Farm Bureau Customer Care: How to Get Fast, Accurate Help
Contents
- 1 Understand the Farm Bureau structure before you call
- 2 Contact channels, typical hours, and what to expect
- 3 Filing a claim: step-by-step and realistic timelines
- 4 Billing, membership dues, and discounts
- 5 Catastrophe events and rural-specific support
- 6 Escalations, complaints, and regulatory oversight
Understand the Farm Bureau structure before you call
“Farm Bureau” is a federation model, not a single national insurer. The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) is an advocacy and membership organization founded in 1919, while insurance and financial services are provided by separate, state-based Farm Bureau companies. That means customer care, claims, billing, and benefits are handled at the state or regional level rather than by a single national call center.
In nine states (AZ, IA, KS, MN, ND, NE, NM, SD, UT), insurance and financial services are delivered by Farm Bureau Financial Services (fbfs.com) from its headquarters at 5400 University Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50266. Other states operate their own insurance companies and service centers. Contacting the correct state entity shortens hold times and speeds resolution, so start with your policy documents or ID cards to identify the exact company name printed on them.
Contact channels, typical hours, and what to expect
Your local agent is your fastest front door for non-emergency questions, endorsements, and billing help; most agent offices operate Monday–Friday, roughly 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. local time. Ask for same-day call-backs and document who you spoke with, the time, and any promised follow-up dates. If you have a time-sensitive issue (e.g., a binder for a real-estate closing), tell the receptionist the deadline up front so they can triage appropriately.
For losses, use your insurer’s 24/7 claims intake when available; it creates a claim number immediately and triggers adjuster assignment. Many Farm Bureau companies provide online service centers and mobile apps for ID cards, e-signatures, paperless billing, and claim photo uploads. Examples: fbfs.com (Account Access), ncfbins.com (North Carolina Farm Bureau Insurance), fbitn.com (Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee), gfbinsurance.com (Georgia Farm Bureau Insurance), and txfb-ins.com (Texas Farm Bureau Insurance). Off-peak calling—before 9:30 a.m. or after 3:30 p.m. local—often reduces queue times.
Key websites and headquarters you can rely on
Farm Bureau Financial Services (AZ, IA, KS, MN, ND, NE, NM, SD, UT): fbfs.com; headquarters at 5400 University Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50266. Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee: fbitn.com; Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation headquarters at 147 Bear Creek Pike, Columbia, TN 38401 (membership services at tnfarmbureau.org). Texas Farm Bureau Federation: texasfarmbureau.org; headquarters at 7420 Fish Pond Rd, Waco, TX 76710; Texas Farm Bureau Insurance: txfb-ins.com.
Farm Bureau Insurance of Michigan: farmbureauinsurance-mi.com; corporate offices at 7373 W Saginaw Hwy, Lansing, MI 48917. The American Farm Bureau Federation (advocacy, not claims): fb.org; headquarters at 600 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024. Verify local office addresses and hours on each site before visiting, as satellite offices and service centers can vary by county.
Filing a claim: step-by-step and realistic timelines
Report losses as soon as it’s safe—ideally within 24 hours for auto and property, and immediately for injuries or livestock mortality. You’ll receive a claim number and, in most cases, an adjuster assignment within 1 business day outside catastrophe periods. First contact typically includes verifying coverage, explaining your deductible, and scheduling inspection (in-person or virtual). In catastrophe responses, initial triage calls often occur within 24–72 hours, with field visits prioritized by severity.
Timelines depend on state law. As one example, Texas’ Prompt Payment of Claims Act generally requires acknowledgement within 15 calendar days of notice and a decision within 15 business days after receiving all requested items (with extensions up to 45 days in some cases). Other states follow similar but not identical rules. Expect auto physical damage inspections within 3–5 business days in non-catastrophe periods, and property inspections within 3–7 business days; parts backorders and contractor availability can extend repairs. Keep all receipts if you must make emergency repairs to prevent further damage.
- Have ready: policy number(s), claim type, date/time, and GPS or exact address of loss.
- Photos/video: 5–7 clear photos from multiple angles; for roofs, capture eave-to-ridge if safe; for autos, include VIN plate and odometer if relevant.
- Third parties: police report number (if issued), witness names, and contact info for injured parties.
- Property details: mortgagee/lienholder name and loan number; for farms, list damaged equipment, headcount for livestock losses, and any USDA/FSA documents tied to the loss.
- Vendors: your preferred shop or contractor (if any) and availability windows for inspections.
Billing, membership dues, and discounts
Farm Bureau membership dues (supporting the state Farm Bureau federation) are separate from insurance premiums, though membership is often required to be eligible for Farm Bureau-branded insurance. Dues are set by county/state and commonly range from approximately $20–$60 per year; check your state federation site (e.g., texasfarmbureau.org, gfb.org, tnfarmbureau.org) for the exact amount in your county. Premium billing frequency (monthly, quarterly, semiannual, annual) is chosen on your policy; changing it can affect installment fees.
Most insurers provide online account portals for one-time payments, AutoPay (ACH or card), paperless billing, and due-date reminders. Life insurance commonly has a 31-day grace period, while property/casualty policies may have shorter grace windows—review your declarations page for specifics to avoid unintended lapses. If a payment was returned, call immediately; some states permit same-day reinstatement upon payment and a no-loss statement, but that is policy- and state-specific.
Ask customer care about discounts you may qualify for: multi-policy (home/auto/farm), claims-free, telematics/safe driving programs, protective devices (monitored alarms), paid-in-full, and for farm risks, risk-management credits (e.g., certified chemical storage, fencing, or equipment safeguards). Confirm documentation requirements and effective dates, since discounts are typically not retroactive.
Catastrophe events and rural-specific support
During catastrophes (hail, wind, wildfire, flood), Farm Bureau companies often deploy mobile claims centers and additional adjusters to the affected counties. Expect abbreviated initial inspections focused on safety and scope, followed by supplements as contractor estimates arrive. If power/Internet is down, your agent’s office and mobile units can usually accept paper claims and issue advance payments for covered Additional Living Expense (ALE) or emergency farm repairs.
For rural operations, tell your adjuster about access constraints (gated entries, low bridges, unpaved roads) and biosecurity protocols. If cellular coverage is poor, ask for appointment windows and confirm whether photos can be texted or mailed on SD/USB. Keeping printed ID cards and a copy of your declarations page in your farm office or glovebox can save 15–20 minutes per call during outages.
Escalations, complaints, and regulatory oversight
If an issue stalls, escalate in stages. Start with your agent, then the claim adjuster’s supervisor or the local claims manager, then the insurer’s customer relations team. Provide a concise summary: dates, who said what, and the remedy you’re requesting (for example, “reinspect roof slopes N/E, review code upgrade coverage, and issue revised estimate”). Setting a reasonable response deadline—such as three business days—keeps the process moving.
Every state has an insurance department for unresolved disputes. If you need regulatory assistance, locate your state’s consumer division via the NAIC consumer site at content.naic.org/consumer. Filing a complaint typically requires your policy and claim numbers, correspondence, and estimates. Regulators can’t force coverage beyond the contract, but they can ensure timelines, communications, and claim handling standards are met.
- Escalation ladder: Agent → Assigned Adjuster → Adjuster’s Supervisor → Claims Manager/Customer Relations → State Insurance Department (consumer complaint).
- Documentation best practice: keep a dated log of calls/emails, save all estimates and photos, and confirm material decisions in writing within 24 hours.
Does farmers insurance have 24 hour customer service?
You can call Farmers at 1 (888) 327-6335. Customer service representatives are available Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CST, and they can assist you with things like getting a quote, billing information or making changes to your policy.
Is the Farm Bureau good at paying claims?
Here’s what to know when you compare car insurance quotes from Farm Bureau and other companies. Farm Bureau has an AM Best financial strength rating of A (Excellent), meaning the company is well-positioned to pay claims.
How do I check the status of my Farm Bureau claim?
To view your claim status and the contact information for your assigned adjuster, log in to your FBFS.com account and go to the claims overview. If you don’t have online account access, our easy registration process takes just a few minutes!
How do I contact the Farm Bureau?
If you need immediate assistance, please contact customer service support at 866-399-FBFS (3237).