Selective Insurance Company is a regional property and casualty insurer
Selective Insurance Company is a mid-sized insurance provider that sells homeowners, auto, commercial, and umbrella policies across multiple states. It is not a national carrier like State Farm or Geico — it operates in a limited number of states and focuses on customers who want a regional alternative to the largest insurers. The company is publicly traded and has been in business since 1926.
If you are shopping for insurance and Selective appears as an option in your area, this guide explains what the company offers, how its pricing typically compares, and what customers should know before getting a quote.
Key Takeaways
- Selective Insurance operates in roughly 20 states, mostly in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, so availability depends entirely on where you live.
- The company offers homeowners, auto, commercial property, and umbrella coverage, but not life insurance or health insurance.
- Pricing and discounts vary by state and by local branch, so a quote from Selective in one state may not reflect rates in another.
- You can request a quote directly from Selective or through an independent agent who represents multiple insurers.
- Customer satisfaction ratings place Selective in the middle range compared to national carriers, with complaints most often about claims handling and billing.
Which states Selective Insurance operates in
Selective Insurance is not available everywhere. The company writes policies in approximately 20 states, concentrated in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and parts of the Midwest. States where Selective is active include New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and others, but the list changes and varies by line of business.
The fastest way to find out whether Selective operates in your state is to visit the company's website and enter your zip code, or to call a local independent insurance agent. Many independent agents represent Selective alongside other carriers and can tell you when ready whether you can get a quote.
Types of insurance Selective offers
Selective focuses on property and casualty insurance — the kinds of coverage that protect your home, car, and business property. The company does not sell life insurance, health insurance, or disability insurance.
For homeowners, Selective offers standard dwelling coverage, personal liability, and optional add-ons like water damage and replacement cost coverage. For auto, the company writes liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured motorist coverage. Selective also sells commercial property insurance for small to mid-sized businesses, and umbrella policies that sit above homeowners and auto policies to provide extra liability protection.
How Selective's pricing and discounts work
Selective's rates vary significantly by state and by the specific branch or territory within each state. This means a homeowners quote in New Jersey may be very different from a quote for the same house in Pennsylvania, even though both states have Selective policies available. Rates also depend on your claims history, credit score, home age, and other underwriting factors that differ from insurer to insurer.
Selective typically offers discounts for bundling (buying multiple types of coverage), paying in full rather than monthly, having a good driving record, and completing a home inspection. Some branches offer discounts for safety features like deadbolts or smoke detectors. The discounts available and their size vary by state, so ask an agent what applies to your specific situation.
Getting a quote from Selective Insurance
You have two main routes to request a quote. You can contact Selective directly through its website or by phone, or you can work with an independent insurance agent who represents Selective along with other carriers. Independent agents can often compare Selective's rates to competitors in one conversation, which saves time if you want to shop around.
To get a quote, you will need basic information: your address, the year your home was built (for homeowners), your driving history (for auto), and details about what coverage you want. Selective typically provides quotes within a few business days. If you decide to move forward, the company will order a home inspection or motor vehicle report depending on the type of policy.
Customer service and claims handling at Selective
Selective operates customer service centers during business hours and offers online account access where you can view your policy, make payments, and report claims. The company also has a mobile app for managing your account and filing claims.
Customer satisfaction ratings from J.D. Power and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners show Selective performing in the middle range compared to national carriers. Common complaints involve the time it takes to resolve claims, billing errors, and difficulty reaching a representative during peak times. Positive feedback often mentions local agents who are responsive and knowledgeable about regional insurance needs.
How Selective compares to other regional and national insurers
Selective is smaller and more regional than State Farm, Allstate, or Geico, which means it may have less name recognition but sometimes more flexibility in underwriting and pricing for specific situations. Selective competes most directly with other regional carriers like Amica Mutual, Erie Insurance, and Homeowners Choice, rather than with the largest national insurers.
Whether Selective is the right choice depends on availability in your state, how its rates compare to competitors you can actually get quotes from, and whether you prefer working with a regional company or a national brand. The only way to know if Selective's price is competitive is to request quotes from at least two or three other insurers in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Selective Insurance a good company?
Selective has been in business for nearly a century and is financially stable, but "good" depends on your needs and location. Customer satisfaction ratings place it in the middle range. The best way to evaluate Selective is to get a quote, compare it to other insurers, and read recent customer reviews specific to your state.
Does Selective Insurance operate in my state?
Selective operates in roughly 20 states, mostly in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. Visit Selective's website and enter your zip code to see if the company writes policies where you live. You can also call an independent agent in your area — they will know when ready whether Selective is available.
Can I get a Selective Insurance quote online?
Yes. You can start a quote on Selective's website by entering your zip code and basic information. You can also request a quote by phone or through an independent agent. Online quotes typically take a few minutes to generate, though you may need to provide additional details before receiving a final rate.
What discounts does Selective offer?
Selective offers discounts for bundling policies, paying in full, good driving records, and home safety features, but the specific discounts and their size vary by state. Ask an agent which discounts explore to your situation — this is the only way to know what you will actually save.
How do I file a claim with Selective?
You can file a claim through Selective's website, mobile app, or by calling the claims line. Have your policy number and details about the loss ready. Selective will assign an adjuster who will contact you to schedule an inspection or discuss the claim further.