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Catherine Hiles is a freelance writer covering insurance, personal finance, and home improvement. Her work has been published in TIME, The Penny Hoarder, BobVila.com, Tom's Guide, and Angi. She has a bachelor's degree in communication studies from the University of Chester in the United Kingdom and is a Certified Financial Education Instructor. Catherine lives in Ohio with her husband, two children, and two energetic dogs.
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Becky Helzer is an editor at Insurify. She loves helping writers express their ideas clearly and authentically. With a diverse background in editing everything from curriculum and books to magazine articles and blog posts, she’s worked on topics ranging from home finance, insurance, and cloud computing to the best tools for home improvement.
A proud graduate of Colorado State University with a degree in technical journalism, Becky lives in Fort Collins, CO, with her husband and their two spoiled rescue dogs.
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7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
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Table of contents
When it comes to car insurance, Safeco and State Farm are both solid options. State Farm is the biggest insurer in the U.S. by market share and rates highly for customer service, while Safeco has more discounts for safe driving behavior.
To determine which insurer is the best for you, compare car insurance quotes from both companies. Consider coverages, policy features, insurance rates, discounts, online tools, and customer service ratings to make an informed decision.
Safeco and State Farm both have telematics programs that can save you up to 30% on your auto premiums.
Safeco offers accident forgiveness, which State Farm doesn’t offer.
State Farm offers rideshare insurance, while Safeco doesn’t mention this coverage on its website.
Safeco vs. State Farm: Our verdict
Safeco and State Farm are both good choices for auto insurance coverage, but each company has strengths and weaknesses to consider. For instance, J.D. Power ranks State Farm higher than Safeco for claims satisfaction, and AM Best gives State Farm a higher financial strength rating.
State Farm also offers more discounts and has lower rates, on average, than Safeco. But Safeco has more safe driving discounts than State Farm, including accident forgiveness and a diminishing deductible.
And while Safeco’s website doesn’t mention rideshare insurance, State Farm offers it to its customers. Neither company provides gap insurance.
Ultimately, the best car insurance company for you will depend on your specific needs. Compare pricing, discounts, and coverages before choosing.
Safeco vs. State Farm
Average price Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance $115/mo* | Average price Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance $82/mo* |
Overall rating 4.4 | Overall rating 4.1 |
Value for money 3.9/5 | Value for money 3.7/5 |
Customer service 4.0/5 | Customer service 4.2/5 |
Claims handling 4.1/5 | Claims handling 4.1/5 |
Special highlight Cash back for being claims freeAI-generated from 512 user reviews | Special highlight Customer serviceAI-generated from 6584 user reviews |
Safeco: Best for safe drivers
| User Reviews | 4.4 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.1 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $87/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $142/mo |
Drivers appreciate the smooth claims process and periodic safe driving checks but dislike the frequent and significant rate increases without clear explanation.
Drivers appreciate the smooth claims process and periodic safe driving checks but dislike the frequent and significant rate increases without clear explanation.
Safeco offers several perks for safe drivers, including cash back and a diminishing deductible for remaining claims-free. The insurer also offers accident forgiveness, which waives the first accident on your policy after a set number of years without an accident or violation.
Although Safeco’s premiums are slightly higher than State Farm’s, the company offers numerous ways to customize your car insurance policy.
Pays cash back to customers who remain claims-free
Many ways to customize coverage
Accident forgiveness available
May not be the cheapest insurer for drivers with infractions
Fewer discounts than some competitors
Higher-than-average number of complaints with National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
State Farm: Best for customer satisfaction
| User Reviews | 4.1 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.3 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $56/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $108/mo |
Customers appreciate the insurer’s excellent customer service and personal attention but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases. They also express frustration with the claims process.
Customers appreciate the insurer’s excellent customer service and personal attention but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases. They also express frustration with the claims process.
In addition to being the biggest insurer in the U.S. by market share, State Farm has an above-average J.D. Power claims satisfaction rating. The insurer’s premiums are also relatively low — especially for drivers with infractions on their records.
Unlike Safeco, State Farm doesn’t offer accident forgiveness. But it does offer rideshare insurance, which Safeco doesn’t include on its website.
High J.D. Power claims satisfaction rating
Relatively low premiums for drivers with infractions
Rideshare insurance available
Gap coverage not available
Accident forgiveness not available
Not available in Massachusetts or Rhode Island
State Farm vs. Safeco: Which is cheaper?
Insurance companies base your car insurance premiums on your age, gender, marital status, location, driving record, credit history, and coverage.[1] The best way to find the cheapest policy is with an insurance-comparison website.
On average, State Farm has slightly cheaper premiums than Safeco. The table below shows each company’s average premiums for various types of drivers.
Driver Type | Safeco | State Farm |
|---|---|---|
| Adult drivers | $163 | $99 |
| Liability-only coverage | $87 | $56 |
| Full coverage | $142 | $108 |
| Drivers with a speeding ticket | $198 | $136 |
| Drivers with a DUI | $238 | $160 |
| Drivers with an at-fault accident | $209 | $140 |
| Poor credit drivers | $173 | $174 |
| Good credit drivers | $129 | $86 |
| Teen drivers | $316 | $221 |
| Senior drivers | $126 | $77 |
Safeco vs. State Farm car insurance discounts
Both Safeco and State Farm offer several discounts, including those for bundling multiple policies (like a renters insurance policy and car insurance), safe driving, and being a loyal customer. State Farm also offers teen-specific discounts, such as good student and student-away-at-school discounts, while Safeco’s website doesn’t mention similar discounts.
Both insurers have telematics programs that can lower your car insurance premiums if you can prove you’re a safe driver.
The best way to find out which discounts you may qualify for is to speak with an agent or request a quote. Discounts can also vary by state, which is why it’s important to do your research and compare quotes and coverage before choosing an insurer.
Discount | Safeco | State Farm |
|---|---|---|
| Safe driver | ✔ | ✔ |
| Defensive driving course | ✔ | ✔ |
| Multi-policy | ✔ | ✔ |
| Multi-car | ✔ | ✔ |
| Low mileage | ✔ | ✔ |
| Telematics | ✔ | ✔ |
| Anti-theft device | ✔ | ✔ |
| New car | ✖ | ✖ |
| Military/affiliation | ✖ | ✖ |
| Good student | ✖ | ✔ |
| Loyalty | ✔ | ✔ |
| Auto pay | ✖ | ✖ |
| Student away at school | ✖ | ✔ |
| Homeowner | ✖ | ✖ |
| Alternative fuel | ✖ | ✖ |
| Pay in full | ✖ | ✖ |
Compare customer satisfaction and financial strength
The J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study rates State Farm above average and Safeco slightly below average.[2] Both insurers also have solid AM Best financial strength ratings.
But both insurers have a slightly higher-than-average complaint index, according to the NAIC, and many customers have complained to the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
State Farm customers complain about continually increasing premiums and difficulty canceling insurance policies. In contrast, Safeco customers express unhappiness with the claims process and difficulty canceling coverage.
Score | Safeco | State Farm |
|---|---|---|
| IQ Score | 8.1 | 9.3 |
| Customer reviews | 4.4/5 (935 reviews) | 4.1/5 (12,725 reviews) |
| J.D. Power | 672 | 716 |
| AM Best rating | A | A++ |
| NAIC complaint index | 1.70 | 1.21 |
| BBB customer reviews | 1.08 out of 5 | 1.23 out of 5 |
Recent customer reviews of Safeco car insurance
Insurify gathers honest reviews from real customers so you can see what the customer experience looks like. These are some of the most recent verified customer reviews for Safeco car insurance.
Recent customer reviews of State Farm car insurance
Insurify collects helpful reviews from real customers to help you get a feel for the customer experience with each insurer you’re considering. These reviews are from real State Farm car insurance customers.
Safeco RightTrack vs. State Farm Drive Safe & Save
Safeco and State Farm both offer telematics discounts. Through these programs, the insurer monitors your real-time driving behavior and applies discounts when you drive safely.
Telematics programs, which offer discounts for driving behavior, are different from pay-per-mile programs, which provide discounts based on how much you drive.
Research shows that telematics programs reduce crash risk by approximately 50% for enrolled drivers.[3] Telematics programs can also reduce emissions, as enrolled drivers tend to speed less, accelerate more slowly, and brake more gently. This can improve your gas mileage by 15% to 30% at highway speeds.
Safeco’s RightTrack program offers a 10% enrollment discount just for downloading the mobile app and signing up. It monitors your driving behavior — including acceleration, braking, the time of day you drive, and the number of miles you drive — over a three-month period.
After that, you’ll receive a RightTrack score, which replaces your enrollment discount with a safe driving discount applied to your premium for the life of your policy. Safeco says your discount could range from 5% to 30%.
State Farm’s Drive Safe & Save program also offers an initial 10% discount when you sign up. Once you download the app, it’ll track your driving and provide feedback and detailed trip maps.
State Farm says that safe drivers can save up to 30%, and enrolling all your household vehicles can maximize your savings. The Drive Safe & Save app can also detect accidents and provide help through Accident Assistance.
Feature | Safeco RightTrack | State Farm Drive Safe & Save |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Hands-off drivers who want to get a discount but don’t need consistent feedback | Drivers who want to review their driving behavior using maps and real-time feedback |
| Savings potential | Up to 30% based on driving behavior | Up to 30% based on driving behavior |
| How it works | Uses your phone to track braking, acceleration, nighttime driving, and mileage | Uses your phone to track speed, braking, acceleration, cornering, phone distraction, and mileage |
| Availability | 44 states | 48 states |
| Data tracked | Acceleration, braking, nighttime driving, mileage | Speed, acceleration, braking, cornering, phone distraction, mileage |
| App rating (App Store/Google Play) | 4.8/4.7 | 4.8/4.6 |
| Average discount for good drivers | 5%–30% | 10%–30% |
| Driver feedback tools | Review your driving patterns and see your projected driving score in the app | Detailed trip maps and driving events along the way |
| Gamified rewards | ✖ | ✖ |
| Compatibility | Smartphone app only | Smartphone app only |
Compare coverages: Safeco vs. State Farm
Safeco and State Farm both offer basic liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage. Available coverage add-ons include underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage, roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, and classic car coverage.[4]
Neither insurer offers gap insurance. But State Farm does offer rideshare coverage, which could be the deciding factor if you drive for a rideshare company.
Coverage | Safeco | State Farm |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability (BI) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Property damage liability (PD) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Personal injury protection (PIP) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage (UIM/UM) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Medical payments (MedPay) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Collision | ✔ | ✔ |
| Comprehensive | ✔ | ✔ |
| Roadside assistance | ✔ | ✔ |
| Rental reimbursement | ✔ | ✔ |
| Gap insurance | ✖ | ✖ |
| Classic car insurance | ✔ | ✔ |
| Rideshare insurance | ✖ | ✔ |
Safeco vs. State Farm FAQs
If you have questions about car insurance from Safeco or State Farm, the following information can help.
Which is cheaper: Safeco or State Farm?
State Farm is generally cheaper than Safeco. But your premiums will depend on your age, gender, marital status, driving record, coverage, and more.
Is Safeco a reputable company?
Yes. Safeco is a reputable insurance company. Owned by the Liberty Mutual Group, Safeco has an A (Excellent) financial strength rating from AM Best, indicating the company’s ability to pay claims.
Is Safeco dropping homeowners insurance?
No. Safeco has no current plans to drop home insurance coverage. But the insurer stopped offering condo and renters insurance coverage in California in early 2025.
Which company is State Farm’s biggest competitor?
Progressive is State Farm’s biggest competitor by market share as of 2024, the most recent year for which data is available.
How does Safeco pay claims?
Safeco’s claims process pays out in one of two ways. If you choose an in-network repair shop, Safeco will pay the shop directly. If you use an out-of-network shop, Safeco can issue a check to you, your chosen repair shop, or your lender.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 90 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 500+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
- Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
- No additional coverage
- Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
- Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
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Sources
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners. "A Consumer's Guide to Auto Insurance."
- J.D. Power. "2025 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study."
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners. "Telematics in Auto Insurance."
- Insurance Information Institute. "What is covered by a basic auto insurance policy?."
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Catherine Hiles is a freelance writer covering insurance, personal finance, and home improvement. Her work has been published in TIME, The Penny Hoarder, BobVila.com, Tom's Guide, and Angi. She has a bachelor's degree in communication studies from the University of Chester in the United Kingdom and is a Certified Financial Education Instructor. Catherine lives in Ohio with her husband, two children, and two energetic dogs.
)
Becky Helzer is an editor at Insurify. She loves helping writers express their ideas clearly and authentically. With a diverse background in editing everything from curriculum and books to magazine articles and blog posts, she’s worked on topics ranging from home finance, insurance, and cloud computing to the best tools for home improvement.
A proud graduate of Colorado State University with a degree in technical journalism, Becky lives in Fort Collins, CO, with her husband and their two spoiled rescue dogs.
)
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
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