reviews of both companies.
- Get quotes: Request quotes from both Farmers and USAA, either through their websites, over the phone, or by contacting local agents.
- Evaluate the quotes: Review the quotes carefully, considering the coverage, price, and any additional factors that are important to you.
- Make a decision: Based on your research and the quotes received, choose the company that best fits your needs and budget.
- Initiate the application process: Contact the chosen insurer to begin the application process and provide any required information or documentation.
- Complete the process: Follow the instructions provided by the insurer to finalize your policy, make any necessary payments, and obtain your insurance documents.
Which company has better rates, Farmers or USAA?
Rates for auto insurance can vary depending on various factors, including your location, driving history, vehicle type, and coverage needs. It’s recommended to obtain quotes from both Farmers and USAA to compare the rates specific to your situation. This will help you determine which company offers better rates for your circumstances.
Can I switch from Farmers to USAA or vice versa?
Yes, you can switch your auto insurance from Farmers to USAA or vice versa. However, it’s important to consider any potential penalties or fees associated with cancelling your current policy before making the switch. Additionally, ensure that you have a new policy in place before cancelling your existing one to avoid any coverage gaps.
Are there any notable differences in customer service between Farmers and USAA auto insurance?
Yes, there are differences in customer service between Farmers and USAA auto insurance. USAA is often recognized for its exceptional customer service and satisfaction ratings. They have a reputation for being responsive, efficient, and dedicated to serving military members and their families.
Farmers, on the other hand, may have varying levels of customer service depending on individual experiences and regional factors. It’s advisable to review customer reviews and ratings specific to your location and preferences to assess the customer service reputation of both companies.
Do Farmers and USAA offer any additional types of insurance coverage?
Yes, both Farmers and USAA offer additional types of insurance coverage besides auto insurance. Farmers provides a wide range of insurance options, including homeowners, renters, life, business, motorcycle, and recreational vehicle insurance. USAA offers not only auto insurance but also homeowners, renters, condo, flood, life, health, and umbrella insurance.
Can I file an insurance claim online with both Farmers and USAA?
Yes, both Farmers and USAA offer the option to file insurance claims online. Farmers provides an online claims portal and a mobile app where policyholders can report and track their claims. USAA also offers an easy-to-use online claims center and a mobile app for policyholders to file and manage their claims conveniently.