Travelers stands among the oldest insurance companies in the United States. The company boasts a strong reputation of providing highly customizable coverage at affordable. Travelers also offers a number of additional insurance products that can be bundled together alongside auto coverage. One factor that may give some potential customers pause is that Travelers receives lower scores than competitors regarding overall customer satisfaction. Read more below.
Edited By Kristine Lee
Travelers vs Safeco: Which company is best for you?
Travelers 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.
Travelers 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?
Travelers
While both companies have great coverage options and reasonable rates, Travelers comes out on top due to the company’s higher customer satisfaction ratings. Still, some customers may find Safeco a better fit for their particular needs, so the company should not be counted out of your insurance search.
Travelers vs. Safeco: car insurance rate comparison
In an effort to simplify your search for a new policy, we've collected average insurance rates from Safeco and Travelers. 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.
Cheapest average rates
Travelers 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.
Travelers vs. Safeco: pricing by credit score
If you have very poor credit, Travelers will likely be a better option for you. On average, Travelers offers lower rates than Safeco across most credit tiers. As such, those with exceptional credit — a score of 800-plus — should also consider Travelers, which typically beats Safeco by $586 annually. View common insurance rates by credit level for Safeco and Travelers below.
CREDIT SCORE INSURANCE RATE COMPARISON: SAFECO VS. TRAVELERS
| Credit level | Travelers avg. annual premium | Safeco avg. annual premium |
| Very Poor (300-579) | $3,224 | $5,308 |
| Fair (580-669) | $1,773 | $2,716 |
| Good (670-739) | $1,375 | $1,967 |
| Very Good (740-799) | $1,182 | $1,871 |
| Exceptional (800-850) | $1,069 | $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.
Travelers vs. Safeco: rates for high-risk drivers
If you are saddled with a ticket or DUI, Travelers could be a better choice than 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.
RATES BY VIOLATION: SAFECO VS. TRAVELERS
| Citation | Travelers avg. annual premium | Safeco avg. annual premium |
| At-fault accident (damage < $1,000) | n/a | $2,546 |
| At-fault accident (damage > $1,000) | n/a | $1,969 |
| DUI/DWI | $2,004 | $2,796 |
| Reckless driving | n/a | $2,853 |
| Speeding ticket | $1,752 | $2,512 |
Travelers 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 Travelers over Safeco. In fact, Travelers' rates are substantially lower across all age groups on average.
COMPARING AUTO INSURANCE RATES BY AGE: SAFECO VS. TRAVELERS
| Age | Travelers avg. annual premium | Safeco avg. annual premium |
| Teens | $3,622 | $7,765 |
| 20s | $1,645 | $2,566 |
| 30s | $1,348 | $2,566 |
| 40s | $1,237 | $2,128 |
| 50s | $1,167 | $1,745 |
| 60s | $1,165 | $1,687 |
Affordability aside, Travelers 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: Travelers 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 can handle 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 Travelers and Safeco.
| Ratings comparison | Travelers | Safeco |
|---|---|---|
| Financial strength (A.M. Best) | Superior | Excellent |
| JD Power (claims satisfaction) | Average | Average |
| JD Power (customer satisfaction) | Below average | Average |
| NAIC rating | Good | Below Average |
| The Zebra's editorial review score | 4/5 | 3.5/5 |
| The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey | 4.3/5 | N/A |
Which company scores best?
Travelers
While the two companies are reasonably close in many ratings, Travelers 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 Travelers below.
Travelers
Travelers auto insurance came in sixth place overall (out of 15 carriers) with a score of 4.3. The company scored well in most categories. See highlights below.
- Scored well in Online Satisfaction (4.4)
- In the top 5 for Claims and Customer Service Satisfaction
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 2021.
Travelers vs. Safeco: discount comparison
If you are looking to lower your insurance premiums, it's important to research each insurer's auto insurance discount selection. To help, we've compiled a list of available discount options from Travelers and Safeco below.
| Discount comparison | Travelers | 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 |
In general, Travelers offers a wider selection of discounts. However, Safeco isn't far behind. The company 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: Travelers 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 Travelers and Safeco offer telematics options, which you can compare below.
Travelers IntelliDrive®
Travelers IntelliDrive offers drivers the chance to save up to 20%. Participating policyholders must download a mobile app that tracks your driving habits for 90 days, after which time you might see savings. Bear in mind that this program is not available in all states.
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. Both Travelers and Safeco offer popular telematics options that are well-reviewed by customers and third-party sources alike.
Roadside assistance: Travelers 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 Travlers and Safeco below.
Travelers
Travelers offers two tiers of Roadside assistance, both available 24-hours a day. Have a look at how each package compares below:
| Plan features | Basic plan | Premier Roadside Assistance |
| Towing |
Yes (up to 15 miles) |
Yes (up to 100 miles) |
| Jump starts |
Yes |
Yes |
| Fuel Delivery |
Yes |
Yes |
| Flat tire change |
Yes |
Yes |
| Lockout services |
Yes |
Yes |
| Winching services |
Yes |
Yes |
| Trip interruption coverage* |
No |
Yes |
| Personal property coverage** |
No |
Yes |
*Covers up to $200 per day, up to a maximum of $600
** Provides $500 of coverage for personal property damaged or stolen
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
Travelers vs. Safeco: home insurance
Travelers and Safeco each offer homeowners insurance options that can be paired with your auto insurance or purchased on their own. While Travelers has a large presence in the homeowners insurance market, Safeco's coverage options tend to be less robust than 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.
Travelers homeowners insurance review
In addition to its auto coverage, Travelers also has a large footprint in the home insurance industry. The company boasts a variety of coverage options and discounts and offers reasonable rates overall. However, the company's homeowners offering didn't do quite as well in The Zebra Customers Satisfaction Survey. Find out more about the company and its ratings below.
- The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey — 4.3/5: Travelers received a 4.3 out of 5 in The Zebra's survey of customer satisfaction, 14th out of 15 companies.
- Claims satisfaction (J.D. Power Rating) — Average: In J.D. Power's most recent property claims satisfaction report, Travelers came in just below the industry average.
- Customer satisfaction (J.D. Power Rating) — Below average: Travelers fell below the industry average in J.D. Power's customer satisfaction study.
- Financial strength — Excellent: According to AM Best, Travelers has strong financials and will be able to handle your claims.
- NAIC Rating — Good: Fewer complaints were logged by the NAIC in regards to Travelers' homeowners insurance, falling just below the national complaint index.
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 2019.
Which company comes out on top?
Tie
Neither company ranks among the top homeowners insurers. However, that doesn't mean that they couldn't provide a good option for your needs. We suggest getting quotes from a number of homeowners insurance companies to find suitable coverage at a rate you can afford.
Travelers 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. Travelers' average yearly home insurance rate is $1,500, coming out to roughly $125 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.
Cheapest average rates
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.
Travelers vs. Safeco: homeowners discount comparison
As with car insurance, home insurance discounts can be a great way for eligible policyholders to enjoy additional savings. Though the companies tend to have more affordable rates in general, both Travelers and Safeco offer homeowners discounts. See how these discounts compare below.
| Discount comparison | Travelers | Safeco |
|---|---|---|
| Claims free | ✓ | |
| Recent home buyer | ✓ | |
| Multi-policy | ✓ | ✓ |
| Newer/more durable roof | ||
| Protective devices (smoke/burglar alarms, etc...) | ✓ | |
| Paid in full | ✓ | |
| Auto pay | ✓ | |
| New home construction | ✓ | |
| Gated community | ||
| Home renovation | ||
| Green home | ✓ |
Other insurance products and bundling options
Travelers 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 | Travelers | 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 Travelers and Safeco also offer a number of additional coverages such as identity theft protection. Travelers is also a carrier for many types of commercial insurance, including for both automobiles and small businesses.
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.
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The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
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The Zebra’s insurance content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
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The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
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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.