Why did my Farmers insurance go up?

There are many reasons your car insurance can go up. If your auto insurance premium went up at renewal time, it may be because you caused an accident, earned a ticket, switched cars, added a teenage driver to your policy or increased your coverage. Even moving a short distance or paying a few credit card bills late can raise your car insurance cost. Your rate may also have been affected by widespread changes beyond your control—in economics, weather, crime and accident statistics, vehicle technology, new laws, medical costs, or your insurer’s profit margin.... read full answer

Top 10 Reasons Your Car Insurance Can Go Up:

1. You increased your riskiness, in the eyes of your insurance company

This happens when you cause an accident, get a ticket for a moving violation, or add a riskier driver like a teenager to your policy.

2. You increased your coverage

Maybe you realized you didn’t have enough protection for your peace of mind, in case of an accident. Higher limits or lower deductibles equal higher premiums.

3. You changed cars

Perhaps you traded an older model for a newer one that raised your rate for collision and comprehensive insurance. Rates will also rise if you trade a safe, practical vehicle for something more expensive, faster, or with special modifications.

4. You moved

If you move into a zone with more population density, a higher theft rate or more insurance claims, your rates can rise. Moving a few blocks can cost as much as 64%, according to some studies. Moving from a small town to a metropolitan area can cost much more—from 300% to 800%.

5. Your credit score fell

Most insurers use credit history in setting rates. If your rating falls from excellent to poor, your premium could as much as double in some states.

6. The economy is stronger

This is a good thing except when it comes to insurance costs. More people working means more drivers on the road, going more places. This raises risk and rates across the country.

7. Medical costs are rising

From 2012 to 2017, bodily injury liability claims increased in cost by 10% per year.

8. Repair costs are rising

Prices for motor vehicle repairs were 61% higher in 2017 than they were in 2000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. New safety features, with their many sensors and computer chips, are expensive to fix.

9. Cell phones are distracting

At least nine Americans die and 100 are injured in distracted driving crashes every day, according to the National Safety Council. And 1 in 4 car accidents in the U.S. is now caused by texting and driving. Accident rates due to distracted driving are increasing year by year.

10. Marijuana is being legalized in more states

Accidents rose up to 6% in states with legalized recreational marijuana between 2012 and 2017, compared to neighboring states where it remained illegal, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Many of these issues affect your rates because they affect the bottom line of your insurance company. When your insurer isn’t making enough money to cover the cost of claims, they have to raise prices. However, the effects aren’t equal on all insurers. If your car insurance has gone up, it’s important to comparison shop for a company that can offer you the lowest rates.

Yes, Farmers insurance rates are competitive for some drivers, including military personnel. Farmers car insurance costs an average of $1,044 per year, or $87 per month.

Farmers’ car insurance rates are based on your driving record and experience, along with factors like the type of car you drive, your ZIP code, your insurance history, and more. Your coverage and deductible choices also impact your final quote, as do your eligibility for discounts.... read full answer

Sample Farmers Car Insurance Rates

Note: These rates are approximations based on sample quotes from Farmers. Actual rates will vary.

To learn more about how we obtained these sample quotes, check out the methodology section of our complete Farmers car insurance review.

You should switch your car insurance to a different company when you can find a cheaper rate for the same amount of coverage without sacrificing in terms of things like customer service. It’s actually best to compare quotes and consider switching insurance companies every 6-12 months in order to minimize costs. It’s also worth checking prices anytime you have a change in circumstance that will affect your rate, such as insuring a new car or adding a new driver.... read full answer

When to Consider Switching Car Insurance Companies

When You Add a New Driver

Adding a teenager to your insurance policy costs 140% to 160% extra, on average. On the other hand, adding an experienced driver could increase or decrease your premium, depending on the exact scenario. As a result, it’s well worth shopping around before simply accepting a new rate from your current insurer.

When You Reach a Threshold for Age or Experience

Car insurance rates vary dramatically by age, with particularly sharp drops when a driver turns 19 and 21 years old. Similarly, when a driver has been on the road for at least five years, they will usually be able to get a lower rate.

When You Add or Replace a Car

The cheapest insurer for an older car might not be the cheapest for a brand new car or a specialty vehicle, since each insurer calculates rates differently. If you’re adding a vehicle, you should also factor in any multi-car discounts that are available from different companies.

When Your Driving Record Changes

If you were recently cited for a moving violation, each insurer will adjust your rates by a different amount, so switching could make sense. Similarly, some insurance companies will look back at only three years of your driving history, while others will evaluate a longer period. As a result, it’s a good time to shop around for a better price when violations or claims reach the three-year milestone. Getting a copy of your driving record and your CLUE Report can help you time things right.

When Your Credit Score Improves

Your credit score can be a major factor in car-insurance pricing. If it has improved, let your current insurer know and then see if other companies can beat your insurance company’s price.

When Your Insurance Needs Change

Financing a new car or paying off a loan may change the coverage types you need to carry. You may also want to reevaluate your policy limits and deductible.

When Your Marital Status Changes

Married drivers usually pay less for car insurance than single drivers, so make sure to notify your insurance provider about your nuptials. You should also take the opportunity to see if another insurer will offer a lower premium.

When You Become a Homeowner

Your status as a homeowner rather than a renter can affect your premiums. Insurers often charge lower premiums to homeowners, and you can also get a multi-policy discount if you insure your home and car with the same company.

When Your Education Level or Employment Changes

Earning a college degree will lower your rates with some insurers more than others. Some companies also offer a low-mileage discount, which could benefit you if you get a new job with a shorter commute.