Farmers vs Nationwide: Which is Better for You?
Read on to see which company is best for you.
Farmers or Nationwide: Which company is best for you?
Farmers and Nationwide are some of the most popular insurance companies in America. Both insurers offer a variety of insurance lines and coverage types to suit the needs of homeowners and drivers across the country. Read on for an in-depth comparison of the two companies.Â
Farmers car insurance
Farmers Insurance offers customers highly-customizable coverage options and a variety of discounts. In general, they receive fewer customer complaints than average, though customer satisfaction is not the strongest overall. Through Farmers, customers can combine their auto insurance with a homeowners, renters or life insurance policy, adding convenience and potentially leading to savings.
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Nationwide car insurance
Nationwide customers should expect affordable rates, many discount options and a wide selection of coverages available for bundling. Nationwide customers can easily combine auto insurance with homeowners, renters and life insurance policies.
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Which company comes out on top?
Tie
Farmers and Nationwide each have some things in common: each provides ample opportunities to find discounts, along with reasonable rates and bundling availability. However, neither company has the best customer satisfaction ratings. Get quotes from each company to see which one best fits your needs and budget.
Farmers vs. Nationwide: car insurance rate comparison
Car insurance rates differ based on a driver's vehicle, location, driving history and other factors, so insurance quotes are highly individualized. To streamline the comparison process, we collected average insurance rates from Nationwide and Farmers. These numbers take into consideration credit history, driving record and age. Take a look at how rates stack up below.
The cheaper of the two auto insurance companies is Nationwide, at $90 per month, whereas the average rate is $131 per month with Farmers.Â
Farmers vs. Nationwide: pricing by credit score
If you have a low credit score, Nationwide is among the cheapest insurers. Farmers' rates are higher for drivers across each of the credit tiers, meaning even a driver with exceptional credit could save around $300 per year by opting for Nationwide. See below insurance rates by credit tier for the two companies.
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RATES BY CREDIT LEVEL: NATIONWIDE VS. FARMERS
| Credit level | Farmers avg. annual premium | Nationwide avg. annual premium |
| Very Poor (300-579) | $2,633 | $1,593 |
| Fair (580-669) | $1,736 | $1,262 |
| Good (670-739) | $1,882 | $1,283 |
| Very Good (740-799) | $1,459 | $1,109 |
| Exceptional (800-850) | $1,354 | $1,037 |
The Zebra’s auto insurance data methodology
The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.
The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.
For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.
Farmers vs. Nationwide: rates for high-risk drivers
If you have a recent citation on your driving record, Nationwide is likely to be more affordable than Farmers. See rates by violation category below for the two companies.
RATES BY CITATION: NATIONWIDE VS. FARMERS
| Citation | Farmers avg. annual premium | Nationwide avg. annual premium |
| At-fault accident (damage < $1,000) | $2,334 | $1,836 |
| At-fault accident (damage > $1,000) | $1,699 | $1,475 |
| DUI/DWI | $3,239 | $2,691 |
| Reckless driving | $4,636 | $2,508 |
| Speeding ticket | $2,045 | $1,469 |
Farmers vs. Nationwide: rates by age
Car insurance companies depend on a driver's age as a measure of risk and a way to price policies. Insurance is typically much more expensive for young drivers and cheaper for drivers in middle age.Â
Budget-minded teen drivers should consider Nationwide before Farmers. In fact, Nationwide is among the cheapest choices for most drivers.
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RATES BY AGE: NATIONWIDE VS. FARMERS
| Age tier | Farmers avg. annual premium | Nationwide avg. annual premium |
| Teens | $6,518 | $3,624 |
| 20s | $2,020 | $1,582 |
| 30s | $2,020 | $1,582 |
| 40s | $1,511 | $1,151 |
| 50s | $1,507 | $1,114 |
| 60s | $1,402 | $1,028 |
Aside from the head-to-head rates comparisons above, Farmers and Nationwide each come with important pros and cons worth weighing as you make your insurance decision. Before settling on an auto insurance company, get quotes and compare policy options.
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Ratings comparison: Farmers vs. Nationwide
Leading third-party information sources — along with The Zebra — evaluate the customer service and claims satisfaction standards of Farmers and Nationwide each year. We've collected these ratings to provide a head-to-head comparison of the companies that goes beyond rates to give you a better picture of what to expect as a customer.
| Ratings comparison | Farmers | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Financial strength (A.M. Best) | Excellent | Superior |
| JD Power (claims satisfaction) | Excellent | Average |
| JD Power (customer satisfaction) | Below average | Poor |
| NAIC rating | Above average | Below Average |
| The Zebra's editorial review score | 4/5 | 3.5/5 |
| The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey | 4.3/5 | 4.3/5 |
Which company scores best?
Farmers
While Nationwide's rates may be cheaper, Farmers comes out on top in overall ratings. The company scored better in the NAIC complaint index and J.D. Power's claims satisfaction study. The companies scored similarly in The Zebra's original survey of customers, which you can read more about below.
The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey
The Zebra conducted an in-house survey of insurance consumers to discover how they viewed their insurance companies across a number of topics. See below how each of these companies performed.
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
Nationwide earned middling reviews from customers in most categories. Out of the 15 companies for which we gathered data, Nationwide auto insurance placed 9th overall with a score of 4.3.Â
- Nationwide car insurance placed 9th overall
- Millennial and Gen X respondents rated Nationwide highly for ease of interaction
- Scored poorly for claims satisfaction and online satisfaction
The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey methodology
Methodology:
These results are based on a survey of 2,722 U.S. insurance policyholders assessing satisfaction with their car and homeowners insurance providers. The survey was conducted using Survey Monkey and designed by our in-house team. It aimed to collect detailed insights from a census-balanced sample reflecting age, gender, and region.
Questionnaire
The questionnaire included demographic questions about age and gender identification and detailed inquiries into insurance experiences. Key topics:
- Duration with insurance provider and coverage specifics, including teen drivers.
- Claim filing experiences and satisfaction with claims handling.
- Customer service interactions, trust in providers, and likelihood of recommending their insurance.
- Use and satisfaction with digital tools and usage-based insurance programs.
Respondents rated their satisfaction on a Likert scale from 1 to 10 and provided qualitative feedback.
Data Analysis
Data were analyzed focusing on descriptive and inferential statistics to identify satisfaction trends and demographic impacts. Data cleaning and weighting were applied to ensure accuracy, alongside strict confidentiality protocols to protect data security.
Farmers vs. Nationwide: discount comparison
To which company offers the best opportunities for savings, see our head-to-head comparison of each carriers' discount options below.
Telematics options: Farmers vs. Nationwide
Both insurers offer telematics-powered policies, providing drivers the opportunity to save through low monthly mileage or safe driving practices. See more information about each company's mobile app below.Â
Signal is the telematics option from Farmers. The company advertises 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.
Unique amongst telematics programs, drivers enrolled in Farmers Signal — with a driving score of at least 80% — are also eligible to win up to $100 in rewards every month. Signal is not available in every state, and further restrictions may be imposed depending on where you live.Â
SmartRide is Nationwide's telematics app. Nationwide's mobile application tracks customers' driving habits and provides feedback in an effort to help drivers avoid risk (and claims).
Zebra Tip: Check out telematics options from both carriers
Telematics programs from both Farmers and Nationwide are checking out if you are a safe driver.
Roadside assistance: Farmers vs. Nationwide
Many insurers offer roadside assistance as an optional add-on, though it may not be built into basic coverage. See what's included in the roadside assistance programs from Nationwide and Farmers below.
Farmers
The optional Farmers roadside assistance program 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.
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Nationwide
Nationwide partners with Agero to provide roadside assistance services. Drivers who add roadside assistance receive access to:
- Towing
- Battery jump start
- Fuel delivery
- Flat-tire change
- Winching services
- Lock-out services
Farmers vs. Nationwide: home insurance
In addition to selling car insurance, both companies have a large presence in the homeowners insurance market. Most often, homeowners policies can be paired with your auto insurance or other insurance lines for potential savings. See our in-depth home insurance comparison below to learn more about Farmers and Nationwide.Â
Farmers homeowners insurance review
Farmers continues to be a popular option for homeowners insurance primarily because of its robust coverage options and plentiful add-ons and endorsements. 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.Â
- 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.Â
- 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.
Nationwide homeowners review
Nationwide is a popular option for homeowners insurance, due to its solid product offerings and relatively affordable rates. The company earned roughly average reviews from various third-party reviewers and consumers, placing 10th in The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey.Â
- The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey — 4.3/5: Nationwide placed 10th in The Zebra's homeowners insurance customer survey.Â
- Claims satisfaction (J.D. Power) — Above average: J.D. Power's property claims satisfaction study for 2021 gave Nationwide an above-average score of 892 out of 1,000.
- Customer satisfaction — (J.D. Power) — Below average: Nationwide earned below-average marks in J.D. Power's study of customer satisfaction.Â
- Financial strength — Superior: AM Best rates Nationwide an A+.
- NAIC Rating — Above Average: Nationwide received fewer complaints than did other major homeowners insurance companies.
Which company comes out on top?
Tie
Farmers and Nationwide are both worth considering for your new home insurance policy. Each has its pros and cons, so be sure to get quotes from each company and compare rates, discounts and coverage options to find the best policy for your situation.
Farmers vs. Nationwide: home insurance rate comparison
Farmers' average homeowners insurance rates are $1,455. Nationwide is more affordable on average, coming in at $1,236 per year.
Just like auto insurance rates, homeowners insurance prices vary by situation, so be sure to get quotes from multiple companies to compare your options comprehensively.Â
The cheaper of the two options is Nationwide, at $103 per month. The average monthly home insurance rate for Farmers isn't too much more expensive, at an average of $121 per month.
The Zebra’s homeowners insurance data methodology
The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.
The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.
For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.
Farmers vs. Nationwide: homeowners discount comparison
Nationwide and Farmers both offer home insurance discounts for eligible customers. See how these discounts stack up below.
| Discount comparison | Farmers | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Claims free | ✓ | ✓ |
| Recent home buyer | ✓ | |
| Multi-policy | ✓ | ✓ |
| Early signing | ✓ | |
| Newer/more durable roof | ✓ | ✓ |
| Protective devices (smoke/burglar alarms, etc...) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Paid in full | ||
| Auto pay | ✓ | |
| New home construction | ✓ | |
| Career-based | ✓ | |
| Non-smoking | ✓ | |
| Smart home | ✓ | ✓ |
Other insurance products and bundling options
Farmers and Nationwide offer a variety of insurance products, along with the possibility of bundling policies for additional savings. Compare bundling and multi-line offerings from the two carriers below.
| Other products | Farmers | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Boat insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Condo insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Life insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Homeowners insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Travel trailer insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Renters insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| RV insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Motorcycle insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mobile home insurance | ✓ | |
| Umbrella | ✓ | ✓ |
| ATV insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 editorial 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.