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Safeco Insurance: Overview
Owned by Liberty Mutual, Safeco has been providing insurance coverage for over 96 years.
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About Safeco
In 1923, Hawthorne K. Dent founded the General Insurance Company of America. Most insurance activity during that time was taking place in the Northeast, so its Seattle location made “The General” a pioneer not only geographically but also with their competitive prices and great service. Today, however, “the General” is called Safeco, and they offer insurance to people across the country. It was in 1953 that the General Insurance Company of America created a subsidiary called Selective Auto and Fire Insurance Company of America (SAFECO). It was intended to compete with the national companies using computer automation tools, which allowed them to enter the life insurance business. By the end of the 1960s, the company also began offering mutual funds and commercial lines of credit. It became so successful that the changed the name entirely to Safeco. In 1997, Safeco began expanding east by acquiring American States Financial Corporation, doubling its agency in size. They soon became a leading insurer for small to mid-sized businesses. In 2002, the company’s dedication to automated technology helped the company recover from the slump of the late 1990s. In 2004, Safeco sold its life and investment division to refocus on surety bonds and its property and casualty lines of insurance. In 2008, Safeco was bought by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, a change that allows Safeco to focus solely on personal insurance lines today.
Safeco Facts & Ratings
| Year Founded | 1923 |
| Financial Strength | Excellent |
| JD Power Ranking | About Average |
| BBB Rating | A- |
| NAIC Complaint Index | 1.08 |
| Moody’s Rating | A2 |
| S&P Rating | A |
Safeco Mobile App Rating
| iOS | 4.2 stars (out of 5) | 89.1K user reviews |
| Android | 3.8 stars (out of 5) | 4.2K user reviews |
The Safeco Insurance mobile app is available for iOS and android. This insurance concierge gives you access to your policy 24/7. This mobile and tablet friendly app helps you pull up your ID cards, make a payment, manage your policies and file a claim as well as submit accident photos.
Pros & Cons of Safeco
- Diminishing deductible can save you money if you’re ever in an accident.
- Multiple losses, one deductible means that when you bundle, you can save money if an unexpected event damages both your car and home.
- Safeco had less than the median number of complaints for home insurance, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
- Safeco had more than the median number of complaints about auto insurance in 2018.
Common Questions about Safeco
Does Safeco insurance have a good rating?
Yes, Safeco is a financially strong and reputable insurance carrier. It’s important to get auto insurance quotes from several carriers to see which has the best coverage at the best prices.
Is Safeco cheaper than Liberty Mutual?
Safeco is owned by Liberty Mutual but each one will offer you a different quote. It’s not clear which is more expensive but they will likely quote you within the same price range. The two companies have become more alike over the years and the same goes for pricing.
Does Safeco cover tire damage?
If you experience tire damage as a result of a collision and the accident was the other driver’s fault, you’ll be covered by the other driver’s liability coverage. If it was your fault, you will be covered for replacement or repairs if you have collision coverage. Auto insurance does not cover regular wear-and-tear repairs/replacement for tires.
What are some of the features Safeco auto insurance offer?
Safeco offers all the traditional coverages and allows you to also customize your insurance. Their coverages include collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, gap cover and even special equipment coverage. You can also get pet coverage if you often travel with your furry friends.
Does Safeco offer rideshare insurance?
Yes, if you drive for Uber, Lyft or any other rideshare company, you don’t have complete coverage unless you purchase rideshare insurance. Safeco and many other insurance carriers offer rideshare coverage.
How to lower monthly car insurance payment with Safeco.
If you want your monthly premiums to be lower, you can increase your deductible, but you’ll also be responsible for a greater portion of the repairs if you are in an accident that is your fault. You can also lower your monthly car insurance payments by just carrying the state minimum but you’ll be responsible for repairs and replacement if an accident is your fault. See if you qualify for any of Safeco’s many discounts (see above). Keeping your driving record clean of tickets is a great way to lower your payments too.
Does Safeco cover rental cars for repairs?
Yes, if you elect rental car insurance with Safeco and several other carriers, you will be covered for a rental car up to limits. You can also get a loaner car delivered to you with Safeco.
What is Safeco Diminishing Deductible?
If you keep your driving history claim-free, Safeco will reduce your deductible by $100 each time you renew and up to $500 or five years.
How does Safeco deductible work?
A deductible is the amount you’ve agreed to pay out of pocket before Safeco’s coverage kicks in and starts paying bills. Typical deductible amounts are $500, $750 or $1,000. The higher the deductible, the less you pay each month. If you choose a diminishing deductible, Safeco will reduce your payments by $100 for five years or for a total discount maximum of $500 if you do not file any claims or have any filed against you.
Does Safeco insurance cover roof leaks?
If your roof was in poor condition before a storm, you may only be partially covered for roof damage. If you have a roof leak after a covered peril you will be covered but not fully if your roof is in general disrepair.
What is "multiple losses, one deductible" offered by Safeco?
Bundling your home and auto can bring you big discounts from many, if not most, carriers. However, with Safeco Package, you are eligible for a single deductible for both your home and auto policy. Also, if your car, motorcycle, boat or RV are damaged in the same event as your home, you may also have one single deductible. For instance hail damage to both your car and roof or if a tree falls on your roof and car.
Is Safeco equipment breakdown coverage worth it?
Safeco’s equipment breakdown coverage is only $2 a month and worth it if you have EnergyStar rated appliances. The coverage replaces these types of equipment in the event of a mechanical or electrical breakdown but not due to regular wear and tear.
Does Safeco homeowners insurance cover asbestos removal?
Asbestos is usually not covered by any homeowners insurance policy, not just a policy through Safeco. Even if you have HO-3/open perils coverage, there is probably an exclusion for pollution in your policy terms.
How does Safeco determine the value of a totaled car?
Safeco claims agents and all claims agents determine the value of a total car based on the Kelley Blue Book. This value is usually based on the condition, mileage and maintenance of the car in or near your location.
What is Safeco roadside assistance towing distance?
If you’re in an accident or have any sort of breakdown, Safeco will send a tow truck to get you to the nearest qualified service station. You don’t choose the shop: They do all the work for you.
Safeco Insurance Products
| Auto Insurance | Rideshare Insurance |
| Motorcycle Insurance | Boat Insurance |
| Classic Car Insurance | RV Insurance |
| Trailer Insurance | Motorhome Insurance |
| ATV Insurance | Off-Road Vehicle Insurance |
| Snowmobile Insurance | Golf Car Insurance |
| Homeowners Insurance | Renters Insurance |
| Condo Insurance | Landlord Insurance |
| Home Warranty | Valuable Articles Insurance |
| Umbrella Insurance | Pet Health Insurance |
| Identity Recovery Coverage |
Safeco Auto Insurance Coverage
Bodily Injury Liability
This form of coverage is required in every state. It covers bodily injuries to a third party in an accident that was deemed your fault.
Property Damage Liability
This form of coverage is required in every state. It covers property damage and loss of use to a third party.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist
This form of coverage covers damages when the other party is at fault but is either uninsured or underinsured.
Comprehensive Coverage
This coverage pays for damages and loss other than that caused by a collision. It is subject to a deductible.
Collision Coverage
This coverage pays for damages and loss caused by impact with another automobile, object or person. It is subject to a deductible.
Reimbursement for FirstAid
This coverage is included in every policy and it covers reimbursement of first aid administered to others after an accident.
Roadside Assistance
Roadside assistance covers towing to repair shops and other emergency services, like a tire change due to a flat tire, delivery of gas, oil and other important fluids, battery jumpstart and locksmithing.
Rental Car Reimbursement.
This coverage helps pay for car rental if yours is in the shop for repairs after a covered loss. In some cases, a claims valet will drive a rental vehicle to you while your car is being repaired.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Medical Payments (MedPay).
This coverage pays for hospital bills and medical expenses for you and you passengers, regardless of who’s at fault. This coverage is required in some states.
Emergency Assistance Package.
This coverage is roadside assistance with additional coverage: $100 for expenses and $500 for meals, lodging and transportation if the accident was more than 25 miles from home. You’re also covered for damages to your personal belongings if in an accident or if your personal belongings were stolen from your vehicle.
Loan and Lease Coverage.
This coverage is sometimes called gap insurance. It covers you if your car is declared a total loss and you owe more on the car than its covered depreciated value.
Electronic Key and Lock Replacement.
If your electronic keys are lost or stolen Safeco will replace them (also control pads and locks) without a deductible payment and at no other extra charges.
CD and DVD Replacement.
This coverage pays for multi-media like CDs, DVDs, videotapes and more if they are damaged or stolen from your vehicle.
New Car Replacement.
If you’re the original owner of a car that is less than a year old, which was totaled or stolen, you’re covered for a new car of comparable value.
Audio-Visual and Custom Equipment Coverage.
All after-market systems and special equipment inside your car are covered if listed on your auto insurance policy.
Pet Coverage.
This coverage pays for veterinary expenses for an injured pet or a pet killed in a collision.
Personal Property Coverage.
With this coverage you will be reimbursed for personal belongings damaged in an accident or stolen from your vehicle.
Discounts
| Good Student Discount | Driver Training Discount |
| Distant Student Discount | Teen Safety Rewards |
| Newly Independent Discount | New Teen Reward |
| Tenture Award | Telematics Reward (Safeco RightTrack) |
| Diminishing Deductible | Accident Forgiveness |
| Accident Prevention |
Safeco Auto Insurance Rates by State
Safeco Auto Insurance Rates by Vehicle
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Safeco Auto Insurance Rates by Homeownership
| Own/Rent | Avg Monthly Rate |
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Safeco Contact Info
| Address | 1400 South Highway Drive, Suite 100, Fenton, MO, 63026 |
| Phone | 1-888-723-3260 |
| Website | https://www.safeco.com |
| https://www.facebook.com/SafecoInsurance/ | |
| https://twitter.com/Safecoinsurance | |
| Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/Safeco |
| https://www.linkedin.com/company/safeco-insurance/ |
Methodology
The statistics listed on this page are from our own in house reporting. We track and record quotes that carriers have provided based on various criteria. The rates and averages shown on this page should only be used as an estimate.
How Does Safeco Compare to Other Car Insurance Companies?
| Safeco vs American Family | Safeco vs Auto Owners |
| Safeco vs Farmers | Safeco vs Hanover |
| Safeco vs Liberty Mutual | Safeco vs Mercury |
| Safeco vs Safeauto | Safeco vs State Auto |
| Safeco vs Travelers |
Fran Majidi manages content on SmartFinancial's website. She's had nearly a decade's worth of experience writing about insurance-related topics. Prior, she was an arts and entertainment editor in New York City. She has a B.A. from Barnard College and an M.F.A. in writing from The New School. She writes books under her given name, Afarin Majidi.
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