Comparing Country Financial and Safeco Insurance
Hello everyone,
Before diving into my situation, I want to acknowledge that I know insurance rates are on the rise across the board. However, I find the proposed rates from my current provider, Country Financial, to be quite unreasonable, especially since I’ve received multiple lower quotes.
Here’s a bit of context:
I’ve been with Country for four years and hold both auto and homeowners policies with them.
About us:
– Me: 27 years old, with one not-at-fault accident in the past three years (someone backed into my parked car), zero tickets. My primary vehicle is a fully owned 2014 Subaru Legacy for commuting to work.
– Wife: 26 years old, no accidents, two minor speeding tickets (one will be expunged in June). Her primary vehicle is a financed 2017 Subaru Crosstrek.
For a $500 deductible and 250/500 coverage, Country Financial’s latest renewal quote is $296 per month. That’s a $15 increase from last policy period, which already saw a $35 jump. This amount covers PIP, rental, auto glass, and other features.
Earlier this week, I reached out to AAA for a quote from Safeco. After reviewing the numbers, I noticed that while their umbrella policy quote was higher than I expected, their homeowners rate was only about $100 more annually compared to Country. The standout difference was in the auto coverage. For a similar 12-month policy, Safeco quoted me $213 per month. Even considering the higher homeowners rate, switching would save me around $75-80 monthly. If I opt into their Right Track app, the auto rate could drop to $194.
I’ve heard that some companies, like Progressive, might offer discounts initially but then increase rates at renewal. Anyone know if Safeco does something similar? I’ve had positive experiences with claims through Country and appreciated their communication throughout the process. While I’m generally a safe driver and don’t plan on needing to file a claim, I want assurance that if I do, I’ll be well taken care of.
I’m hesitant to switch carriers since Country has provided good service, but with 60% of the quotes I’m receiving being significantly cheaper, I’m left questioning what I’m actually paying for.
Hey there!
It sounds like you’ve done a thorough job evaluating your options, and it’s totally understandable to feel hesitant about switching carriers after having a positive experience with Country Financial. However, with such a significant difference in premiums, especially in this market where rates are rising, it’s definitely worth considering whether it’s time for a change.
Regarding your question about whether Safeco has a history of renewal increases similar to what you may have seen with Progressive, it’s hard to give a definitive answer since it can vary by state and individual circumstances. However, many insurance companies do have a practice of increasing rates at renewal, but some also offer stability in pricing for good drivers, or they might have specific programs that reward safety and longevity. It’d be a good idea to ask the agent you’re working with at AAA about Safeco’s renewal practices and whether there are any known patterns, especially for drivers with clean records like yours and your wife’s.
As for claims, a lot of people have shared mixed experiences with different insurers, but personally, I’ve heard that Safeco tends to have a decent reputation for customer service and claims processing. Since you’re a safe driver, hopefully, you won’t need to rely on that, but knowing that a company is responsive can certainly provide peace of mind.
Ultimately, if the savings with Safeco allow you to keep that same level of coverage, it may be worth making the switch, especially if you hear positive feedback regarding their claims process. Plus, it sounds like your current premium from Country is on the high side, which raises questions about the value you’re getting for that price.
If you feel comfortable, I’d recommend speaking with some current Safeco customers to get their insights as well. It’s always best to hear it straight from the source! Good luck, and I hope whichever decision you make ends up being the best one for you and your family!