"Personally, as someone who's still getting comfortable behind the wheel, I'd probably lean toward whichever company has the easiest claims process and best customer service reputation."
Totally get where you're coming from. When I first started driving regularly, I had a minor fender-bender (my fault, unfortunately...) and was insured with State Farm at the time. Honestly, their online portal was pretty user-friendly—I could upload photos, track my claim status, and even schedule repairs without ever picking up the phone. It made a stressful situation feel way more manageable.
That said, my parents switched to Farm Bureau recently because they got a better rate overall. They mentioned something similar about the website being outdated, but they also said customer service over the phone was super helpful and patient. If you're still building confidence behind the wheel, having someone knowledgeable walk you through each step can be reassuring.
Also, regarding discounts: Farm Bureau does offer some decent student driver discounts if you maintain good grades or complete defensive driving courses. Definitely worth checking into if that's important for your decision.
I see your point about customer service being key, especially when you're new to driving. I've heard good things about State Farm's online claims too, but honestly, I'm a bit skeptical about relying solely on tech when things go wrong. Sometimes you just need a real person to talk you through stuff. Farm Bureau's phone support sounds reassuring...might be worth sacrificing a slick website for that peace of mind. Guess it depends how comfortable you feel handling things digitally vs. talking it out on the phone.
I've been wondering, does Farm Bureau handle classic or vintage cars differently than State Farm? Tech is great, but when you're dealing with older vehicles, sometimes you really need someone who understands the quirks... Curious if anyone's had experience with that.
Farm Bureau definitely seems more tuned into the classic car scene from what I've seen. State Farm isn't bad, but they tend to lump older cars in with regular policies unless you specifically push for agreed-value coverage. Farm Bureau agents I've talked to seemed more familiar with vintage car quirks and were quicker to suggest specialized coverage options. If you're serious about your classic, I'd lean toward Farm Bureau...just my two cents.
Gotta agree here—Farm Bureau does seem way more dialed-in for classic rides. I tried State Farm first, and they weren't terrible, but it felt like pulling teeth just to get them to understand why my '68 Mustang wasn't "just an old car." Farm Bureau, on the other hand, instantly got it—no blank stares when I mentioned things like original paint or matching numbers. Plus, their rates weren't too shabby either...and let's be real, more money saved means more cash for car parts, right?
