SafeAuto Auto Insurance Review: Should you buy in 2024?

Founded in 1993, the Safe Auto Insurance Company offers lower-than-average rates for all demographics. It gears its policies toward high-risk drivers who need an SR-22 certificate. You might need an SR-22 if you have a DUI, several moving violations, or poor credit.

SafeAuto’s headquarters is in Columbus, Ohio, though it sells auto insurance in 22 states. You can get the required insurance to drive legally in your state with SafeAuto minimum liability coverage, but consider full coverage if you have an expensive car.

If you’re a high-risk driver, always compare rates with multiple companies to ensure you get the best deal. SafeAuto isn’t for everyone, and you could find cheaper coverage at a different company, so shop around before you buy high-risk auto insurance.

Below, we’ll go over SafeAuto customer service reviews, coverage options, auto insurance rates, and more to help you decide if SafeAuto is the right high-risk car insurance company for you.

What You Should Know About Safe Auto Insurance Company

SafeAuto offers lower-than-average auto insurance rates for drivers of all demographics, though the company tailors policies to high-risk individuals. Drivers requiring SR-22 coverage, like those with a DUI or multiple driving incidents, could benefit from the company’s cheap rates.

However, while it charges less than the national average, drivers can still find cheaper coverage from competitors from Geico and State Farm. Always shop around and compare your SafeAuto car insurance quote to other companies to see where you can save the most.

You should also consider another company if you want to bundle your auto insurance with homeowners, renters, health, or motorcycle insurance, since SafeAuto doesn’t offer these coverages or a bundling discount.

Be aware that SafeAuto partners with third parties to underwrite your policy. Allstate acquired SafeAuto through its subsidiary National General in 2021, and you may work with either company when filing claims or making inquiries about your policy.

While SafeAuto might be a good choice for drivers who need high-risk auto insurance coverage, we recommend comparing quotes from more reputable insurance companies if your record is clear.

SafeAuto Insurance Reviews

Its low rates might entice potential policyholders, but SafeAuto has numerous customer complaints and negative customer service reviews.

According to the NAIC, the company has a complaint index score of 7.61, meaning SafeAuto receives over seven times as many complaints as a company similar in size.

SafeAuto does not have a customer service rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), but its underwriting subsidiary National General has an A+ rating. Unfortunately, customer reviews average 1.06/5 stars, with most customers complaining of poor claims handling and slow service. Read our National General auto insurance review to learn more.

If a highly rated, user-friendly mobile app is important to you, SafeAuto might not be for you. For example, the SafeAuto app has 1.5/5 stars on the App Store and 2.5/5 stars on the Google Play Store.

Safe Auto Insurance Company Insurance Coverage Options

If you’re a high-risk driver, SafeAuto can file an SR-22 certificate on your behalf. However, if you have a clean record and want add-on coverages like accident forgiveness or gap insurance, you might be better off finding a policy with another insurance company.

Though SafeAuto offers the minimum insurance coverage any driver needs to operate a vehicle legally, it also sells full coverage auto insurance consisting of liability auto insurance, collision insurance, and comprehensive insurance coverage.

While you can get standard coverage with the company, SafeAuto doesn’t offer many add-ons.

SafeAuto’s full list of car insurance coverages includes the following:

• Bodily injury liability
• Property damage liability
• Personal injury protection auto insurance
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
• SR-22 or high-risk insurance
• Accidental death benefit
• Rental car reimbursement
• Roadside assistance
• Labor and towing insurance

SafeAuto offers the standard coverages you need to drive legally and a limited number of optional add-ons. While the law won’t require full coverage as it does with liability, your lender will likely require full coverage to protect their investment if you have a car loan or lease.

SafeAuto ForeverCar Service Plan

Policyholders seeking additional coverage should consider SafeAuto’s ForeverCar service plan. ForeverCar is a partner of SafeAuto, and it fills in the gaps in SafeAuto’s limited policy coverage

In addition, SafeAuto drivers can get up to a 44% discount for ForeverCar’s vehicle service plans.

ForeverCar’s service plan features the following:

• Emergency roadside assistance
• Mechanical breakdown coverage, which begins 30 days after signing up
• Rental car reimbursement
• Emergency travel expense reimbursement

If you find that SafeAuto’s standard coverages don’t offer the fullest protection for your unique situation, ForeverCar could help fill the gaps.

Pay-As-You-Go Liability Insurance

Drivers in Illinois and California who might benefit from a usage-based insurance program can purchase pay-as-you-go liability insurance through SafeAuto’s partner Hugo. Pay-as-you-go liability insurance allows policyholders to only pay for insurance on the days they drive.

Offered in packages of 3, 7, 14, or 30 days, SafeAuto drivers enrolled in the program can enable and disable coverage via text message or mobile app.

What other insurance coverages does SafeAuto offer?

SafeAuto offers other insurance types through third-party companies. Some coverages the company indirectly sells include:

• Health insurance
• Renters insurance
• Dental insurance
• Business insurance
• Life insurance
• Accident insurance

While SafeAuto doesn’t underwrite its policies, you can still find other coverage through some of its partners. However, you won’t be able to get an auto insurance bundling discount for doing so.

The Final Word on SafeAuto Car Insurance

Though SafeAuto car insurance has competitive rates for high-risk drivers, its customers complain of poor customer service. In addition, other companies like Geico or State Farm offer lower rates than SafeAuto for various demographics. So, it’s vital to compare SafeAuto rates to its competitors to ensure you get the best deal.

While the company carries an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, the BBB website shows several poor customer reviews, and SafeAuto lacks a financial rating from A.M. Best.

To stand apart from its competitors, SafeAuto offers pay-as-you-go liability insurance in Illinois and California, allowing policyholders to turn coverage on and off. Customers can buy this insurance in increments of 3, 7, 14, or 30 days.

Unfortunately, the company doesn’t underwrite insurance policies besides auto, so policyholders won’t have the chance to get a bundling discount. In addition, its list of available auto insurance discounts is limited.

However, if you believe SafeAuto could be a good fit for your needs and budget, get a SafeAuto car insurance quote to know for sure. High-risk drivers who need to file SR-22 or can’t find coverage elsewhere can buy auto insurance with SafeAuto.

Safe Auto Insurance Company Insurance Rates Breakdown

Drivers of all demographics enjoy lower-than-average auto insurance rates with SafeAuto, though the company specializes in affordable coverage for high-risk drivers. However, insurance companies consider various factors when setting rates, so average rates might not reflect what you’ll actually pay.

For example, a teen driver with little experience behind the wheel will pay higher rates than a 45-year-old driver since insurers consider teenagers more likely to get in an accident and file a claim. So, compare rates based on your demographics to find the right company for your needs and budget.

Below is a list of factors most insurance companies, including SafeAuto, look at when crafting auto insurance rates:

• Gender
• Coverage amount
• Age
• Location
• Credit score
• Occupation
• Car make and model
• Driving record
• Marital status

Below, you can view average rates to see what you might expect to pay for auto insurance based on certain demographics.

Don’t forget to compare quotes from various insurance companies to ensure you get the best deal. You won’t know exactly how much you’ll pay until you get a SafeAuto car insurance quote. Find out how much auto insurance costs.

SafeAuto Rates for Teen Drivers

Of all the demographics, teen drivers pay the highest rates for coverage with SafeAuto. However, SafeAuto teen insurance rates are 37% lower than the national average, and the company has the third-lowest rates for teens of the best auto insurance companies.

See the table below for the average SafeAuto teen car insurance rates:

Average Monthly Full Coverage Teenage Auto Insurance Rates for the Top Insurance Companies

Expect to pay higher rates than other demographics if you’re a teen. For example, 16-year-old drivers pay around $380 monthly with SafeAuto, and 18 year olds pay closer to $300.

This is around 37% lower than the national average, but Geico and State Farm offer better rates for teen drivers than SafeAuto, at $312 and $349 a month, respectively. Find cheap auto insurance for teenagers.

SafeAuto Rates for Young Adult Drivers

As SafeAuto policyholders acquire more driving experience, they’ll generally notice much lower auto insurance rates, particularly after they turn 25.

Compare how much 20 year olds pay for auto insurance below:

Average Full Coverage Monthly Rates for 25-Year-Olds with the Top Insurance Companies

The average 25 year old SafeAuto car insurance rates are $112 monthly, 25% lower than the national average.

Once again, though, young adult drivers can find cheaper coverage with Geico or State Farm. Geico charges $93 monthly for young adults, whereas State Farm charges $111. Find cheap auto insurance for young adults.

SafeAuto Rates for Adult Drivers

Adult drivers see some of the lowest rates of any demographic since they have years of driving experience, assuming they have a clean driving record.

Compare auto insurance rates for adult drivers below:

Monthly Full Coverage Adult Auto Insurance Rates for the Top Insurance Companies

A 45-year-old driver with a clean record can expect to pay around $93 per month for SafeAuto full coverage, which is still more than Geico and State Farm, charging $80 and $86 monthly, respectively.

SafeAuto Rates for Senior Drivers

Once drivers turn 65, insurance companies consider them at higher risk due to age-related issues like vision loss or slower reflexes. These factors make senior drivers more likely to get into an accident and file a claim.

Consider the average SafeAuto senior rates for full coverage below:

Average Monthly Full Coverage Auto Insurance Rates for Senior Drivers

SafeAuto senior drivers pay about $95 monthly for coverage, which is $22 cheaper than the national average. While SafeAuto’s senior rates are competitive, Geico and State Farm still offer lower average rates than SafeAuto. Find cheap auto insurance for senior citizens.

SafeAuto Rates After a Speeding Ticket

Drivers who engage in high-risk driving are more likely to get into accidents and file claims. This is why drivers with a speeding ticket on their record see higher insurance rates.

See how much your auto insurance rates go up after a ticket:

Average Monthly Auto Insurance Rates for the Top Insurance Companies for Drivers with a Traffic Ticket

Insurance Company	Rates with a Ticket	Rates with a Clean Record
	$108	$91
	$132	$82
	$144	$107
	$156	$120
	$180	$116
	$192	$109
	$204	$140
	$228	$166
	$240	$177
National Average	$156	$123

As you can see, SafeAuto offers competitive rates for drivers with a speeding ticket — around $111 a month for full coverage, which is over $30 cheaper than the national average. Still, other companies have cheaper rates for drivers with speeding tickets.

For example, State Farm offers the lowest speeding ticket rates, averaging $96 a month. Next on the list is Geico at around $106 monthly.

SafeAuto Rates After an Accident

Your auto insurance rates will change after an accident. Expect to pay higher rates with any company if you have an accident on your record, especially if you’re at fault.

An accident shows your insurance company you’re a risky driver, so it charges more to offset the risk to insure you. However, the extra amount you pay for insurance after an accident depends on its severity, who caused it, and how long ago the accident occurred.

Compare auto insurance rates after an accident below:

Average Monthly Auto Insurance Rates for the Top Insurance Companies After an Accident

You can expect to pay around $131 monthly for full coverage with SafeAuto after an accident. This is 24% lower than the national average but still not the cheapest on this list — State Farm offers the cheapest post-accident rates at $102 monthly.

SafeAuto Rates After a DUI

If you’re wondering how to get auto insurance after a DUI, know that rates will be much more expensive. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs your driving ability, so insurance companies charge higher rates if you have a DUI on your record.

Some insurers could deny you coverage. Fortunately, if you receive a DUI conviction, SafeAuto files the SR-22 certificate you need to get back on the road, though rates will be higher.

See how much SafeAuto charges for auto insurance after a DUI:

Average Monthly Auto Insurance Rates for the Top Insurance Companies with a DUI

You’ll pay around $170 monthly for full coverage with SafeAuto after a DUI. While these rates are about 19% lower than the national average, other companies have lower rates.

For example, State Farm offers the lowest average rates for drivers convicted of a DUI, about $112 monthly for full coverage. The second cheapest company after a DUI is Progressive at $140 a month.

How much is SafeAuto minimum coverage?

A minimum coverage auto insurance policy, consisting of property damage and bodily injury liability, gives drivers the coverage they need to drive legally.

Compare how much SafeAuto charges for minimum coverage to other national companies:

Average Monthly Minimum Coverage Auto Insurance Rates for the Top Auto Insurance Companies

Expect to pay about $35 monthly for minimum liability coverage with SafeAuto, roughly 22% cheaper than the national average. Once again, Geico and State Farm offer the cheapest average minimum coverage rates, at $30 and $33 a month, respectively.

A minimum coverage policy with SafeAuto is significantly cheaper than full coverage but does not cover your injuries or damages to your vehicle. Consider a full coverage auto insurance policy to better protect yourself.

How much is SafeAuto full coverage?

Full coverage auto insurance consists of minimum liability, collision, and comprehensive coverages, for full protection of your vehicle. It covers you in most instances, including auto accidents, animal collisions, weather-related events, fire, and theft or vandalism.

It costs more than liability insurance, so compare the average cost of full coverage insurance below:

Average Monthly Full Coverage Rates for the Top Auto Insurance Companies

Insurance Company	Average Full Coverage Rates
	$80
	$86
	$99
	$105
	$115
	$116
	$138
	$160
	$173
National Average	$119

On average, a full coverage auto insurance policy with SafeAuto costs around $93 a month, about 22% lower than the national average of $119. Still, Geico and State Farm offer the cheapest average rates for full coverage, both charging around $80 monthly.

If you’re looking for lower rates, you can drop full coverage if your car is older, and the cost of repairs would be more than the vehicle is worth.

Safe Auto Insurance Company Discounts Available

SafeAuto provides auto insurance discounts to help drivers save based on various individual factors, though its offerings are limited.

Below is a list of some of the discounts offered by SafeAuto:

• Multi-vehicle. Insure more than one vehicle on a single policy to earn this discount.
• New business transfer. You will earn a discount if you switch companies to buy SafeAuto insurance.
• Homeowner. Owning a home will earn you an auto insurance discount, regardless of where you buy home insurance.

SafeAuto doesn’t list many discount options on its website. You must get a SafeAuto insurance quote to find out what discounts your policy is eligible for.

However, since SafeAuto quotes are already lower than average, drivers could find cheaper rates with SafeAuto if they qualify for several of its discounts.

How else can I save on SafeAuto insurance rates?

While SafeAuto has competitive rates and some discount options, you could still lower your rates more. Consider the following tips if you want to lower your car insurance rates:

• Lower your deductible. Your auto insurance deductible is the amount you pay before insurance kicks in. The higher your deductible, the lower your car insurance rates will be, but you should never increase your deductible to an amount you can’t afford to pay.
• Insure a cheap vehicle. If you want to save on your SafeAuto car insurance, purchase a cheap vehicle or one with affordable replacement parts.
• Practice safe driving. Your car insurance company may award you lower rates if you practice safe driving, avoid accidents, and remain ticket-free.
• Drop unnecessary coverages. If an older car depreciates in value, you could drop collision and comprehensive coverages and only carry liability.
• Shop around. SafeAuto might not be the cheapest auto insurance for your situation. Always compare quotes from various companies to get the best deal.
• Improve your credit. Many insurance companies look at your credit score when setting your insurance rates, SafeAuto included. If you improve your credit score, you could notice lower auto insurance rates at your next renewal.

Utilizing the tips above, locating eligible discounts, and comparing quotes is the best way to find the best deal on auto insurance coverage, no matter which company you shop with.

Does SafeAuto have a mobile app?

Yes, the SafeAuto mobile app is available to download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. You can pay your insurance bill, view your ID cards, file a claim, manage your policy, and chat with SafeAuto customer support 24/7.

However, the mobile app has poor reviews on both app stores. On the Apple App Store, the app has 1.5/5 stars, whereas the Google Play Store’s version has 2.5/5 stars. Many users complain of a buggy app that simply doesn’t work or isn’t user-friendly.