Is Safe Auto Good for Insurance?

Last Updated on January 17, 2021

Safe Auto offers car insurance to certain high-risk drivers.

The company is far from the best-rated car insurance company in the United States, although it may be one of the few options available to high-risk drivers.

Is Safe Auto good for insurance? Or should you pick another company? Today, we’re explaining everything you need to know about Safe Auto, including its car insurance policy options, price competitiveness, and other features.

Is Safe Auto Good for Insurance?

What is Safe Auto Insurance?

Safe Auto Insurance Company is a Columbus, Ohio-based, independently-owned insurance company operating in 16 states.

The company provides minimum liability insurance and non-standard insurance coverage. Safe Auto is best-known for insuring high-risk drivers, including drivers who need SR-22 insurance.

Safe Auto Insurance Company was founded in 1993. Today, the company claims to be a leader in direct to consumer minimum-limit insurance across 19 states. It also claims to be one of the last independently-owned insurers in its coverage areas.

If you have multiple at-fault claims on your driving record, or if you have a DUI/DWI, then Safe Auto may be one of the few insurance companies willing to accept your business.

For safer drivers with a long claims-free history, however, Safe Auto is generally not considered a top option. You can find lower prices and better coverage from other providers.

Nevertheless, Safe Auto has certain features that make it an attractive option to certain drivers, including the ability to get a claim settlement deposited into your account the same day it’s approved.

Where Does Safe Auto Insurance Operate?

Safe Auto is licensed in 22 states, although it only provides insurance in 17 states. Safe Auto maintains offices in most states in which it operates.

Safe Auto offers insurance in Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.

In California, Safe Auto operates under the name SCJ. In all other states, Safe Auto operates under its own name.

What Makes Safe Auto Insurance Different?

Safe Auto is best-known for offering high-risk car insurance policies, including SR-22 insurance. If you are a high-risk driver, then you may struggle to find affordable car insurance rates. Safe Auto may be one of the few car insurance companies within your reach.

Overall, Safe Auto specializes in providing minimum liability insurance to high-risk drivers. If you are a high-risk driver who simply wants to get back on the road, then Safe Auto may be the right choice for you.

Other things that make Safe Auto unique include:

SR-22 Availability: If you have a DUI or have multiple at-fault accidents on your driving record, then you might be required to get an SR-22 certificate.

FR-44 Availability: Most states use SR-22 certificates. However, Safe Auto provides FR-44 insurance in one of the two states that require an FR-44 certificate: Virginia (Florida also requires FR-44 insurance, but Safe Auto does not sell insurance in Florida).

Non-Owner Policies: Some drivers need an SR-22 to reinstate their driver’s license, but they don’t have a vehicle. In this situation, you can buy a non-owner policy through a company like Safe Auto, allowing you to stay covered while driving a friend’s vehicle or a rental car.

Same-Day Payments for Claims: If you filed a claim with Safe Auto and that claim is approved, then you can have that money deposited immediately into your bank account, placed on a prepaid card, or added to your debit card. You do not have to wait for a check to be mailed.

Multiple Insurance Options: Like most other major insurance companies, Safe Auto offers options beyond car insurance, including homeowners, renters, motorcycle, life, health, dental, and business insurance, among other options.

Safe Auto Insurance Reviews and Ratings

Safe Auto has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, although it has a 1-star rating with 20+ customer reviews. Safe Auto has been accredited by the BBB since 1997.

Safe Auto does not have an official rating from A.M. Best, the leading financial strength analysis organization for the insurance industry.

The lack of a financial strength rating may be worrying for some policyholders: we have no idea if Safe Auto is in a strong or weak financial position. It’s possible the company will have no trouble covering its liabilities in the future. Or, the company could be in a poor financial position.

Safe Auto Car Insurance Discounts and Features

Safe Auto offers a handful of unique car insurance discounts and features. Some of the unique policy options and add-ons available with Safe Auto include:

Multi-Vehicle Discounts: Like all major insurance companies, Safe Auto gives discounts to policyholders who insure multiple vehicles.

Home Ownership Discount: If you own a home, then you may qualify for a discount.

Switch Discount: If you switch to Safe Auto from another insurance company, then you can receive a discount.

Safe Driving Discount: Drivers with no infractions, accidents, or claims may qualify for a discount.

Paid in Full Discounts: Safe Auto offers paid in full discounts. If you pay your insurance every 6 or 12 months (instead of monthly), then you may qualify for this discount.

24/7 Customer Service: Most major insurance companies in the United States offer 24/7 customer service, although some smaller providers do not. Safe Auto is one insurance company that offers 24/7 customer service.

Quick Pay Mobile Payments: Safe Auto offers a unique payment option called Quick Pay. You can make payments via your payment card or mobile device.

Digital Insurance ID Card: Safe Auto offers a digital insurance ID card. If a police officer requests proof of insurance, then you can show the officer your Safe Auto app.

Safe Auto Car Insurance Coverage Options

Safe Auto offers a standard range of coverage options in various states, including:

Liability Coverage: Liability coverage is required in most states. It covers medical expenses and property damage you inflict upon other drivers.

Collision Coverage: Collision coverage covers damage to your own vehicle after an accident.

Comprehensive Coverage: Comprehensive coverage covers damage to your own vehicle not related to accidents, including theft, vandalism, fire damage, storm damage, and more.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is required in some states. It covers damage inflicted by other drivers who have no insurance – or too little insurance.

Personal Injury Protection: Personal injury protection is available in certain no-fault states. It covers medical bills after an accident regardless of fault.

Medical Payments Coverage: Medical payments coverage is available in a small number of states. It functions like health insurance, covering medical bills after an accident up to a certain limit.

Free Roadside Assistance: Safe Auto offers roadside assistance in certain states.

Final Word: Is Safe Auto a Good Car Insurance Company?

Safe Auto is a car insurance company best-known for insuring high-risk drivers and providing SR-22 insurance. The company has operated smoothly for nearly 30 years.

Overall, Safe Auto may be the only option for certain high-risk drivers. For many drivers, however, Safe Auto is a last resort. The company has a higher-than-average number of complaints to state regulators. There are plenty of bad reviews across the internet.

If you have no other options, however, and you just want affordable car insurance that lets you legally drive, then Safe Auto may be the best option for you.

James Shaffer
James Shaffer James Shaffer is a writer for InsurancePanda.com and a well-seasoned auto insurance industry veteran. He has a deep knowledge of insurance rules and regulations and is passionate about helping drivers save money on auto insurance. He is responsible for researching and writing about anything auto insurance-related. He holds a bachelor's degree from Bentley University and his work has been quoted by NBC News, CNN, and The Washington Post.
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