Cincinnati Insurance vs Farmers: Homeowners Insurance Coverage Comparison
A coverage-first, independent comparison of Cincinnati Insurance and Farmers — based on public policy forms and carrier disclosures, not premiums or marketing. Coverage details vary by state and change frequently; confirm at bind.
Information reflects public sources as of January 2025.
At-a-glance comparison
| Coverage feature | Cincinnati Insurance | Farmers |
|---|---|---|
| Carrier structure | Stock | Reciprocal |
| Distribution | Independent agents | Captive agents |
| AM Best rating | A+ | A |
| States written | Most U.S. states | Farmers writes in most U.S. states; availability and product tier vary. |
| Policy form | Proprietary form | Proprietary form |
| Roof settlement (default) | Varies by state | Varies by state |
| Wind/hail deductible | Varies by state | Varies by state |
| Water backup | Available as endorsement | Varies by state/program |
| Ordinance or law | Included (standard) | Included (standard) |
| Service line | Available as endorsement | Available as endorsement |
| Equipment breakdown | Available as endorsement | Available as endorsement |
| Extended replacement cost | Available as endorsement | Available as endorsement |
| Guaranteed replacement cost | Available as endorsement | Available as endorsement |
| Online quote | ||
| Mobile claims app |
Coverage breakdown
Policy form
Cincinnati Insurance: Proprietary form
Farmers: Farmers offers tiered homeowners products (Standard, Enhanced, Premier) with different included coverages.
Why it matters: the policy form is the contract. Two carriers can both call a product "homeowners insurance" and have meaningfully different definitions of "covered peril," "actual cash value," and how losses are settled.
Roof settlement
Cincinnati Insurance: Settlement basis varies by state and form. Confirm at bind.
Farmers: Roof settlement basis depends on product tier and state. The higher-tier products may include broader roof coverage. Confirm at bind.
Why it matters: on a 15-year-old asphalt roof, an ACV or schedule-by-age settlement can leave the homeowner with five-figure out-of-pocket costs after a hailstorm. Read more about RCV vs ACV.
Wind / hail deductible
Cincinnati Insurance: Varies by state and program.
Farmers: Varies by state and program.
Why it matters: percentage deductibles (1%–5% of Coverage A) are common in hail- and hurricane-prone states. On a $500,000 dwelling, a 2% wind/hail deductible is $10,000 — the first $10,000 of any wind or hail loss.
Water backup
Cincinnati Insurance: Available as endorsement
Farmers: Included in some higher-tier products; available as an endorsement on standard products.
Ordinance or law
Cincinnati Insurance: Included (standard)
Farmers: Included (standard)
Which policy fits which homeowner
We don't rank carriers. The right choice depends on your home, your roof, your state, and the specific endorsements you add. A few coverage-driven considerations:
- If you have a roof over 10 years old, the roof settlement basis matters more than the premium difference.
- If you live in a hail- or hurricane-prone state, check the wind/hail deductible structure on both quotes.
- If your home was built before 1990, default 10% ordinance or law coverage is often insufficient — ask about higher limits.
- If you have a finished basement, sump pump, or septic, water backup coverage is worth pricing on both quotes.
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Get a quoteFAQs
Is Cincinnati Insurance or Farmers better for homeowners insurance?
Neither carrier is universally "better." The right policy depends on your home's age, your roof, your state, and the specific endorsements you add. Cincinnati Insurance uses proprietary form; Farmers uses proprietary form. Compare them on roof settlement basis, wind/hail deductible, water backup, and ordinance or law — not just premium.
What's the main coverage difference between Cincinnati Insurance and Farmers?
The biggest practical differences are usually (1) how roof losses are settled (replacement cost vs actual cash value vs payment schedule by age), (2) whether wind/hail uses a flat or percentage deductible, and (3) which endorsements are included by default vs sold as add-ons. Cincinnati Insurance offers as an endorsement water backup; Farmers offers as an endorsement it.
Does Cincinnati Insurance or Farmers cover roof replacement?
Both carriers cover roof damage from covered perils, but the settlement basis varies by state and program. Settlement basis varies by state and form. Confirm at bind. Roof settlement basis depends on product tier and state. The higher-tier products may include broader roof coverage. Confirm at bind.
Is Cincinnati Insurance or Farmers cheaper?
We don't quote premiums on this page because they vary dramatically by state, home characteristics, prior claims, and credit. The more useful question is which policy actually pays out the way you expect after a claim — which is what coverage form differences determine.
Is Cincinnati Insurance a good company?
Cincinnati Insurance holds an AM Best rating of A+ and has a limited footprint. Financial strength matters, but coverage quality and claims experience matter more at claim time. Read the actual policy form and endorsement list before binding.
Sources & methodology
Coverage details above are drawn from the carriers' public-facing product disclosures and policy summaries. Policy forms, endorsements, and roof settlement schedules vary by state and change frequently. The summaries here are not policy advice and are not a substitute for reading the actual policy you are offered.
The Cincinnati Insurance Company and Farmers Insurance Exchange are trademarks of their respective owners. RateMyPolicy is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by either carrier listed on this page. This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute insurance advice. Coverage terms are governed by the actual policy issued.