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There is evidence that homeschool students exhibit levels of maturity and responsibility exceeding peers of the same age. Unfortunately, the insurance industry has fallen 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 homeschoolers. It may be difficult for companies to identify the cream of the crop of this group of individuals. Some states require third party verification of a student's progress or parents must first secure 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 on them.

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 insurance companies like Indiana Farmers Mutual are thinking outside the box and now reward qualifying homeschool students with the same 10% good student minimize their peers in public and private school can obtain.

This is one of many advantages of insuring with a regional insurer such as Indiana Farmers. Because 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 insurers face.

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