Farmers Homeowners Insurance Review: Rare Savings Opportunities and Eco-Friendly Protection

This homeowners insurance is a good fit for: Homeowners seeking out unique discounts that don't mind talking to an agent to finalize coverage.

Farmers is one of the best homeowners insurance providers in the country due to its unique coverage options. It also offers an impressive selection of homeowners insurance discounts. Read our full review to learn more about what Farmers has to offer.

Top perks

Excellent variety of homeowners discounts

Farmers Insurance offers a broad variety of discounts on homeowners insurance -- more than many of its competitors. In addition to common discounts, like claim-free, paperless, and home safety device discounts, homeowners can also take advantage of rarer ways to cut costs. These include savings for those with certain occupations as well as home age, good payer, and smart home discounts. There are also a few state-specific discounts.

Unique ways to reduce your out-of-pocket costs

Farmers offers a declining deductible option. This reduces a homeowner's insurance deductible for every policy period they don’t file a claim. It also offers a free claims forgiveness option to customers who have been with Farmers for at least five years and have not filed a homeowners insurance claim during that time. Should a homeowner with Claims Forgiveness need to file a claim, Farmers won't raise their premiums. These features are common with auto insurance, but they're much rarer with home insurance.

Easy-to-customize policies

Farmers offers a variety of optional protections homeowners can add to customize their policies. These include a FORTIFIED roof upgrade, which pays to upgrade a roof to enhanced standards after a covered claim, and emergency mortgage assistance. This pays the homeowner for three months of mortgage payments, up to $10,000, while they rebuild after a covered loss.

What could be improved

Below-average customer service

Farmers scored below average in J.D. Power's most recent U.S. Homeowners Insurance Customer Satisfaction survey. But it scored third highest in its U.S. Property Insurance Claims Satisfaction survey. While many of its competitors fared far worse in these surveys, Farmers's middling ratings may not impress those who place a high emphasis on customer service.

No way to buy a policy online

It is possible to get a Farmers homeowners insurance quote online. But once a homeowner has chosen the coverage they're interested in, they must contact the nearest Farmers agent to complete the purchase. This isn't a bad thing, as a Farmers agent can help homeowners ensure they're purchasing the right coverage. But the process does take longer.

If you're looking for an insurer known for great customer service: Amica fared well in J.D. Power's latest U.S. Homeowners Insurance Customer Satisfaction survey. It offers a good variety of homeowners coverage options and discounts. But you won't find some of Farmers' unique coverage options with Amica.

If you're looking for an insurer that will let you quickly buy a policy online: State Farm has one of the best home insurance quote tools. Its detailed questionnaire helps homeowners determine exactly how much coverage they need. After they've designed their ideal homeowners insurance policy, they can buy it online without talking to an agent.

Farmers is known for having average home insurance rates. But customers who qualify for some of its many discounts may be able to score a lower rate. Here’s a look at how its premiums stack up to the national average for several common scenarios.

Farmers offers a variety of homeowners insurance discounts, including some you won't find with its competitors. Not all discounts are available in all states, though. Here's an overview of all Farmers home insurance discounts:

• Affinity group
• Multiline
• ePolicy
• UL-approved roofing materials
• New home
• Protective devices
• Home safety
• Green certifications
• Claims free
• Connected home
• Rent to own
• Preferred payment
• Good payer
• California Earthquake Authority (CA only)
• Retirement community (AZ only)
• Homeowners association (HOA) gated community (NV only)
• Fortified home (AL only)

Dwelling

Dwelling coverage is a basic part of a homeowners insurance policy. It protects the home itself, including its walls, floors, and roof.

Separate structures

This coverage insures buildings on the property that aren't connected to the home itself. This includes sheds and detached garages.

Personal property

Personal property insurance coverage pays to repair or replace personal items lost in a covered claim. This coverage works even if the item gets damaged or stolen away from the home.

Personal liability

Personal liability coverage can help the homeowner if they’re sued by a guest for injury or property damage.

Medical payments

Medical payments coverage pays for any medical bills if a guest gets injured on the homeowners property. It does not cover members of the household.

Building ordinance or law coverage

Building ordinance or law coverage pays extra to update the home following a covered claim, if necessary, to bring it into compliance with newer building ordinances.

It's possible to get a Farmers home insurance quote online. The homeowner must answer a few basic questions about themselves, their home, and their claims history. Then, they can choose between one of three package options -- Standard, Enhanced, or Premier. These are just starting points. The homeowner can customize each option and choose their deductibles.

If the homeowner is happy with their quote and wants to buy it, they must contact their local Farmers insurance agent or submit the quote and wait for the agent to reach out. The agent will help ensure homeowners have the appropriate coverage and answer any questions. Then, they'll help complete the policy purchase.

Homeowners interested in getting a Farmers insurance quote also have the option to contact their agent from the start rather than getting a quote online.

Farmers has received average customer satisfaction ratings in J.D. Power's latest surveys. It scored well in the U.S. Property Insurance Claims Satisfaction survey. But it fell below average in the U.S. Homeowners Insurance Satisfaction survey.

It currently has an A rating with the Better Business Bureau. Its National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) complaint ratio of 1.12 is a little above average.

Farmers homeowners insurance is a great fit for:

• Homeowners who want to take advantage of unique discounts and savings opportunities
• Homeowners who want a flexible policy they can easily customize with endorsements
• Homeowners who don't mind talking to an agent to get a quote

But homeowners looking for an insurer that fares better in customer satisfaction ratings might try Amica, while homeowners looking to buy a policy completely online should check out State Farm.