AAA vs Farmers: Which is Better for You?
Read on to see which company is best for you.
AAA or Farmers: Which company is best for you?
As some of the larger insurers in the country, both AAA and Farmers have a number of coverages to choose from. Farmers has long been one of the most popular insurance carriers, offering a number of great options. While AAA may be better known for its roadside assistance program and membership benefits, its insurance offerings are also substantial. Dive into our comparison to see which company may be a better fit for you.
AAA car insurance
Motorists probably know of AAA primarily for its roadside assistance programs, though the company also offers a wide range of car insurance options to its members. In most cases, coverage is not provided by AAA themselves, but through partner companies. AAA simply acts as an intermediary, meaning that coverage options and experiences can be vastly different based on location. Also of note, customers must first be AAA members to be eligible for coverage.
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Farmers car insurance
Farmers offers customers a number of discount opportunities as well as a wide selection of highly-customizable coverage types. In general, the company receives fewer customer complaints than average. However, overall customer satisfaction may suffer. Farmers allows customers to combine car insurance with homeowners, renters and life insurance policies, which adds convenience and may lead to savings. Read more about Farmers car insurance below.
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Which company comes out on top?
Farmers
Farmers is the winner due to its customer satisfaction scores, coverage options and overall pricing.
AAA vs. Farmers: car insurance rate comparison
Choosing the right auto insurance policy can be tough: rates vary based on your location, vehicle and driving record. To aid in your search, we've gathered average rates from Farmers and AAA. These take into consideration a variety of rating factors, including credit history, driving record, and age. Examine these tables below to help guide you to a policy that's right for you.
The insurer with the cheapest rates is Farmers at $131 per month on average. AAA averages $151 per month, only slightly more expensive.
AAA vs. Farmers: pricing by credit score
If you have very poor credit, Farmers will be the best option for you. Typically, Farmers offers better rates than AAA across all credit tiers. Drivers with exceptional credit — a score of 800-plus — should also lean toward Farmers, which typically beats AAA by nearly $1,500 annually. View typical insurance rates by credit level for Farmers and AAA below.
RATES BY CREDIT LEVEL: FARMERS VS. AAA
| Credit level | AAA avg. annual premium | Farmers avg. annual premium |
| Very Poor (300-579) | $6,569 | $2,633 |
| Fair (580-669) | $4,023 | $1,736 |
| Good (670-739) | $3,723 | $1,882 |
| Very Good (740-799) | $3,004 | $1,459 |
| Exceptional (800-850) | $2,814 | $1,354 |
Auto insurance data methodology
The auto insurance rates published in this guide are based on the results of The Zebra's State of Insurance car insurance pricing analysis. This analysis of more than 83 million insurance rates spans every U.S. ZIP code, using a sample user profile: a 30-year-old single male driver with a Honda Accord, good credit and full coverage at these levels:
- $50,000 per person/$100,000 per incident for bodily injury liability
- $50,000 per incident for property damage liability
- $500 deductibles for collision and comprehensive coverage
To generate pricing for particular rating factors, we adjusted the driving profile based on common pricing factors used by major car insurance companies. These factors include credit score, coverage level, driving record and others.
In some instances, average rates from Liberty Mutual were derived from internally sourced sales data.
AAA vs. Farmers: rates for high-risk drivers
If you've got an at-fault crash, speeding ticket, reckless driving violation or DWI on your driving record, Farmers is likely to be a better choice than AAA. Each auto insurance company prices policies differently after a violation, so don't be afraid to shop for multiple quotes to see which insurer suits you.
RATES BY CITATION: FARMERS VS. AAA
| Citation | AAA avg. annual premium | Farmers avg. annual premium |
| At-fault accident (damage < $1,000) | $4,078 | $2,334 |
| At-fault accident (damage > $1,000) | $4,002 | $1,699 |
| DUI/DWI | $5,530 | $3,239 |
| Reckless driving | $5,530 | $4,636 |
| Speeding ticket | $4,078 | $2,045 |
AAA vs. Farmers: rates by age
Auto insurance companies use a driver's age to help determine risk, pricing premiums accordingly. An auto insurance policy is commonly far more expensive for teen drivers — thanks primarily to their inexperience behind the wheel — and most affordable for middle-aged drivers. Because every car insurance company places a different weight on driver age, it's wise to compare rates and find great coverage.
As a general rule, teen drivers should probably avoid AAA: Farmers offers average yearly savings of $3,738 versus AAA.
RATES BY AGE: FARMERS VS. AAA
| Age tier | AAA avg. annual premium | Farmers avg. annual premium |
| Teens | $10,256 | $6,518 |
| 20s | $4,644 | $2,020 |
| 30s | $4,644 | $2,020 |
| 40s | $3,195 | $1,511 |
| 50s | $3,083 | $1,507 |
| 60s | $2,887 | $1,402 |
Costs aside, AAA and Farmers each have pros and cons ranging from their customer satisfaction ratings to their discount programs. In order to make an informed insurance decision, get quotes and compare rates before buying a policy.
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Ratings comparison: AAA vs. Farmers
Being among the largest insurance companies in the country, AAA and Farmers have numerous reviews and ratings from both customers and third-party organizations. We've compiled a list of some of the most recent ratings to help you determine each company's customer satisfaction level, complaint ratio and fiscal security scores.
| Ratings comparison | AAA | Farmers |
|---|---|---|
| Financial strength (A.M. Best) | Superior | Excellent |
| JD Power (claims satisfaction) | Below average | Excellent |
| JD Power (customer satisfaction) | Average | Below average |
| NAIC rating | Poor | Above average |
| The Zebra's editorial review score | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey | 4.2/5 | 4.3/5 |
Which company scores best?
Farmers
Farmers receives better scores than AAA in studies focused on claims satisfaction and customer complaints, while AAA is backed by strong financials. The Zebra's editorial reviews also place Farmers slightly higher, coming in at 4.0 to AAA's 3.0 out of five.
The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey
The Zebra conducted its own survey to discover how customers view insurance companies based on a number of factors. Below you'll find how both companies performed.
Among the carriers on our survey, AAA ranked 13th (out of 15) with a score of 4.2. In general, the company placed near the bottom in almost every category.
- Younger respondents had a more favorable view than older drivers
- Best scores came in the trust category
Farmers consistently ranked near the lower third of companies included in our survey. However, the company ranked 6th overall for claims satisfaction, indicating that customers are happy overall with the process. Among respondents, Farmers did best among younger drivers.
- Farmers auto insurance placed 10th overall
- Millennial and Gen X respondents rated Farmers higher overall
- Scored highest for claims satisfaction
The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey methodology
Findings are based on an online quantitative survey of 4,794 current U.S. auto and home insurance customers, with Census-balanced sampling by age, gender and region. Categories with n=<20 responses are considered insufficient sample size and are not reported. This survey was developed by The Zebra and executed by independent research firm Maru/Blue in 2023.
AAA vs. Farmers: discount comparison
Auto insurance companies often give eligible customers more opportunities to save money. Below you can see a head-to-head rundown of discount options for both AAA and Farmers.
Due to AAA's partnerships with other car insurance companies to provide policies, some of these discount options may not be available in some locations. Always ask about what discounts you are eligible for when shopping for your policy.
Telematics options: AAA vs. Farmers
Both AAA and Farmers offer telematics options, though AAA's is somewhat less developed. Find out more about each company's mobile app selection below.
Depending on the state in which they reside, some customers may be able to sign up for OnBoard, AAA's telematics option. The company boasts savings of 15% at sign-up, with total savings of up to 30% possible for eligible drivers. However, there is no separate app at the time of writing, meaning that all participants must download the AAA mobile app.
Signal is Farmers' telematics option. The company touts a 5% discount for signing up, with the promise of up to 15% savings for qualifying drivers. The company also offers an additional 10% savings for drivers under the age of 25 who enroll.
Furthermore, drivers enrolled in Farmers Signal with a driving score of at least 80% are eligible to win up to $100 in rewards each month. Be aware that Signal is not available in every state, and that further restrictions may be imposed depending on where you live.
Zebra Tip: Explore Farmers for telematics offerings
Most customers interested in telematics insurance will find Farmers' offering to be the better option.
Roadside assistance: AAA vs. Farmers
No one wants to be broken down on the side of the road. To get you moving again, adding an optional roadside assistance package can be a great idea. Below you'll find a breakdown of the different types of roadside assistance available from each company.
AAA
Perhaps no other company is more closely associated with roadside assistance than AAA. For that reason, it's no surprise that the company has an expansive selection of options available to both members and policyholders. Below is a list of options available:
- Jumpstarts
- Towing
- Fuel delivery
- Vehicle lockout
- flat tire service
- Stuck vehicle services
AAA offers different levels of membership that apply to roadside assistance. Those in higher tiers are often reimbursed for larger amounts or eligible for towing for longer distances. The highest tier even offers trip interruption coverage.
Farmers
Farmers roadside assistance covers up to $150 per incident (with special limits in North Carolina, Texas and Virginia) for the following services:
- Towing
- Battery jump start
- Flat-tire change
- Winching services
- Lock-out services
To contact Farmers Roadside Service, call 1-800-435-7764.
AAA vs. Farmers: home insurance
To go along with their auto insurance coverage, both AAA and Farmers have a large presence in the homeowners insurance industry. Each company has unique coverage options and pricing. See our comparison to find out which company might be the best fit for your home insurance needs.
AAA homeowners insurance review
As with AAA's car insurance offering, the company partners with a number of affiliated insurers to provide homeowners coverage. These companies include CSAA and Auto Club Indemnity Company. Ratings of AAA's home insurance offering are a composite of these companies in an effort to give a broad idea of what customers can expect.
- The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey — 4.2/5: AAA ranked 14th in the overall homeowners carrier category of The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey.
- Customer Service (J.D. Power) — Below Average: The average J.D. Power ranking of CSAA and Auto Club of Southern California Insurance group comes in just shy of the average for customer satisfaction.
- Financial Strength (AM Best) — Excellent: With a financial rating of “excellent,” you can rest assured AAA will be able to handle your claims.
- Claims Satisfaction (NAIC) — Fewer complaints than average: The average number of complaints across different branches of AAA homeowners insurance companies is fewer than average.
Farmers homeowners review
Farmers remains a popular option for homeowners insurance and offers flexible coverage and reasonable prices. The company earned roughly average reviews from various third-party reviewers and consumers and placed 7th overall for homeowners insurance in The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey.
- The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey — 4.3/5: Farmers placed 7th overall in The Zebra's homeowners insurance customer survey.
- Claims satisfaction (J.D. Power) — Average: J.D. Power's property claims satisfaction study for 2021 gave Farmers an average score of 884 out of 1,000.
- Customer satisfaction — (J.D. Power) — Average: Farmers earned an average score in J.D. Power's study of customer satisfaction.
- Financial strength — Excellent: AM Best rates Farmers highly, meaning the company is in good financial shape.
- NAIC Rating — Above Average: Farmers received fewer complaints than did other major homeowners insurance companies.
Which company comes out on top?
Tie
In this case, both companies are very close in terms of ratings, customer reviews and product offerings. As a prospective customer, be sure to compare quotes and available coverage from both companies (if eligible) to see which is best for your unique coverage needs.
AAA vs. Farmers: home insurance rate comparison
The average annual home insurance rates for AAA are $1,212. Farmers' rates are somewhat higher at $1,455. Farmers and AAA, like all insurers, have different methods of underwriting and place more importance on certain factors. Because of this, it's important to remember that your quotes may not match our examples exactly as these are merely averages.
Similar to car insurance, homeowners insurance rates can vary based on certain personal and location factors. Companies use not only your insurance history when putting together your quotes, but also historical data for the neighborhood, including crime rates, location to fire fighting services, and the likelihood of natural disasters.
The insurer with the cheapest home insurance rates is AAA at around $101 per month, cheaper than Farmers' average of $121 per month.
Homeowners insurance data methodology
The homeowners insurance rates published in this guide are based on The Zebra's analysis of the cost of home insurance in every U.S. ZIP code. These rates are based on a sample user profile: a 45-year-old married homeowner living in a 2,500-square-foot single-story home built in 2011 with these coverage levels:
- $200,000 for the dwelling
- $20,000 for other structures
- $100,000 for personal property
- $100,000 for personal liability
- $1,000 deductible
To generate pricing for particular rating factors, we adjusted the homeowner profile based on common pricing factors used by major home insurance companies. These factors include location, coverage limits, claims record and others.
AAA vs. Farmers: homeowners discount comparison
Both AAA and Farmers provide money-saving home insurance discounts to policyholders who meet certain criteria. Compare available discounts from each company below.
| Discount comparison | AAA | Farmers |
|---|---|---|
| Claims free | ✓ | ✓ |
| Recent home buyer | ||
| Multi-policy | ✓ | |
| Early signing | ||
| Newer/more durable roof | ✓ | ✓ |
| Protective devices (smoke/burglar alarms, etc...) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Paid in full | ||
| Auto pay | ✓ | |
| Newer home | ✓ | ✓ |
| Non-smoking | ✓ | |
| Smart home | ✓ |
Zebra tip: Check out Farmers if you are seeking home insurance discounts
Farmers offers more discount options than AAA for qualifying customers, including for new smart home features. Bear in mind, however, that this doesn't necessarily mean that they will be cheaper for everyone.
Other insurance products and bundling options
Both AAA and Farmers have a wide variety of insurance products available. Most of these can be bundled together for additional savings. See how the product offerings from AAA and Farmers compare below.
| Other products | AAA | Farmers |
|---|---|---|
| Boat insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Condo insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Life insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Homeowners insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Travel trailer insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Renters insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| RV insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Motorcycle insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mobile home insurance | ✓ | |
| Umbrella | ✓ | ✓ |
| Offroad vehicles and ATVs | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pet insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Commercial insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
Find the best insurance policy for your needs.
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About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
- The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
- The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.