Farmers Insurance: Company Overview

About Farmers

Farmers Insurance began selling insurance a year before the Great Depression and survived to become a household name. Founders John C. Tyler and Thomas E. Leavey started off by going farm to farm to gain their first policies. They specifically lowered rates for farmers and ranchers because they understood that these occupations posed fewer risks with their vehicles. By 1928, they were able to open an office in downtown Los Angeles. During the Great Depression, Farmers was one of the few companies that were able to pay claims. When a devastating earthquake hit Los Angeles, Farmers paid out claims for damaged cars and became the first insurance company to offer comprehensive insurance.

During 1940, Farmers employees volunteered for service, both at home and abroad. In the 1950s, the company acquired the New World Life Company of Seattle. They were the first company to use IBM computers for data storage and retrieval west of the Mississippi. They also became official participants of the Rose Parade and later became the official insurance sponsor of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses. Celebrities who sponsored radio programs and community activities for Farmers included Roy Rogers, Bob Hope, Jane Powell, Art Linkletter and Tyrone Power. In the 1960s, they were the first major insurance organization to offer monthly payment plans which didn’t charge customers interest. They started drive-in claims services. The British-American Tobacco Company acquired Farmers Group, Inc. in 1998. That same year, Farmers began raising money for the March of Dimes and has raised more than $40 million in donations for health research, vaccines, and education since then. After the 1994 Northridge earthquake and the 1999 Midwest tornados, Farmers was on the ground helping affected customers. They started rebuilding projects, adopt-a-family programs, toy donations and more. In 1998, Farmers Group was acquired by Zurich Financial Services. Farmers were one of the first insurers to offer a discount for alternative-fuel vehicles. Because of Farmers superior training of employees, they were voted No 1 corporate training center in the country by Training magazine. In 2010, Farmers became the title sponsor of the Farmers Insurance Open PGA Tournament at Torrey Pines. They have also partnered with the PGA Tournament and the Century Club of San Diego to raise more than $24 million for charities in the San Diego area. Farmers have also been sponsoring Rickie Fowler since 2013 and together they’ve helped in natural disaster recovery efforts.

Farmers Facts & Ratings

Farmers Mobile App Rating

The Farmers app is available for iOS and Android. The Farmers Mobile App allows you access to self-service features.

Common Questions about Farmers

Farmers Insurance Products

Farmers Auto Insurance Coverage

Discounts

Farmers Auto Insurance Rates by State

Farmers Auto Insurance Rates by Vehicle

Farmers Auto Insurance Rates by Homeownership

Farmers Contact Info

Methodology

The statistics listed on this page are from our own in house reporting. We track and record quotes that carriers have provided based on various criteria. The rates and averages shown on this page should only be used as an estimate.

How Does Farmers Compare to Other Car Insurance Companies?