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4+ years writing insurance and personal finance content
MBA from Roosevelt University
Anna leverages her personal finance and insurance knowledge to create educational content that helps people make smart financial decisions.
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Sara Getman is an Associate Editor at Insurify and has been with the company since 2022. Prior to joining Insurify, Sara completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature at Simmons University in Boston. At Simmons, she was the Editor-in-Chief for Sidelines Magazine (a literary and art publication), and wrote creative non-fiction.
Outside of work, Sara is an avid reader, and loves rock climbing, yoga, and crocheting.
Licensed property and casualty insurance agent
10+ years editing experience
NPN: 21630969
MacKenzie Korris is an insurance copy editor with a producer’s license for property and casualty insurance in Missouri.
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7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Updated
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Table of contents
AAA is mostly known for its roadside assistance program, but it also offers car insurance. Farmers is a large insurance company that offers a variety of coverage options and discounts. While Farmers has a greater market share and operates as a traditional national insurer, AAA has regional insurance groups, such as CSAA and Auto Club of Southern California.[1]
Here’s what you need to know about auto insurance policies from AAA and Farmers.
On average, liability insurance from AAA costs $142 per month, and liability insurance from Farmers costs $109 per month.
AAA coverages and discounts can vary based on your regional club.
Both companies offer telematics programs, but AAA’s has higher discount potential.
AAA vs. Farmers: Our verdict
Both AAA and Farmers advertise a long list of coverages and discount opportunities. But AAA’s offerings may vary based on where you live. You’ll also need to be a member of AAA to qualify for coverage.
AAA ranks highly in the J.D. Power U.S. Auto Insurance Study, but its complaint score with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) shows an above-average number of customer complaints. Farmers also has a higher-than-average number of complaints with the NAIC.[2] [3] [4]
If you’re not an AAA member and value flexibility, Farmers is likely your best bet. Farmers offers the most discounts in the industry and has more unique coverages that aren’t available through AAA, like new car replacement and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) insurance.
By comparing quotes from each car insurance company, you can zero in on the best insurance agency for your driving record and unique situation.
AAA vs. Farmers
Average price Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance $169/mo* | Average price Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance $160/mo* |
Overall rating 4.5 | Overall rating 3.7 |
Value for money 4.3/5 | Value for money 3.2/5 |
Customer service 4.3/5 | Customer service 3.7/5 |
Claims handling 4.4/5 | Claims handling 3.9/5 |
Special highlight AAA membersAI-generated from 485 user reviews | Special highlight Bundling discountsAI-generated from 1116 user reviews |
AAA: Best for telematics discounts
| User Reviews | 4.5 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.5 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $142/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $196/mo |
Drivers appreciate the professional customer service and quick claim handling but dislike the consistent rate increases and expensive premiums. Some also found the communication lacking and felt neglected.
Drivers appreciate the professional customer service and quick claim handling but dislike the consistent rate increases and expensive premiums. Some also found the communication lacking and felt neglected.
AAA isn’t just a roadside assistance company. If you’re a member and want to save on your auto policy, AAA car insurance is likely worthwhile.
You can further your savings with the SMARTtrek telematics program, which lets you save up to 20% if you demonstrate safe driving habits.
Affordable rates
Above-average J.D. Power claims satisfaction rating
Generous savings opportunities through SMARTtrek telematics program
Available only to AAA members
OEM coverage not available
Coverages and discounts vary by location and club
Farmers: Best for flexibility and unique add-ons
| User Reviews | 3.7 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.5 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $109/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $211/mo |
Customers appreciate the helpful agents and good initial quotes but dislike the consistent rate increases and lack of senior discounts. Some also reported issues with claim handling and communication.
Customers appreciate the helpful agents and good initial quotes but dislike the consistent rate increases and lack of senior discounts. Some also reported issues with claim handling and communication.
Farmers is a solid choice for car insurance if you’re looking for plenty of coverage and discount options. Plus, you don’t need to be a member.
The insurance company has a diverse selection of optional policies that you won’t find through AAA, such as OEM and new car replacement coverages. Also, unlike AAA, its car insurance products are the same, regardless of where you live.
No membership required for coverage
Most discounts in the industry
Solid telematics program
Higher-than-average rates
No discount for low-mileage drivers
Below-average J.D. Power claims satisfaction rating
Farmers vs. AAA: Which is cheaper?
When it comes to car insurance costs, Farmers offers lower premiums than AAA for most drivers. Insurance companies consider your age, location, driving history, and sometimes credit when determining your rates, so it’s important to compare multiple companies.
Here’s a look at how rates compare between AAA and Farmers. Rates shown are for liability-only policies unless otherwise specified.
Driver Type | AAA | Farmers |
|---|---|---|
| Adult drivers | $148 | $97 |
| Liability-only coverage | $142 | $109 |
| Full coverage | $196 | $211 |
| Drivers with a speeding ticket | $191 | $142 |
| Drivers with a DUI | $209 | $160 |
| Drivers with an at-fault accident | $220 | $146 |
| Poor credit drivers | $160 | $132 |
| Good credit drivers | $122 | $92 |
| Teen drivers | $223 | $235 |
| Senior drivers | $102 | $79 |
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AAA vs. Farmers car insurance discounts
AAA and Farmers discount opportunities are similar, but each insurer advertises a few auto insurance discounts that aren’t available through the other. For example, only AAA provides discounts for low-mileage drivers and people with electric vehicles. Farmers, on the other hand, stands out for its homeowner and military discounts.
Below, you’ll find a list of AAA and Farmer car insurance discounts.
Discount | AAA | Farmers |
|---|---|---|
| Safe driver | ✔ | ✔ |
| Defensive driving course | ✔ | ✔ |
| Multi-policy | ✔ | ✔ |
| Multi-car | ✔ | ✔ |
| Low mileage | ✔ | ✖ |
| Telematics | ✔ | ✔ |
| Anti-theft device | ✔ | ✔ |
| New car | ✖ | ✖ |
| Military/affiliation | ✖ | ✔ |
| Good student | ✔ | ✔ |
| Loyalty | ✔ | ✔ |
| Auto pay | ✔ | ✔ |
| Student away at school | ✔ | ✔ |
| Homeowner | ✖ | ✔ |
| Alternative fuel | ✔ | ✖ |
| Pay in full | ✔ | ✔ |
Compare customer satisfaction and financial strength
AAA and Farmers earn an A (Excellent) rating from AM Best, meaning both insurance companies hold solid financial strength. While AAA scored higher than average for customer satisfaction in the J.D. Power car insurance study, it has a higher-than-average number of complaints with the NAIC. Farmers also has a higher-than-average number of NAIC complaints.
The table below shows how AAA’s and Farmers’ third-party ratings compare.
Score | AAA | Farmers |
|---|---|---|
| IQ Score | 8.5 | 8.5 |
| Customer reviews | 4.5/5 (2,309 reviews) | 3.7/5 (2,375 reviews)` |
| J.D. Power | 639 out of 1,000 | 599 out of 1,000 |
| AM Best rating | A (Excellent) | A (Excellent) |
| NAIC complaint index | 1.04 (above-average amount of customer complaints) | 1.33 (above-average amount of customer complaints) |
| BBB customer reviews | 1.07 out of 5 stars based on more than 70 reviews | 1.08 out of 5 stars based on more than 450 reviews |
Our editorial team spent more than 350 hours developing the Insurify Quality (IQ) Score and scoring insurance companies. The IQ Score objectively analyzes and calculates a score for insurers using more than 15 crucial criteria. The team weighted criteria by importance to the consumer — factors such as customer reviews and affordability influence the score more than availability and third-party ratings.
We rate each company on a 1 to 10 scale based on five categories: financial ratings, customer satisfaction, affordability, customer support and transparency, and availability. Insurify updates ratings once a year or as more recent information becomes available.
- Third-party financial ratings: Insurify uses data from AM Best, S&P, Moody’s, and more to compare insurance companies’ credit and ability to pay out future claims.
- Customer satisfaction: To calculate this score, Insurify analyzed more than 55,000 customer reviews across 155 car insurance companies. We also consider third-party ratings from J.D. Power, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and Trustpilot.
- Affordability: Our data scientists analyzed more than 90 million real-time auto insurance rates from our partners across the U.S., as well as available discounts, to calculate an affordability score.
- Customer support and transparency: This measures coverage options, ease of claims filing, and the insurer's transparency surrounding discounts, coverages, and claims process.
- Availability and reach: Insurify scores availability and reach by identifying the number of states in which insurers offer coverage and company size by market share.
Recent customer reviews of AAA car insurance
Insurify asks AAA customers to share their real experiences with the auto insurance company. Through these reviews, you can get a better idea of what it’s like to be a policyholder and decide how to proceed. Note that all reviews are real and verified.
Recent customer reviews of Farmers car insurance
Farmers policyholders send us their experiences with the car insurer. With their real insights, you’ll find it easier to decide whether to pursue coverage with the company. Here are real, verified reviews.
AAA SMARTtrek vs. Farmers Signal
Telematics programs can help you save on your car insurance coverage and become more confident behind the wheel. Fortunately, both AAA and Farmers offer telematics to car insurance customers.
AAA SMARTtrek and Farmers Signal let you track your driving behaviors and earn discounts for safe driving. Each program uses a mobile app to keep tabs on your speed, braking, distractions, and driving behavior.
SMARTtrek offers higher savings opportunities. You’ll score a 10% discount just for signing up and an additional discount of up to 30% as a reward for safe driving. Farmers Signal caps its premium discounts at 15% for most drivers.
Where Farmers Signal shines is its monthly rewards and sweepstakes, which SMARTtrek doesn’t have. Every month, you may be entered to earn up to $100. Plus, Farmers Signal includes CrashAssist, which can notify emergency responders after an accident.
SMARTtrek is ideal if you prefer a better discount on your car insurance, but Farmers Signal is a more attractive option if you prioritize a gamified telematics experience and the peace of mind of CrashAssist.
Telematics programs are different from pay-per-mile programs. Telematics measures driving behavior, while pay-per-mile measures how many miles you drive. Farmers offers a pay-per-mile program in Washington called FairMile. AAA doesn’t have a pay-per-mile program.
Feature | AAA SMARTtrek | Farmers Signal |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Drivers who want higher savings and broad availability | Drivers who enjoy app engagement and opportunities to enter Sweepstakes and earn prizes |
| Savings potential | 10% initial discount plus an additional 30% based on driving behavior | 5% initial discount and up to 15% for safe driving |
| How it works | Uses your smartphone sensors to track speed, braking, distractions, and when you drive | Uses your smartphone sensors to track distractions, braking, mileage, and when you drive; includes optional CrashAssist, which can provide emergency assistance after an accident |
| Availability | Some states (exact states not disclosed) | 46 states (not available in Florida, Hawaii, New York, and South Carolina) |
| Data tracked | Speed, braking, distractions, time of day, trip details | Speed, distractions, braking, mileage, and time of day |
| App rating (App Store/Google Play) | 4.8/4.6 | 4.8/4.0 |
| Average discount for good drivers | Up to 30% | Up to 15% |
| Driver feedback tools | Real-time trip feedback | Real-time trip feedback |
| Gamified rewards | ✖ | ✔ (drivers can win monthly rewards) |
| Compatibility | Smartphone app only | Smartphone app only |
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Compare coverages: AAA vs. Farmers
AAA and Farmers offer a number of standard coverages, including liability insurance, collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, and underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage. But Farmers advertises a few add-ons that aren’t available with AAA, such as OEM coverage and new car replacement.
The OEM add-on ensures repairs will be made with manufacturer-certified parts, while new car replacement pays to replace your car with a new one of the same make and model after a covered total loss.
Coverage | AAA | Farmers |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability (BI) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Property damage liability (PD) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Personal injury protection (PIP insurance) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage (UIM/UM) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Medical payments (MedPay) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Collision | ✔ | ✔ |
| Comprehensive | ✔ | ✔ |
| Roadside assistance | ✔ | ✔ |
| Rental reimbursement | ✔ | ✔ |
| Gap insurance | ✔ | ✔ |
| Classic car insurance | ✔ | ✔ |
| Rideshare insurance | ✔ | ✔ |
| Accident forgiveness | ✔ | ✔ |
| Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) | ✖ | ✔ |
| New car replacement | ✖ | ✔ |
AAA vs. Farmers FAQs
AAA and Farmers both offer solid insurance policies. If you still have questions, here are some answers about AAA and Farmers car insurance policies.
Which is cheaper: AAA or Farmers?
In general, Farmers offers lower auto insurance rates than AAA. But it’s a good idea to get insurance quotes to see how premiums compare for your unique driver profile, including age, location, credit, and deductible.
Does AAA still have the best roadside assistance?
Whether AAA has the best roadside assistance depends on your needs and priorities. Available 24/7, AAA roadside assistance includes towing, jump-starts, fuel delivery, flat-tire changes, battery testing, and lockout support. Your AAA membership tier (Classic, Plus, or Premier) will determine the benefits available to you.
Is Farmers a good car insurance company?
Yes. Farmers is a reputable auto insurer with an A (Excellent) financial strength rating by AM Best and a variety of coverage options and discount opportunities. In addition to car insurance, the company offers home insurance, life insurance, and other types of policies.
Why is AAA so expensive now?
Due to inflation, rising costs of car ownership, and regional risk factors, coverage from AAA may cost more than it did in the past. Shopping around can help you find more affordable rates.
Why is insurance from Farmers so expensive?
Farmers insurance, just like insurance from other companies, is expensive due to inflation and the increasing costs of vehicle repairs. You may be able to lower your premiums by making use of discounts or participating in Farmers’ Signal telematics program.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 90 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 500+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
- Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
- No additional coverage
- Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
- Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
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Sources
- NAIC. "PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE INDUSTRY 2024 TOP 25 GROUPS AND COMPANIES BY COUNTRYWIDE PREMIUM."
- Jdpower.com. "2025 U.S. Auto Insurance Study."
- Naic.org. "Consumer Insurance Refined Search Results."
- Naic.org. "Consumer Insurance Refined Search Results."
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Anna Baluch is a Cleveland-based personal finance and insurance expert. With an MBA from Roosevelt University, she enjoys writing educational content that helps people make smart financial decisions. Her work can be seen across the internet on many publications, including Freedom Debt Relief, Credit Karma, RateGenius, and the Balance. Connect with Anna on LinkedIn.
Anna has been a contributor at Insurify since December 2022.
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Sara Getman is an Associate Editor at Insurify and has been with the company since 2022. Prior to joining Insurify, Sara completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature at Simmons University in Boston. At Simmons, she was the Editor-in-Chief for Sidelines Magazine (a literary and art publication), and wrote creative non-fiction.
Outside of work, Sara is an avid reader, and loves rock climbing, yoga, and crocheting.
Licensed property and casualty insurance agent
10+ years editing experience
NPN: 21630969
MacKenzie Korris is an insurance copy editor with a producer’s license for property and casualty insurance in Missouri.
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7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
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