MetLife vs. Safeco Insurance: A Professional Comparison
As the owner of Blake Insurance Group, I help clients find the best insurance coverage by comparing policies from various providers. Two well-known insurers that often come up in discussions are MetLife (now Farmers Insurance for personal auto and home policies) and Safeco (a Liberty Mutual subsidiary).
Both companies offer auto, home, and other types of insurance, but they differ in coverage options, pricing, claims service, and customer experience. Below, I’ll break down the key differences between MetLife and Safeco Insurance across coverage options, pricing, claims process, customer service, unique features, availability, and reputation to help you decide which one is the right fit for your needs.
Coverage Options
Both insurers provide standard coverage options for auto and home insurance, along with some additional policy features.
MetLife Insurance (Now Farmers for Personal Lines):
- Auto insurance coverage includes liability, collision, comprehensive, and medical payments
- New car replacement coverage for newer vehicles
- Personal injury protection (PIP) available in select states
- Identity theft protection and home systems protection as add-ons
- Offers umbrella policies for extended liability protection
Safeco Insurance:
- Standard auto and home insurance with optional roadside assistance and accident forgiveness
- Diminishing deductible for good drivers
- Pet injury protection included in auto policies
- Equipment breakdown and water backup coverage for home insurance
- Ride-sharing coverage for drivers using services like Uber or Lyft
Both companies offer comprehensive insurance policies, but Safeco provides more flexible add-ons, such as ride-share insurance and pet injury protection, while MetLife (Farmers) provides stronger identity protection features.
Pricing and Discounts
Pricing is often a key factor in choosing an insurance provider. Both MetLife and Safeco offer competitive rates, but pricing varies based on location, driving history, and coverage levels.
MetLife Pricing & Discounts:
- Multi-policy discount for bundling auto and home insurance
- Group discounts available for employees of partner organizations
- Good driver and safe vehicle discounts
- Affinity program discounts through employers and professional groups
Safeco Pricing & Discounts:
- RightTrack® telematics program rewards safe driving
- Multi-policy and multi-car discounts
- Accident-free and defensive driving discounts
- Homeowners discounts for security systems and protective devices
If you qualify for group discounts, MetLife (Farmers) may be the more affordable option. However, if you’re a safe driver looking for discounts through telematics, Safeco’s RightTrack® program can provide significant savings.
Claims Process
When it comes to filing and processing claims, both insurers offer 24/7 claims support, but their efficiency and customer satisfaction ratings differ.
MetLife Claims Process:
- Claims can be filed online, via mobile app, or through agents
- Offers concierge auto repair services for easy repairs
- Mixed reviews regarding claim resolution speed after transitioning to Farmers
Safeco Claims Process:
- 24/7 claims service available online or by phone
- Offers Guaranteed Repair Network for easy access to approved repair shops
- Some customers report longer wait times for claims processing
While both companies provide reliable claims service, MetLife (Farmers) tends to process claims slightly faster, while Safeco’s repair network ensures quality vehicle repairs.
Customer Service
Customer service can make a big difference in overall satisfaction with an insurance company.
MetLife (Farmers) Customer Service:
- Provides direct customer service through dedicated agents
- Some customers report confusion due to Farmers’ acquisition of MetLife’s auto and home policies
- Mixed customer satisfaction ratings after the transition
Safeco Customer Service:
- Policies are managed through independent agents, which allows for a personalized experience
- Online and mobile tools for policy management and claims filing
- Some policyholders mention longer wait times for claims and service inquiries
If you prefer working with a dedicated agent, Safeco’s independent agent model may provide a better customer experience. However, if you’re comfortable managing your policy directly through the insurer, MetLife (Farmers) is a solid choice.
Unique Features
Each company offers specialized features that may be attractive to different policyholders.
MetLife (Farmers) Unique Features:
- Concierge auto repair program to simplify the claims process
- Identity theft protection and home cyber coverage
- Employer-sponsored group insurance options
Safeco Unique Features:
- RightTrack® telematics program rewards safe drivers with discounts
- Diminishing deductible for accident-free driving
- Pet injury protection included in auto policies
If you’re looking for identity theft protection and employer-sponsored discounts, MetLife (Farmers) is a better fit. If you’re interested in usage-based auto insurance savings, Safeco’s RightTrack® is a strong option.
Availability
- MetLife (Farmers): Available in all 50 states, offering nationwide coverage.
- Safeco: Also available nationwide, but policies are sold exclusively through independent agents.
Both companies have nationwide availability, but Safeco policies must be purchased through independent agents, whereas MetLife (Farmers) offers direct purchase options.
Reputation and Reviews
Both companies are financially strong and reputable, but customer satisfaction ratings vary.
MetLife (Farmers) Reputation:
- Strong financial backing with A rating from A.M. Best
- Some confusion after Farmers acquired MetLife’s home and auto policies
- Mixed reviews on claims handling post-acquisition
Safeco Reputation:
- A.M. Best rating of A (Excellent), indicating strong financial stability
- Some negative feedback regarding claims processing speed
- Positive reviews for discount programs and independent agent support
If you value brand stability and direct service, MetLife (Farmers) is a better option. If you prefer working with an independent agent and earning discounts through safe driving, Safeco is worth considering.
Final Verdict: Which One is Better?
The best insurance provider between MetLife (Farmers) and Safeco depends on your specific needs:
Choose MetLife (Farmers) if:
- You want a strong national brand with direct policy management
- You qualify for group discounts through an employer
- You need identity theft protection and home cyber coverage
Choose Safeco if:
- You prefer working with an independent insurance agent
- You want telematics-based discounts through RightTrack®
- You like the idea of pet injury protection and accident forgiveness
Both insurers provide high-quality coverage and financial stability, but your decision should be based on pricing, customer service preferences, and available discounts.
If you’re unsure which company is right for you, contact Blake Insurance Group for a personalized quote and expert guidance!
MetLife vs. Safeco Insurance - Frequently Asked Questions
MetLife generally offers more affordable auto insurance rates compared to Safeco. MetLife's rates start at $68 per month, while Safeco's average premiums tend to be higher.
Safeco typically scores higher in customer satisfaction ratings. While both companies have received mixed reviews, Safeco tends to perform better overall in customer satisfaction surveys.
Both MetLife and Safeco have strong financial ratings. MetLife has an A+ rating from A.M. Best, while Safeco (as part of Liberty Mutual) also has an excellent financial strength rating.
MetLife tends to offer lower rates for drivers with poor credit scores. For those with credit scores of 579 or less, MetLife typically offers more affordable premiums than Safeco.
MetLife appears to be more affordable for teen drivers. On average, MetLife's annual premiums for teen drivers are about $1,331 less than Safeco's.
MetLife offers a Deductible Savings Benefit in select states, allowing drivers to earn $50 every year they don't make a claim, up to $250. Safeco provides a "Rewind" program, giving drivers a chance to remove certain violations from their records through safe driving education.
Both companies offer various discounts, but Safeco tends to have a wider range of discount options available to policyholders. Safeco offers discounts such as the Accident Free Discount, Violation Free Discount, and New Teen Discount.

Blake Nwosu
Owner & Principal Agent
Expertise: All personal and commercial line insurance, including auto, home, business, health, and life insurance.
License: 16117464
Blake Insurance Group
Phone: (888) 387-3687
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sat-Sun: Closed