SafeAuto Car Insurance Review: Ratings and Quotes (2024)

SafeAuto sells nonstandard car insurance to high-risk drivers.

Elizabeth Rivelli
Elizabeth Rivelli
  • 5+ years writing insurance and personal finance topics

  • Auto, home, health, and life insurance expertise

Elizabeth has extensive insurance industry experience, having written for Insureon, Rate Retriever, and Insurify. She’s also finance and insurance editor for Car and Driver.

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Courtney Mikulski
Courtney MikulskiSenior Editor, Auto
  • 3+ years producing insurance and personal finance content

  • Main architect of the Insurify Quality Score

Courtney’s deep personal finance knowledge extends beyond insurance to credit cards, consumer lending, and banking. She thrives on creating actionable content.

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Konstantin Halachev
Data reviewed byKonstantin Halachev
Headshot of Konstantin Halachev, VP of Engineering at Insurify
Konstantin HalachevVice President of Engineering
  • 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.

Updated April 19, 2023

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Since 1993, SafeAuto has been one of the leading providers of affordable state-minimum car insurance. The company also specializes in nonstandard car insurance and SR-22 insurance, selling policies to drivers with poor credit and a history of accidents or serious traffic violations.

While SafeAuto offers flexible coverage to high-risk drivers, the company only offers a handful of endorsements for more protection. Additionally, SafeAuto isn’t available in every state.

Quick Facts
  • SafeAuto specializes in state-minimum car insurance and covers high-risk drivers.

  • Drivers with a clean record pay an average of $303 a month for full-coverage insurance.

  • SafeAuto offers fewer endorsements than some of its competitors.

What is SafeAuto car insurance?

SafeAuto is owned by National General, a subsidiary of Allstate.[1] It sells standard and nonstandard auto insurance and issues coverage in select states. SafeAuto has a traditional car insurance business model in which customers pay the company premiums in exchange for ongoing coverage.

SafeAuto advertises affordable auto insurance to high-risk drivers and offers various payment plans. If you have a history of at-fault accidents, bad credit, or a DUI on your record, SafeAuto’s flexible underwriting requirements can make it easier to get coverage.

You can get an instant rate quote online when you visit SafeAuto’s website. You can also apply for SR-22 insurance through SafeAuto if your driver’s license has been suspended.

SafeAuto pros and cons

Pros
  • Specializes in nonstandard car insurance for high-risk drivers, including those with a poor driving record, bad credit, or a history of serious traffic violations

  • You can get a quote and purchase an auto insurance policy through SafeAuto’s website, so you don’t have to work with an agent

  • Drivers can manage their policies, make payments, view ID cards, and file claims through the online portal or mobile app

Cons
  • Offers fewer endorsements compared to some other car insurance companies

  • Average car insurance rates are more expensive than the national average premiums

  • Not available in every state

Average cost of SafeAuto car insurance

The average car insurance premium from SafeAuto is $303 per month for full coverage and $211 per month for minimum coverage. For comparison, the national average monthly rates are $253 for full coverage and $170 for liability-only coverage.

SafeAuto’s average car insurance premiums are more expensive than the U.S. national average. However, nonstandard car insurance companies often have higher rates than standard insurers.

Because drivers with past driving violations and accidents are high-risk and pose more potential losses to insurers, nonstandard car insurance companies typically charge them more expensive rates.[2] If you have a clean driving record, good credit, and no criminal offenses, SafeAuto might not be the cheapest insurer for you.

SafeAuto car insurance coverage

SafeAuto sells state-minimum insurance, which typically includes personal liability insurance, uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance, and personal injury protection (PIP). You can also purchase a full-coverage policy that includes collision, comprehensive, and medical payments coverage.

For more customized protection, SafeAuto also offers several add-on options:

  • Roadside assistance: Covers the cost of basic roadside vehicle services, like flat-tire changes, fuel delivery, lockouts, and battery jump starts

  • Towing and labor: Reimburses you for towing expenses and/or labor for roadside vehicle repairs

  • Rental car reimbursement: Pays for a rental car while your vehicle is repaired or replaced if damaged in a collision or comprehensive claim

  • SR-22: A certificate that proves you carry the minimum amount of coverage required in your state; it’s only required for certain drivers, including people who have a suspended license

SafeAuto car insurance cost by state

Car insurance is a legal requirement for vehicle owners in every state except New Hampshire and Virginia. States have different car insurance laws for the required coverage types and amounts. Car insurance rates also depend on the state you’re insured in.[2]

For example, in states with a high number of uninsured drivers or a risk of severe weather, car insurance premiums might be more expensive.[2] Premiums can also be more expensive in states that require higher coverage limits.

The table below shows SafeAuto’s monthly average car insurance premiums in 15 states where SafeAuto is available.

StateAverage Quote: Full CoverageAverage Quote: Liability Only
Arizona$259$196
Illinois$286$207
Indiana$142$97
Kansas$287N/A
Kentucky$306$212
Louisiana$470$343
Missouri$210$145
Mississippi$251$146
Oklahoma$240$144
Pennsylvania$263$202
South Carolina$299$205
Tennessee$238$125
Texas$353$272
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

SafeAuto auto insurance rates by driving history

Car insurance rates can differ based on your driving history. In general, drivers with clean records pay the lowest rates for coverage. Drivers with speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, and DUIs usually experience higher rates.[2]

The table below shows SafeAuto’s average monthly premiums for drivers with clean records, speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, and DUIs.

Driving HistoryAverage Quote: Full CoverageAverage Quote: Liability Only
Clean Record$303$211
With Speeding Ticket$406$283
With At-Fault Accident$433$302
With DUI$603$420
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

SafeAuto car insurance cost by age

One of the most influential factors that can affect your car insurance premium is your age.[2] Young drivers usually pay the highest rates because they have less experience and pose a higher risk than older drivers. For most drivers, auto insurance premiums decrease with age. However, drivers may see their rates increase again around age 70.

The table below includes SafeAuto’s average monthly car insurance premiums for drivers in different age groups.

Age GroupAverage Monthly Quote
Teenagers$445
20s$299
30s$255
40s$226
50s$198
60s$174
70s$199
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

How to get a SafeAuto car insurance quote from Insurify

If you’re shopping for auto insurance, it’s a good idea to compare quotes from a few different insurers. Through Insurify, you can get a personalized rate quote from SafeAuto and many other popular insurance companies.

Follow these steps to get a SafeAuto quote from Insurify:

  1. Visit Insurify’s website. To start, navigate to Insurify’s website and enter your ZIP code.

  2. Enter your vehicle and personal information. Provide information about yourself and your car, including the VIN and mileage. Answer the questions about how you use the vehicle, if you own the vehicle, and whether you want full coverage.

  3. See your quotes. Based on your information, you’ll see quotes from insurance companies that sell coverage in your area. If SafeAuto sells car insurance in your state, you’ll see your estimated premium.

Once you have your quotes, you can compare your estimated rate from SafeAuto to several other car insurance companies. Using Insurify to compare quotes can help you find the most affordable premium for your situation and coverage needs.

SafeAuto car insurance discounts

SafeAuto offers several car insurance discounts, which can reduce your insurance costs:

  • Multi-policy: If you purchase multiple insurance policies from SafeAuto, like auto and home insurance, you can qualify for a discount.

  • Multi-vehicle: You can get a cheaper car insurance policy when you insure more than one vehicle on the same policy.

  • Paid in full: When you pay your annual auto insurance premium in full, SafeAuto may apply a discount to your policy.

  • Continuous insurance: If you can show proof of continuous auto insurance with no coverage gaps, you can get a discounted premium.

  • Homeowner: Homeowners can qualify for auto insurance savings through SafeAuto.

  • Older than 55: If you’re older than 55, SafeAuto will give you a discount on your premium.

  • Good student: Students who get good grades in school or maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) may be able to get a lower rate.

  • Defensive driver: When you complete an approved defensive driver course, SafeAuto will give you a discount on your car insurance policy.

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SafeAuto insurance bundling options

SafeAuto offers a suite of insurance products. When you purchase multiple insurance policies, you could qualify for a lower premium.

Bundling discounts might be available for the following types of insurance:

  • Motorcycle insurance

  • Boat/PWC insurance

  • RV/trailer insurance

  • Renters insurance

  • Homeowners insurance

  • Business insurance

  • Health insurance

  • Supplemental insurance

  • Dental insurance

  • Accident insurance

  • Life insurance

SafeAuto insurance reviews and ratings

Various organizations, like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and J.D. Power, rate car insurance companies. When comparing insurance companies, it’s a good idea to review these ratings to see what current customers think about the company.

SafeAuto customer reviews

Overall, SafeAuto has poor customer reviews. SafeAuto has an average rating of 3.3 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, with more than 4,600 reviews. Many customers have complained about unexpected rate increases, canceled policies, and bad interactions with agents.

SafeAuto Insurance reviews are even worse from the BBB. The company’s rating is 1.06 out of 5, based on 422 customer reviews. There have been 718 complaints closed in the last year alone. Customer reviews cite similar complaints about high premiums, unfair claim handling, and difficulty working with customer service agents.

SafeAuto ratings

Here are some of SafeAuto’s ratings for financial strength and customer satisfaction:

  • Better Business Bureau: 1.06 out of 5

  • Trustpilot: 3.3 out of 5

  • NAIC Complaint Index: 6.64 (more complaints than normal)

SafeAuto vs. other insurance providers

Dozens of reputable car insurance companies are on the market. If you’re considering SafeAuto, it might be beneficial to compare it to several other insurers. In the table below, you can see how SafeAuto stacks up against several competitors in terms of average monthly premiums and third-party ratings.

Insurance CompanyLiability OnlyFull CoverageA.M. Best J.D. Power*
SafeAuto$211$303Not RatedNot Rated
Erie$107$132A+893 out of 1,000
Nationwide$167$182A+868 out of 1,000
Liberty Mutual$197$283A870 out of 1,000
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile. *J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study

SafeAuto vs. Erie

Erie is a great option for drivers who are looking for affordable auto insurance. Erie’s average monthly premiums are $107 for minimum coverage and $132 for full coverage. That’s significantly less expensive than SafeAuto’s average rates.

Erie is also a good choice for drivers who want to customize their car insurance. Erie offers many more endorsements than SafeAuto. You can get first accident forgiveness, new car protection, pet coverage, personal items coverage, locksmith coverage, and more.

SafeAuto vs. Nationwide

Nationwide is one of the largest car insurance companies on the market. Nationwide’s average premiums are $167 per month for minimum coverage and $182 per month for full coverage, which is much cheaper than SafeAuto’s average rates.

Nationwide may also be a better option than SafeAuto if you’re a safe driver. Through the company’s telematics-based SafeRide program, you can save up to 40% when you practice safe driving habits. Additionally, Nationwide has a pay-per-mile program, called SmartMiles, which can help you get a lower insurance premium if you drive less often.

SafeAuto vs. Liberty Mutual

The average monthly car insurance premium from Liberty Mutual is $197 for liability-only insurance and $283 for full coverage. While these rates are higher than the U.S. national average rates, they’re still cheaper than SafeAuto’s average premiums.

Liberty Mutual stands out for its long list of endorsements, with coverage options like gap insurance, original parts coverage, teacher’s auto insurance, and new-car replacement coverage. Compared to SafeAuto, Liberty Mutual also offers more discounts, with savings for military, early shoppers, students away at school, buying a policy online, and more.

How to file an auto insurance claim with SafeAuto

If you get into an accident or experience another loss, you can file a claim with SafeAuto to get reimbursed.

Here’s how to file a claim with SafeAuto:

  1. Gather evidence of the claim. Before you file the claim, it’s a good idea to document the damage to your vehicle. If you got into an accident and you have a police report, you should also include that when you submit the claim.

  2. Report the claim. To report a claim with SafeAuto, you can call the company at 1 (800) SAFE-AUTO, log into your online account, or file a claim through the mobile app. You’ll need to provide a description of what happened, when the claim occurred, and submit the documents you have to support the claim.

  3. Wait for the settlement. Once the claim has been reported, it will be assigned to an adjuster. You may have to wait several weeks for SafeAuto to approve the claim. If it approves the claim, you’ll receive the settlement.

SafeAuto car insurance FAQs

Still have questions about SafeAuto car insurance? Here are the answers to commonly asked questions.

  • Is SafeAuto legitimate?

    Yes. SafeAuto is a legitimate insurance company that hasn’t been linked to any fraudulent business practices. In addition, Allstate, one of the largest insurance companies, purchased SafeAuto in 2021.[1]

  • Is SafeAuto car insurance worth it?

    SafeAuto car insurance may be worth it for some drivers, particularly drivers who need nonstandard insurance.

    But while SafeAuto may have a more flexible underwriting process for high-risk drivers, the premiums are more expensive than average, and the company only offers a few endorsements. Additionally, SafeAuto customer reviews are mostly negative.

  • What is the average cost of SafeAuto car insurance?

    The average cost of car insurance from SafeAuto is $303 per month for full-coverage insurance and $211 per month for minimum-coverage insurance. However, premiums can vary depending on factors like your location, credit score, driving record, age, and gender.[2]

  • Who should get SafeAuto insurance?

    SafeAuto is ideal for high-risk drivers, which typically includes people with poor credit, young drivers, or drivers with a history of accidents or DUIs. The company also sells SR-22 insurance, which is sometimes required for drivers who have suspended licenses.

  • Is SafeAuto good at paying claims?

    SafeAuto is owned by National General Holdings, which Allstate owns. National General has an A+ financial strength rating from A.M. Best.[3] This letter grade indicates that National General is able to pay out future claims.

  • When did Allstate buy SafeAuto?

    Allstate purchased SafeAuto in 2021 through its subsidiary company, National General. However, SafeAuto continues to underwrite its own auto insurance policies.[1]

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Sources

  1. Insurance Business. "Allstate makes $300 million acquisition." Accessed April 13, 2023
  2. III. "What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?." Accessed April 13, 2023
  3. A.M. Best. "National General Insurance Company." Accessed April 13, 2023
Elizabeth Rivelli
Elizabeth Rivelli

Elizabeth Rivelli is a freelance writer covering insurance and personal finance. She has extensive knowledge of various insurance lines, including property and casualty, health, and life insurance. Her byline has been featured in dozens of publications, including Investopedia, Forbes, Bankrate, NextAdvisor, and Insurance.com

Courtney Mikulski
Edited byCourtney MikulskiSenior Editor, Auto
Courtney Mikulski
Courtney MikulskiSenior Editor, Auto
  • 3+ years producing insurance and personal finance content

  • Main architect of the Insurify Quality Score

Courtney’s deep personal finance knowledge extends beyond insurance to credit cards, consumer lending, and banking. She thrives on creating actionable content.

Featured in

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Konstantin Halachev
Data reviewed byKonstantin HalachevVice President of Engineering
Headshot of Konstantin Halachev, VP of Engineering at Insurify
Konstantin HalachevVice President of Engineering
  • 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.

Compare Car Insurance Quotes Instantly

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
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