Jeffrey Wade
Shelter Insurance is a property casualty insurance company that offers customizable home insurance coverage in 14 states: Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. Shelter's home insurance policies cover a variety of damage-causing risks and offer additional coverage for dwelling, other structures, personal property, additional living expenses, personal liability, and medical payments. They also provide various discounts, such as companion policy discounts, claim-free discounts, heating system discounts, and protective devices credits. While Shelter has received recognition for its employee satisfaction and handling of catastrophic events, some customer reviews highlight restricted coverage policies and unhelpful staff.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Property casualty insurance company |
| Coverage | Customizable, including for dwelling, other structures, personal property, additional living expenses, personal liability, and medical payments |
| Discounts | Companion policy, claim-free, heating system, new home, protective devices credit, multi-car, paid in full, safe driver |
| Availability | 14 or 15 states in the US |
| Ratings | NAIC rating of 0.61, J.D. Power rating of 3.4/5, #10 in the world for homeowners insurance |
| Pros | High ratings from A.M. Best Company, generous endorsements and discounts, good place to work |
| Cons | Higher rates, limited availability, lack of J.D. Power accreditation, restricted coverage, poor customer service |
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What You'll Learn
Shelter's homeowners insurance coverage options
Shelter Insurance is a property casualty insurance company that offers auto and home insurance, as well as several other insurance products. It has been named in the annual Best Places to Work in Insurance program five years in a row and has consistently received high ratings from A.M. Best Company. Shelter Insurance products are sold by agents in 14 states, including Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Tennessee.
Shelters Homeowners Insurance Coverage Options:
Shelter Insurance provides a variety of home insurance coverage options, including dwelling coverage, other structures coverage, and personal property coverage. Here are some details on the coverage options available:
- Dwelling coverage applies to your private residence and any building structures attached to it. It covers outdoor equipment permanently attached to your home and used to service your residence, such as heating, cooling, and water systems.
- Other structures coverage applies to structures permanently attached to the premises but not to your dwelling, such as fences and sheds.
- Personal property coverage insures your personal belongings. If this coverage is not sufficient, you may want to consider a personal articles insurance policy.
- Additional living expenses coverage will reimburse you for increased costs if you need to live away from home due to a covered loss, such as a fire.
- Liability coverage will help you pay for bodily injury and property damage that you are legally liable for.
- Medical payments coverage will help cover reasonable medical payments if someone is accidentally injured on your property.
Shelter Insurance also offers various discounts on home insurance, including companion policy discounts, claim-free discounts, heating system discounts, new home discounts, and protective devices credits for installing safety features.
While Shelter Insurance provides a range of coverage options, it is important to note that availability and specific details may vary by state. It is recommended that homeowners shop around, gather quotes, and consider their unique needs before choosing a homeowners insurance provider.
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Discounts and savings
Shelter Insurance® is a property casualty insurance company offering auto and home insurance in 14 states: Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. The company advertises a generous number of endorsements and discounts for its home insurance product.
Companion Policy Discount
You can earn a discount, also known as a multi-policy discount, if you carry a Shelter auto insurance policy alongside your homeowners or renters policy. This discount is referred to as the Companion Policy Discount by Shelter Insurance.
Claim-Free Discount
Policyholders who maintain a claim-free record for six consecutive years are eligible for a discount on all subsequent policy renewals. This discount rewards customers for not filing any home insurance claims during the six-year period.
Heating System Discount
If your home heating system does not use solid fuel, such as wood or coal, you may qualify for a heating system discount. This discount is applicable if you use alternative heating methods that are considered safer and more environmentally friendly.
New Home Discount
Shelter Insurance offers a discount of up to 40% for one year if your home is under construction. Additionally, if you complete construction and occupy your new home within the following year, you may be eligible for additional savings.
Protective Devices Credit
Shelter Insurance encourages homeowners to install protective devices such as smoke alarms, burglary alarms, and deadbolts on doors and windows. By enhancing the security and safety of your home, you may be eligible for savings on your insurance premiums.
Pay-in-Full Discount
Shelter offers a discount of up to 10% if you choose to pay your six-month or annual policy in full instead of opting for monthly installments. This discount rewards customers who make upfront payments for their insurance coverage.
Safe Driver Discount
If you are a Shelter policyholder with a safe driving record, free from accidents or violations in the past three years, you may qualify for the Safe Driver Discount. This discount is applicable if you have a car insurance policy with Shelter and demonstrates their commitment to rewarding safe driving practices.
Good Student Discount
If you have a student on your Shelter policy who achieves good grades, they could qualify for a Good Student Discount. This discount can be renewed annually, provided the student remains a full-time student, unmarried, and under the age of 25.
Safe Driving Course Discount
Taking a proactive approach to accident prevention is rewarded by Shelter Insurance. If you are the primary driver of a vehicle and voluntarily take an accident prevention course, you may be eligible for a discount. Maintaining eligibility may require periodic retaking of the course.
It's important to note that the availability and terms of these discounts may vary depending on your location and specific circumstances. Be sure to consult with a Shelter Insurance agent or refer to their website for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding discounts and savings opportunities in your state.
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Availability and accessibility
Shelter Insurance is a property casualty insurance company that offers auto and home insurance, in addition to several other insurance products. Shelter Insurance has been named in the annual Best Places to Work in Insurance program five years in a row from 2017 to 2021.
In terms of availability and accessibility, Shelter Insurance products are sold by agents in 14 states, including Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. AmShield Insurance, one of the companies under the Shelter Mutual umbrella, offers property and casualty insurance in Arizona and Oregon. Shelter Insurance has expanded to 21 states, although the specific states where their home insurance products are available are not disclosed.
While Shelter Insurance does not provide average rates for their home insurance policies, they offer various discounts and coverage options. They were named #10 in the world for homeowners insurance, and they have received high ratings from A.M. Best Company, indicating strong financial strength and operating performance.
To obtain a quote or detailed information about the availability and accessibility of Shelter Insurance's homeowners insurance in a specific state, individuals can contact a Shelter Insurance agent or visit their website. It is important to note that insurance products are governed by applicable policies and regulations, and coverage options may vary by state.
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Customer reviews
Some customers have praised Shelter for its reasonable prices, reliable and customer-centric services, and comprehensive range of coverage options. One customer on Trustpilot said:
> "I have had many auto and home insurance companies cover my stuff. After a bad experience with a different homeowner insurance company I searched for another and found Shelter. They have been AMAZING! Local offices mean I receive personal attention. Very very happy with Shelter and I will never switch to another company."
Other customers have criticised Shelter for raising rates without filing a claim. One customer said:
> "They raised my rates without having filed a claim. I am a senior citizen and retired. I will definitely change insurance carriers in 6 months. However, the salesman was very responsive to me."
Shelter Insurance has also received positive reviews for its friendly customer service agents and efficient claims process. One customer review on Clearsurance mentioned:
> "I had to file two claims in less than a year, and one I could have been hassled over, but Shelter took care of it no questions asked. Super friendly, and [a] personable company."
Shelter Insurance offers a variety of discount options for homeowners, including multipolicy bundling discounts, claim-free discounts, new home discounts, protective device credits, and heating system discounts. However, some customers have noted that the company has limited discount options compared to other insurance providers.
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Pros and cons
Shelter Insurance® is a property casualty insurance company that offers auto and home insurance, as well as several other insurance products. The company was founded in 1946 as MFA Mutual Insurance® and initially offered auto insurance only in Missouri. Over the years, Shelter Insurance has expanded to 21 states and now offers a wider range of products.
Pros
- Shelter Insurance offers customizable coverage options for homeowners, allowing customers to tailor their policies to their specific needs.
- The company advertises a generous number of endorsements and discounts for its home insurance product. These include companion policy discounts, claim-free discounts, heating system discounts, new home discounts, and protective devices credits for installing safety features such as smoke alarms and deadbolts.
- Shelter Insurance has a low level of NAIC complaints regarding its homeowners' policies, which could indicate high customer satisfaction.
- Shelter Insurance has been recognized for its employee satisfaction and workplace culture, receiving awards for being one of the "Best Places to Work in Insurance" for five consecutive years.
- The company has a history of weathering catastrophic storms and crises, demonstrating its commitment to helping customers and communities rebuild and recover.
Cons
- Shelter Insurance's home insurance rates may be higher compared to other providers. While specific average rates for Shelter home insurance are unavailable, the national average cost of home insurance in 2025 is $2,466 per year.
- Shelter Insurance has limited availability and is currently only sold by agents in 14 states: Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Tennessee.
- Shelter's homeowners insurance product line was not included in J.D. Power's most recent home insurance studies, which may impact its ranking and visibility to potential customers.
Overall, Shelter Insurance may be a good choice for homeowners seeking customizable coverage and various discounts, especially if they already have an auto insurance policy through the company. However, it is essential to shop around and gather quotes, and consider coverage options, discount opportunities, and customer satisfaction ratings when choosing a homeowners insurance provider.
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Frequently asked questions
Shelter Insurance® is a property casualty insurance company offering auto and home insurance, as well as several other insurance products. Shelter Insurance is available in 14 or 15 states, depending on the source.
Shelter's homeowners insurance covers your home and personal belongings from a variety of damage-causing risks. It also covers medical bills and legal fees in case a guest gets hurt or their property is damaged at your home. Additional coverage includes dwelling, other structures, personal property, additional living expenses, personal liability, and medical payments.
Shelter offers a companion policy discount if you carry a Shelter auto insurance policy alongside your homeowners or renters policy. There is also a claim-free discount for policyholders who go six consecutive years without a home insurance claim, a heating system discount for those who heat their homes without solid fuel, a new home discount of up to 40% for one year if your home is under construction, and a protective devices credit if you install a smoke alarm, burglary alarm, and deadbolts on your doors and windows.
