Allstate vs Safeco: Which company is best for you?
Allstate and Safeco each provide many different types of insurance coverage sufficient for the needs of most customers. However, each company has its strengths and weaknesses. To aid in your search for a new insurance policy, see how these two insurers compare in our in-depth comparison.
Allstate car insurance
Allstate is another major insurance company with a wide array of coverage types and mostly positive ratings from third parties and customers. On the whole, Allstate's car insurance policies are often more expensive than most similarly-sized companies. While Allstate has a number of add-ons and other benefits for policyholders — including rebates for safe driving and a rewards program — drivers will want to strongly consider if these added perks are worth the higher prices. See their ratings below to see how they compare to Safeco.
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Safeco car insurance
Safeco Insurance is a popular choice for many car insurance shoppers. As a subsidiary of Liberty Mutual, Safeco customers can enjoy a wide array of policy options and coverage levels. There are also many additional lines of insurance that may be bundled with auto policies, potentially allowing customers to streamline their insurance needs and even save money. Find out more about Safeco Insurance below.
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Which company comes out on top?
Allstate
While both companies have great coverage options and reasonable rates, Allstate comes out on top due to the company’s higher customer satisfaction ratings and broad list of coverage optiions. Still, many customers may find that Safeco is a better fit for their particular needs, so the company should not be counted out of your insurance search.
Allstate vs. Safeco:Â car insurance rate comparison
In an effort to simplify the insurance-shopping process, we've collected average insurance rates from Safeco and Allstate. These take into account a number of rating factors, including credit, driving history, and age. Check out the below rates and find an affordable policy today.
Safeco is the cheapest option in most scenarios. However, your unique driving profile could be a better match for one company over another in some situations. Our advice is to get quotes from each company to see which better fits your budget.
Allstate vs. Safeco: pricing by credit score
If you have very poor credit, Allstate could be a better option for you. On average, Allstate offers lower rates than Safeco for drivers with credit scores of 579 or less. Those with exceptional credit — a score of 800-plus — should consider Safeco, which typically beats Allstate by $88 annually. View common insurance rates by credit level for Safeco and Allstate.
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CREDIT SCORE INSURANCE RATE COMPARISON: SAFECO VS. ALLSTATE
| Credit level | Allstate avg. annual premium | Safeco avg. annual premium |
| Very Poor (300-579) | $3,117 | $5,308 |
| Fair (580-669) | $2,162 | $2,716 |
| Good (670-739) | $2,021 | $1,967 |
| Very Good (740-799) | $1,820 | $1,871 |
| Exceptional (800-850) | $1,743 | $1,655 |
Auto insurance data methodology
The auto insurance rates published in this guide are based on the results of The Zebra's State of Insurance car insurance pricing analysis. This analysis of more than 83 million insurance rates spans every U.S. ZIP code, using a sample user profile: a 30-year-old single male driver with a Honda Accord, good credit and full coverage at these levels:
- $50,000 per person/$100,000 per incident for bodily injury liability
- $50,000 per incident for property damage liability
- $500 deductibles for collision and comprehensive coverage
To generate pricing for particular rating factors, we adjusted the driving profile based on common pricing factors used by major car insurance companies. These factors include credit score, coverage level, driving record and others.
In some instances, average rates from Liberty Mutual were derived from internally sourced sales data.
Allstate vs. Safeco: rates for high-risk drivers
If you are saddled with an at-fault collision, ticket, reckless driving violation, or DUI in your rearview mirror, Safeco could be a better choice than Allstate. Every car insurance company has different post-violation pricing structures, so don't be afraid to shop around to figure out which insurance company suits you.
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RATES BY VIOLATION: SAFECO VS. ALLSTATE
| Citation | Allstate avg. annual premium | Safeco avg. annual premium |
| At-fault accident (damage < $1,000) | $3,006 | $2,546 |
| At-fault accident (damage > $1,000) | $2,290 | $1,969 |
| DUI/DWI | $3,637 | $2,796 |
| Reckless driving | $3,388 | $2,853 |
| Speeding ticket | $2,256 | $2,512 |
Allstate vs. Safeco: rates by age bracket
Auto insurance companies rely on a driver's age to outline risk potential, assigning rates accordingly. A car insurance policy is typically expensive for drivers younger than 25 — due to their inexperience — and more affordable for older drivers. Because every auto insurance company rates age brackets uniquely, it's worth shopping around and finding the best rate for you.
As a general rule, teen drivers should choose Allstate over Safeco: the former's average annual rates are $1,323 less.
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COMPARING AUTO INSURANCE RATES BY AGE: SAFECO VS. ALLSTATE
| Age | Allstate avg. annual premium | Safeco avg. annual premium |
| Teens | $6,442 | $7,765 |
| 20s | $2,636 | $2,566 |
| 30s | $2,636 | $2,566 |
| 40s | $1,912 | $2,128 |
| 50s | $1,893 | $1,745 |
| 60s | $1,768 | $1,687 |
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Affordability aside, Allstate and Safeco each have pros and cons, including their discounts, perks, customer satisfaction ratings, and financial stability. Be sure to shop around before settling on an option.
Compare rates and start saving today!
Ratings comparison: Allstate vs. Safeco
When comparing car insurance companies, don't just look at rates. You'll want a carrier with a good reputation for customer service that handles claims fairly and efficiently. To aid in your search, we've put together ratings from many trusted third-party sources to help you get a better sense of how customers view both Allstate and Safeco.
| Ratings comparison | Allstate | Safeco |
|---|---|---|
| Financial strength (A.M. Best) | Excellent | Excellent |
| JD Power (claims satisfaction) | Average | Average |
| JD Power (customer satisfaction) | Average | Average |
| NAIC rating | Excellent | Below Average |
| The Zebra's editorial review score | 4/5 | 3.5/5 |
| The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey | 4.5/5 | N/A |
Which company scores best?
Allstate
While the two companies are reasonably close in many ratings, Allstate has a better rating overall.
The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey
To get a better sense of how customers viewed the level of service they received from their insurance companies, The Zebra conducted a survey covering a wide range of topics. Safeco did not meet the criteria to be included in this survey, but you can see how customers viewed their experiences with Allstate below.
Allstate came in eighth place overall for car insurance with a score of 4.3. See the survey highlights below:
- Scored sixth place for trustworthiness
- Preferred by older drivers overall
- Struggled with claims satisfaction
The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey methodology
Findings are based on an online quantitative survey of 4,794 current U.S. auto and home insurance customers, with Census-balanced sampling by age, gender and region. Categories with n=<20 responses are considered insufficient sample size and are not reported. This survey was developed by The Zebra and executed by independent research firm Maru/Blue in 2023.
Allstate vs. Safeco: discount comparison
If you are looking to save money on your premiums, it's important to consider each insurer's auto insurance discount selection. Compare discount options from Allstate and Safeco below.
| Discount comparison | Allstate | Safeco |
|---|---|---|
| Good student | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multiple policies | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multiple vehicles | ✓ | |
| Anti-theft device(s) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock brake system | ✓ | ✓ |
| Air bags | ✓ | |
| Good driver | ✓ | |
| Defensive driver | ✓ | ✓ |
| Student away at school | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver training | ✓ | ✓ |
| Green vehicles | ✓ | |
| Affinity membership alum | ||
| Advanced purchase | ✓ | |
| Pay in full | ✓ | ✓ |
| Homeowner | ✓ | |
| eSign or ePay | ||
| Telematics | ✓ | |
| New Vehicle | ||
| Annual Mileage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Military |
In general, Allstate offers a wider selection of discounts. The company has a number of discounts based on vehicle and driver safety, though Safeco offers a solid list of discounts that compete with Allstate.
Telematics options: Allstate vs. Safeco
Telematics programs offer drivers the chance to get more accurate risk assessments, and potentially cheaper rates, by having their driving habits tracked by their insurer. Both Allstate and Safeco offer telematics options, which you can compare below.
This telematics program uses a mobile app to track your driving behavior, possibly leading to discounts for safe motorists. Drivers receive 3% cashback for signing up for Drivewise. The app-based program can be used by both policyholders and "non-customers" alike to view driving data and receive feedback. (including hard braking, speeding, and more) to give a more accurate level of risk. Good drivers stand to save an average of $145 per year on their premium according to the company.
Milewise is a newer program that offers pay-per-mile car insurance. This type of coverage could benefit low-mileage drivers in particular as your rates are based on the number of miles that you drive. These miles are tracked by a plug-in device. While not available in every state, Allstate has plans to continue expansion in an effort to gain more users.Â
Safeco RightTrack® allows customers to choose either a plug-in device or an app to monitor your driving for 90 days. The company claims that safe drivers may be eligible for savings between 5 and 30%, though no savings are guaranteed.
Zebra tip: Explore Allstate for telematics offerings
Allstate has more telematics options overall. The company's dedicated pay-by-the-mile plan, Milewise, is a great option for low-mileage drivers.Â
Roadside assistance: Allstate vs. Safeco
Those who find themselves on the side of the road after a breakdown quickly realize the importance of roadside assistance programs. Take a look at the different options provided by Allstate and Safeco below.
Allstate
Allstate offers three types of roadside service to customers with and without an Allstate insurance plan. Annual roadside membership plans and pay-per-use plans are available, and if you have Allstate insurance, you can add roadside coverage to your policy. The pay-per-use coverage allows you to pay only for service when you need it (typically with a charge of $119 per tow and $84 for other services like tire changes, jump starts, fuel delivery and locksmith services).
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Safeco
Safeco offers and optional roadside assistance package that is on par with most other major carriers. Roadside assistance can be requested through the company's mobile app or by calling 1-877-762-3101. Drivers who choose to add roadside assistance from Safeco can expect the following services:
- Towing
- Battery jump start
- Fuel and fluids
- Flat-tire change
- Lock-out services
Allstate vs. Safeco: home insurance
Allstateand Safeco each offer homeowners insurance options that can be paired with your auto insurance or purchased on their own. Safeco does not particularly offer robust homeowners insurance coverage options — at least not when compared to the top-rated homeowners insurers. Still, most customers will likely find each company's coverage options suitable for most needs. Compare ratings for each company below.
Allstate homeowners insurance review
Allstate offers highly customizable home insurance policies and is generally held in high regard by customers and rating agencies alike. The company's homeowners offering came in ninth overall in The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey, indicating that it fell somewhere in the middle of the pack. While Allstate offers a wide array of coverage options, those looking for the cheapest policy may do better to search elsewhere.
- The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey — 4.3/5: Allstate earned satisfactory marks in The Zebra's consumer survey.
- Claims satisfaction (J.D. Power) — Average: Allstate was rated as average in claims satisfaction by J.D. Power.
- Customer satisfaction (J.D. Power) — Above average: Allstate was among the top performers in J.D. Power's 2020 study of customer satisfaction.Â
- Financial strength — Excellent: Allstate's finances grade out at an A+, according to A.M. Best.
- NAIC Rating — Above Average: Allstate's homeowners insurance received fewer customer complaints than the national median.
Safeco homeowners review
In general, Safeco provides good homeowners insurance coverage at relatively affordable rates. The company offers all of the basic coverage types one would expect, plus additional options for valuable items and equipment breakdowns. The company tends to be among the cheapest home insurance providers, which could certainly be appealing for some. However, customer satisfaction scores remain below average, meaning that customers looking for a high level of service may be disappointed.
- The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey — N/A: Safeco was not included in The Zebra's homeowners insurance customer survey.Â
- Customer satisfaction (J.D. Power) — Average: Safeco customers expressed average levels of satisfaction, according to J.D. Power's 2021 study.Â
- Financial strength — Excellent: Safeco's excellent financial strength — tracked by AM Best — indicates a strong ability to pay out claims.
- NAIC rating — Poor: The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) received more complaints than average regarding Safeco in 2019.
Which company comes out on top?
Allstate
Allstate is the clear victor here, as they received better overall third-party reviews and offer a broader range of home insurance coverage options than Safeco. However, each homeowner's needs are different, so we suggest getting quotes from a number of homeowners insurance companies to find suitable coverage at a rate you can afford.
Allstate vs. Safeco: home insurance rate comparison
Homeowners insurance rates can vary widely depending on the location of the home, the claims history of the homeowner and the insurer. Allstate's average yearly home insurance rate is $1,594, coming out to roughly $133 per month. Safeco is marginally cheaper at $108 per month.
Remember that while cost is an important factor when shopping for homeowners insurance, it's most important to have the right policy from a trustworthy insurer.Â
Both companies provide affordable coverage, with Safeco coming in slightly cheaper on average at $108 per month.
Homeowners insurance data methodology
The homeowners insurance rates published in this guide are based on The Zebra's analysis of the cost of home insurance in every U.S. ZIP code. These rates are based on a sample user profile: a 45-year-old married homeowner living in a 2,500-square-foot single-story home built in 2011 with these coverage levels:
- $200,000 for the dwelling
- $20,000 for other structures
- $100,000 for personal property
- $100,000 for personal liability
- $1,000 deductible
To generate pricing for particular rating factors, we adjusted the homeowner profile based on common pricing factors used by major home insurance companies. These factors include location, coverage limits, claims record and others.
Allstate vs. Safeco: homeowners discount comparison
As with car insurance, home insurance discounts can be a great way for eligible policyholders to enjoy additional savings. While both Allstate and Safeco offer homeowners discounts, neither are particularly wide-ranging. Still, as the companies tend to have more affordable rates in general, this may be less of a drawback than with other insurers. See how these discounts compare below.
| Discount comparison | Allstate | Safeco |
|---|---|---|
| Claims free | ✓ | |
| Recent home buyer | ✓ | |
| Multi-policy | ✓ | ✓ |
| Early signing | ✓ | |
| Newer/more durable roof | ||
| Protective devices (smoke/burglar alarms, etc...) | ✓ | |
| Paid in full | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto pay | ✓ | |
| New home construction | ✓ |
Other insurance products and bundling options
Allstate and Safeco each provide a number of additional insurance lines that customers may couple with their home or auto policies. Bundling such policies can be a great way to streamline your insurance policies and possibly find savings. Have a look at the extra insurance lines provided by each company below.
| Other products | Allstate | Safeco |
|---|---|---|
| Boat insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Condo insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Life insurance | ✓ | |
| Homeowners insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Travel trailer insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Renters insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| RV insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Motorcycle insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mobile home insurance | ✓ | |
| Umbrella | ✓ | ✓ |
| ATV insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pet insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Commercial insurance | ✓ |
Both Allstate and Safeco offer a number of additional coverages such as identity theft protection, landlord insurance and classic car insurance.
Find the best insurance policy for your needs.
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About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
- The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
- The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.