GEICO has the second-largest share of the auto insurance market and is one of the most recognizable carriers in the country. The company generally receives good customer satisfaction ratings. Furthermore, GEICO is known for having some of the most affordable rates among major carriers.
Edited By Ross Martin
GEICO vs. Safeco: Which company is best for you?
Both GEICO and Safeco enjoy widespread brand recognition and a large share of the auto insurance market, but which one is best for you? We've compared both companies to give you an idea of what you can expect as a customer. Read on to find out more.
GEICO car insurance
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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?
GEICO
GEICO comes out on top in most categories, including customer satisfaction, coverage options, and price. These factors make GEICO a strong choice for most drivers.
GEICO vs. Safeco: car insurance rate comparison
Choosing a car insurance company can be tough: companies' rates differ by driving history, age and location. GEICO and Safeco are two of the most popular insurers, providing competitively priced policies in most states.
In an effort to simplify the comparison process, we've collected average rates from Safeco and GEICO. These rates cover a variety of pricing components, including credit rating, driving history, and age. Take a look at these rates to help you in your search for an affordable policy. Keep in mind, however, that your rates are likely to be different than our samples.
Want to learn more? Read our full reviews of GEICO and Safeco.
Cheapest average rates
Based on the rates below, GEICO offers lower premiums than Safeco on average. However, this can vary from person to person, so it's always a good idea to get quotes from many different insurers to see which policy is most affordable.
GEICO vs. Safeco: pricing by credit score
If you have very poor credit, GEICO could be the way to go. On average, GEICO offers more affordable rates than Safeco for drivers with credit scores of less than 580. Drivers with outstanding credit — a score of 800 or better — should consider GEICO as well, offering lower rates by $591. View common insurance rates by credit level for Safeco and GEICO below.
RATES BY CREDIT LEVEL: SAFECO VS. GEICO
| Credit score | GEICO avg. annual premium | Safeco avg. annual premium |
| Very Poor (300-579) | $2,051 | $5,308 |
| Fair (580-669) | $1,358 | $2,716 |
| Good (670-739) | $1,485 | $1,967 |
| Very Good (740-799) | $1,120 | $1,871 |
| Exceptional (800-850) | $1,064 | $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.
GEICO vs. Safeco: rates for high-risk drivers
If you're dealing with an at-fault collision, speeding ticket, reckless driving citation, or DWI on your driving résumé, GEICO could be a better choice than Safeco, though the rates are very similar to one another. Each insurer has different post-violation pricing structures, so it's worth comparing quotes to understand which insurer suits you.
RATES BY CITATION: SAFECO VS. GEICO
| Violation | GEICO avg. annual premium | Safeco avg. annual premium |
| At-fault accident (damage < $1,000) | $1,857 | $2,546 |
| At-fault accident (damage > $1,000) | $1,580 | $1,969 |
| DUI/DWI | $2,550 | $2,796 |
| Reckless driving | $2,238 | $2,853 |
| Speeding ticket | $1,395 | $2,512 |
GEICO vs. Safeco: rates by age
Insurance companies use a driver's age as an estimator of risk, pricing premiums accordingly. An auto insurance policy is usually priciest for teen drivers — due to their increased odds of being involved in an accident — and more affordable for older drivers. Because every car insurance company prices age brackets differently, it's worth doing some comparison shopping.
As a general rule, teen drivers should choose GEICO instead of Safeco: GEICO offers average yearly savings of $4,257, compared to Safeco.
RATES BY AGE: SAFECO VS. GEICO
| Age tier | GEICO avg. annual premium | Safeco avg. annual premium |
| Teens | $3,508 | $7,765 |
| 20s | $1,438 | $2,566 |
| 30s | $1,218 | $2,566 |
| 40s | $1,189 | $2,128 |
| 50s | $1,160 | $1,114 |
| 60s | $1,065 | $1,028 |
Costs aside, GEICO and Safeco both have pros and cons, including discount programs, customer satisfaction ratings, policy add-ons and financial stability. Be sure to get quotes and compare rates before making a decision.
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Ratings comparison: GEICO vs. Safeco
When looking for a new auto policy, prices aren't the only thing to compare. Good scores from customers and third-party rating agencies can help you find an insurance company that provides good rates and great customer service. To help, we've found a variety of ratings for both GEICO and Safeco to help you determine each company's customer satisfaction level, number of complaints and fiscal security outlook.
| Ratings comparison | GEICO | Safeco |
|---|---|---|
| Financial strength (A.M. Best) | Superior | Excellent |
| JD Power (claims satisfaction) | Average | Average |
| JD Power (customer satisfaction) | Average | Average |
| NAIC rating | Average | Below Average |
| The Zebra's editorial review score | 5/5 | 3.5/5 |
| The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey | 4.4/5 | N/A |
Which company scores best?
GEICO
GEICO scores higher than Safeco in most areas, including The Zebra's own editorial review and our annual Customer Satisfaction Survey, which you can see in more detail below.
The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey
The Zebra conducted a survey to get a sense of which major car insurance providers are viewed by their customers. Safeco did not meet the criteria to be included in this survey, but you can see how customers viewed their experiences with GEICO below.
GEICO
GEICO came in fourth place overall with a score of 4.4. Below are some highlights from the survey.
- GEICO placed first for Online Satisfaction (website and apps)
- Scored well for Customer Service and Willingness to Recommend
- Viewed most favorably by drivers in the Boomer generation
The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey methodology
Findings are based on an online quantitative survey of 4,134 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 2022.
GEICO vs. Safeco: discount comparison
Car insurance discounts can help you save big on your insurance premiums. Take a look at how discounts from GEICO and Safeco stack up below.
In addition to the discounts above, GEICO also offers a senior citizen discount to qualifying drivers. If unsure, ask a representative about which discounts for which you may qualify.
Telematics options: GEICO vs. Safeco
GEICO and Safeco both offer telematics car insurance programs that can be beneficial to certain types of drivers. Have a look at the comparison below to see if one stands out as a better option for your insurance needs.
GEICO DriveEasy
GEICO Drive Easy Pro is an app that tracks your driving habits to better assess your level of risk. For safe drivers, this can sometimes result in cheaper rates. Currently, the app is rated on app stores at 3.5 out of 5 stars (both Google Play and the Apple Store).
Safeco RightTrack®
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 both companies for telematics offerings
If you are a safe driver, the telematics options from both companies could be a great way to find savings. While GEICO boasts great online reviews overall, their telematics app suffers lower scores across multiple platforms.
Roadside assistance: GEICO vs. Safeco
No one wants to be caught on the side of the road after a breakdown. Check out the different roadside assistance packages offered by both GEICO and Safeco below.
GEICO
GEICO's roadside assistance offers the following:
- Towing
- Jump starts
- Tire changes (when you have a spare)
- Up to $100 for lockout services
- Fuel delivery
- Winching for stuck vehicles (depending on severity)
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
GEICO vs. Safeco: home insurance
While both companies are major providers of auto insurance,neither GEICO nor Safeco offers particularly 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.
GEICO homeowners insurance review
While not as large a portion of its business as auto insurance, homeowners coverage remains an important part of GEICO's product offerings. The company partners with many insurers throughout the nation to provide home insurance. Still, customer service scores and third-party ratings remain high.
- The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey – 4.4/5: GEICO's home insurance coverage earned a relatively high score in The Zebra's 2021 customer satisfaction survey.
- Claims satisfaction (J.D. Power) – Not rated
- Customer satisfaction (J.D. Power) – Not rated
- Financial strength (AM Best) – Superior: GEICO received an 'A' rating from AM Best, underlining its solid financial standing.
- NAIC Rating – Excellent: The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) received fewer customer complaints than average regarding GEICO homeowners insurance in 2020.
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.
- Customer satisfaction (J.D. Power) — Average: Safeco customers expressed average levels of satisfaction, according to J.D. Power's 2021 study.
- 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 2020.
Which company comes out on top?
Tie
Both GEICO and Safeco can pair customers with good homeowners policies. Because GEICO doesn't actually underwrite their own policies, it's harder to rate them higher than Safeco. GEICO excels in third-party scores but Safeco offers affordable rates and optional add-ons. For these reasons, we feel that both companies are worth exploring for homeowners insurance.
GEICO vs. Safeco: home insurance rate comparison
Safeco's average annual homeowners insurance rate is $1,236. Because GEICO does not underwrite its own homeowners policies, it's more difficult to provide accurate rate data.
Your individual rates are likely to vary from one company to another. This is because companies have different methods for underwriting. Your rates are highly dependent upon both where you live and your individual profile, and each company will place a different weight upon factors such as area crime, proximity to fire-fighting services and the age of your home. For this reason, it's highly recommended that you shop for homeowners quotes from a number of different sources, as this will likely lead you to the best rate.
Cheapest average rates
Based on the data we have available, Safeco has the cheapest home insurance rates at around $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.
GEICO 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 GEICO 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 | GEICO | Safeco |
|---|---|---|
| Claims free | ||
| Recent home buyer | ||
| Multi-policy | ✓ | ✓ |
| Early signing | ||
| Newer/more durable roof | ||
| Protective devices (smoke/burglar alarms, etc...) | ✓ | |
| Paid in full | ✓ | |
| Early signing | ||
| Auto pay | ||
| Gated community | ||
| New home construction | ✓ | |
| Smart home |
It's important to note that there may be more options for discounts through GEICO's partner companies.
Zebra tip: Check out Safeco if you are seeking home insurance discounts
Neither company offers a particularly robust list of discount options, but Safeco secures the win in this category by offering one more discount opportunity than GEICO.
Other insurance products and bundling options
GEICO and Safeco both have options for bundling multiple policy types. Bundling policies can lead to savings in many cases. See our table below for a side-by-side comparison.
| Other products | GEICO | Safeco |
|---|---|---|
| Boat insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Condo insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Life insurance | ✓ | |
| Homeowners insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Travel trailer insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Renters insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| RV insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Motorcycle insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mobile home insurance | ✓ | |
| Umbrella | ✓ | ✓ |
| Offroad vehicles and ATVs | ✓ | ✓ |
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.