- Totally agree about the local agent thing—makes a huge difference when you're stressed after a bump.
- Had Farm Bureau for a while; claims were slower but nothing too frustrating, just had to stay on top of them.
- State Farm was quicker for me, but yeah, premiums crept up quietly each year.
- Honestly, either way you're covered for minor stuff...just pick whichever gives you peace of mind.
- Hang in there, insurance shopping is a drag but you'll feel better once it's sorted.
I've bounced between both State Farm and Farm Bureau myself, and honestly, it comes down to what matters most to you—speed or cost control. State Farm was definitely quicker on claims for me too, but those sneaky premium hikes every renewal really started to bug me. It felt like I was paying a "convenience tax" just to get my claims processed faster.
Farm Bureau, on the other hand, was slower, but their premiums stayed pretty steady year-to-year. If you're budget-conscious like me, that predictability can be a huge plus. I don't mind making a few extra calls or emails if it means saving a decent chunk of money each year. Plus, having a local agent who actually knows your name and situation can be reassuring when things go sideways.
One thing I'd suggest is checking into any discounts or bundles each company offers. When I bundled my car and home insurance, Farm Bureau ended up being significantly cheaper overall. But if you're someone who values quick turnaround and minimal hassle after an accident, State Farm might be worth the extra cost.
At the end of the day, you're right—insurance shopping is a drag. But once you pick one and get settled, you'll feel relieved. Just make sure you're comfortable with the trade-offs you're making. For me, predictable costs and a familiar face at the local office beat out slightly faster claims processing any day.
I've stuck with Farm Bureau for a few years now, mostly because of the stable rates. I had State Farm before, and yeah, the claims process was smooth, but those random rate jumps drove me nuts. With FB, I've noticed the local agents actually remember stuff we talked about months ago—small town vibes, I guess. Bundling saved me a decent chunk too, so definitely check that out if you haven't already.
"With FB, I've noticed the local agents actually remember stuff we talked about months ago—small town vibes, I guess."
Yeah, that's something I've noticed too. I switched from State Farm to Farm Bureau about two years ago, mainly because I got tired of those unexpected rate hikes. Don't get me wrong, State Farm was pretty solid when it came to claims—I had a minor fender-bender and they handled it quickly and professionally—but the unpredictability of their pricing drove me up the wall.
With Farm Bureau, it's been a different experience. My agent actually remembered that I mentioned my kid was starting to drive soon, and proactively suggested some discounts and safety programs. As someone who's pretty cautious behind the wheel (maybe overly so, according to my family...), I appreciated that extra attention to detail. Bundling home and auto definitely helped my wallet too.
Still, I'd say it depends on what you value more—stability in pricing or a super streamlined claims process. For me, consistency won out in the end.
I've noticed FB agents being pretty proactive too—mine even reminded me about updating coverage when I mentioned installing a dashcam. Curious if anyone's seen State Farm offer similar perks for safety tech like dashcams or lane-assist systems...?
