Safe Auto Insurance Review 2024
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Safe Auto
Discounts
Ease of use
NAIC complaints
Safe Auto
Discounts
Ease of use
NAIC complaints
NerdWallet was not able to rate Safe Auto for overall performance because there is no financial strength rating information available for the company. NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer experience, complaint data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and financial strength ratings.
Safe Auto Insurance focuses on providing the minimum required car insurance needed to meet state requirements. Its policies are geared toward drivers considered high-risk because of issues like multiple moving violations, poor credit or a DUI.
In 2021, Allstate announced it was acquiring Safe Auto through its subsidiary, National General, and is now a part of Direct Auto Insurance.
» MORE: Best car insurance companies
Safe Auto insurance coverage
When you're shopping for car insurance coverage, it's important to understand what car insurance coverage you want and what you’re required to buy. For instance, most states require a minimum amount of car insurance to drive a vehicle. Alternatively, if you want extra protection, you may be interested in full coverage insurance. Read about the most common types of car insurance coverage to see how they work.
Although Safe Auto specializes in minimum liability insurance, you can also get comprehensive and collision coverage, which pays to repair or replace your car if it’s stolen or damaged. This extra coverage is optional, but if you owe money on a car loan or lease, your lender may require you to buy it.
Safe Auto offers other standard coverage options as well, such as rental reimbursement, roadside assistance and towing, along with:
Personal injury protection, or no-fault insurance, to pay for medical and funeral expenses, lost wages and household services if you’re injured in an accident, regardless of who was at fault.
SR-22 availability. Your state may require an SR-22 form to prove you have insurance after a DUI or another serious violation.
» MORE: Compare car insurance rates
Auto insurance discounts
Safe Auto’s discounts vary by state. You may be eligible for discounts for:
Insuring more than one vehicle.
Owning your home.
Switching to Safe Auto from another insurer.
Taking a driver improvement course.
Paying your premium in full, upfront.
Buying more than one insurance product from Safe Auto, such as auto and home coverage.
Getting good grades if you’re a student.
Being over 55 years old.
See what you could save on car insurance
Easily compare personalized rates to see how much switching car insurance could save you.First time shopping for auto insurance? Unsure of where to start? Check out our guide on how to shop for car insurance.
Pricing based on tracked driving habits
Customers can buy this insurance in packages of 3,7, 14 or 30 days and can turn their coverage on and off via text message or an app.
Complaints
Safe Auto had far more than the expected number of complaints about auto insurance to state regulators relative to its size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
More about Safe Auto insurance
Website: Safe Auto’s website is available in English and Spanish. Customers can log in to view policy information, pay premiums or report a claim. The website also features consumer reviews and summaries of state’s minimum car insurance requirements.
Mobile app: Safe Auto’s mobile app is another way to see policy details and make payments. Policyholders can also view their insurance ID cards on the app.
Methodology
Insurer complaints methodology
NerdWallet examined complaints received by state insurance regulators and reported to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in 2021-2023. To assess how insurers compare to one another, the NAIC calculates a complaint index each year for each subsidiary, measuring its share of total complaints relative to its size, or share of total premiums in the industry. To evaluate a company’s complaint history, NerdWallet calculated a similar index for each insurer, weighted by market shares of each subsidiary, over the three-year period. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. Ratios are determined separately for auto, home (including renters and condo) and life insurance.
Auto insurance ratings methodology
NerdWallet’s auto insurance ratings reward companies for customer-first features and practices. Ratings are based on weighted averages of scores in several categories, including financial strength, consumer complaints and discounts. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim. Using our editorial discretion, we also consider customer satisfaction surveys. These ratings are a guide, but we encourage you to shop around and compare several insurance quotes to find the best rate for you. NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our editorial guidelines and full ratings methodology for auto insurance.