Jane Dotson
Safeco homeowners insurance is available in most states and offers a selection of add-ons. It covers damage to your house and other structures on your property from risks like fire, storm damage, or a fallen tree. It also covers temporary living expenses if you can't stay at home while covered damage is being repaired. Safeco has a large network of insurance agents and a long list of coverage options, including customisable coverage. However, it has received mixed reviews, with some customers complaining about unexpected rate increases and poor customer service.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Overall Performance | 4 out of 5 stars |
| Availability | Available in most states |
| Add-ons | Live video chats for damage assessment, inexpensive add-on coverage options |
| Discounts | Fewer discounts than competitors, discount for bundling auto and home insurance, installing protective devices, owning a newer home, getting a pre-coverage quote, bundling an umbrella policy with home insurance |
| Customer Service | Poor, frequent complaints |
| Customization | Customized coverage options |
| Affordability | Not the most competitive rates in the industry, but not the most expensive either, cheaper than many competitors |
| Claims Handling | Mixed reviews |
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What You'll Learn
Customer service
Customer reviews of Safeco's homeowners insurance are mixed. While some customers report positive experiences with Safeco, including solid coverage, good claims handling, and acceptance of a wide range of dog breeds, others have complained about the company's customer service, unexpected rate increases, and non-renewal of their policies.
Some customers have praised Safeco for its helpful and convenient customer service. One customer review mentioned that Safeco's representatives were quick to respond to their house damage inquiry, with a representative visiting their home promptly. Another review highlighted Safeco's smooth claims process, particularly in the context of accident claims. Additionally, Safeco's website has been described as easy to navigate, making it simple for customers to obtain information and manage their policies.
On the other hand, several customers have expressed frustration with Safeco's customer service. Some complaints mention unexpected rate increases, with Safeco homeowners in certain states facing significant hikes in their insurance policies. For example, Safeco homeowners in Montana are expected to pay 24% more, while those in California will experience a 7% rise. These rate increases have been attributed to inflation, underperformance in certain product lines, and increased risk.
Customers have also reported difficulties in dealing with claims. One customer shared their experience of waiting for three weeks without a resolution after their car was hit by a Safeco-insured driver. Another customer recounted a lengthy back-and-forth process to get their water damage claim fulfilled, only to later receive a non-renewal notice from Safeco. Additionally, some customers have expressed frustration with Safeco's handling of policy renewals, with one customer stating that their homeowners insurance was cancelled without proper notification.
It is worth noting that Safeco offers a range of discounts and add-on coverage options for its homeowners insurance. These include savings for bundling home and auto insurance, installing protective devices, owning a newer home, or obtaining a quote before the desired coverage date. However, some customers have mentioned that Safeco offers fewer discounts than its competitors.
Overall, while Safeco homeowners insurance has received mixed reviews, customers seeking customized coverage and those looking for inexpensive add-on coverage options may find Safeco a suitable choice. However, it is always advisable to compare quotes and consider multiple factors, including customer service, when selecting a home insurance company.
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Rate increases
Safeco Insurance has been in the news for requesting rate increases in multiple states. Its parent company, Liberty Mutual, has requested the highest rate increases of any insurance provider in the US. While the exact rate of change varies by state, Safeco homeowners in Montana are expected to pay 24% more on their insurance policies, and homeowners in California will see a 7% rise in rates.
The rate increases are attributed to inflation, underperformance in specific product lines, and increased risk. Safeco has also signalled its intention to exit specialty lines of insurance in California by 2026, including non-renewing policies for motorcycles, specialty vehicles, and high-risk driver standard auto insurance policies.
Some customers have expressed frustration over unexpected rate increases. On Reddit, several users have reported big jumps in their homeowners insurance rates, although others have noted that this is a common occurrence across the insurance industry due to inflation.
Safeco offers various ways for policyholders to save on their home insurance premiums. These include bundling auto and home insurance, installing protective devices like security systems, owning a newer home, or getting a quote before the desired coverage date. Additionally, Safeco provides discounts for safe drivers and safety features, as well as bundling discounts for customers who purchase multiple policies.
While Safeco's rates may be increasing, it is important to consider other factors when choosing a home insurance company. Cost is not the only consideration, and customers should also look at coverage options, customer service, and claims handling. Safeco has a large network of insurance agents and offers a wide range of coverage options, including protection for personal belongings, damage to the home and other structures on the property, and temporary living expenses if the home becomes uninhabitable due to covered damage.
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Customizable coverage
Safeco, owned by Liberty Mutual, offers customizable coverage options for homeowners insurance. The company provides a range of add-ons and discounts to its customers. Safeco's standard coverage plan is considered fairly limited, but it does offer several additional policy options. As a policyholder, you can add extra coverage to its standard policies for instances like bodily harm on your property and additional living expenses in case of a loss.
Safeco's homeowners insurance covers damage to your house, as well as other structures on your property, from risks like fire, storm damage, or a tree falling through the roof. A Safeco homeowners policy will also pay for temporary living expenses if you cannot stay at home while damage caused by a covered peril is being repaired.
The company also offers a single deductible option for claims. In most states, if a single disaster affects both your home and your car, you would only have to pay one deductible instead of two if you have both policies with Safeco. Safeco also offers discounts for bundling your auto and home insurance, installing protective devices like a security system, owning a newer home, or getting a quote before your desired coverage date.
However, some customers have reported issues with unexpected rate increases and non-renewal of their policies. It is important to carefully review the coverage options and consider your specific needs when choosing a homeowners insurance policy.
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Discounts and bundles
Safeco offers its policyholders several ways to save on home insurance. Safeco's home insurance discounts include savings for bundling your auto and home insurance, installing protective devices like a security system, owning a newer home, or getting a quote before your desired coverage date.
The Safeco Package allows customers to bundle their auto and homeowner's policies, which can save them up to 15% on their total premium. Customers can also bundle an umbrella policy with their home insurance to unlock another opportunity for discounts.
Customers can also save money by installing protective devices such as a burglar alarm or sprinkler system. If your home is brand new or less than 10 years old, you could qualify for the new home discount.
Additionally, Safeco offers discounts for good credit and a clean claims history. Maintaining a solid credit history can lower insurance costs, and having a clean claims history can help customers qualify for loss-free discounts.
It is important to note that Safeco offers fewer discounts than some competitors, and availability may vary by state.
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Claims handling
Safeco Insurance is a Liberty Mutual company that offers customizable coverage options for homeowners insurance. Safeco's homeowners insurance covers damage to your house and other structures on your property from risks like fire, storm damage, or a fallen tree. It also covers temporary living expenses if you cannot stay at home while covered damage is being repaired.
Reviews of Safeco's claims handling process are mixed. Some customers have reported positive experiences, including solid coverage, good claims handling, and acceptance of a wide range of dog breeds. On the other hand, several reviews complain about unexpected rate increases, poor customer service, and difficulties in filing claims.
For example, one customer on Reddit shared their experience of receiving a non-renewal notice from Safeco after filing a claim for water damage. They faced weeks of back-and-forth communication before their claim was fulfilled. Another customer reported that their rental property, which was included in their policy, had interior water damage, and Safeco denied their claim because it was not filed within three weeks of the incident.
WalletHub's editors give Safeco a rating of 3.4/5, acknowledging its large network of insurance agents, long list of coverage options, and good claims process. However, they also note that Safeco could improve its customer service and pricing.
In terms of cost, Safeco's rates for home insurance can range from $1,000 to $3,000 per month, depending on the coverage type. Customers can lower these costs by taking advantage of Safeco's discounts and policy bundles, such as selecting a higher deductible or bundling their auto and home insurance policies.
Overall, while Safeco offers a range of coverage options and add-ons, potential customers should be aware of the mixed reviews regarding claims handling, rate increases, and customer service. Obtaining a quote and comparing it with other providers can help determine if Safeco is the right choice for their homeowners insurance needs.
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Frequently asked questions
Safeco's homeowners insurance rates are said to be cheaper than many of its competitors, but some customers have reported big jumps in their insurance rates. Safeco's rates for home insurance range anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 per month, depending on the coverage type.
Safeco's homeowners insurance covers damage to your house and other structures on your property from risks like fire, storm damage, or a fallen tree. It also covers temporary living expenses if you have to move out while covered damage is being repaired.
Customer reviews of Safeco are mixed. While some customers have praised the company for solid coverage and good claims handling, others have complained about poor customer service, unexpected rate increases, and non-renewal of policies.
Safeco offers several ways for policyholders to save on homeowners insurance. Discounts are available for bundling auto and home insurance, installing protective devices, owning a newer home, or getting a quote before the desired coverage date.
