SafeAuto is a regional auto insurer that specializes in high-risk drivers

SafeAuto Insurance Group is a Columbus, Ohio-based company that writes auto insurance in roughly 20 states, primarily in the Midwest and South. Unlike national carriers like State Farm or Geico, SafeAuto focuses on drivers who have had accidents, violations, or lapses in coverage — the segment the industry calls "non-standard" or "high-risk." The company does not require a perfect driving record to get a quote, and it will often insure drivers that mainstream insurers have turned down.

SafeAuto operates through two main brands: SafeAuto Insurance Group itself and Infinity Insurance, which it acquired in 2015. Both use the same underwriting approach but market to slightly different customer bases. SafeAuto also owns Homeowners Choice Inc., which writes homeowners and other property policies. The parent company, SafeAuto Group Holdings, is publicly traded on the NASDAQ under the ticker SAFS.

The company's business model depends on volume and data. Because it accepts drivers with poor records, it charges higher premiums than standard carriers but relies on actuarial models to price risk accurately. This means your rate depends heavily on your specific driving history, the state you live in, and the coverage limits you choose — not on a one-size-fits-all formula.

Key Takeaways

  • SafeAuto operates in about 20 states and specializes in insuring drivers with accidents, violations, or coverage lapses that other insurers may decline.
  • The company offers standard auto coverage types — liability, collision, comprehensive — but premiums are typically higher than national carriers because the customer base carries more risk.
  • SafeAuto does not require a perfect driving record, but your rate will reflect your actual history; you can request a quote online or by phone to see what you would pay.
  • The company's financial stability is rated by AM Best and other agencies; you can check these ratings before buying to understand the insurer's ability to pay claims.
  • SafeAuto policies renew annually, and your rate can change significantly at renewal if your driving record updates or if the company adjusts its pricing models.

What coverage SafeAuto offers and how it compares

SafeAuto sells the same basic auto insurance products as any other carrier: liability coverage (bodily injury and property damage), collision, comprehensive, uninsured/underinsured motorist, and medical payments. Most states require liability; collision and comprehensive are optional but required by lenders if you have a loan or lease on the vehicle.

The difference is not in what SafeAuto offers but in the price. Because the company insures drivers with higher claims histories, its average premium is substantially above the national median. A driver with a clean record might pay $1,200 to $1,500 per year with a standard carrier; that same driver might pay $1,800 to $2,400 with SafeAuto. A driver with an accident or violation on their record could see an even wider gap — SafeAuto's willingness to write the policy means it charges more to offset the statistical risk.

SafeAuto also offers homeowners insurance, renters insurance, and commercial auto coverage in some states, but auto insurance is its primary business. If you are shopping for multiple policies, you may find bundling discounts, though these are typically smaller than what national carriers offer.

How SafeAuto rates and underwrites policies

SafeAuto uses a detailed underwriting process that examines your driving record, claims history, age, vehicle type, annual mileage, and how you use the car. The company pulls your Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles and checks the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE) database for any insurance claims you have filed in the past five to seven years.

Unlike some carriers that automatically decline drivers with certain violations, SafeAuto evaluates each process individually. A DUI, multiple accidents, or a suspended license will not automatically disqualify you, but they will increase your rate. The company also considers how long ago the incident occurred — a violation from ten years ago weighs less than one from two years ago.

SafeAuto's rates also vary significantly by state. Insurance is regulated state by state, and each state sets rules about what factors insurers can use and how much they can vary rates. A policy in Ohio may cost substantially less than the same coverage in Florida, even for an identical driver, because of state-level pricing rules and claims experience.

You can request a quote online through SafeAuto's website or by calling 1-800-SAFEAUTO. The quote process takes 10 to 15 minutes and does not require a commitment. SafeAuto will ask for your driver's license number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and current coverage details if you have an existing policy.

Financial stability and claims handling

Before buying insurance from any company, it is worth checking whether the insurer can actually pay claims. AM Best, a rating agency that specializes in insurance companies, rates SafeAuto Group Holdings as B+ (Good) as of the most recent public rating. This is a solid rating — it means the company has adequate financial resources and is unlikely to fail — but it is not the highest tier. National carriers like State Farm and Allstate typically carry ratings of A or higher.

You can look up SafeAuto's current AM Best rating on the AM Best website (ambest.com) by searching the company name. You can also check ratings from J.D. Power, which measures customer satisfaction with claims handling and service. SafeAuto's J.D. Power scores have historically been below the national average, meaning customers report longer wait times and more friction in the claims process than they do with larger carriers.

SafeAuto handles claims through its own adjusters and also uses third-party adjusters in some regions. You can file a claim online, by phone (1-800-SAFEAUTO), or through the SafeAuto mobile app. The company aims to inspect vehicle damage within 24 to 48 hours of a claim being filed, though actual timing depends on your location and claim complexity.

Discounts and ways to lower your premium

SafeAuto offers several discounts that can reduce your premium, though the list is shorter than what you might find with national carriers. Common discounts include bundling (auto plus home or renters), paying in full rather than monthly, paperless billing, and good driver discounts for customers with no violations or claims in a set period (usually three years).

Some SafeAuto agents also offer usage-based discounts through a program called SafeAuto Rewards, which uses a mobile app to track your driving habits. If you drive safely — avoiding hard braking, speeding, and nighttime driving — you can earn a discount of up to 30 percent. However, this program is not available in all states, and not all agents promote it equally.

Because SafeAuto specializes in high-risk drivers, the discounts available are often smaller than what standard carriers offer. If you have a clean driving record and are considering SafeAuto only because you have not shopped around, you may find better rates elsewhere. It is worth getting quotes from at least two or three carriers before deciding.

State availability and how to buy

SafeAuto operates in approximately 20 states, concentrated in the Midwest and South. The company is licensed in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin. It is not available in all states, and availability can change.

If you live in one of these states, you can get a quote online at safeauto.com or by calling 1-800-SAFEAUTO. You can also work with an independent agent who represents SafeAuto, though not all agents in your area may carry the company. If you are shopping for insurance, ask your agent whether they represent SafeAuto or can refer you to one who does.

Once you have a quote, you can purchase a policy online, by phone, or through an agent. SafeAuto requires payment before the policy begins. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or bank account. Policies typically begin the next day if purchased before 5 p.m. local time, or the day after that if purchased later.

Cancellation, renewal, and what to expect at rate increase time

SafeAuto policies renew every 12 months. At renewal, the company reviews your driving record again and may adjust your rate based on new violations, claims, or changes in your vehicle or coverage. Many customers see rate increases at renewal, particularly if their driving record has changed or if the company has adjusted its pricing models for your state or risk category.

You can cancel your SafeAuto policy at any time by calling the company or logging into your online account. There is no cancellation fee, but you will lose any prepaid premium for the unused portion of your policy term. If you are canceling because your rate increased at renewal, you have a short window (usually 30 days from the renewal notice) to shop for other coverage before your new rate takes effect.

If you receive a renewal notice with a significant rate increase, do not assume you have to accept it. Request a new quote from SafeAuto and compare it to quotes from other carriers. Your driving record may have improved, or another insurer may now be willing to write your policy at a lower rate than they would have a year ago.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will SafeAuto insure me if I have a DUI or suspended license?

SafeAuto will consider applications from drivers with a DUI or suspended license, but approval is not may provide. The company evaluates each case individually, looking at how long ago the incident occurred and your overall driving history. A DUI from five years ago is more likely to be approved than one from six months ago. Call 1-800-SAFEAUTO or request a quote online to find out whether you can get coverage and what the rate would be.

Can I get a SafeAuto policy if I have had a lapse in coverage?

Yes. SafeAuto specializes in drivers who have had lapses in insurance, which is one reason the company exists. A lapse will increase your rate, but it will not disqualify you. The longer the lapse, the higher the rate is likely to be. SafeAuto will ask about any gaps when you request a quote.

How do I file a claim with SafeAuto?

You can file a claim online at safeauto.com, through the SafeAuto mobile app, or by calling 1-800-SAFEAUTO. Have your policy number and details about the incident ready. SafeAuto will assign an adjuster and typically inspect vehicle damage within 24 to 48 hours. You can track your claim status online or by phone.

What is the difference between SafeAuto and Infinity Insurance?

Infinity Insurance is a subsidiary of SafeAuto Group Holdings and uses the same underwriting and claims systems. The main difference is branding and marketing — Infinity targets a slightly different customer base and may have different agent networks in some states. Rates and coverage are comparable. Both are legitimate SafeAuto Group companies.

Will my SafeAuto rate go down if my driving record improves?

Your rate may go down at renewal if your driving record improves — for example, if a violation ages off your record or if you have had no new incidents in several years. However, rate decreases are not may provide. SafeAuto also adjusts rates based on claims experience in your state and changes to its pricing models. The best way to find out is to request a renewal quote and compare it to your current rate.