Safe Auto Car Insurance
Company was founded in 1993 in Columbus, Ohio by Jon Diamond and Eric Seidel. It started as a small auto insurance provider focused on serving high-risk drivers who were unable to obtain affordable coverage from standard insurance companies.
Over the past three decades, Safe Auto has expanded across the United States and now provides minimum state required auto insurance in 28 states.
Safe Auto specializes in providing basic liability coverage at affordable rates to drivers with poor driving records, new drivers, people who have lapses in insurance coverage, and those with low credit scores.
Safe Auto manages their own policies and claims in-house rather than contracting with third party insurance carriers. This allows them to provide specialized high-risk insurance products while keeping costs low.
Today, Safe Auto insures over 1 million vehicles across the United States. They are committed to providing minimum state required liability insurance to high-risk drivers at affordable rates.
Types of Auto Insurance
Auto insurance policies are primarily made up of six main types of coverage:
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Liability insurance – This covers bodily injury and property damage that you cause to others in an accident when you’re at fault. It’s required in most states. Liability insurance is split into two parts:
- Bodily injury liability – Covers medical bills for people injured in an accident you caused
- Property damage liability – Covers repairs to the property of others that you damaged in an accident
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Collision insurance – Covers damage to your car from an accident, regardless of fault. This pays for repairs to your vehicle when you collide with another car or object. Collision has a deductible you choose.
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Comprehensive insurance – Covers damage to your vehicle that isn’t from a collision, including theft, vandalism, fire, flood, hail, animal strikes, etc. This also has a deductible.
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Uninsured/Underinsured motorist coverage – Pays for injuries to you and your passengers caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver who was at fault in an accident. This protects you when the at-fault driver has no or inadequate insurance.
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Personal Injury Protection (PIP) – No-fault coverage that pays for medical expenses for you and passengers, lost wages, and other damages up to policy limits, regardless of who caused the accident. Required in some states.
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Rental reimbursement – Reimburses rental car expenses while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered loss.
Having the right auto insurance coverage types and limits is crucial to be financially protected in the event of an accident or claim. Work with an agent to ensure you have adequate coverage.
How Auto Insurance Works
Auto insurance provides financial protection against losses from a car accident. The key components of an auto insurance policy include:
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Premium – This is the amount you pay for coverage, usually charged monthly or every 6 months. The premium is based on factors like your driving record, location, age, gender, and type of vehicle. Companies with lower risk drivers can charge lower premiums.
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Deductible – This is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before insurance coverage kicks in after an accident. Common deductibles are $250, $500 or $1,000. Higher deductibles lead to lower premiums.
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Liability Limits – This covers injuries or damage you cause to others in an accident. It’s required in most states. Common limits are 50/100/50, meaning $50,000 bodily injury per person, $100,000 bodily injury per accident, and $50,000 property damage per accident. Higher limits mean more coverage but higher premiums.
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Collision Coverage – This covers damage to your vehicle from an accident, regardless of fault. It has a deductible and higher coverage amounts increase premiums.
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Comprehensive Coverage – This covers non-collision damage from things like theft, vandalism, fire, flood, hail or animal collisions. It also has a deductible.
Factors that affect your insurance rates include your driving record, vehicle type, age, gender, location, mileage and credit score. Safe drivers with clean records, less expensive vehicles and higher credit scores tend to get the lowest rates. Comparing rates from multiple insurers can help find the best deal.
Safe Auto Policy Options
Safe Auto offers standard auto insurance policy options to meet state minimum coverage requirements as well as optional add-on coverage for additional protection Safe Auto Car Insurance.
Liability Coverage
Liability coverage pays for damage that the policyholder causes to others in an accident. It covers bodily injury and property damage. Liability insurance is required in most states. Safe Auto offers the following liability limits:
- $25,000 bodily injury per person
- $50,000 bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 property damage per accident
Higher limits are available for more premium costs.
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage pays for damage to the policyholder’s vehicle from an accident, regardless of fault. It covers the vehicle colliding with another car, object, or overturning. Collision coverage is optional but recommended for vehicles not fully paid off. Safe Auto’s collision deductibles are $500, $750, $1000, or $1500. Higher deductibles lead to lower premiums.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive coverage is optional and pays for non-collision damage to the policyholder’s vehicle from events like theft, vandalism, fire, hail, flood, or animal collisions. Safe Auto offers $500, $750, $1000 deductibles. Comprehensive and collision coverage are bundled.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage protects the policyholder if they are hit by a driver with no or too little insurance. It covers medical payments and vehicle damage. Safe Auto offers uninsured motorist bodily injury limits equal to the liability limits.
Extras
Safe Auto offers additional optional coverage like roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, and accident forgiveness. These provide extra protection and convenience.
Safe Auto Discounts
Safe Auto offers a variety of discounts to help drivers save money on their auto insurance premiums. Here are some of the common discounts offered by Safe Auto:
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Multi-car discount – You can get a discount of up to 20% for insuring multiple cars on the same policy.
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Multi-policy discount – If you bundle your auto policy with other insurance products like homeowners or renters insurance you can save up to 15%.
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Good driver discount – Safe Auto provides up to 10% off for drivers with a clean driving record without any accidents or traffic violations.
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Student discount – Full-time high school or college students who maintain a B average can qualify for up to 15% off.
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Anti-theft device discount – Installing an anti-theft device like a car alarm or tracking system can save you 5% on your premiums.
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Defensive driver discount – Completing an approved defensive driver safety course can lower your rates by up to 15%.
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Good payer discount – Safe Auto offers a discount for customers who pay their premiums on time and in full.
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Affinity group discounts – Being a member of certain professional, alumni, or other organizations may make you eligible for a discount.
Checking to see if you qualify for any of Safe Auto’s discounts is a great way to lower your rates. Make sure to ask your agent which discounts you can take advantage of.
Safe Auto Rates
Safe Auto’s average annual premium is around $1,460, which is on the lower end of national averages. However, rates can vary significantly based on your location, driving history, age, vehicle, and other factors that impact your risk profile as a driver.
Some key factors that influence your Safe Auto insurance rates include:
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Location: Your state and even zip code can greatly impact your rates. Areas with higher rates of accidents, theft, vandalism, uninsured drivers, and lawsuits tend to have higher average premiums.
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Driving History: Drivers with accidents, speeding tickets, DUIs, and other violations on record will pay more for coverage. However, Safe Auto specializes in providing affordable rates for high-risk drivers. Their rates may still be lower than standard insurers.
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Age: Teen and young drivers pay the highest rates due to lack of experience. Mature drivers tend to receive the lowest rates.
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Credit History: In most states, insurers use your credit-based insurance score to help determine rates. Those with poor credit often pay more.
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Vehicle: Insuring a new luxury car costs more than an old sedan. Sports cars and vehicles with high horsepower also have higher insurance rates.
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Coverage Limits: The more coverage you buy, the more you’ll pay in premiums. Opting for state minimum liability limits provides the lowest rates.
Their online quoting tool makes it fast and easy to compare your options.
Filing a Claim with Safe Auto
Filing an insurance claim with Safe Auto is a straightforward process. Here’s an overview of what to expect:
Reporting the Claim
The first step is to report the claim to Safe Auto as soon as possible.
Working with the Adjuster
Once the claim is reported, you’ll be assigned a claims adjuster who will investigate the details and assess the damage. The adjuster may request additional documentation from you, inspect the vehicle, or have it towed to a repair shop. Communicate openly with your adjuster and provide any information they need to process your claim.
Estimate and Repairs
Your claims adjuster will work with the repair shop to determine the estimated cost of repairs based on your policy coverage. Once approved, the shop can begin work on repairing your vehicle. Keep in touch with the shop and your adjuster throughout the process.
Settlement
Finally, the adjuster will determine the settlement amount you’re eligible for under your policy. This is paid out once repairs are complete. If you have a disagreement about the settlement amount, you can provide evidence to the adjuster or file an appeal.
Timeframes
The entire claims process usually takes between 1-2 weeks from reporting to final settlement, depending on factors like claim complexity and repair shop workload. Your adjuster can give you a better timeframe specific to your claim. Act quickly to provide information to your adjuster to help speed up the process.
Filing an insurance claim can be stressful, but Safe Auto aims to make the process as smooth as possible. Communicating openly with your claims adjuster is key to getting your claim resolved effectively.
Safe Auto Customer Reviews
Safe Auto has received mixed reviews from customers regarding claims, rates, and customer service.
On the positive side, many customers report smooth claim processes and responsive customer service when filing claims or making changes to policies. Safe Auto offers 24/7 customer service support via phone, email, or live chat which reviewers appreciate. Customers also note reasonable rates, especially for high-risk drivers who may struggle to find affordable coverage elsewhere.
However, Safe Auto has below-average ratings on review sites compared to competitors. On Yelp, they have just 1.5 out of 5 stars based on over 100 reviews. The most common complaints involve very high rates after the initial 6-month policy period, difficulty canceling policies or getting refunds, and denial of claims sometimes for minor technicalities.
On the Better Business Bureau, Safe Auto has just 1 out of 5 stars based on over 300 reviews. Many customers report claim denials for unclear reasons and difficulty getting responses from customer service.
While Safe Auto does provide policies for high-risk drivers, their below-average ratings suggest customers can sometimes face issues getting claims approved, opaque rate hikes, and subpar customer service. Shoppers should carefully compare Safe Auto to other insurers. Usage-based programs like MetroMile may also offer affordable options for high-risk drivers. Consulting with an independent insurance agent can help find the right high-risk policy at a competitive rate.
Alternatives to Safe Auto
Safe Auto is one of many auto insurance providers in the United States. Here’s how it compares to some other top options:
Geico
Pros:
- Wide range of discounts available
- Large national presence with local agents
- Highly rated mobile app
Cons:
- Mixed customer service reviews
- Less flexibility with monthly payment options
Geico is one of the largest auto insurers in the US. They are known for offering low rates and clever advertising. Geico offers standard coverages as well as options like mechanical breakdown insurance and rideshare coverage. They have an easy online quoting and claims process.
State Farm
Pros:
- Local agents provide personalized service
- Many discounts and bundling options
- Rated highly for customer satisfaction
Cons:
- Rates may be higher than some competitors
- Less policy customization than other insurers
State Farm is the largest auto insurance provider in the United States. They are known for their network of local agents and “good neighbor” service. State Farm offers standard auto insurance as well as options like rideshare coverage and roadside assistance. Their rates are competitive but can be higher than some discount insurers.
The Hartford
Pros:
- Specializes in drivers over 50
- Strong financial ratings
- Lots of bundling and multi-policy discounts
Cons:
- Safe Auto Car Insurance.
- Limited online quotes and policy management
- Mixed customer service reviews
The Hartford focuses on providing auto insurance for older drivers. They offer experienced driver discounts, retiree discounts, and many multi-policy bundling options. The Hartford has strong financial ratings but their customer Safe Auto Car Insurance They do not offer as robust of an online experience compared to competitors.
Is Safe Auto Right for You?
When deciding if Safe Auto is the right car insurance company for you, it’s important to weigh your specific needs, budget, and location. Here are some key considerations:
Budget
If keeping your monthly payments low is a priority, Safe Auto is worth a look. Just keep in mind that lower premiums also mean you may have less robust coverage options.
High-Risk Drivers
If you have a poor driving history or credit score, Safe Auto specializes in providing policies for high-risk drivers. Their eligibility requirements are more flexible than many standard insurers. This makes them a good option if you have multiple at-fault accidents, DUIs, or other violations on your record Safe Auto Car Insurance.
Minimum Coverage
Safe Auto offers liability-only policies that meet state minimum coverage requirements. If you just need basic insurance and don’t require comprehensive or collision coverage, this bare-bones protection may suffice.
Usage-Based Options
Safe Auto has usage-based programs where your rates are partially based on driving behaviors like mileage, braking, acceleration, and phone distractions. This can help lower premiums for safe drivers. If you don’t drive often or have good driving habits, it’s worth looking into their telematics options.
Regional Availability
Safe Auto operates in about half of U.S. states. If you live outside of their coverage areas, you’ll have to look at alternatives. Be sure to verify if Safe Auto provides policies where you are located.
Customer Service
Safe Auto Car Insurance Reviews of Safe Auto’s customer service are mixed. If top-notch customer service is a priority, be sure to research their reputation.