Farmers vs The General
Last updated July 2026
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
The General
Coverage for drivers who need to get back on the road
Advantages
- Approves drivers other carriers reject, DUI, SR-22, lapses in coverage
- Instant SR-22 filing available in most states, often same-day
- Low upfront down payment options make it easy to get started
- Simple online quote and purchase, no agent required
- Payment flexibility including monthly and bi-weekly plans
Drawbacks
- Base rates are among the highest in the industry for its underwriting pool
- Coverage limits and add-ons more limited than mainstream carriers
- Customer satisfaction scores consistently trail Progressive and Geico
- Claims service reviews are mixed, expect longer resolution times
Farmers and The General both play in auto insurance, but they're aimed at different buyers. Farmers is built for drivers with specialty vehicles, farm coverage needs, or existing Farmers bundles. The General is built for drivers with DUIs, SR-22 requirements, or lapses in coverage who need proof of insurance fast. Which one fits depends on which of those descriptions sounds more like you.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Farmers | The General |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Monthly Cost | Avg $155-$210/mo before bundling | Avg $180-$300/mo for high-risk profiles |
| Quote Process | Local agent, online, or phone | Online, phone, no agent |
| Available Discounts | Signal, multi-policy, homeowner, good student, safe driver | Multi-vehicle, safe driver over time, prior insurance |
| Claims Experience | 24/7 phone, app, or agent-assisted | Phone or online submission |
| Customer Support | Local agents, phone, app, online | Phone, online, limited hours |
| Coverage Options | Liability, collision, comprehensive, custom equipment, rideshare | Liability, collision, comprehensive, SR-22 filing |
| Mobile App Quality | Good, ID cards, claims, Signal, payments | Basic, ID cards, payments, claim start |
| Bundling Options | Auto, home, renters, life, umbrella, farm, small business | Auto only, limited bundling options |
Farmers Wins
Farmers takes it overall (7/10 vs 6/10), but The General is still the sharper pick for drivers with DUIs, SR-22 requirements, or lapses in coverage who need proof of insurance fast.
Farmers's standout strength: Signal by Farmers telematics offers discounts up to 15% for safe driving. Its biggest drawback (base rates tend to be higher than State Farm for most driver profiles) is easier to live with than The General's (base rates are among the highest in the industry for its underwriting pool). The General isn't out of the running though — its own standout strength is approves drivers other carriers reject, DUI, SR-22, lapses in coverage. If you fit the profile of drivers with DUIs, SR-22 requirements, or lapses in coverage who need proof of insurance fast, that alone can flip the decision.
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