State Farm vs. Safeco: What's the difference?
The Zebra's choice: State Farm
State Farm is a more reliable car insurance company compared to Safeco.
State Farm:
- Cost: $98/month for full coverage
- Customer service: 3.8
- Claims handling: 2
- Digital experience: 4.8
- Trust: 4
- Overall rating: 3.6
State Farm comes out on top for customer service, digital experience and trust.
Safeco:
- Cost: N/A
- Customer service: 3.1
- Claims handling: 2.5
- Digital experience: 3.8
- Trust: 3.5
- Overall rating: 3.1
Safeco is rated slightly better for claims handling, but is lacking in other areas.
State Farm vs. Safeco: rates for high-risk drivers
If you are saddled with an at-fault collision or ticket, State Farm could be the better choice than Safeco. However, a reckless driving or DUI charge costs less at Safeco. 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. STATE FARM
| Citation | State Farm avg. annual premium | Safeco avg. annual premium |
| At-fault accident (damage < $1,000) | $2,849 | $2,546 |
| At-fault accident (damage > $1,000) | $1,524 | $1,969 |
| DUI/DWI | $3,854 | $2,796 |
| Reckless driving | $2,895 | $2,853 |
| Speeding ticket | $1,983 | $2,512 |
The Zebra’s auto insurance data methodology
The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.
The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.
For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.
State Farm 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 State Farn over Safeco: the former's average annual rates are $1,945 less.
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COMPARING AUTO INSURANCE RATES BY AGE: SAFECO VS. STATE FARM
| Age | State Farm avg. annual premium | Safeco avg. annual premium |
| Teens | $5,820 | $7,765 |
| 20s | $2,379 | $2,566 |
| 30s | $1,585 | $2,566 |
| 40s | $1,587 | $2,128 |
| 50s | $1,558 | $1,745 |
| 60s | $1,485 | $1,687 |
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Affordability aside, State Farm 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.
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State Farm 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 State Farm and Safeco below.
| Discount comparison | State Farm | 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 | ||
| Continuous coverage | ✓ |
Both companies offer a wide selection of discounts, so both are worth exploring. In general, Safeco has a number of discounts aimed at younger drivers, including those for young drivers who become newly independent and continue coverage through Safeco.
Telematics options: State Farm 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 State Farm and Safeco offer telematics options, which you can compare below.
State Farm Drive Safe & Save is a good option for safe and low-mileage drivers. The company claims that it can save customers up to 50% on premiums, though these types of savings are most likely to be seen by lower-mileage drivers. The program is available in most states.
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. Both State Farm and Safeco offer popular telematics options that are well-reviewed by customers and third-party sources alike.
Roadside assistance: State Farm 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 State Farm and Safeco below.
State Farm
State Farm's Emergency Road Service offers the following:
- Mechanical labor at the place of breakdown
- Towing of your vehicle to a repair facility,
- Removal of a stuck vehicle
- Delivery of gas or oil
- Assistance with changing a tire or a jumpstart
- Locksmith services
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
State Farm vs. Safeco: home insurance
State Farm and Safeco each offer homeowners insurance options that can be paired with your auto insurance or purchased on their own. Safeco does not offer particularly robust homeowners insurance coverage options, but State Farm is a big player in the home insurance space. Still, most customers will likely find each company's coverage options suitable for most needs. Compare ratings for each company below.
State Farm homeowners insurance review
State Farm has a number of great options for add-on coverage, making them a great option for customers looking for flexible or with unique coverage needs. However, State Farm's average rates tend to be higher than average. Also, the company suffers from a lack of available homeowners discounts — only four discount options at present. State Farm's home insurance options enjoy good ratings from third-party agencies, and the company ranked fifth place overall in The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey. Still, homeowners looking for basic insurance with no bells or whistles may wish to look for an alternative.
Learn more about the company's home insurance in our detailed review below.
- The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey — 4.4/5: State Farm was given an above-average rating among the top 15 home insurance providers surveyed.
- Claims satisfaction (J.D. Power Rating) — Below average: J.D. Power's most recent study rated State Farm as just shy of the industry average for property claims satisfaction.
- Customer satisfaction (J.D. Power Rating) — Above average: State Farm was awarded an above-average rating for customer satisfaction in J.D. Power's Home Insurance Study.
- Financial strength — Excellent: A.M. Best rated State Farm as having excellent financial viability, signaling its ability to pay for claims.
- NAIC Rating — Average: State Farm's home insurance received an average amount of complaints as logged by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
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?
State Farm
State Farm offers extensive add-on coverage options and boasts positive thrid-party and customer ratings. While rates tend to be higher than average, your coverage options are of a high-quality. Still, we suggest getting quotes from a number of homeowners insurance companies to find suitable coverage at a rate you can afford.
State Farm 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. State Farm's average yearly home insurance rate is $1,356, coming out to roughly $113 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.
The Zebra’s homeowners insurance data methodology
The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.
The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.
For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.
State Farm 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 State Farm 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 | State Farm | Safeco |
|---|---|---|
| Claims free | ||
| Recent home buyer | ||
| Multi-policy | ✓ | ✓ |
| Newer/more durable roof | ||
| Protective devices (smoke/burglar alarms, etc...) | ✓ | |
| Paid in full | ✓ | |
| Auto pay | ||
| Newer/more durable roof | ✓ | |
| New home consturction | ✓ | |
| Gated community | ||
| Home renovation | ||
| Smart home |
Other insurance products and bundling options
State Farm 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 | State Farm | 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 | ✓ |
Safeco also offers a number of additional coverages such as identity theft protection. State Farm is also a major carrier for many types of commercial insurance, for both automobiles and small businesses, as well as health and disability insurance. For those who use their vehicles for commercial purposes (delivery or rideshare drivers), State Farm could be a better option.Â
Frequently asked questions: State Farm vs Safeco
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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 editorial 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.