Farm Bureau Insurance Explained: States and Membership

Farm Bureau Insurance Explained: States and Membership

The American Farm Bureau Federation is a group that represents farmers and other people in agriculture. It was started in 1919 to advocate for farmers and their financial and political interests, but today anyone can support Farm Bureau’s cause and become a member for an annual fee. One major perk of membership is access to Farm Bureau insurance.

Membership is available through your state’s Farm Bureau office, and fees vary. Anyone can become an associate Farm Bureau member, the cheapest membership level, for an annual fee that typically runs $20 to $75 a year. Agricultural business owners and workers can pay more for a regular membership, making them eligible to run for leadership positions and vote within the organization.

You must be a member of the organization to buy Farm Bureau insurance.

Farm Bureau insurance

Farm Bureau members can buy insurance through one of several companies, depending on the state. In 19 states, a statewide Farm Bureau insurance company writes and sells its own policies. Two regional Farm Bureau insurance companies serve 10 additional states.

In states without a Farm Bureau insurance company, members typically can get discounted insurance rates at partner companies including Country Financial and Nationwide Insurance.

Because each Farm Bureau insurance company is operated separately, the products they offer vary. In most states, you can get auto, homeowners and business insurance.

CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND FINANCIAL STRENGTH RATINGS

Consumer complaints about most Farm Bureau insurers are lower than the median for companies of a similar size. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners collects complaint data for U.S. insurers, including each Farm Bureau insurer.

Financial strength ratings indicate how well an insurance company can pay claims. Most Farm Bureau insurance companies have been evaluated by ratings company A.M. Best and are rated A- or higher (“excellent” to “superior”).

The following four states’ Farm Bureau companies earned ratings of B+ or B++ (“good”) from A.M. Best:

Colorado

Georgia

Oklahoma

Virginia

FARM BUREAU DISCOUNTS

Discounts on a variety of goods and services come with the Farm Bureau membership. They run the gamut from agricultural equipment and services to travel and prescription drug discounts, including:

Hotel stays: Farm Bureau members get 20% off stays at Choice Hotels, Wyndham hotels and more

Rental cars: Discounts from companies including Avis, Budget, Enterprise and Hertz, depending on your state

Pharmacies: With the Farm Bureau prescription discount card, you can save up to 75% at 68,000 pharmacies

Theme parks: Many state Farm Bureau chapters have partnered with local and national theme parks to provide discounts on admission for members and their families

Farm equipment: Discounts of up to $2,500