
Auto insurance shopping shouldn’t feel like navigating a maze, yet many drivers still overpay by hundreds of dollars annually simply because they don’t understand their options. Toggle auto insurance promises a streamlined, digital-first approach to car coverage, but does it deliver on its promises? This comprehensive Toggle auto insurance review examines everything you need to know before making your decision.
The Reality Behind Rising Auto Insurance Costs
The average American driver now pays $2,399 annually for full coverage auto insurance, representing a significant increase from previous years. However, Toggle auto insurance customers face even steeper costs, with average annual premiums reaching $3,312 – that’s 38% higher than the national average.
Several factors drive these escalating insurance costs:
- Increased vehicle repair costs due to advanced technology
- Rising medical expenses from accident-related injuries
- More frequent severe weather events causing comprehensive claims
- Supply chain disruptions affecting parts availability
Understanding these market dynamics helps explain why choosing the right insurer matters more than ever for your wallet.
Toggle Auto Insurance: The Complete Breakdown
Company Background and Availability
Toggle represents Farmers Insurance’s latest venture into digital-first insurance, specifically targeting younger, tech-savvy consumers who prefer online interactions over traditional agent relationships. Originally known as 21st Century Insurance, many existing customers were migrated to the Toggle brand as part of this digital transformation.
Current Availability: Toggle auto insurance operates in just 14 states:
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Missouri
- Ohio
- Oregon
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Virginia
- Wisconsin
Important Update: According to recent industry reports, Farmers Insurance is in the process of shutting down the Toggle brand, with the company working to help affected customers transition to other coverage options. This development significantly impacts the long-term viability of choosing Toggle for new customers.
Toggle Auto Insurance Coverage Options
Toggle offers standard auto insurance coverage with some unique add-ons that set it apart from traditional insurers:
Standard Coverage:
- Bodily injury and property damage liability
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist protection
- Collision coverage
- Comprehensive coverage
- Roadside assistance (included with all policies)
- Rental car reimbursement
Unique Add-On Options:
- Pet Passenger Insurance: Up to $1,000 coverage for veterinary expenses if your pet is injured during a covered accident
- Side Hustle Auto: Extended coverage for rideshare driving or food delivery work
- Temporary Ride Coverage: Daily stipend ($30-$50) for alternative transportation during repairs
- New Car Replacement: Full replacement value for vehicles under 2 years old with fewer than 24,000 miles
Notable Limitations: Toggle does not offer:
- Non-owner insurance policies
- SR-22 filings for high-risk drivers
- Dedicated rideshare coverage (though Side Hustle Auto provides some protection)
Toggle Auto Insurance Pricing Analysis
Average Annual Premiums:
- Full Coverage: $3,312 (38% above national average)
- Minimum Coverage: $1,524 (140% above national average of $635)
Regional Example: A sample quote for Bakersfield, California showed an annual premium of $3,280, slightly below Toggle’s national average but still significantly higher than many competitors.
Rate Comparison Table
Company | Average Annual Premium (Full Coverage) | Average Annual Premium (Minimum Coverage) |
National Average | $2,399 | $635 |
Toggle | $3,312 | $1,524 |
USAA | $1,407 | $417 |
GEICO | $1,731 | $517 |
Progressive | $1,960 | $638 |
State Farm | $2,167 | $674 |
Allstate | $2,605 | $840 |
Farmers (Toggle’s Parent) | $2,979 | $1,002 |
Data reflects industry averages and may vary based on individual circumstances
How Toggle Auto Insurance Rates Compare
What Affects Your Toggle Insurance Rates
Multiple factors influence your Toggle auto insurance premium:
Driver-Related Factors:
- Age and driving experience
- Driving record and claims history
- Credit score (in states where permitted)
- Annual mileage
Vehicle-Related Factors:
- Make, model, and year
- Safety features and anti-theft devices
- Vehicle value and repair costs
Location-Based Factors:
- State insurance requirements
- Local crime rates
- Weather-related risks
- Population density
Available Discounts and Savings
Toggle offers several discount opportunities:
Automatic Discounts Applied:
- Superior driver discount
- Good driver discount
- Anti-theft system discount
Additional Available Discounts:
- Homeowner discount
- Multi-policy bundling (auto + renters)
- Automatic Emergency Braking system discount
- Paperless billing discount
- Pay-in-full discount
Real Customer Experience: During our quote process, Toggle automatically applied three discounts totaling significant savings, though the final premium remained above industry averages.
Toggle Auto Insurance Customer Experience
Digital-First Approach: Pros and Cons
Strengths:
- Lightning-fast online quote process (completed in under 2 minutes)
- 24/7 policy management through website
- Streamlined claims filing process
- No need to coordinate agent schedules
Weaknesses:
- No mobile app available
- Limited phone support hours (9 AM – 10 PM ET weekdays, 10 AM – 9 PM ET Saturdays)
- No face-to-face interaction option
- Minimal educational content on website
Customer Satisfaction Data
NAIC Complaint Index: 1.92 (nearly double the expected complaints for a company of Toggle’s size)
Financial Strength Ratings:
- AM Best Rating: A (Excellent)
- Backed by Farmers Insurance’s financial stability
Customer Feedback Analysis: Based on analysis of approximately 1,000 customer reviews:
Top Positive Themes:
- Competitive rates for drivers with good credit
- Fast, entirely digital experience
- Customizable policy options with unique add-ons
Top Negative Themes:
- Extended customer service hold times
- Policy management difficulties
- Unexpected premium increases at renewal
Claims Experience
Filing Options:
- Online claims portal
- Phone: (855) 864-1530
- Email form submission
- Live chat support
Claims Performance: While Toggle itself is too new for independent claims satisfaction studies, parent company Farmers scored 706 out of 1,000 in J.D. Power’s 2024 Claims Satisfaction Study (above the 697 industry average).
Typical Timeline:
- Simple property damage claims: 3-7 days
- Complex injury claims: Several weeks to months
- Claims representatives contact customers within 24-48 hours of filing
Critical Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Toggle
1. Ignoring the Brand Transition
With Farmers shutting down the Toggle brand, new customers risk policy disruption and forced transitions to different insurers.
2. Assuming Digital Means Cheaper
Toggle’s digital-first approach doesn’t translate to lower premiums – their rates consistently exceed national averages.
3. Overlooking Coverage Gaps
Toggle doesn’t offer SR-22 filings or comprehensive rideshare coverage, which could be deal-breakers for some drivers.
4. Not Comparing Alternatives
Given Toggle’s higher-than-average rates, failing to compare alternatives could cost hundreds annually.
5. Expecting Traditional Agent Support
Customers comfortable only with in-person service will find Toggle’s digital-only approach frustrating.
Toggle Auto Insurance Alternatives to Consider
For Digital-Native Customers:
- GEICO: Lower rates with strong digital tools
- Progressive: Competitive pricing with robust online features
For Traditional Service Preferences:
- State Farm: Extensive agent network with competitive rates
- Farmers: Toggle’s parent company offers similar coverage with agent support
For Military Families:
- USAA: Significantly lower rates (when eligible)
For Budget-Conscious Drivers:
- GEICO: Consistently lower rates across most demographics
- Progressive: Competitive pricing with name your price tool
Expert Tips for Lowering Your Auto Insurance Costs
1. Bundle Strategically
While Toggle offers bundling discounts, compare the bundled price against separate policies from different insurers.
2. Optimize Your Deductibles
Higher deductibles can significantly reduce premiums, but ensure you can afford the out-of-pocket expense.
3. Maintain Good Credit
In states where permitted, credit scores heavily influence insurance rates.
4. Consider Usage-Based Insurance
If you’re a safe driver, telematics programs from other insurers might offer better savings than Toggle’s standard discounts.
5. Review Coverage Annually
Insurance needs change, and rates fluctuate – annual reviews ensure optimal coverage and pricing.
READ ALSO: American Farmers & Ranchers Auto Insurance Review: Is This Oklahoma-Based Insurer Right for You?
The Bottom Line: Is Toggle Auto Insurance Right for You?
Toggle auto insurance appeals to a specific customer profile but comes with significant limitations that potential buyers must carefully consider.
Toggle Works Best For:
- Tech-savvy drivers comfortable with digital-only service
- Customers wanting unique coverage options (pet protection, side hustle coverage)
- Those who value policy customization over cost savings
Toggle May Not Suit:
- Price-sensitive customers (rates are 38% above national average)
- Drivers needing SR-22 filings or comprehensive rideshare coverage
- Customers preferring traditional agent relationships
- Anyone concerned about the brand’s uncertain future
Toggle Auto Insurance Review: Final Rating
Overall Score: 2.5/5 Stars
- Coverage Options: 4/5 (Innovative add-ons offset by gaps in specialized coverage)
- Pricing: 2/5 (Significantly above average rates)
- Customer Service: 2/5 (Digital-only approach with mixed satisfaction)
- Claims Handling: 3/5 (Benefits from Farmers’ experience but limited Toggle-specific data)
- Digital Experience: 4/5 (Fast quotes and online management)
Recommendation: While Toggle offers innovative coverage options and a streamlined digital experience, the combination of above-average pricing and brand uncertainty makes it difficult to recommend for most drivers. The pending shutdown of the Toggle brand adds another layer of concern for potential customers. Before committing to any auto insurance policy, compare quotes from multiple insurers. Rates change daily, and what works for one driver may not work for another. Take advantage of online comparison tools to see what you qualify for today; your wallet will thank you.
FAQ About Toggle Auto Insurance
Is Toggle auto insurance legitimate?
Yes, Toggle is backed by Farmers Insurance, a well-established company with an A rating from AM Best. However, Farmers is currently shutting down the Toggle brand.
Why is Toggle auto insurance so expensive?
Toggle’s rates average 38% higher than the national average, likely due to their target demographic and business model focusing on customizable coverage rather than competitive pricing.
Does Toggle offer good customer service?
Toggle’s customer service receives mixed reviews, with a NAIC complaint ratio of 1.92 (nearly double expected levels). The digital-first approach doesn’t suit all customers.
Can I get an SR-22 from Toggle?
No, Toggle does not file SR-22 forms, which are required for certain driving violations. You’ll need to find alternative coverage if you need an SR-22.
Does Toggle cover rideshare driving?
Toggle offers “Side Hustle Auto” coverage that may provide some rideshare protection, but it’s not as comprehensive as dedicated rideshare policies from other insurers.
How quickly can I get a Toggle quote?
Toggle’s online quote process typically takes under 2 minutes, making it one of the fastest in the industry.
What states does Toggle operate in?
Toggle currently operates in 14 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Is Toggle shutting down?
Yes, Farmers Insurance has announced plans to shut down the Toggle brand, though timelines vary by state. Existing customers are being transitioned to other coverage options.
What makes Toggle different from regular Farmers insurance?
Toggle targets younger, digital-native customers with online-only service and unique coverage add-ons like pet protection and side hustle coverage.
Should I switch to Toggle from my current insurer?
Given Toggle’s higher-than-average rates and uncertain future due to the brand shutdown, most drivers would benefit more from comparing quotes with established insurers like GEICO, Progressive, or State Farm.
Remember: This review is based on publicly available information and industry data. Individual experiences may vary, and rates depend on numerous personal factors. Always verify current offerings and pricing directly with insurers before making decisions.