Erie vs Farmers
Last updated July 2026
Erie
Above all in service since 1925
Advantages
- Top-tier J.D. Power scores for customer satisfaction and claims in its regions
- Rate Lock keeps your premium from changing year over year unless you change your policy
- First Accident Forgiveness included as standard on many policies
- Diminishing deductible reduces your deductible each claim-free year
- New car protection replaces a totaled car with a comparable current-year model
Drawbacks
- Only available in 12 states plus DC, mostly Mid-Atlantic and Midwest
- Quotes must go through an independent Erie agent, no direct online purchase
- Digital tools are functional but trail Progressive and Geico
Farmers
We know a thing or two because we've seen a thing or two
Advantages
- Signal by Farmers telematics offers discounts up to 15% for safe driving
- Rideshare coverage available in most states without a separate policy
- Strong farm, ranch, and specialty vehicle coverage where competitors are thin
- Accident forgiveness and diminishing deductible available
- Deep bundling with home, renters, life, and umbrella
Drawbacks
- Base rates tend to be higher than State Farm for most driver profiles
- J.D. Power satisfaction scores trail State Farm in most regions
- Not available in every state, notably not in Alaska, Hawaii, or most of the Northeast
Erie and Farmers both play in auto insurance, but they're aimed at different buyers. Erie is built for drivers in Erie's 12 states who want top-rated service and Rate Lock predictability. Farmers is built for drivers with specialty vehicles, farm coverage needs, or existing Farmers bundles. Which one fits depends on which of those descriptions sounds more like you.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Erie | Farmers |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Monthly Cost | Avg $110-$165/mo before bundling | Avg $155-$210/mo before bundling |
| Quote Process | Independent agent, quote requests online | Local agent, online, or phone |
| Available Discounts | Multi-policy, safe driver, Rate Lock, YoungRider, reduced usage | Signal, multi-policy, homeowner, good student, safe driver |
| Claims Experience | 24/7 phone, agent-assisted, app for basic claim submission | 24/7 phone, app, or agent-assisted |
| Customer Support | Independent agents, phone, limited chat | Local agents, phone, app, online |
| Coverage Options | Liability, collision, comprehensive, rideshare, roadside, new car protection | Liability, collision, comprehensive, custom equipment, rideshare |
| Mobile App Quality | Basic, ID cards, payments, simple claim start | Good, ID cards, claims, Signal, payments |
| Bundling Options | Auto, home, renters, life, umbrella | Auto, home, renters, life, umbrella, farm, small business |
Erie Wins
Erie takes it overall (9/10 vs 7/10), but Farmers is still the sharper pick for drivers with specialty vehicles, farm coverage needs, or existing Farmers bundles.
Erie's standout strength: Top-tier J.D. Power scores for customer satisfaction and claims in its regions. Its biggest drawback (only available in 12 states plus DC, mostly Mid-Atlantic and Midwest) is easier to live with than Farmers's (base rates tend to be higher than State Farm for most driver profiles). Farmers isn't out of the running though — its own standout strength is signal by Farmers telematics offers discounts up to 15% for safe driving. If you fit the profile of drivers with specialty vehicles, farm coverage needs, or existing Farmers bundles, that alone can flip the decision.
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