Safeco vs. Travelers: Which Insurance Company Is Better in 2026?
Travelers offers more customizable coverage and a longer list of discounts than Safeco.
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Table of contents
Safeco and Travelers both offer auto insurance nationwide, and both have pros and cons.
Safeco is a subsidiary of Liberty Mutual, which has the fifth-highest market share of U.S. insurance companies.[1] While Safeco’s average rates tend to be competitive, it offers fewer add-on coverages than Travelers.
Travelers has the sixth-highest market share in the insurance industry, and offers plenty of coverage options, so you can easily customize your policy. But that’s not the only metric needed to compare the two insurers.
To determine whether Safeco or Travelers is the better choice for you, read on to compare rates, discounts, customer service, and coverages to make an informed decision.
Quick Facts
Drivers insured with Safeco can save 10% instantly by enrolling in the RightTrack telematics program.
Travelers offers gap insurance and rideshare coverage (in select markets), which Safeco doesn’t.
Safeco’s parent company, Liberty Mutual, ranks much higher than Travelers in J.D. Power’s Auto Claims Satisfaction Study.
Safeco vs. Travelers: Our verdict
Both Safeco and Travelers offer auto insurance coverage nationwide, but each insurer has different strengths and weaknesses that might make them a better choice for your specific situation.
Travelers offers more add-on coverages and more discounts, making it a better choice if you need to customize your insurance policy. Both companies offer a telematics driving program, but only Safeco guarantees at least 5% savings by signing up for telematics.
You might see a premium rate increase through the telematics program with Travelers and Safeco if your driving habits don’t measure up to their standards.
The best way to determine which of these insurers is right for you is to compare personalized quotes. Check your rates with both Safeco and Travelers before deciding which is the right company for your auto insurance needs.
Safeco vs. Travelers
 |  |
|---|---|
Average price Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance $114/mo* | Average price Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance $144/mo* |
Overall rating 4.3 | Overall rating 4.7 |
Value for money 3.8/5 | Value for money 4.2/5 |
Customer service 4.0/5 | Customer service 4.6/5 |
Claims handling 4.1/5 | Claims handling 4.7/5 |
Special highlight Cash back for being claims freeAI-generated from 527 user reviews | Special highlight Numerous discountsAI-generated from 549 user reviews |
Data in this table has been sourced from Insurify’s users who have indicated they are insured with the listed providers
Safeco: Best for guaranteed telematics discount
| User Reviews | 4.3 |
|---|---|
| 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. | $140/mo |
4.3
Best choiceBased on 980 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Safeco
Drivers appreciate the smooth claims process and periodic safe driving checks but dislike the frequent and significant rate increases without clear explanation.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Cash back for being claims free
Optional coverages
Diminishing deductible
How drivers feel about Safeco
Drivers appreciate the smooth claims process and periodic safe driving checks but dislike the frequent and significant rate increases without clear explanation.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Cash back for being claims free
Optional coverages
Diminishing deductible
Reviews (527)
Farid
Verified Review
Analysis
Reviewed in California on January 26, 2026
For me, they raised rates too much.
Randy
Verified Review
Paperwork
Reviewed in Michigan on January 24, 2026
A lot better, more money but less red tape. They kind of were difficult, would not renew my policy because they said I didn't send in a paper I had to sign, which I did.
Randy
Verified Review
Safeco Review
Reviewed in California on January 23, 2026
Generally good - handles the few claims we have submitted well.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
613NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
1.72A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
AWhy we picked this company
Safeco’s coverage and discount lists are fairly thin, but it offers competitive pricing. This can make it a good choice for drivers who just want straightforward insurance at a low price. The company’s telematics program, RightTrack, also offers a guaranteed discount, which can help ensure good drivers maximize their savings.
Pros
Guaranteed discount to customers who enroll in telematics
Pays cash back to customers who remain claims-free
Accident forgiveness available
Cons
Relatively few coverage options
Limited number of discounts available
High number of negative customer reviews with the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Travelers: Best for customizing coverage
| User Reviews | 4.7 |
|---|---|
| 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. | 8.5 /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. | $100/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. | $187/mo |
4.7
Best choiceBased on 1,132 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Travelers
Customers appreciate the insurer’s communicative customer service and efficient claims process. But they’re dissatisfied with the consistent and sometimes significant price increases, even for those with clean driving records.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Numerous discounts
Gap insurance
Rideshare coverage
How drivers feel about Travelers
Customers appreciate the insurer’s communicative customer service and efficient claims process. But they’re dissatisfied with the consistent and sometimes significant price increases, even for those with clean driving records.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Numerous discounts
Gap insurance
Rideshare coverage
Reviews (549)
Rilda
Verified Review
I thought I didn't have a payment in November and December but I did
Reviewed in Kentucky on January 25, 2026
I haven't had an accident in 30 years, and I only drive about once a week. I'm disabled, almost 60 years old, and live by myself, yet I have to pay $73 a month.
Lawrence
Verified Review
Low prices
Reviewed in Virginia on January 24, 2026
Good, but they raised prices extremely high when I added new vehicles.
Jose
Verified Review
AAA+++
Reviewed in Florida on January 23, 2026
Superb customer service and excellent response during the claims process.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
616NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++Why we picked this company
If you need additional coverage in your auto insurance policy, Travelers Insurance may be the right company for you. This insurance company offers several types of additional coverage that can help make your policy the right fit for your needs.
Additionally, Travelers offers a mobile app, 24/7 customer service, and several generous discounts that may be helpful for drivers, including a discount for bundling with homeowners insurance.
Pros
Additional coverage, including gap insurance and rideshare coverage
Accident forgiveness available
Offers a discount for hybrid and electric cars
Cons
Rideshare coverage not available in all states
Below- average J.D. Power claims satisfaction score
Higher-than-average number of complaints with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
Travelers vs. Safeco: Which is cheaper?
It’s helpful to compare quotes from Travelers and Safeco so you can get a sense of which company offers lower rates. Every insurance company considers various factors when determining rates, like your driving history, age, and credit.
Here’s how Safeco and Traveler’s insurance premiums differ by profile. Rates shown are for liability-only policies unless otherwise specified.
Driver Type  | Safeco | Travelers |
|---|---|---|
| Adult drivers | $100 | $92 |
| Liability-only coverage | $87 | $100 |
| Full coverage | $140 | $187 |
| Drivers with a speeding ticket | $121 | $133 |
| Drivers with a DUI | $147 | $147 |
| Drivers with an at-fault accident | $129 | $135 |
| Drivers with poor credit scores | $105 | $121 |
| Drivers with good credit scores | $79 | $86 |
| Teen drivers | $193 | $232 |
| Senior drivers | $77 | $74 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
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Safeco vs. Travelers car insurance discounts
Travelers offers more than four times as many discounts as Safeco.
While Safeco does provide a bundling discount and three different types of safe driver discounts, it’s notably missing some of the most common auto insurance discounts, including discounts for good students, multi-car households, new cars, auto pay, affiliations, homeowners, loyalty, and paying in full.
Travelers offers nearly all of the most common discounts. But that doesn’t necessarily mean its car insurance rates are lower.
Discount | Safeco | Travelers |
|---|---|---|
| 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
Customer satisfaction is an important factor in comparing car insurance companies. Safeco, as a subsidiary of Liberty Mutual, has one of the highest levels of claims satisfaction according to the J.D. Power U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study. Travelers, on the other hand, has a below-average claims satisfaction rating.[2]
Both companies have a higher-than-average number of complaints, according to the NAIC.[3] [4] Travelers boasts an AM Best financial strength rating of A++ (Superior), while Safeco’s financial strength rating is A (Excellent).
Check out how Safeco and Travelers measure up in other categories below:
Score | Safeco | Travelers |
|---|---|---|
| IQ Score | 8.1 | 8.5 |
| Customer reviews | 4.3/5 (969 reviews) | 4.8/5 (1,102 reviews) |
| J.D. Power | 730 | 691 |
| AM Best rating | A (Excellent) | A++ (Superior) |
| NAIC complaint index | 1.71 | 3.97 |
| BBB customer reviews | 1.08/5 stars (based on 1,464 reviews) | 1.05/5 stars (based on 292 reviews) |
Recent customer reviews of Safeco car insurance
Insurify asked real consumers to rate their insurance companies on everything from the claims process to contacting their insurance agent to setting their deductible. We collected this information so you can learn directly from customers about their experience with insurance companies.
Below you’ll find real, verified Safeco insurance reviews. More policyholders report their experiences every day.
Farid
Verified Review
Analysis
Reviewed in California on January 26, 2026
For me, they raised rates too much.
Randy
Verified Review
Paperwork
Reviewed in Michigan on January 24, 2026
A lot better, more money but less red tape. They kind of were difficult, would not renew my policy because they said I didn't send in a paper I had to sign, which I did.
Randy
Verified Review
Safeco Review
Reviewed in California on January 23, 2026
Generally good - handles the few claims we have submitted well.
Barbara
Verified Review
Response time is good for claims. I just feel it is overpriced and there are no deductions for safe drivers or lack of tickets. I don’t see savings for bundling house and auto.
Reviewed in Missouri on January 21, 2026
Response time is good for claims. I just feel it is overpriced and there are no deductions for safe drivers or lack of tickets. I don’t see savings for bundling house and auto.
…
Recent customer reviews of Travelers car insurance
If you’re curious about what it’s like to be a Travelers insurance customer, the reviews below are from actual Travelers customers. These verified reviews can help you decide whether Travelers is the right choice for your auto insurance needs.
Rilda
Verified Review
I thought I didn't have a payment in November and December but I did
Reviewed in Kentucky on January 25, 2026
I haven't had an accident in 30 years, and I only drive about once a week. I'm disabled, almost 60 years old, and live by myself, yet I have to pay $73 a month.
Lawrence
Verified Review
Low prices
Reviewed in Virginia on January 24, 2026
Good, but they raised prices extremely high when I added new vehicles.
Jose
Verified Review
AAA+++
Reviewed in Florida on January 23, 2026
Superb customer service and excellent response during the claims process.
Byron
Verified Review
Bubs Coverage
Reviewed in Kentucky on January 23, 2026
Look out for huge increased premiums.
…
Safeco RightTrack vs. Travelers IntelliDrive
Safe drivers may want to check out the telematics programs offered by both Safeco and Travelers. These programs monitor your driving for a certain period of time to measure your driving habits. They may offer you discounts if you demonstrate safe behavior behind the wheel.
The Safeco RightTrack program offers an instant 10% discount just for enrolling. When you enroll, you’ll have to download Safeco’s mobile phone app, which will monitor your driving for 90 days. Safeco uses that information to assign you a score based on your behavior on the road.
Safe drivers can save up to 30% through this program, but the best part of this program is that Safeco guarantees that anyone who enrolls in RightTrack will save at least 5%, which will last for the life of your policy.
The Travelers IntelliDrive program also offers an initial 10% enrollment discount (depending on your state). Like Safeco, IntelliDrive uses a mobile app to monitor your driving for 90 days to determine your discount rate when you renew your policy.
The safest drivers with IntelliDrive may save up to 30%, but if the app catches you making unsafe choices on the road, you could pay higher insurance premiums.
You may be able to save up to 30% with IntelliDrive, but using this telematics program could also result in a higher insurance premium if the app detects you engaging in unsafe driving behavior.
Good to Know
While pay-per-mile and telematics insurance are two alternative options that can potentially save you money, they’re very different. A telematics program monitors your driving and rewards you for safe driving habits.
A pay-per-mile insurance policy charges you for the number of miles you spend behind the wheel and is geared toward drivers who don’t use their car very often. If you drive unsafely while using a telematics program, you’ll probably spend more than you would have under a traditional auto insurance policy.
Feature | Safeco RightTrack | Travelers IntelliDrive |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Drivers who want a guaranteed discount just for enrolling | Drivers who know they make safe driving decisions |
| Savings potential | 5% guaranteed, up to 30% based on driving behavior | Up to 30% based on driving behavior |
| How it works | Proprietary mobile app | Proprietary mobile app |
| Availability | 44 states (limited availability) | 34 states (limited availability) |
| Data tracked | Total miles driven, nighttime driving (between the hours of 12 a.m. and 4 a.m.), braking, and acceleration | Time of day, speed, acceleration, braking, and distraction |
| App rating (App Store/Google Play) | 4.8/4.7 | 4.6/4.3 |
| Average discount for good drivers | 15%–25% | 10%–15% |
| Driver feedback tools | Track trips and savings | “Distraction-free driving streaks” and safe driving tips |
| Gamified rewards | No | No |
| Compatibility | Smartphone app only | Smartphone app only |
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Compare coverages: Safeco vs. Travelers
Safeco offers basic auto insurance coverage, while Travelers has a more robust menu of add-on coverage options for drivers interested in customizing their policy. This means Safeco may not be the right insurer for a driver who needs more specialized insurance.
Check out how these two compare when it comes to available coverage:
Coverage | Safeco | Travelers |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability (BI) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Property damage liability (PD) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Personal injury protection (PIP insurance) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Uninsured/underinured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Medical payments (MedPay) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Collision | ✔ | ✔ |
| Comprehensive | ✔ | ✔ |
| Roadside assistance | ✔ | ✔ |
| Rental reimbursement | ✔ | ✔ |
| Gap insurance | ✖ | ✔ |
| Classic car insurance | ✔ | ✖ |
| Rideshare insurance | ✖ | ✔ |
Safeco vs. Travelers FAQs
If you’re trying to decide between Safeco and Travelers car insurance coverage, check out answers to some of the most common questions about these insurance companies.
Which is cheaper: Safeco or Travelers?
It depends. Travelers offers many more discounts than Safeco, but safe drivers may find that Safeco’s lower insurance rates plus its RightTrack telematics program saves them more money overall. That’s why it’s important to get multiple insurance quotes.
Are Liberty Mutual and Safeco the same?
No, but Safeco is owned by the Liberty Mutual Group and has many of the same products, like the RightTrack telematics program.
Why is Safeco so expensive?
Typically, Safeco offers competitive insurance rates, but it doesn’t have many discounts. It’s important to compare multiple quotes and discounts to find the cheapest insurance for you.
Is Travelers in financial trouble?
No. Travelers has an AM Best financial strength rating of A++ (Superior), which means the company has the highest possible financial stability. Policyholders can feel confident in Travelers’ financial strength and that the company has the reserves to pay its claims.
Does Travelers have good insurance?
Yes. Although Travelers doesn’t score well for customer claims satisfaction with J.D. Power, and it has a higher-than-average number of complaints on the NAIC complaint index, the company does provide quality insurance products to its customers, even if it doesn’t necessarily meet their standards for customer satisfaction.
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
- NAIC. "PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE INDUSTRY 2024 TOP 25 GROUPS AND COMPANIES BY COUNTRYWIDE PREMIUM."
- Jdpower.com. "2025 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study."
- Naic.org. "Consumer Insurance Refined Search Results."
- Naic.org. "Consumer Insurance Refined Search Results."
)
Emily Guy Birken
Emily Guy Birken is a former educator, lifelong money nerd, and a Plutus Award-winning freelance writer who specializes in the scientific research behind irrational money behaviors. Her background in education allows her to make complex financial topics relatable and easily understood by the layperson.
Her work has appeared on The Huffington Post, Business Insider, Kiplinger's, MSN Money, and The Washington Post online.
She is the author of several books, including The 5 Years Before You Retire, End Financial Stress Now, and the brand new book Stacked: Your Super Serious Guide to Modern Money Management, written with Joe Saul-Sehy.
Emily lives in Milwaukee with her family.
Emily has been a contributor at Insurify since October 2022.
Sara Getman is an Associate Editor at Insurify and has been with the company since 2022. Prior to joining Insurify, Sara completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature at Simmons University in Boston. At Simmons, she was the Editor-in-Chief for Sidelines Magazine (a literary and art publication), and wrote creative non-fiction.
Outside of work, Sara is an avid reader, and loves rock climbing, yoga, and crocheting.
John LeachLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Copy Editor
Licensed property and casualty insurance agent
10+ years editing experience
NPN: 20461358
John leads Insurify’s copy desk, helping ensure the accuracy and readability of Insurify’s content. He’s a licensed agent specializing in home and car insurance topics.
Featured in
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.