Coverage Options

Both Safeco and Shelter offer standard auto and home insurance policies, but they differ in additional coverage options and policy customization.

Safeco Coverage Options

• Auto Insurance: Liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured/underinsured motorist, and medical payments (MedPay)
• RightTrack® Telematics Program: Discounts based on safe driving habits
• Diminishing Deductible: Reduces deductibles for every year without a claim
• New Vehicle Replacement Coverage: Pays for a brand-new vehicle if totaled within the first year
• Homeowners Insurance: Includes dwelling, liability, personal property, and loss of use, with add-ons like equipment breakdown coverage and identity theft protection

Shelter Coverage Options

• Auto Insurance: Standard auto policies plus accident forgiveness for long-term policyholders
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Covers medical costs for policyholders regardless of fault
• Rideshare Insurance: Protection for Uber and Lyft drivers
• Homeowners Insurance: Covers structure, personal property, liability, and additional living expenses
• Farm Insurance: Provides coverage for farm buildings, equipment, and livestock

Key Takeaway: Safeco is better for high-tech discounts and customizable auto insurance, while Shelter is a strong choice for farm insurance and rideshare coverage.

Pricing and Discounts

Insurance rates depend on location, driving history, credit score, and coverage selections, but Shelter generally offers lower base rates for auto insurance, while Safeco provides better bundling discounts.

Safeco Pricing & Discounts

• RightTrack® Telematics Discount for safe drivers
• Multi-car and multi-policy discounts
• Diminishing Deductible reduces costs for claim-free drivers
• Accident Forgiveness available in select policies

Shelter Pricing & Discounts

• Accident Forgiveness for long-term customers
• Multi-policy discount for bundling auto, home, and life insurance
• Discounts for safe drivers and anti-theft devices
• Good student and military discounts

Key Takeaway: Shelter offers more affordable auto insurance, while Safeco provides more bundling and telematics-based savings.

Claims Process

Both Safeco and Shelter offer 24/7 claims support, but they differ in customer satisfaction and efficiency.

Safeco Claims Process

• 24/7 claims support with online tracking tools
• Concierge Claims Valet Service® provides rental car drop-off and repair coordination
• Some customers report slower claim resolution times

Shelter Claims Process

• High customer satisfaction ratings for claims handling
• Local agents assist with filing and processing claims
• Fast turnaround on minor claims, but major claims may take longer

Key Takeaway: Shelter is known for higher claims satisfaction due to strong agent support, while Safeco offers more digital tools for claims tracking.

Customer Service

Safeco Customer Service

• Agent-based model with online self-service tools
• 24/7 phone and online support
• Mixed reviews on claims response times

Shelter Customer Service

• Local agent network with strong community presence
• Highly rated for personalized service and claims handling
• Limited online policy management options

Key Takeaway: Shelter is better for customers who prefer working with an agent, while Safeco provides more digital self-service options.

Unique Features

Safeco Unique Features

• RightTrack® Telematics Program: Monitors driving behavior and offers personalized discounts
• Claims Valet Service®: Helps coordinate repairs and rental cars
• Diminishing Deductible: Reduces deductibles for each claim-free year

Shelter Unique Features

• Farm and Ranch Insurance: Offers protection for rural property owners
• Accident Forgiveness: Reduces penalties for long-term customers with good driving records
• Strong Local Agent Network: Provides more personalized service than many national insurers

Key Takeaway: Shelter offers unique farm insurance and strong agent support, while Safeco excels in high-tech savings programs.

Availability

• Safeco: Available nationwide in all 50 states, but home insurance is often underwritten by Liberty Mutual.
• Shelter: Primarily available in Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas.

Key Takeaway: Safeco is a better option for those outside Shelter’s service area.

Reputation and Reviews

Both companies are financially strong, but they differ in customer satisfaction and claims handling.

Safeco Reputation

• A (Excellent) rating from A.M. Best for financial strength
• Mixed customer reviews on claims response times
• Highly rated for digital policy management and bundling discounts

Shelter Reputation

• A (Excellent) rating from A.M. Best for financial strength
• Highly rated for customer service and claims satisfaction
• Known for strong relationships with policyholders

Key Takeaway: Safeco is well-rated for financial stability and digital tools, while Shelter is highly regarded for customer service and agent-based support.

Final Verdict: Which One is Better?

The best insurance provider between Safeco and Shelter depends on your budget, service preferences, and coverage needs.

Choose Safeco if:

✔️ You want high-tech discounts like RightTrack® and telematics-based savings
✔️ You prefer online policy management and digital claims tracking
✔️ You need nationwide coverage with strong bundling discounts

Choose Shelter if:

✔️ You want personalized customer service through a local agent
✔️ You need farm insurance or accident forgiveness benefits
✔️ You live in one of Shelter’s service states and prefer a regional insurer

Both Safeco and Shelter offer strong financial backing and comprehensive coverage, but Safeco is ideal for tech-savvy policyholders looking for digital tools and bundling options, while Shelter is better for customers seeking hands-on agent support and farm coverage.

Still unsure which is right for you? Contact Blake Insurance Group today for a personalized quote and expert advice! 🚗🏡