What State Farm is and what types of insurance it sells

State Farm is a mutual insurance company — meaning it is owned by its policyholders rather than by shareholders — that sells auto, home, life, and renters insurance directly to consumers. You can buy a policy through a State Farm agent in your area, over the phone, or online at statefarm.com. State Farm does not sell health insurance or Medicare plans.

State Farm operates in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. The company has been in business since 1922 and is one of the largest auto insurers in the United States by number of customers. Like other insurance companies, State Farm sets its own rates based on your age, driving record, location, and the coverage you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • State Farm sells auto, home, life, and renters insurance through local agents, phone, and its website, but does not sell health insurance.
  • Your State Farm rate depends on your age, driving history, location, and the specific coverage limits you select, and rates vary by state.
  • You can bundle multiple policies with State Farm to potentially lower your overall cost, though the discount amount varies.
  • State Farm has a mobile app and online account portal where you can pay bills, file claims, and view your policy details.
  • If you have a claim, you can report it to State Farm by phone, through the mobile app, or online, and a claims adjuster will contact you within one business day.

Auto insurance through State Farm

State Farm auto insurance includes liability coverage (which pays for damage you cause to someone else's car or property), collision coverage (which pays for damage to your own car from a crash), and comprehensive coverage (which covers theft, weather, and vandalism). You choose your deductible — the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in — and your coverage limits, which determine the maximum the company will pay.

State Farm also offers uninsured motorist coverage, which protects you if you are hit by a driver without insurance, and medical payments coverage, which covers medical bills for you and your passengers after an accident. Discounts are available for bundling home and auto policies, maintaining a clean driving record, completing a defensive driving course, and paying your full premium upfront rather than monthly.

Your rate is based on your age, gender, driving history, the car you drive, how much you drive, where you live, and your credit score in most states. Rates change over time, and State Farm reviews your policy annually. You can request a rate quote online or through an agent before you buy.

Home and renters insurance through State Farm

State Farm homeowners insurance covers the structure of your house, your personal belongings inside it, liability if someone is injured on your property, and additional living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable after a covered loss. You choose your deductible and your coverage limits for the house itself and for your belongings separately.

Renters insurance covers your personal belongings and liability if you rent an apartment or house. It does not cover the building itself — that is the landlord's responsibility. Both homeowners and renters policies can include coverage for water damage, though some types of water damage (like flooding) require a separate flood insurance policy, which State Farm sells through the National Flood Insurance Program.

Home and renters rates depend on the age and construction of the building, your location, the deductible you choose, your claims history, and whether you have security systems or smoke detectors. You can bundle home or renters insurance with auto insurance for a discount.

Life insurance through State Farm

State Farm sells two main types of life insurance: term life, which covers you for a set number of years (such as 10, 20, or 30 years) at a fixed rate, and whole life, which covers you for your entire life and includes a cash value component that grows over time. Term life is less expensive but expires; whole life costs more but never expires and builds savings.

You choose a death benefit — the amount your beneficiary receives if you die — and State Farm underwrites your policy based on your age, health, medical history, and whether you smoke. The underwriting process typically involves answering health questions and may include a medical exam. Rates are locked in when you buy the policy and do not change during the term you selected.

How to get a quote and buy a policy

You can get a State Farm quote online at statefarm.com by entering basic information about yourself, your home or car, and the coverage you want. You can also call 1-800-STATE-FM (1-800-782-8336) or visit a local State Farm agent's office. Online quotes are usually when ready; phone and in-person quotes may take longer.

To buy a policy, you will need to provide personal information (name, address, date of birth), details about what you are insuring (your car's make and model, your home's age and construction, your health history for life insurance), and your preferred coverage limits and deductible. You can pay your premium monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. Paying in full upfront may earn you a discount.

Filing a claim with State Farm

If you have a loss covered by your policy, you can report a claim by calling 1-800-STATE-FM, using the State Farm mobile app, or logging into your online account at statefarm.com. You will need to describe what happened, provide the date and location, and answer questions about the damage or loss. For auto claims, you may also need to provide the other driver's information if another vehicle was involved.

After you report a claim, a State Farm claims adjuster will contact you within one business day to schedule an inspection or discuss next steps. For auto claims, you can choose to use a State Farm repair shop or take your car to a shop of your choice. State Farm will pay the adjuster's estimate of repair costs, minus your deductible. For home claims, the adjuster will inspect the damage and determine what is covered under your policy.

You can track your claim status through the State Farm app or online account. The time it takes to settle a claim varies depending on the type of loss and how quickly you provide requested information.

Bundling policies and discounts

State Farm offers discounts when you bundle multiple policies — for example, buying auto and home insurance together. The discount amount varies by state and by the specific policies you choose. Other discounts include safe driver discounts (for a clean driving record), good student discounts (for students with a 3.0 GPA or higher), discounts for completing a defensive driving course, and discounts for having safety features in your home or car.

Some discounts are automatic; others require you to ask for them or provide proof (such as a defensive driving course certificate). You can ask your State Farm agent which discounts you may be may be able to access for based on your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I manage my State Farm policy online?

Yes. You can log into your account at statefarm.com to view your policy details, pay your bill, update your coverage, and file a claim. State Farm also has a mobile app for iPhone and Android where you can do most of the same tasks, including taking photos for claims.

What happens if I miss a payment?

State Farm typically gives you a grace period of 10 days after your payment due date before your policy lapses. If you miss a payment, contact State Farm when ready to make a payment and reinstate your coverage. Driving without active insurance is illegal in all states.

Does State Farm offer discounts for low mileage?

State Farm offers a low-mileage discount for drivers who drive fewer than a certain number of miles per year, though the exact threshold varies by state. You can ask your agent whether you may have access to based on how much you drive.

Can I change my coverage limits after I buy a policy?

Yes. You can contact State Farm at any time to increase or decrease your coverage limits, change your deductible, or add or remove coverage types. Changes typically take effect when ready or on the date you request, and your premium will be adjusted accordingly.

What should I do if State Farm denies my claim?

If your claim is denied, State Farm will send you a written explanation of why. You can ask for a detailed review of the denial, file a complaint with your state's insurance commissioner, or consult with an insurance attorney. Your state's insurance department website lists the steps for filing a complaint.