Farmers vs USAA
Compare Farmers and USAA auto insurance coverage, safe-driving programs, vehicle replacement protection, accident forgiveness, roadside assistance, discounts, eligibility and other features that can affect your policy.
“`Farmers vs USAA at a Glance
Farmers and USAA both offer standard auto insurance coverages together with optional features designed for different driving and vehicle situations. One important distinction is that USAA auto insurance is available only to eligible members, while Farmers offers auto insurance more broadly subject to state availability and underwriting.
Signal
Farmers Signal uses a smartphone app to monitor selected driving behaviors and can provide an initial discount plus potential renewal savings.
SafePilot
USAA states that SafePilot can provide up to a 15% participation discount and up to a 30% earned discount at renewal in applicable locations.
USAA Membership
USAA auto insurance is restricted to eligible military members, veterans, certain military-related applicants and eligible family members.
USAA Eligibility vs Farmers Availability
Broad Auto Insurance Availability
Farmers sells auto insurance in states where its products and policies are available and subject to applicable underwriting requirements.
- Auto insurance availability varies by state.
- Coverage options can differ by state.
- Discount eligibility can vary by policy.
- Underwriting factors affect eligibility and pricing.
Membership Eligibility Required
USAA auto insurance is available to people who meet USAA’s membership and property-and-casualty insurance eligibility requirements.
- Active-duty military.
- National Guard and Reservists.
- Veterans who have honorably served.
- Certain contracted ROTC cadets and midshipmen.
- Officer and warrant officer candidates.
- Eligible spouses and children of USAA members.
- Service academy appointees.
Farmers vs USAA Auto Insurance Coverage
| Coverage / Feature | Farmers | USAA |
|---|---|---|
| Liability | Available | Available |
| Collision | Available | Available |
| Comprehensive | Available | Available |
| Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist | Available depending on state | Available depending on state |
| Medical Payments / PIP | Available depending on state | Available depending on state |
| Rental Reimbursement | Available | Available |
| Roadside Assistance | 24/7 roadside assistance | Roadside assistance available with applicable coverage |
| OEM / Original Parts | New Original Parts / OEM option | Repair and parts coverage subject to policy terms |
| New Car Replacement | Available in qualifying policies | Car Replacement Assistance available |
| Accident Forgiveness | Available | Available in qualifying circumstances |
| Safe Driving Program | Signal | SafePilot |
| Low-Mileage Program | Signal considers mileage as part of driving behavior | SafePilot Miles |
| Rideshare Coverage | Available in applicable states | Rideshare Gap Protection |
| Military-Focused Benefits | Standard insurer availability | Military-focused programs and discounts |
Farmers Signal vs USAA SafePilot
Signal
Farmers Signal is a smartphone-based telematics program that evaluates selected driving behaviors.
- Tracks phone distraction.
- Tracks hard braking.
- Considers when you drive.
- Considers mileage.
- Provides an initial enrollment discount.
- Safe driving may produce a renewal discount.
- Riskier driving can raise the renewal premium.
SafePilot
USAA SafePilot uses the USAA DriveSafe app to calculate a driving score and determine an applicable discount.
- Tracks phone handling.
- Tracks hand-held calling.
- Tracks hands-free calling.
- Tracks harsh braking.
- Considers annualized hours driven.
- Up to 15% participation discount.
- Up to 30% earned discount at renewal.
- USAA states the driving score does not increase the overall premium.
Signal vs SafePilot: Key Program Differences
| Program Feature | Farmers Signal | USAA SafePilot |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile App | Signal smartphone app | USAA DriveSafe app |
| Phone Use | Monitored | Phone handling and calling factors are scored |
| Braking | Hard braking monitored | Harsh braking monitored |
| Mileage | Considered by Signal | Annualized hours are part of SafePilot scoring |
| Initial Discount | Initial enrollment discount | Up to 15% participation discount |
| Renewal Discount | Potential safe-driving discount | Up to 30% earned discount |
| Riskier Driving | Could increase renewal premium | USAA states the SafePilot driving score does not negatively affect the overall premium |
| Availability | State and policy restrictions apply | State and eligibility restrictions apply |
USAA SafePilot Miles vs Farmers Signal
SafePilot Miles
USAA SafePilot Miles is a usage-based program that combines mileage with safe-driving behavior.
- Up to 20% savings for driving fewer miles.
- Up to an additional 20% for safe driving at renewal.
- Monthly bill varies according to mileage and other factors.
- USAA says it may be suitable for people driving 8,000 miles or less per year.
- Uses the USAA DriveSafe app.
Signal
Farmers Signal considers mileage together with driving behaviors such as phone distraction and hard braking.
- Initial participation discount.
- Potential renewal savings for safer driving.
- Mileage is one of the monitored factors.
- Riskier driving may affect renewal pricing.
- State and policy restrictions apply.
Vehicle Replacement: Farmers vs USAA
Vehicle replacement coverage becomes especially important after a total loss because standard collision or comprehensive settlements are usually based on the vehicle’s applicable value under the policy rather than the cost of buying a new vehicle.
| Vehicle Protection | Farmers | USAA |
|---|---|---|
| New Car Replacement | Farmers offers New Car Replacement for qualifying vehicles. Current Farmers information states that in applicable coverage a vehicle totaled within the first two model years and 24,000 miles can qualify for replacement with a new vehicle of the same make and model. | USAA offers Car Replacement Assistance that can provide an additional 20% of the vehicle’s actual cash value after a qualifying total loss or theft. |
| Newer Vehicle Option | Vehicle Replacement Plus can provide a vehicle one model year newer with 20,000 fewer miles for qualifying older or higher-mileage vehicles. | Car Replacement Assistance is structured as an additional payment based on actual cash value rather than a specific newer vehicle replacement formula. |
| Loan / Lease Gap | Vehicle Replacement Plus can also pay a qualifying loan or lease gap when the total-loss payment is below the remaining balance. | USAA offers additional coverage options that can address vehicle replacement situations; exact availability depends on the policy. |
Farmers Vehicle Replacement Plus
Replacement + Newer Vehicle + Loan Gap
Farmers Flex Vehicle Replacement Plus provides several layers of protection following a qualifying total loss.
- A vehicle less than two model years old with less than 24,000 miles can qualify for replacement with a new vehicle of the latest model year.
- An older vehicle or one with more than 24,000 miles can qualify for replacement with a vehicle one model year newer and with 20,000 fewer miles.
- A qualifying loan or lease gap can also be covered when the total-loss payment is lower than the remaining balance.
Availability, eligibility and terms vary by state and policy.
USAA Car Replacement Assistance
20% Above Actual Cash Value
USAA states that Car Replacement Assistance can provide 20% more than the vehicle’s actual cash value when a covered vehicle is declared a total loss.
- Applies to qualifying total-loss situations.
- Can also apply when a vehicle is stolen according to USAA’s coverage description.
- Provides an additional 20% of actual cash value.
- Policy terms and eligibility apply.
Accident Forgiveness
Accident Forgiveness
Farmers explicitly lists Accident Forgiveness as an auto insurance option.
- One at-fault accident can be forgiven every three years under applicable coverage.
- Designed to prevent a premium increase because of the forgiven accident.
- Farmers Flex can offer the feature after 36 continuous months and qualifying requirements.
- State and policy restrictions apply.
Accident Forgiveness
USAA provides accident-forgiveness benefits in qualifying situations, but availability and requirements depend on the applicable policy and state.
- Check the individual policy for eligibility.
- Terms can vary by state.
- Accident forgiveness does not erase the accident from driving records.
- Other underwriting factors can still affect premiums.
OEM and Original Parts
New Original Parts
Farmers offers New Original Parts coverage under applicable policies.
- Covered repairs can use new manufacturer-original parts when available.
- Farmers states OEM coverage is available on cars up to 10 years old.
- Availability depends on state and policy.
Repair Coverage
USAA provides collision and comprehensive protection for covered vehicle damage, with repair terms governed by the applicable policy.
- Collision can help repair or replace a vehicle after covered accidents.
- Comprehensive can cover events such as theft, fire, flooding, hail and animal damage.
- Parts and repair provisions are governed by policy terms.
Roadside Assistance
24/7 Roadside Assistance
Farmers offers towing and roadside service for situations where the insured vehicle is disabled.
- Towing.
- Tire changing.
- Locksmith service.
- Jump-starts.
- 24/7 roadside assistance.
Roadside Assistance
USAA offers roadside assistance through applicable Towing and Labor coverage.
- Towing.
- Flat-tire assistance.
- Jump-starts.
- Fuel delivery when you run out of gas.
- Vehicle lockout assistance.
Rental Car and Transportation Coverage
| Transportation Feature | Farmers | USAA |
|---|---|---|
| Rental Reimbursement | Farmers can cover rental expenses for up to 30 days while a vehicle is being repaired under qualifying coverage. | USAA rental reimbursement can help pay for a rental vehicle while an insured vehicle is in the shop for covered repairs. |
| Alternative Transportation | Farmers Rental Alternative / Loss of Use coverage can provide a daily stipend that can be used for different transportation options. | USAA provides rental reimbursement under applicable coverage and policy limits. |
| Rideshare | Farmers offers rideshare coverage in applicable states and qualifying situations. | USAA offers Rideshare Gap Protection for qualifying Uber and Lyft drivers while waiting for a ride request. |
Rideshare Coverage: Farmers vs USAA
Rideshare + Food Delivery
Farmers states that rideshare coverage can protect drivers for companies such as Uber and Lyft and can also apply to app-based food delivery in some states.
Rideshare Gap Protection
USAA offers rideshare gap protection designed to provide coverage while an eligible Uber or Lyft driver is waiting for a ride request.
Farmers vs USAA Discounts and Savings
Potential Savings
- Signal participation and safe-driving savings.
- Multi-vehicle discount.
- Bundling opportunities.
- Safe-driver discount.
- Good-student discount.
- Auto Pay / EFT savings.
- ePolicy discount.
- Five-year accident-free discount.
- Other driver-specific discounts.
Farmers states that it offers numerous discount opportunities, with eligibility varying by state and policy.
Potential Savings
- SafePilot participation discount up to 15% in applicable locations.
- SafePilot earned discount up to 30% at renewal.
- SafePilot Miles up to 20% for lower mileage.
- SafePilot Miles up to an additional 20% for safe driving.
- Bundle and save up to 10% in qualifying situations.
- Multi-vehicle discount.
- Good-student discount.
- Automatic-payment savings.
- Military on-base discount up to 15%.
- Storage-related savings in qualifying situations.
USAA Military-Focused Auto Insurance Features
Designed Around Eligible Military Members and Families
USAA states that its auto insurance is designed for eligible members of the military community and their families.
- Active-duty military members.
- National Guard and Reservists.
- Veterans who have honorably served.
- Contracted ROTC cadets and midshipmen.
- Officer and warrant officer candidates.
- Spouses and children of USAA members.
- Service academy appointees.
Membership and property-and-casualty insurance eligibility requirements apply and can change.
Storage and Low-Mileage Considerations
Storage + SafePilot Miles
USAA provides several options relevant to drivers who use their vehicles less frequently.
- Storage discount may be available for qualifying vehicles.
- USAA SafePilot Miles uses mileage to determine part of the rate.
- SafePilot Miles may be suitable for drivers at or below about 8,000 miles per year.
- Monthly billing can vary according to mileage and other factors.
Signal Mileage Factor
Farmers Signal considers how much enrolled drivers drive as one of the factors used in its driving analysis.
- Mileage is monitored through Signal.
- Driving behavior is considered together with mileage.
- Safe driving can produce renewal savings.
- Riskier behavior can affect renewal pricing.
A Key Difference in Telematics Programs
Discount + Renewal Risk
Farmers states that safe driving can result in a renewal discount, while riskier driving behavior could increase the renewal premium.
Discount-Focused
USAA states that SafePilot driving data is used to calculate the discount and that the driving score itself will not negatively affect the overall policy rate.
Mileage-Based
SafePilot Miles combines mileage with safe-driving behavior and adjusts the monthly bill based on mileage and other applicable factors.
What Should Different Drivers Compare?
How to Compare Your Farmers and USAA Quotes
A meaningful price comparison requires matching the coverage and policy details. A lower premium can reflect lower limits, higher deductibles or fewer optional protections rather than simply a different insurer.
Use the Same Driver Information
Use the same drivers, ages, driving records, annual mileage and vehicle-use information for both quotes.
Match Coverage Limits
Match liability limits, collision and comprehensive deductibles, uninsured motorist coverage and optional protections.
Compare the Final Policy
Compare the premium together with vehicle replacement, roadside, rental, telematics and other benefits actually included in the quote.
Questions to Ask Before Buying
- Am I eligible for USAA membership and auto insurance?
- What coverage limits are included in each quote?
- What deductibles apply to collision and comprehensive?
- Does my vehicle qualify for Farmers Vehicle Replacement Plus?
- How does USAA Car Replacement Assistance apply to my vehicle?
- Does Accident Forgiveness apply to my policy?
- Can Farmers use New Original Parts for my vehicle?
- What roadside services and towing limits are included?
- How much rental reimbursement is included?
- Does rideshare coverage apply to my specific driving situation?
- What information will the telematics app collect?
- Can telematics affect my renewal premium?
- Which discounts actually apply to my policy?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Farmers and USAA auto insurance?
Both offer standard auto insurance and optional protections. Farmers offers features such as Signal, Vehicle Replacement Plus, New Original Parts, Accident Forgiveness and rental alternatives. USAA offers SafePilot, SafePilot Miles, Car Replacement Assistance, roadside assistance, rental reimbursement and other features available to eligible members.
Who is eligible for USAA auto insurance?
USAA lists active-duty military members, National Guard and Reservists, veterans who have honorably served, certain ROTC cadets and midshipmen, officer and warrant officer candidates, spouses and children of USAA members, and service academy appointees among eligible groups. Restrictions and product eligibility requirements apply.
Does Farmers offer a safe-driving program?
Yes. Farmers Signal monitors selected driving behavior through a smartphone app. Farmers states that safe driving can lead to a renewal discount while riskier driving behavior could increase the renewal premium.
Does USAA offer a safe-driving program?
Yes. USAA SafePilot provides up to a 15% participation discount and up to a 30% earned discount at renewal in applicable locations. USAA states that the SafePilot driving score itself does not negatively affect the overall premium.
What is USAA SafePilot Miles?
SafePilot Miles is a usage-based program. USAA states that drivers can receive up to 20% savings for lower mileage and up to an additional 20% at renewal for safe driving. The monthly bill varies according to mileage and other factors.
Does Farmers offer new car replacement?
Yes. Farmers offers New Car Replacement and Vehicle Replacement Plus. Current Farmers information states that qualifying vehicles within the first two model years and 24,000 miles can receive new-car replacement under applicable coverage.
Does USAA offer car replacement assistance?
Yes. USAA states that Car Replacement Assistance can provide 20% more than the vehicle’s actual cash value after a qualifying total loss or theft.
Does Farmers offer accident forgiveness?
Yes. Farmers states that it can forgive one at-fault accident every three years when applicable Accident Forgiveness coverage is included.
Does USAA offer accident forgiveness?
USAA provides accident-forgiveness benefits in qualifying circumstances, but the exact availability and requirements should be confirmed for the applicable state and policy.
Does Farmers offer OEM parts coverage?
Yes. Farmers offers New Original Parts coverage and states that OEM coverage is available on cars up to 10 years old under applicable policies.
Does USAA offer roadside assistance?
Yes. USAA offers roadside assistance through applicable Towing and Labor coverage for services such as towing, jump-starts, fuel delivery, lockouts and flat-tire assistance.
Can Farmers and USAA prices be compared directly?
Yes. For a meaningful comparison, use identical driver information, vehicle details, coverage limits, deductibles and optional features. Individual premiums depend on state and underwriting factors.
Explore Farmers and USAA
Farmers Auto Insurance
Visit the Farmers page on Newest Cars Insurance for additional information about Farmers auto insurance, coverage and available features.
View Farmers Auto Insurance →USAA Auto Insurance
Visit the USAA page on Newest Cars Insurance for additional information about USAA auto insurance and its policy features.
View USAA Auto Insurance →More Auto Insurance Comparisons
“`Compare the Coverage, Not Just the Premium
Farmers and USAA have different eligibility rules, telematics programs, vehicle replacement options, discounts and additional coverage features. Comparing matching policies can make the differences between the two quotes much easier to understand.
Farmers Insurance USAA Insurance “`