Safeco Auto Insurance Review

Last Updated on January 7, 2026

Safeco is a long-running insurance brand best known for auto and home coverage sold through independent agents. Safeco has been part of the Liberty Mutual family since 2008 and offers the same core coverages you’d expect from any major carrier—plus a few “extras” that some drivers really like (like cash-back rewards for claim-free policy periods and deductible-reduction options).

Important 2026 update: Liberty Mutual has announced it will sunset the Safeco brand in 2026 and move Safeco personal lines business under the Liberty Mutual name. If you’re currently insured with Safeco, you generally shouldn’t expect your coverage to “disappear”—but you may see branding and servicing changes over time. If you have questions, your agent is still the best first call.

Safeco at a Glance

Safeco traces its roots to Seattle in 1923 and still operates as a Liberty Mutual company today. Most customers buy Safeco policies through independent insurance agents (instead of buying direct online), which can be a plus if you want a real person to help you compare coverage, adjust deductibles, and handle claims issues.

• Owned by: Liberty Mutual (Safeco has been part of Liberty Mutual since 2008)
• How you buy: Typically through an independent agent
• Best for: Drivers who want agent support, bundlers (home + auto), and safe drivers looking for telematics-style discounts
• Keep in mind: Availability, pricing, and perks vary by state and by policy tier

Is Safeco Becoming Liberty Mutual in 2026?

Yes. Liberty Mutual has publicly shared plans to retire the Safeco name in 2026 and transition Safeco personal lines business to the Liberty Mutual brand. You can read the announcement here: Liberty Mutual to Sunset Safeco Brand.

What this typically means for customers is mostly “branding and servicing” changes—not an automatic cancellation of coverage. But because insurance rules and systems vary by state, the safest move is to ask your agent how (and when) your specific policy will be affected.

Types of Auto Insurance Coverage Offered by Safeco

Safeco offers the standard building blocks of car insurance (what you need to drive legally) plus a menu of optional coverages you can add for better protection. As always, your exact options depend on your state and policy.

Standard Coverages

• Liability Coverage: Pays for injuries and damages you cause to others. This usually includes bodily injury and property damage liability coverage.
• Medical Payments Coverage: Helps pay medical bills after an accident (availability and rules vary; some states use PIP instead).
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Helps protect you if you’re hit by someone with little or no insurance (and can apply in some hit-and-run situations depending on your state and coverage).

Optional Coverages Most Drivers Consider

• Collision Coverage: Helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle after a covered crash.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Helps cover non-collision losses like theft, vandalism, hail, falling objects, fire, and animal impacts.
• Rental Car Reimbursement: Helps pay for a rental while your car is in the shop after a covered claim (limits and eligibility apply).
• New Car Replacement: If your newer vehicle is totaled in a covered loss, this can help you replace it with a comparable new vehicle (strict eligibility rules apply, and it’s not available everywhere).
• Roadside/Towing & Labor: Can help with towing, jump-starts, lockouts, and similar services. If you’re specifically comparing Safeco’s option, see Safeco roadside assistance coverage.

Safeco also publishes a simplified overview of its coverages and options here: Car insurance coverages (Safeco).

What Makes Safeco’s Auto Insurance Unique?

Safeco isn’t “one weird trick” cheap, but it does have a few features that can be genuinely valuable—especially if you’re a low-risk driver trying to keep long-term costs down.

• Claims-Free Cash Back: Some Safeco auto policies can earn a cash-back reward after claim-free review periods. This perk is generally aimed at drivers with a clean record, and eligibility can depend on policy tier, payment history, and state.
• Diminishing Deductible: With a diminishing deductible plan, your deductible can shrink over time (usually at renewal) if you stay claim-free. Availability varies, and it generally applies when collision coverage is on the policy.
• Guaranteed Repair Network: Safeco has partner repair shops in many areas. If you use its network, you may get a repair guarantee for as long as you own the vehicle (state rules and program terms apply).
• Accident Forgiveness Options: Some customers may qualify for accident forgiveness (often after meeting eligibility requirements). Safeco also has an optional program called Safeco Rewind that can help soften the premium impact after an accident for eligible drivers.
• RightTrack Telematics: Safeco’s telematics program is called RightTrack. Like most telematics programs, it uses driving behavior to help determine discounts for safer drivers. If you’re new to these programs, here’s a primer on how telematics can help you save on auto insurance.

Other Insurance Products You Can Bundle with Safeco

Safeco is often most competitive when you’re bundling multiple policies. Depending on your state, you may be able to pair auto insurance with other products like:

• Motorcycle insurance
• Classic and collector vehicle insurance
• RV and motorhome insurance
• Trailer coverage
• ATV and off-road vehicle insurance
• Golf cart and low-speed vehicle coverage

How Much Are Safeco’s Auto Insurance Rates?

Safeco’s pricing can land anywhere from “great deal” to “not competitive” depending on your state, driving history, credit-based insurance score (where allowed), vehicle, and whether you bundle. Over the last few years, many drivers have seen premiums rise across the industry, so it’s smart to compare quotes even if you’ve been with the same insurer for a while.

In general, Safeco tends to price best for drivers who can stack discounts (bundling, multi-car, safety features) and who maintain a clean record over time.

Safeco’s Auto Insurance Discounts

Safeco offers a mix of standard and program-based discounts. Because discount availability is state-specific, the simplest way to confirm what you qualify for is to ask your agent and review your declarations page. You can also see a full run-down here: Safeco auto insurance discounts.

• Bundling discounts: Combine auto with homeowners/renters/other policies for savings.
• Multi-car discounts: Savings for households that insure multiple cars on one policy.
• Low-mileage discounts: If you drive less than average, a low mileage discount may apply (verification may be required).
• Vehicle safety discounts: Discounts may apply for anti-lock brakes, anti-theft devices, and other safety features.
• Teen and student discounts: Many insurers offer savings for good students and driver training. If you’re shopping with a teen driver, see our guide to cheapest car insurance for teens.

Pros and Cons of Safeco Auto Insurance

Pros

• Backed by Liberty Mutual’s scale and resources
• Independent-agent model is helpful if you prefer advice and comparison-shopping support
• Notable perks in some states (cash-back rewards, diminishing deductible, repair network programs)
• Plenty of bundling opportunities across vehicle and property lines

Cons

• Pricing can vary significantly by state and driver profile (it’s not consistently “cheap” for everyone)
• Some perks are limited to certain policy tiers and are not available in all states
• Customer experience can be inconsistent—especially when you compare reviews across states and claim situations
• The Safeco brand is expected to transition to Liberty Mutual branding starting in 2026

Safeco Reviews: What Do Customers Have to Say?

Safeco’s customer experience tends to depend heavily on your state, the complexity of your claim, and which repair shops (or networks) are involved. Like most insurers, Safeco has a mix of positive and negative reviews online.

If you’re comparing companies, it’s helpful to look at a blend of sources: satisfaction studies, complaint data from regulators, and consumer review platforms. Here are a few places readers commonly check:

• J.D. Power U.S. Auto Insurance Study (industry survey; results vary by region)
• Better Business Bureau profile (BBB grade is different from customer star ratings)
• WalletHub reviews (consumer review aggregation)
• ValuePenguin review (editorial review + rate comparisons)

FAQs on Safeco Auto Insurance

Final Word on Safeco

Safeco is a strong option if you want the support of an independent agent and like the idea of add-on perks such as cash-back rewards (where available), deductible reduction features, and telematics-based discounts. But pricing varies widely, so Safeco is best used as a benchmark quote alongside other major insurers.

If you’re shopping now, keep the upcoming 2026 brand transition in mind. The name on the card may change, but the best approach stays the same: compare coverage apples-to-apples, choose a deductible you can afford in an emergency, and confirm discounts in writing.

Safeco Contact Information