Auto Insurance Comparison
Auto-Owners vs Farmers
Side-by-side comparison of Auto-Owners vs Farmers auto insurance — ratings, cost, coverage, customer experience, pros, cons. No sales pitch, just the research.
Quick verdict
Auto-Owners comes out clearly ahead Farmers in our overall scoring — but each carrier wins on different dimensions. See the breakdown below before deciding.
Head-to-head
Overall scores, key facts, and what each is known for.
| Auto-Owners | Farmers | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 4.05 /5 ★★★★★ Highest overall | 3.70 /5 ★★★★★ |
| Best for | Auto-Owners is one of those carriers you might not have heard of unless your independent agent recommended it | Farmers is built around its 48,000-agent network and a broad bundling story — particularly when paired with home or life coverage |
| Read full review | Auto-Owners review → | Farmers review → |
Rating breakdown
How each carrier scores on the dimensions we weight.
| Category | Auto-Owners | Farmers |
|---|---|---|
| Customer experience | 4.40 | 3.70 |
| Coverage breadth | 4.30 | 4.20 |
| Affordability | 3.50 | 3.20 |
Pros and cons, side by side
What each carrier wins on, and where each one falls short.
Auto-Owners
Full review →Pros
- Consistently among the top-rated carriers for customer satisfaction in J.D. Power studies
- Strong claims-handling reputation with low complaint volumes
- Competitive pricing in the 26 states where it operates
- Deep agent relationships — every quote runs through a local independent agency
Cons
- Agent-only distribution — no online quoting, no direct-to-consumer purchase
- Limited geographic footprint — only available in 26 states, primarily Midwest and Southeast
- Less brand recognition than national carriers, which can matter for some shoppers
Farmers
Full review →Pros
- Coverage that is completely customizable for both vehicle and house insurance policies
- Opportunities for bundling several lines of insurance
- Numerous automobile insurance reductions are available.
- Fewer customer complaints than average
Cons
- Standalone auto rates typically run above more pure-play competitors
- Customer satisfaction on claims handling trends average to slightly below average
- Online quote and self-service experience lags more digital-native competitors
Coverage at a glance
What each carrier offers in standard policies.
Auto-Owners
Farmers
The bottom line
Auto-Owners
If you live in Auto-Owners' footprint and prefer agent-based service, it's one of the most underrated carriers in the market. If you need 50-state availability or prefer online self-service, look elsewhere.
Read the full Auto-Owners reviewFarmers
Choose Farmers if you'd use the agent relationship and bundle multiple lines. As a price-driven solo-auto shopper, you'll usually find cheaper rates at GEICO or Progressive without giving up much.
Read the full Farmers reviewBefore you decide
Rankings are a starting point — your profile decides the rest.
These scores reflect our editorial research across cost, coverage, and customer experience. The right carrier for you still depends on your record, location, and vehicle, so read the full reviews before you commit.