AAA vs. Safeco: Which Insurance Provider Is Right for You?
As the owner of Blake Insurance Group, I work with clients to help them find the best insurance provider that meets their needs. AAA and Safeco are two reputable insurance companies, each offering a range of auto, home, and specialty insurance products.
While AAA is well-known for its membership benefits and roadside assistance, Safeco (a Liberty Mutual company) is recognized for flexible policies and strong bundling discounts. Below, we’ll compare their coverage options, pricing, claims handling, customer service, unique features, availability, and reputation to help you determine which insurer is the best fit for you.
Coverage Options
Both AAA and Safeco provide standard auto, home, and renters insurance policies, but they offer different policy add-ons and benefits.
AAA Coverage Options
- Auto Insurance: Liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured/underinsured motorist, and medical payments (MedPay)
- Roadside Assistance: 24/7 roadside assistance included with AAA membership
- Trip Interruption Coverage: Covers lodging, food, and transportation if an accident occurs far from home
- Homeowners Insurance: Covers dwelling, liability, personal property, and loss of use, with optional add-ons like identity theft protection and equipment breakdown coverage
Safeco Coverage Options
- Auto Insurance: Standard liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage
- Safeco RightTrack® Telematics Program: Offers discounts for safe driving behavior
- Accident Forgiveness: Prevents rate increases after an accident (if eligible)
- Diminishing Deductible: Reduces deductibles for every year without a claim
- Homeowners Insurance: Offers customizable coverage, including water backup and valuable items protection
Key Takeaway: AAA is best for customers looking for roadside assistance and travel coverage, while Safeco is ideal for those seeking policy customization and telematics discounts.
Pricing and Discounts
Insurance rates depend on location, driving record, credit score, and coverage selections, but Safeco generally offers lower base rates than AAA.
AAA Pricing & Discounts
- Multi-policy and multi-car discounts
- Loyalty discount for long-term AAA members
- Good driver and good student discounts
- Paid-in-full and autopay discounts
Safeco Pricing & Discounts
- RightTrack® Telematics Program rewards safe driving
- Accident forgiveness and claims-free discounts
- Multi-car and bundling discounts
- Diminishing Deductible lowers costs for claim-free drivers
Key Takeaway: Safeco offers more customizable discounts and telematics savings, while AAA provides additional savings for long-term members.
Claims Process
A quick and efficient claims process is essential when selecting an insurer. Both AAA and Safeco offer 24/7 claims support, but they differ in claims satisfaction ratings.
AAA Claims Process
- 24/7 claims filing via phone, online, or mobile app
- In-person claims assistance at AAA branches
- Roadside assistance for emergencies included with membership
Safeco Claims Process
- 24/7 claims support with online tracking tools
- Safeco Claims Valet Service® provides rental car drop-off and repair coordination
- Some customers report slower claim resolutions compared to competitors
Key Takeaway: AAA has the advantage of in-person claims support and emergency roadside assistance, while Safeco offers convenient repair services.
Customer Service
AAA Customer Service
- Agent-based model for personalized support
- High customer satisfaction for roadside assistance
- 24/7 customer support via phone and mobile app
Safeco Customer Service
- Agent-based model with online self-service tools
- 24/7 phone and online support
- Mixed reviews on claims response times
Key Takeaway: AAA excels in customer service through its extensive branch network, while Safeco provides strong digital self-service tools.
Unique Features
AAA Unique Features
- AAA Membership Benefits: Includes roadside assistance, travel discounts, and exclusive perks
- Trip Interruption Coverage: Covers food, lodging, and transportation if stranded due to an accident
- Discounts on travel, hotels, and entertainment
Safeco Unique Features
- RightTrack® Telematics Program: Adjusts premiums based on real-time driving behavior
- Claims Valet Service®: Provides seamless repair and rental car coordination
- Diminishing Deductible: Reduces deductibles for every year without a claim
Key Takeaway: AAA is best for travel perks and roadside assistance, while Safeco offers innovative discounts and claims services.
Availability
- AAA: Available in all 50 states, but auto insurance rates and coverage vary by regional AAA club.
- Safeco: Available nationwide in all 50 states, but coverage options differ by state.
Key Takeaway: Both insurers have nationwide availability, but AAA’s coverage depends on the regional club managing the policy.
Reputation and Reviews
Both companies are financially strong, but they differ in customer satisfaction and claims handling.
AAA Reputation
- A (Excellent) rating from A.M. Best for financial strength
- Highly rated for customer service and roadside assistance
- Mixed reviews on pricing and claims resolution
Safeco Reputation
- A (Excellent) rating from A.M. Best for financial strength
- Known for flexible pricing and bundling discounts
- Mixed reviews on claims processing times
Key Takeaway: AAA is well-regarded for customer service and roadside assistance, while Safeco is best for policy flexibility and discount opportunities.
Final Verdict: Which One is Better?
The best insurance provider between AAA and Safeco depends on your coverage needs, budget, and preference for digital or agent-based service.
Choose AAA if:
✔️ You want roadside assistance and travel discounts
✔️ You prefer working with an agent at a local branch
✔️ You value additional perks like hotel and rental car discounts
Choose Safeco if:
✔️ You want lower base rates and customizable coverage
✔️ You prefer online self-service and digital claims tracking
✔️ You are a safe driver looking for telematics-based savings
Both AAA and Safeco offer strong financial stability and comprehensive coverage, but AAA is ideal for travelers and drivers who want in-person service, while Safeco is better for tech-savvy customers seeking digital policy management and discount opportunities.
Still unsure which is right for you? Contact Blake Insurance Group today for a personalized quote and expert advice! 🚗🏡
AAA vs. Safeco - Frequently Asked Questions
Safeco generally offers lower base auto insurance rates compared to AAA. Safeco’s average monthly premium is around $110, while AAA’s average is $135. However, AAA members may qualify for exclusive discounts that lower their rates.
AAA is highly rated for customer service and roadside assistance, while Safeco receives positive reviews for customizable policies and bundling discounts. Both companies have mixed reviews on claims processing times.
Both AAA and Safeco provide a variety of discounts:
✔ AAA Discounts: Multi-policy and multi-car discounts, Loyalty discount for long-term AAA members, Good driver and good student discounts, Paid-in-full and autopay discounts.
✔ Safeco Discounts: RightTrack® Telematics Program – Rewards safe drivers, Multi-policy and multi-car discounts, Diminishing Deductible – Lowers deductibles for claim-free drivers, Accident forgiveness for eligible drivers.
AAA and Safeco both offer 24/7 claims support, but they differ in customer experience.
✔ AAA Claims Process: 24/7 claims filing via phone, online, or mobile app, In-person assistance available at AAA branches, Roadside assistance included with membership.
✔ Safeco Claims Process: 24/7 claims support with online tracking tools, Claims Valet Service® – Provides rental car drop-off and repair coordination, Some customers report slower claim resolution compared to competitors.
Safeco is better for high-risk drivers, including those with DUIs, accidents, or speeding violations, as they offer more competitive pricing for these drivers. AAA has stricter underwriting guidelines, which may result in higher premiums for high-risk drivers.
AAA’s average homeowners insurance rate is around $1,390 per year, while Safeco’s average is $1,310 per year. AAA’s policies vary by region, while Safeco offers more customization options.
AAA is widely recognized for its industry-leading roadside assistance, including:
- Towing services
- Battery jumps
- Flat tire assistance
- Fuel delivery
Safeco offers optional roadside assistance, but AAA’s service is more comprehensive.

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