Allstate vs. Safeco Insurance

Allstate vs. Safeco: What You Need to Know

Founded in 1931, Allstate is the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer. It was founded by former Sears, Roebuck & Co President and Board Chairman, General Robert E. Wood, who initially sold policies through the mail, an innovative business move. The name Allstate was taken from a tire sold in the Sears catalog and the first sales location was in a Chicago Sears store. The first claim paid was to a man who showed up at the office holding a car door handle in his hand after an attempted car theft.

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 because of 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 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 they 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.

Below is a list of average rates, rankings, products and discounts for the two companies. For full company overviews, you can visit Allstate Overview and SAFECO Overview.

Allstate vs. SAFECO: How much are the Average Rates?

Allstate vs. SAFECO: Rates by Number of Vehicle

Allstate vs. SAFECO: Rates by Homeownership

What Are Allstate and Safeco's Insurance Ratings?

Which car insurance company is the best? Compare ratings for Allstate and Safeco. Both companies have excellent financial strength. Allstate and Safeco have received an A- from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Safeco, on the other hand, has a slightly higher complaint ratio at 1.08, according to the NAIC Complaint Index.

Allstate or Safeco: Insurance Products Offered

What coverage is available through Allstate and Safeco? Both insurance carriers offer Auto, Homeowners, Renters, Condo, Landlord, Motorcycle and RV coverage. Allstate also offers Business insurance and more. Safeco offers a suite of products that Allstate does, not such as Rideshare, Pet Health, and Boat insurance. A full list of coverage is listed below.

Allstate or Safeco: Ways to Save

Who doesn't like saving money on their car insurance? With Allstate and Safeco there are numerous opportunities to save. Below is a list of auto insurance discounts that the two companies offer. See if you qualify.

Allstate or Safeco Mobile Apps Options

The Allstate Mobile app is available for iOS and Android. It offers instant agent access, digital ID cards, the ability to see policy documents, choose modes of communication and manage claims with the option of uploading photos of damage after an accident. Drivewise measures safe driving behavior and can earn customers discounts. The app also features an Escape Route that creates a safe path to exit a fire.

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 help you pull up your ID cards, make a payment, manage your policies and file a claim as well as submit accident photos.

Allstate & Safeco Contact Info

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.