--- title: "Garfield Farm Mutual Insurance Association Review [Updated 2026]" description: "Garfield Farm Mutual Insurance Association, founded in 1896, is a member-owned Texas insurer specializing in fire and extended coverage for farms and homes. This review examines their limited product offerings, regulatory structure, and sparse customer feedback." canonical: "https://www.coveragecat.com/reviews/garfield-farm" last-updated: "2026-08-13" --- # Garfield Farm Mutual Insurance Association Review [Updated 2026] ## Introduction to Garfield Farm Mutual Insurance Association Garfield Farm Mutual Insurance Association ranks among Texas's oldest insurers. According to the company, it was founded March 9, 1896 by farmers in the Garfield community near Yorktown, Texas, and has served rural property owners for more than a century [(Garfield Farm Mutual Insurance Association, "Our History", 2026)](https://garfieldins.com/about-us/). ZoomInfo confirms the company has over 128 years of experience in the insurance sector [(ZoomInfo, "Garfield Farm Mutual Insurance Association - Overview, News & Similar companies", 2025)](https://www.zoominfo.com/c/garfield-farm-mutual-insurance-association/344893029). The company states that it operates as a member-owned mutual insurer, with policyholders automatically becoming members who participate in Board of Directors elections. Operations fall under Chapter 911 of the Texas Insurance Code [(Garfield Farm Mutual Insurance Association, "Our History", 2026)](https://garfieldins.com/about-us/). Crunchbase lists the company as an insurance provider based in Karnes City, Texas [(Crunchbase, "Garfield Farm Mutual Insurance Association - Company Profile", 2026)](https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/garfield-farm-mutual-insurance-association). With an estimated 1-10 employees, Garfield Farm Mutual remains a small, focused operation [(ZoomInfo, "Garfield Farm Mutual Insurance Association - Overview, News & Similar companies", 2025)](https://www.zoominfo.com/c/garfield-farm-mutual-insurance-association/344893029). The company's headquarters sits at 919 S Panna Maria Ave in Karnes City, Texas [(Garfield Farm Mutual Insurance Association, "Buy Products", 2024)](https://garfieldins.com/products/). Karl Arnst serves as Chief Executive Officer, a role he has held since October 2022 after serving as Chief Operating Officer from March 2017 [(LinkedIn, "Karl Arnst - Chief Executive Officer", 2024)](https://www.linkedin.com/in/karl-arnst-7182a154/). ## Company History and Background The company traces its origins to a time when Texas farmers needed affordable insurance protection. According to its website, the association was incorporated August 3, 1907, and conducted business in German until 1939 [(Garfield Farm Mutual Insurance Association, "Our History", 2026)](https://garfieldins.com/about-us/). Multiple sources confirm the company was founded in 1896 [(Salary.com, "Garfield Farm Mutual Insurance Association Overview", 2024)](https://www.salary.com/research/company/garfield-farm-mutual-insurance-association-overview). In 1994, Garfield Farm Mutual merged with Texas Farm Mutual of Runnels County [(Garfield Farm Mutual Insurance Association, "Our History", 2026)](https://garfieldins.com/about-us/). This consolidation allowed the company to extend its reach to additional rural communities across Texas. The company claims to maintain reinsurance agreements with reinsurers who carry "A" ratings from A.M. Best, which it states provides added safety and stability for policyholders [Ibid.](https://garfieldins.com/about-us/). However, the company itself does not appear to have a published A.M. Best rating. According to Weiss Ratings, the company holds a C- (Fair) safety rating with strong long-term capitalization index (7.5) based on excellent risk adjusted capital, though it faces stability concerns related to limited diversification [(Weiss Ratings, "Summary - Garfield Farm Mutual Ins Assn", 2025)](https://weissratings.com/en/insurer/P17737). **Important Note**: A separate entity called Garfield Casualty Company was incorporated in 1923 and later became Twentieth Century Life Company in 1927 before adopting the Old Republic name [(Funding Universe, "History of Old Republic International Corporation", 2026)](https://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/old-republic-international-corporation-history/). Old Republic International Corporation is now a Fortune 500 specialty insurer [(Old Republic International Corporation, "Home", 2026)](https://www.oldrepublic.com/). This is a completely different company from the Texas-based Garfield Farm Mutual Insurance Association. ## What Kinds of Insurance Does Garfield Farm Mutual Offer? Garfield Farm Mutual offers a limited selection of property insurance products. The company specializes in fire and extended coverage policies for home and farm insurance needs [(LinkedIn, "Karl Arnst - Chief Executive Officer", 2024)](https://www.linkedin.com/in/karl-arnst-7182a154/). According to the company's website, it provides [homeowners insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/homeowners-insurance) and farm insurance packages. Products include owner-occupied dwellings, rental property, dwelling contents for owners and renters, and weekend properties [(Garfield Farm Mutual Insurance Association, "Buy Products", 2024)](https://garfieldins.com/products/). Farm and ranch buildings coverage protects barns, storage sheds, and maintenance buildings. The company insures manufactured homes only if under 15 years of age [Ibid.](https://garfieldins.com/products/). As a Texas farm mutual insurer operating under Chapter 911 of the Texas Insurance Code, the company faces specific regulatory restrictions. Farm mutual insurance companies are organized on the mutual or cooperative plan to insure loss or damage to property by fire or other hazards. They are prohibited specifically from writing insurance to cover the third-party liability of an insured [(Independent Insurance Agents of Texas, "Types of Insurers", 2021)](https://www.iiat.org/agency-operations/insurance-laws-regulations/insurance-laws-regulations-most-referenced/types-of-insurers). This restriction prevents Garfield Farm Mutual from offering [auto insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/car-insurance), [umbrella insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/umbrella-insurance), or general liability coverage. The majority of insurance in force must be written on "rural" property for farm mutuals to maintain their designation [(Texas Legislature, "INSURANCE CODE CHAPTER 911. FARM MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANIES", 2026)](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/docs/IN/htm/IN.911.htm). ## Does Garfield Farm Mutual Sell Homeowners and Farm Insurance? ### Homeowners Insurance Garfield Farm Mutual claims to help create home and farm insurance packages, offering fire and extended coverage policies [(Garfield Farm Mutual Insurance Association, "Buy Products", 2024)](https://garfieldins.com/products/). The company's [homeowners insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/homeowners-insurance) focuses on property damage protection rather than comprehensive liability coverage. Specific coverage limits and available endorsements do not appear in the company's public-facing materials. Interested homeowners must contact the company or one of its agents for detailed policy information. ### Farm Insurance Farm insurance represents a core product for Garfield Farm Mutual. The company claims to have served agricultural property owners since its 1896 founding [(Ibid., "Our History", 2026)](https://garfieldins.com/about-us/). Farm policies protect barns, equipment buildings, and other structures from fire and related perils. According to Weiss Ratings, fire insurance accounts for 100% of the company's principal lines of business [(Weiss Ratings, "Summary - Garfield Farm Mutual Ins Assn", 2025)](https://weissratings.com/en/insurer/P17737). This specialized focus reflects the company's historical mission and regulatory framework. ### Additional Property Types The company states it offers policies covering insurable properties such as dwellings, manufactured homes, weekend and rental properties, and farm equipment [(Garfield Farm Mutual Insurance Association, "Buy Products", 2024)](https://garfieldins.com/products/): - **Rental Properties**: Coverage for landlords who own rural rental homes - **Vacant Dwellings**: Protection for unoccupied structures - **Seasonal Homes**: Insurance for properties used part-time - **Manufactured Homes**: Coverage for mobile and modular homes under 15 years of age These offerings address common needs in rural Texas communities where traditional insurers may be less active. | Property Type | Coverage Available | Notable Restrictions | |--------------|-------------------|---------------------| | Owner-Occupied Dwellings | Fire and extended coverage | Rural property requirement | | Rental Properties | Fire and extended coverage | Must meet rural designation | | Manufactured Homes | Fire and extended coverage | Maximum age: 15 years | | Farm Buildings | Fire and extended coverage | Barns, storage sheds, maintenance buildings | | Weekend/Seasonal Homes | Fire and extended coverage | Rural locations only | | Vacant Dwellings | Fire and extended coverage | Specialized underwriting | ## How Does Garfield Farm Mutual Work? ### Distribution Model Garfield Farm Mutual states that policies are written by captive agents, independent agents, and home office staff [(Ibid., "Our History", 2026)](https://garfieldins.com/about-us/). The company maintains a network of independent agents throughout Texas. Agent locations include Temple, Three Rivers, George West, Hebbronville, Winnsboro, Corsicana, Henderson, Castroville, and Devine, among other cities [(Garfield Farm Mutual Insurance Association, "Get an Agent", 2024)](https://garfieldins.com/find-an-agent/). ### Getting a Quote Prospective customers can contact the Karnes City office at (830) 780-2444 [(ZoomInfo, "Garfield Farm Mutual Insurance Association - Overview, News & Similar companies", 2025)](https://www.zoominfo.com/c/garfield-farm-mutual-insurance-association/344893029) or reach out to an independent agent. The company does not appear to offer online quote tools or digital policy purchasing options. ### Membership Structure According to the company, purchasing a policy grants automatic membership in the association. This structure gives policyholders a stake in the company's performance and lets them participate in Board of Directors elections [(Garfield Farm Mutual Insurance Association, "Our History", 2026)](https://garfieldins.com/about-us/). As a farm mutual, the company may be assessable [(Independent Insurance Agents of Texas, "Types of Insurers", 2021)](https://www.iiat.org/agency-operations/insurance-laws-regulations/insurance-laws-regulations-most-referenced/types-of-insurers). Under certain circumstances, the company could assess additional premiums from members to cover claims or operational needs. ### Regulatory Framework Under Texas law, provisions of the insurance code, other than Chapter 911, do not apply to farm mutual insurance companies unless farm mutuals are expressly mentioned [(Texas Legislature, "INSURANCE CODE CHAPTER 911. FARM MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANIES", 2026)](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/docs/IN/htm/IN.911.htm). Farm mutuals are free from rate and form regulation, but policyholders receive protection through the guaranty fund in the event of insolvency [(Independent Insurance Agents of Texas, "Types of Insurers", 2021)](https://www.iiat.org/agency-operations/insurance-laws-regulations/insurance-laws-regulations-most-referenced/types-of-insurers). Texas law requires that control of farm mutual companies be vested in members through an elected governing body, with directors required to be policyholders maintaining at least $3,000 in coverage written by the company [(Texas Legislature, "INSURANCE CODE CHAPTER 911. FARM MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANIES", 2026)](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/docs/IN/htm/IN.911.htm). ## Claims Process According to its website, Garfield Farm Mutual assigns independent adjusters to estimate losses when policyholders file claims. The company emphasizes that adjusters are not company employees [(Garfield Farm Mutual Insurance Association, "Process", 2024)](https://garfieldins.com/claims-process/). The company describes its claims process as follows: 1. **Report the Claim**: Contact the company to report damage or loss 2. **Adjuster Assignment**: The company assigns an independent adjuster within 48 hours [Ibid.](https://garfieldins.com/claims-process/) 3. **Appointment**: The adjuster calls to schedule an inspection appointment 4. **Loss Assessment**: The adjuster inspects the property and estimates damage 5. **Proof of Loss**: The company mails a proof of loss statement with the adjuster's estimate [Ibid.](https://garfieldins.com/claims-process/) 6. **Payment**: The company issues payment for replacement cost minus depreciation and deductible [Ibid.](https://garfieldins.com/claims-process/) The company states it works with policyholders to reach agreed settlements [Ibid.](https://garfieldins.com/claims-process/). The company also provides guidance on selecting repair contractors, warning policyholders about out-of-town storm chasers, and explains that public adjusters charge fees deducted from settlements and cannot provide legal advice [(Garfield Farm Mutual Insurance Association, "Claims Details", 2024)](https://garfieldins.com/important-claims-information/). An appraisal process is available if parties cannot agree on settlement amounts [Ibid.](https://garfieldins.com/important-claims-information/). One customer review from 2017 raised concerns about claim handling practices, stating the company does not want to pay out claims [(YellowPages, "Garfield Farm Mutual Insurance", 2017)](https://www.yellowpages.com/karnes-city-tx/mip/garfield-farm-mutual-insurance-4994600). ## Pros and Cons

Pros

Cons

## Ratings and Customer Feedback Garfield Farm Mutual has extremely limited public ratings and reviews. The small company size and local focus result in minimal online presence across major review platforms. | Source | Rating | Notes | |--------|--------|-------| | Weiss Ratings | C- (Fair) | Strong capitalization (7.5) and excellent liquidity (7.7), but stability concerns including limited diversification and reinsurer financial strength concerns [(Weiss Ratings, "Summary - Garfield Farm Mutual Ins Assn", 2025)](https://weissratings.com/en/insurer/P17737) | | A.M. Best | Not Rated | Company maintains reinsurance agreements with reinsurers who maintain an "A" rating with A.M. Best, but the company itself does not carry a published rating [(Garfield Farm Mutual Insurance Association, "Our History", 2026)](https://garfieldins.com/about-us/) | | Demotech | Not Rated | No Financial Stability Rating found for this company | | NAIC Complaint Index | Not Available | No complaint index data located for this small farm mutual insurer | | Yelp | No Reviews | Yelp users haven't asked any questions yet about Garfield Farm Mutual Insurance Association [(Yelp, "Garfield Farm Mutual Insurance Association", 2026)](https://www.yelp.com/biz/garfield-farm-mutual-insurance-association-karnes-city) | | Google Maps Reviews | Not Available | No comprehensive review data located | | Trustpilot | Not Rated | No profile found | | BBB | Not Rated | No BBB profile found for this company | | Trusted Choice | Not Rated | No profile found | | Yellow Pages | 1 out of 5 stars | Rated 1 star on YP based on a single review from December 2017 [(YellowPages, "Garfield Farm Mutual Insurance", 2017)](https://www.yellowpages.com/karnes-city-tx/mip/garfield-farm-mutual-insurance-4994600) | The limited review data prevents comprehensive assessment of customer satisfaction. The company's small size and local market focus likely contribute to its minimal online review footprint. | Financial Metric | Rating/Value | Source | |-----------------|--------------|--------| | Weiss Safety Rating | C- (Fair) | Weiss Ratings, 2025 | | Capitalization Index | 7.5 (Strong) | Weiss Ratings, 2025 | | Liquidity Index | 7.7 (Excellent) | Weiss Ratings, 2025 | | Stability Index | 1.5 (Weak) | Weiss Ratings, 2025 | | Premium to Surplus Ratio | 30% | Weiss Ratings, 2025 | | Combined Ratio | 100% | Weiss Ratings, 2025 | | Investment in Common Stock | 62.3% | Weiss Ratings, 2025 | | Investment Grade Bonds | 25.1% | Weiss Ratings, 2025 | ## Real Customer Reviews Due to the extremely limited number of public customer reviews, only a few specific reviews could be located:

"This insurance company sucks. They will take your money and don't want to pay out."

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆

Source: YellowPages, Roger R., December 2017

Context: Customer expressed frustration with claims payment and service

"Save your money and go with someone else that will help you in hard times."

Rating: Negative

Source: YellowPages, 2017

Context: Part of the same review expressing dissatisfaction with claims handling

### Positive Testimonials (Company Website) The company's website features positive testimonials, though these cannot be independently verified:

"Thank you for your professionalism. I will recommend Garfield Farm Mutual to my friends and clients."

Rating: Positive

Source: Garfield Farm Mutual Insurance Association website, Bryan F., 2024

Context: Testimonial displayed on company homepage

"I am really happy with Garfield Insurance and agent Russell Buesing for the fantastic service provided."

Rating: Positive

Source: Garfield Farm Mutual Insurance Association website, Alton D., 2024

Context: Testimonial displayed on company homepage

The sparse customer feedback represents a significant information gap for potential policyholders. Prospective customers should request references or speak with current policyholders before purchasing a policy. ## Get Customer Support or File a Claim ### Contact Information **Main Office:** - Address: 919 S Panna Maria Ave, Karnes City, TX - Phone: (830) 780-2444 - Fax: (830) 780-2027 - Email: info@garfieldins.com [(ZoomInfo, "Garfield Farm Mutual Insurance Association - Overview, News & Similar companies", 2025)](https://www.zoominfo.com/c/garfield-farm-mutual-insurance-association/344893029) ### Business Hours The company maintains regular weekday hours. Sources provide conflicting information: The agency lists its weekday hours as 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. [(Garfield Farm Mutual Insurance, "Contact Information", 2026)](https://www.garfieldins.com/contact) Customers should call ahead to confirm current operating hours. ### Agent Network For local service, policyholders can contact one of the company's independent agents located throughout Texas [(Garfield Farm Mutual Insurance Association, "Get an Agent", 2024)](https://garfieldins.com/find-an-agent/). The company website provides a directory of agent locations. ## Frequently Asked Questions **What states does Garfield Farm Mutual Insurance serve?** The company operates exclusively in Texas. As a Texas farm mutual insurer chartered under Chapter 911 of the Texas Insurance Code, it focuses on rural properties within the state [(Texas Legislature, "INSURANCE CODE CHAPTER 911. FARM MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANIES", 2026)](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/docs/IN/htm/IN.911.htm). **Does Garfield Farm Mutual offer auto insurance?** No. Texas farm mutual insurers are prohibited specifically from writing insurance to cover the third-party liability of an insured [(Independent Insurance Agents of Texas, "Types of Insurers", 2021)](https://www.iiat.org/agency-operations/insurance-laws-regulations/insurance-laws-regulations-most-referenced/types-of-insurers). This restriction prevents Garfield Farm Mutual from offering [auto insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/car-insurance), [umbrella insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/umbrella-insurance), or general liability products. **Can I get an online quote from Garfield Farm Mutual?** The company does not appear to offer online quote tools. Prospective customers must contact the Karnes City office at (830) 780-2444 or reach out to an independent agent for quotes [(ZoomInfo, "Garfield Farm Mutual Insurance Association - Overview, News & Similar companies", 2025)](https://www.zoominfo.com/c/garfield-farm-mutual-insurance-association/344893029). **What does "assessable" mean for this company?** Farm mutuals may be assessable [(Independent Insurance Agents of Texas, "Types of Insurers", 2021)](https://www.iiat.org/agency-operations/insurance-laws-regulations/insurance-laws-regulations-most-referenced/types-of-insurers). Under certain financial circumstances, the company could assess additional premiums from members to cover claims or operational costs beyond initial premium payments. **Is my policy protected if the company becomes insolvent?** Yes. Despite exemptions from many standard insurance regulations, farm mutuals are free from rate and form regulation, but policyholders are protected by the guaranty fund in the event of insolvency [Ibid.](https://www.iiat.org/agency-operations/insurance-laws-regulations/insurance-laws-regulations-most-referenced/types-of-insurers). **How long does the claims process take?** According to the company, an adjuster calls within 48 hours to schedule an appointment [(Garfield Farm Mutual Insurance Association, "Process", 2024)](https://garfieldins.com/claims-process/). Total claim resolution time depends on loss complexity and agreement between the policyholder and company. **Does Garfield Farm Mutual have an A.M. Best rating?** The company itself does not appear to have a published A.M. Best financial strength rating. However, it claims to maintain reinsurance agreements with reinsurers who maintain an "A" rating with A.M. Best [(Ibid., "Our History", 2026)](https://garfieldins.com/about-us/). The company does have a C- (Fair) rating from Weiss Ratings [(Weiss Ratings, "Summary - Garfield Farm Mutual Ins Assn", 2025)](https://weissratings.com/en/insurer/P17737). **What is the difference between Garfield Farm Mutual and Garfield Casualty Company?** These are completely separate companies. The first company in the Old Republic International family was incorporated under the name Garfield Casualty Company in 1923 [(Funding Universe, "History of Old Republic International Corporation", 2026)](https://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/old-republic-international-corporation-history/). Old Republic International Corporation, founded in 1923 and a Fortune 500 member, is a leader in underwriting and risk management services [(Old Republic International Corporation, "Home", 2026)](https://www.oldrepublic.com/). Garfield Farm Mutual Insurance Association is an independent Texas farm mutual insurer founded in 1896. **Can I manage my policy online?** The company's website does not indicate online policy management capabilities. Policyholders likely need to contact the office or their agent for policy changes and account management. **What types of properties qualify as "rural" for this insurer?** The majority of insurance in force must be written on "rural" property for farm mutual designation [(Independent Insurance Agents of Texas, "Types of Insurers", 2021)](https://www.iiat.org/agency-operations/insurance-laws-regulations/insurance-laws-regulations-most-referenced/types-of-insurers). Specific definitions vary, but this typically includes agricultural properties, homes outside city limits, and properties in low-density areas. Contact the company to determine if a specific property qualifies. **Is Garfield Farm good insurance for rural Texas properties?** Garfield Farm Mutual Insurance reviews suggest the company serves a specific niche of rural Texas property owners. According to Weiss Ratings, the company maintains strong capitalization and excellent liquidity, though stability concerns exist [(Weiss Ratings, "Summary - Garfield Farm Mutual Ins Assn", 2025)](https://weissratings.com/en/insurer/P17737). The limited customer review data prevents definitive conclusions about service quality. Prospective policyholders should speak with current members and compare multiple quotes before deciding. --- **Final Thoughts** Garfield Farm Mutual Insurance Association represents a small, specialized insurer with a long Texas history spanning over 130 years. The company serves a niche market of rural property owners who may struggle to find coverage from larger carriers. According to Weiss Ratings, the company demonstrates strong capitalization and excellent liquidity, which supports its financial ability to pay claims [Ibid.](https://weissratings.com/en/insurer/P17737). However, limited product offerings, sparse customer reviews, lack of digital tools, and stability concerns related to limited diversification may not appeal to all consumers. Prospective policyholders should contact the company for detailed coverage information and speak with current customers before purchasing a policy.