Farmers vs Progressive Car Insurance
Progressive became the #1 U.S. personal-auto writer by direct premium on a trailing-twelve-months basis in May 2026 (S&P Global Market Intelligence estimates), overtaking State Farm; Farmers sits at roughly #6-#7 by DPW. Beyond the scale gap, these carriers differ sharply on distribution model (Farmers: captive + independent agent; Progressive: direct + independent agent), on telematics-surcharge posture (Snapshot discloses that ~2 of 10 drivers see a rate increase at program completion; Signal is primarily a discount program), and on non-standard appetite (both write it well through specialty entities). Real shopper overlap: standard-profile shoppers comparing an agent-channel captive to the dominant direct-channel option; non-standard shoppers comparing Bristol West to Progressive.
Farmers reviewed 2026-10-02; Progressive reviewed 2026-09-28; this comparison reviewed 2026-10-03.
At a glance
| Dimension | Farmers | Progressive |
|---|---|---|
| Parent / entity | Farmers Group, Inc. (attorney-in-fact; wholly owned by Zurich Insurance Group Ltd). Zurich has no ownership interest in the Exchanges themselves — the Exchanges are owned by policyholders. | The Progressive Corporation (NYSE: PGR); publicly-traded. HQ Mayfield Village, Ohio. |
| Category | National mass-market | National mass-market |
| Distribution | Exclusive agent | Direct + independent agent |
| Footprint | Super-regional (42 states) | National (all 50 states + DC) |
| AM Best FSR | A (Excellent); outlook StableTIER 1 | A+ (Superior); outlook StableTIER 1 |
| AM Best affirmation | 2026-09-03 | 2026-05-01 |
| Market share (NAIC) | 3.76% (rank 6, 2024) | 18.6% (rank 2, 2024) |
| Telematics program | Signal — can raise rate | Snapshot — can raise rate |
Where these two actually differ
Agent-channel vs direct-channel scale
Farmers runs a captive + independent-agent hybrid model with a national footprint. Progressive runs direct (Progressive.com, mobile app, call center) alongside a substantial independent-agent channel. If you want to buy through an agent while quoting the direct number, Progressive supports both motions natively; Farmers requires the agent channel for its captive book (Bristol West is independent-agent-only). Progressive's direct cost structure typically shows up in standard-profile pricing against captive-agent carriers.
Coverage breadth and endorsement menu
Progressive publishes a notably broad add-on menu: Loan/Lease Payoff (gap-equivalent, up to 25% of actual cash value), Deductible Savings Bank ($50 credit per claim-free six-month period), Pet Injury automatically bundled with collision ($1,000 limit), Custom Parts and Equipment up to $5,000, and rideshare coverage in select states. Farmers' endorsement menu covers the mainstream lines (gap, accident forgiveness, new-car replacement, rental reimbursement, roadside) with state-level variation. For shoppers who want Progressive's deeper add-on stack, Progressive is the obvious quote; Farmers covers the standard needs well without the breadth.
Signal vs Snapshot: upside and surcharge exposure
Snapshot has the higher published upside and the higher published downside: Progressive advertises an average $328 discount at six-month program completion and a $164 average sign-up discount, and publicly discloses that about 2 of 10 drivers actually see a rate increase after completing the program. Snapshot is not available in California; the sign-up discount is not available in Hawaii or New York. Signal is primarily a discount program with a sign-up credit plus ongoing behavior-based credit; its surcharge posture is more limited in most states. For a consistently safe driver, Snapshot's ceiling is larger; for an uncertain driver, Signal carries less downside.
Counterparty strength
AM Best affirmed Farmers Insurance Exchange at A (Excellent) in September 2026. AM Best affirmed Progressive at A+ (Superior) with stable outlook in May 2026, following $11.3B in 2025 net income (vs $8.5B in 2024) and favorable prior-year development. Both carriers remain comfortably above most consumer-facing thresholds; Progressive's affirmation level is one tier higher.
Non-standard and SR-22 posture
Both carriers write non-standard business, but through different routes. Farmers routes substandard risks to its Bristol West subsidiary, a distinct underwriting entity with its own filings and agent network. Progressive writes non-standard through its main brand plus specialty entities (National General and Progressive American are also on Progressive's books post-acquisitions). Shoppers with SR-22 status should quote both: Progressive's non-standard pricing has been competitive in recent years, and Bristol West's agent-mediated path is distinct in how it builds the policy.
Claims-satisfaction signal (2025 J.D. Power)
The 2025 J.D. Power U.S. Auto Insurance Study placed both carriers near the national mass-market mean on claims satisfaction; Progressive scored toward the lower end of the top-tier nationals in trade-press reporting of regional results. Farmers scored similarly mid-range. Direct study access was not available for either review, so this signal lives at Tier 2 via Tier 3 for both carriers. On a single claim, the specific adjuster, repair-shop network, and your policy's endorsements drive outcome more than the national mean.
Telematics side by side
Farmers
Program Signal
Tracks speed, hard_braking, phone_use, time_of_day, mileage
Can raise rate? Yes
Enrollment max 5%
Renewal max up to 15% (some publisher sources cite up to 25% including stacked youthful-driver savings)
State exclusions CA, FL, HI, NY, SC
Signal can increase renewal premium for risky driving behavior at renewal, per Farmers program materials summarized by secondary publishers. Not purely a discount-only program.TIER 3
Progressive
Program Snapshot
Tracks hard_braking, acceleration, phone_use, mileage, time_of_day
Can raise rate? Yes
Enrollment max Average sign-up discount of $164 per Progressive's own Snapshot page
Renewal max Average program-completion discount of $328; usually applies at the six-month policy renewal following enrolment
State exclusions CA
Progressive itself states that "your rate may increase with high-risk driving" and that "only about 2 out of 10 drivers actually get an increase." Not available in California. The sign-up discount is not available in Hawaii or New York; Progressive excludes NC/HI/NY/MT from its Snapshot savings claims. Progressive explicitly advises drivers to "avoid driving between 12 a.m. and 4 a.m. on weekends." Phone use is only considered in some states and when you choose the mobile app rather than the device.TIER 1
Financial strength
Farmers
AM Best FSR A (Excellent)
Long-Term ICR a (Excellent); Positive outlook (revised from Stable on Sept 3, 2026)
Outlook Stable
Affirmed 2026-09-03
AM Best revised the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating outlook to Positive from Stable on September 3, 2026, while affirming the Financial Strength Rating at A (Excellent). Prior action was an August 2025 affirmation with stable outlooks.TIER 1
Progressive
AM Best FSR A+ (Superior)
Long-Term ICR aa (Superior)
Outlook Stable
Affirmed 2026-05-01
AM Best affirmed FSR A+ (Superior) and Long-Term ICR "aa" (Superior) of The Progressive Corporation and its members on May 1, 2026, stable outlook. The affirmation cited an increase in underwriting profit in 2025 driven by lower personal and commercial auto accident frequency, lower weather-related catastrophe losses, and favorable prior-accident-year development, with the group reporting $11.3B in net income in 2025 vs $8.5B in 2024. A+ (Superior) is one tier below A++.TIER 1
Coverage differences
| Coverage | Farmers | Progressive |
|---|---|---|
| Accident forgiveness | OfferedOne at-fault accident forgiven per three claim-free years. | — |
| Collision | Offered | — |
| Comprehensive and collision | — | OfferedOptional first-party coverages. |
| Comprehensive | Offered | — |
| Customized equipment | Offered | — |
| Custom Parts and Equipment (CPE) | — | OfferedReimbursement for covered custom modifications, subject to $5,000 limit. |
| Deductible Savings Bank | — | Offered$50 credit toward collision or comprehensive deductible for each violation- and claim-free six-month policy period. |
| Loan/lease (gap) | OfferedUp to 25% of actual cash value. | — |
| Loan/Lease Payoff (gap-equivalent) | — | OfferedUp to 25% of the vehicle's actual cash value if totaled while you still owe on it. |
| New-car replacement | OfferedFirst 2 model years or 24,000 miles. | — |
| Pet Injury Coverage | — | OfferedAutomatically included when you add collision; $1,000 limit for veterinary expenses if your pet is injured in a covered accident. |
| Renters insurance add-on | — | OfferedAvailable in select states to bundle renters coverage into a single policy. |
| Trip Interruption | — | OfferedIn states where available: $500 daily max with $100 lodging / $50 transportation / $50 food per day. |
| Vehicle Protection | — | OfferedCovers major system repairs, minor dents/dings, and lost/stolen keys for vehicles under 7 years old also carrying liability + comprehensive + collision. |
| Liability | Offered | OfferedState minimums vary; higher limits generally available. |
| Medical payments | Offered | OfferedOptional in most states. |
| Personal injury protection | OfferedWhere state requires. | OfferedOffered in some states. |
| Rental reimbursement | Offered | OfferedUp to policy limits during covered repairs. |
| Rideshare coverage | OfferedFills the carrier-period-1 gap. | OfferedAvailable as add-on for policyholders logged into rideshare or delivery apps, offered in select states. |
| Roadside assistance | Offered | OfferedTowing, lock-out, tire changes, fuel/fluid delivery. |
| Uninsured and underinsured motorist | Offered | OfferedRequired or optional depending on state. |
Dated events that specifically move this matchup
Affects ProgressiveProgressive became #1 U.S. personal-auto writer by premium on a trailing-twelve-months basis (May 2026)2026-05-01
S&P Global Market Intelligence estimates showed Progressive overtaking State Farm as the largest U.S. private-passenger auto insurer by direct premiums for the trailing 12 months ending March 31 2026. Progressive AM Best affirmation at A+ (Superior) with stable outlook cited $11.3B 2025 net income and favorable prior-year development.TIER 1
Affects FarmersAM Best affirmed Farmers Insurance Exchange at A (Excellent) (September 3, 2026)2026-09-03
AM Best affirmed Farmers Insurance Exchange at A (Excellent) in September 2026, following prior-year reserve strengthening and reinsurance program changes aimed at stabilizing the auto book.TIER 1
Who should quote each
Farmers — Agent-channel preference, bundled property, or Bristol West routing
- You want an agent you can visit in person; Farmers' captive and independent-agent model centers the agent as policy quarterback.
- You're bundling home or renters with auto; Farmers' multi-policy credit is consistent across state footprints.
- You carry SR-22 status and want an agent-mediated non-standard path; Bristol West is purpose-built for this.
- You drive multiple vehicles in one household and want a single agent and single bill.
Progressive — Direct-channel, coverage-breadth, or telematics-upside shopper
- You prefer self-service digital shopping; Progressive's direct channel is the industry's most developed.
- You need gap insurance, custom-parts coverage, or Pet Injury (bundled with collision at Progressive); Progressive publishes all three.
- You want the Snapshot program's larger published ceiling and accept the ~2-in-10 surcharge probability Progressive discloses.
- You're shopping after a DUI; publisher comparisons at prior audit put Progressive materially cheaper than most direct competitors.
Quote both — Standard-profile shoppers and non-standard shoppers alike
- Clean-record standard profiles: direct-channel (Progressive) typically prices below captive-agent (Farmers), but local-state filings can flip the answer; quote both.
- Multi-vehicle households: both carriers publish multi-vehicle credit; the stack varies state by state.
- SR-22 or non-standard shoppers: Bristol West vs Progressive non-standard is a legitimate parallel-quote matchup.
- Shoppers in Signal or Snapshot states where surcharge rules differ: compare both state addenda before enrolling.
Get real quotes from Farmers and Progressive on your own profile.
Compare car insurance quotesCommon questions
Is Farmers or Progressive cheaper?
For most clean-record standard profiles, Progressive's direct-channel cost structure prices below captive-agent Farmers at the headline level. On bundled home+auto with Farmers' agent, Farmers can close or beat that gap. For SR-22 and non-standard risks, both carriers are competitive; quote both.
Which has better claims service?
The 2025 J.D. Power U.S. Auto Insurance and Auto Claims Satisfaction studies placed both carriers near the national mass-market mean. Neither leads the ranking. On a single claim, specific adjuster, repair-shop network, and your policy's endorsements drive outcome more than survey averages.
Does Progressive sell gap insurance?
Yes. Progressive publishes Loan/Lease Payoff coverage (gap-equivalent, up to 25% of actual cash value). Farmers also offers gap. If you carry a lease or a loan with meaningful equity exposure, both are valid quotes.
What is Bristol West and when does it apply?
Bristol West is a Farmers Group subsidiary that writes non-standard personal auto. Shoppers with SR-22 filings, substandard risk markers, prior lapses, or multiple incidents are commonly routed from Farmers' main book to Bristol West during quoting.
How much can Snapshot raise my rate?
Progressive publicly discloses that about 2 of 10 Snapshot drivers see a rate increase at program completion; the carrier does not publish an upper bound. The $328 average completion-discount and $164 average sign-up discount are advertised floors on the upside; drivers who speed, hard-brake, phone-handle, or drive late-night can see surcharges in states where that mechanic is filed.
Should I quote both?
Yes. The distribution gap, telematics mechanics, and non-standard routing differ sharply between these two carriers. Parallel quotes at identical coverage limits take 15 to 20 minutes.
Sources & methodology
- TIER 1FarmersAM Best: Credit Rating Affirmation for Farmers Insurance Group (Sept 3, 2026) (AM Best)
- TIER 1FarmersFarmers Corporate: Exchange Update (ownership and corporate structure) (Farmers Insurance)
- TIER 1FarmersFarmers Corporate: Companies in the Farmers Group (Farmers Insurance)
- TIER 3FarmersInsurance Journal: Farmers Agency Ownership Expansion and Elite Owner Program (March 2026) (Insurance Journal)
- TIER 3FarmersTop Class Actions: Farmers 1.1M Policyholder Data Breach via Salesforce (Sept 2025) (Top Class Actions)
- TIER 3FarmersInsurance Journal: Farmers Market Reduction Notice in Florida (July 2023) (Insurance Journal)
- TIER 3FarmersInsurance Journal: Farmers Lifts California Homeowners New-Business Cap (Nov 2025) (Insurance Journal)
- TIER 3FarmersNerdWallet: Farmers Auto Insurance Review 2026 (NerdWallet)
- TIER 3FarmersU.S. News: Farmers Car Insurance Review for 2026 (U.S. News)
- TIER 3FarmersValuePenguin: Farmers Insurance Review and 2026 Rate Study (ValuePenguin)
- TIER 3FarmersWalletHub: Farmers Signal Telematics Review (WalletHub)
- TIER 3FarmersWalletHub: Farmers Insurance Discounts (WalletHub)
- TIER 2FarmersJ.D. Power 2025 U.S. Auto Insurance Study (regional segment reporting; aggregated via Insurance.com) (J.D. Power)
- TIER 2SharedJ.D. Power 2025 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study (J.D. Power)
- TIER 1FarmersNAIC Consumer Information Source (per-entity complaint and financial lookup) (National Association of Insurance Commissioners)
- TIER 1ProgressiveAM Best: AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of The Progressive Corporation and Its Subsidiaries (May 1, 2026 affirmation) (AM Best)
- TIER 1ProgressiveProgressive: Snapshot program page (behaviors tracked, published averages, state availability) (Progressive)
- TIER 1ProgressiveProgressive: Auto insurance discounts page (Progressive)
- TIER 1ProgressiveProgressive: Auto insurance coverages page (Progressive)
- TIER 3ProgressiveNerdWallet: Progressive Car Insurance Review (September 2026 modeled rates) (NerdWallet)
- TIER 3ProgressiveValuePenguin: Progressive Insurance Review (modeled full-coverage rate) (ValuePenguin)
- TIER 1ProgressiveInsurance Information Institute: Facts + Statistics: Auto Insurance (NAIC private-passenger market share, most recent year) (Insurance Information Institute)
- TIER 3ProgressiveAgency Checklists: NAIC 2025 Market Share, Top 25 Private Passenger Auto Insurers (secondary reporting of NAIC 2025 direct-premiums-earned data) (Agency Checklists)
- TIER 2ProgressiveS&P Global Market Intelligence: Progressive now No. 1 US private auto insurer for full 12 months, estimates show (May 2026, trailing 12 months ending March 31 2026) (S&P Global Market Intelligence)
- TIER 1ProgressiveThe Progressive Corporation: Form 10-K, fiscal year 2025 (SEC EDGAR) (U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission)
- TIER 2ProgressiveCarrier Management: Why Progressive's Customer Scores Lag State Farm, GEICO (secondary reporting on 2025 J.D. Power U.S. Auto Insurance Study) (Carrier Management)
- TIER 2ProgressiveJ.D. Power: 2025 U.S. Insurance Digital Experience Study (press release) (J.D. Power)
- TIER 1ProgressiveNational Association of Insurance Commissioners: Consumer Information Source (complaint index lookup by insurer) (NAIC)
Every pivot and matrix cell on this page traces to a source listed above, with the provider tag identifying which ProviderReviewFacts record authored the claim. Shared sources (e.g. NAIC Consumer Information Source, J.D. Power press-release landing pages) are attributed to both providers and anchor against the alphabetically-first provider's slug.