Last Updated November 2025

Affinity insurance programs offer insurance, typically with discounts, to members of a specific group or organization. Think: company employees or members of alumni associations or professional organizations. These programs are offered as a voluntary benefit that can help employers and groups enhance their employee or member benefits package.

These programs differ from traditional insurance in several ways by providing: 

• Access to competitive rates (such as group-based pricing or negotiated discounts). Enhanced or targeted coverage options designed around a group’s needs  
• Exclusive customer service channels 
• Streamlined, simplified enrollment 

Benefits of affinity insurance programs 

Affinity insurance programs can provide advantages for companies and organizations and their employees or members: 

• Cost savings: Discounts can lower premiums for group members, and employers can offer these benefits at no direct cost. 
• Tailored solutions: Insurers work with organizations to offer plans that match the needs of the workforce or group membership. 
• Increased loyalty: Offering meaningful benefits can help boost employee satisfaction and retention rates. 

Insurance programs like these are especially appealing to companies and organizations seeking cost-effective ways to offer competitive perks. Insurance plans can help employers: 

• Deliver value-added services without increasing payroll. 
• Boost employee satisfaction and retention. 
• Differentiate themselves in a competitive job market. 

How to establish an affinity benefits program

Employers or organizations looking to launch an affinity program can follow a few key steps.

Identify who will be eligible 

For employers, this might mean deciding if part-time employees can be included along with full-time employees. For organizations or associations, it might be based on shared characteristics such as profession, membership or geographic region.

Work with a trusted insurer 

This starts with identifying insurance providers that offer group insurance plans or insurance with group discounts or benefits. The insurer typically evaluates the employer’s or group’s size, industry and risk profile before offering a plan.  

For example, Farmers GroupSelect^® offers a group insurance program that provides discounts to eligible employees and members of participating organizations. With nearly 100 years of experience and a reputation for excellent customer service, Farmers is a trusted insurance brand chosen by many employers and affinity groups to make the Farmers GroupSelect program available to their employees and members. Farmers GroupSelect offers members of these affinity groups: 

• Auto insurance 
• Home insurance 
• Personal excess liability coverage 

Farmers GroupSelect FAQs for employees 

Promote the program

Using internal channels such as HR portals, email, newsletters and onboarding materials can help promote the value of the insurance program to employees or members. Including basic information and how-to steps in online FAQs can help employees understand how the insurance plan could benefit them, plus how it works, how to enroll and how to manage their benefits. 

The information contained in this page is provided for general informational purposes only. The information is provided by Farmers^® and while we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to this article or the information, products, services or related graphics, if any, contained in this article for any purpose. The information is not meant as professional or expert advice, and any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

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