Evidence suggests that homeschool students exhibit levels of maturity and responsibility exceeding peers of the same age. Unfortunately, the insurance industry has lagged behind others in addressing the unique qualities of homeschoolers. 

I’m speculating here, but I believe this is due to the variations in state law and reporting requirements for homeschooling.  It may be difficult for companies to identify the cream of the crop of this group. Some states require third party verification of a student’s progress or parents must first obtain a teaching certificate before they may homeschool their children.  Unlike most other states, Indiana is perhaps the most condusive to empowering parents to educate their own children and the least restrictive in its requirements.

My industry’s approach tends to be ”one-size-fits-all.” If a company cannot identify a factor that can be applied to all markets (i.e.,. every state in which they do business), they won’t bother.

It is encouraging to see a change in this trend.  Family-friendly, regional companies like Indiana Farmers Mutual are thinking outside the box and now reward qualifying homeschool students with the same 10% good student discount their peers in public and private school can receive.

This is one of many benefits of insuring with a regional insurance company like Indiana Farmers.  Since they only do business in Indiana, they are able to address the specific needs of this market.  They are not constrained by the one-size-fits-all standard that many national insurance companies face.

Kudos to you Indiana Farmers.  It is refreshing to see such industry leadership coming from an company in Indiana.

(Full disclosure: My insurance agency has represented Indiana Farmers Mutual since 1990 and my wife and I homeschool our four children.)