Comparison: Country Financial vs. Safeco
Hello everyone,
I want to start by acknowledging that I’m aware most insurance companies are increasing their rates. However, the quotes I’m receiving from my current provider, Country Financial, seem excessive. I’ve found multiple options that are significantly cheaper.
Here’s the situation:
I’ve been with Country for four years, and I have both my auto and homeowners insurance through them.
About Us:
– Me: 27, one not-at-fault accident in the last three years (my car was parked and someone backed into it), no tickets. My primary vehicle is a 2014 Subaru Legacy, which I fully own. I keep full coverage on it since it’s essential for commuting to my job, where I’m required to be in the office most days.
– Wife: 26, no accidents, two tickets (both for going less than 15 mph over the limit; one will drop off in June). Her primary vehicle is a financed 2017 Subaru Crosstrek.
For a $500 deductible with 250/500 limits, Country Financial’s latest renewal is $296 per month—this is a $15 increase from the last policy period, which also saw a $35 rise. This amount includes PIP, rental coverage, auto glass coverage, and more.
Earlier this week, I reached out to AAA insurance and received a quote from Safeco. Initially, their umbrella policy quote seemed high compared to what I expected, so I might skip that. However, the homeowners insurance is only about $100 more annually than what I have with Country. The real difference comes from the auto insurance. They offered me a 12-month policy at $213 per month for comparable coverage. Even factoring in the increased homeowners cost, I would still save approximately $75-80 monthly. If I utilize their Right Track app, the rate drops to $194 per month.
I know companies like Progressive sometimes provide welcome discounts that can lead to a price increase upon renewal. Does anyone know if Safeco has a similar practice? I’ve had claims with Country in the past, and they’ve generally been good at communicating throughout the process. While I’m cautious about making a switch—since I’ve had a positive experience with Country—I can’t ignore that 60% of the quotes I’m receiving are considerably cheaper. It raises some serious questions about what I’m actually paying for.
I’d appreciate any insights from those who have experience with claims between Country Financial and Safeco. I’m a careful driver and don’t expect to file a claim, but should the need arise, I want reassurance that I’ll have the support I need without hassle. I pay my premiums with the expectation of reliable service when it’s critical.
Thanks for any feedback!
It sounds like you’ve done your homework and are weighing your options thoughtfully, which is great! Comparing rates between different carriers is a smart move, especially when you’re seeing significant savings with Safeco.
Regarding your question about potential rate increases after the first year: Safeco doesn’t have a standard practice like Progressive’s welcome discount, but they can adjust their rates depending on various factors such as market trends, your claims history, and risk factors. It’s always a good idea to read the fine print or ask your Safeco agent directly about their renewal practices to get a clearer picture.
As for claims experiences, feedback can vary widely. Generally speaking, Safeco has a decent reputation, but reviews can be mixed. Some customers have reported smooth claims processes, while others have faced challenges. Since you mentioned that Country has treated you well in the past, this is definitely an important consideration.
If you do decide to switch, make sure you fully understand the coverage and any potential gaps that might arise. Also, maintain a good relationship with your current carrier until you’re fully satisfied with your new policy, in case you have to revert.
Ultimately, it’s about finding the right balance between cost and quality of service. If you can save $75-80 a month while still feeling secure in your coverage, that’s a compelling reason to make the switch. Just keep an eye on the terms and be proactive about reviewing your rates and coverage annually. Good luck!