Farmers Insurance Enters Connecticut Market

Los Angeles-based Farmers Insurance announced it will offer insurance and financial services to Connecticut consumers starting in January.

Farmers began a concerted effort in 2011 to expand its presence along the eastern seaboard. The national insurer opened new offices in Pennsylvania in the first part of that year, followed by New Jersey later in the year. In 2012, Farmers opened operations in Georgia and Maryland, and added the New York market in 2013. Connecticut is the 35th state in which it provides insurance through its exclusive agent distribution system.

Farmers said Connecticut offers a tradition of rate and loss history stability, an opportunity to further spread the company’s risk exposure and the ability to further leverage its national branding campaign.

Farmers said that, to date, the company’s eastern expansion efforts have resulted in the placement of some 800 new Agency Owners and generated some $250 million in additional premium for Farmers.

“In 2015 alone, we are looking to add 30 new Agency Owners in Connecticut with additional appointments in the succeeding years,” said Carl Hackling, head of exclusive agent distribution in the East Zone for Farmers Insurance.

The Farmers Insurance Group of Companies operates several insurance brands including Farmers Insurance, Foremost Insurance, 21st Century Insurance and the Bristol West Insurance Company.