Homeowners Insurance-Safeco or Allstate (Howe, Hart: home, buying, costs)

[mrsamandal]

So I'm down to Safeco or Allstate Insurance. Both comparable policies, but Safeco is $100 more. Opinions/thoughts? I did have one insurance agent that offers both say Safeco is the better policy, but I figured I'd see what others thought.

[mikeh19468]

Originally Posted by mrsamandal

So I'm down to Safeco or Allstate Insurance. Both comparable policies, but Safeco is $100 more. Opinions/thoughts? I did have one insurance agent that offers both say Safeco is the better policy, but I figured I'd see what others thought.

I assume you're not military or ex-military, as that would make it a no brainer then (to choose another company)....

[Ryan from Texas]

Do yourself a favor and look into one more company before you make a decision: Amica.

[escanlan]

Originally Posted by mrsamandal

So I'm down to Safeco or Allstate Insurance. Both comparable policies, but Safeco is $100 more. Opinions/thoughts? I did have one insurance agent that offers both say Safeco is the better policy, but I figured I'd see what others thought.

Be very careful what you choose and read the policies very, very closely before agreeing or signing for any! I am not sure how you came to the comparison results of the two but Allstate and Safeco basic policies are typically wide apart in cost, more than $100. These are for the "Admitted" policies here. You can perform a comparison using the Texas Department of Insurance rate guide comparison, along with a policy description of contents, at this URL https://apps.tdi.state.tx.us/helpins...rt.do?type=res .

The insurance regulations in Texas are very convoluted and can lead to much confusion. Basically it is illegal for an underwriter to sell insurance in Texas unless they are doing this through a Texas licensed Insurance Agent. However there are multiple types of homeowner policies that can be sold with some heavily regulated by TDI and others not at all. That can lead to some of the large rate differences you might encounter. The TDI comparison chart shows the "Admitted" carriers (regulated ones) and their policy offerings. These comparisons, and sample rates, are provided by the insurance companies to TDI for inclusion in the chart.

I would recommend that you check the TDI rate charts and when you do use it to compare Allstate, Safeco, and The Hartford policies. Every year I go through the game of checking rates and coverages and dollar for dollar I have not been able to find any other company that could beat The Hartford's coverage as compared to others. If you are using an independent Agent they also can quote from The Hartford, or any other provider. Many Agents prefer just to work with the providers they do the most business through and/or are familiar with.

If you need a referral for another independent Agent let me know. The Agent I use is EXCELLENT! She shops every provider and also looks at their plans to see if there is any way to keep your costs down.

Good luck on the hunt!

[mrsamandal]

I came to those two because of two independent agents I talk to, that compared several policies, one preferre Allstate and the other Safeco. One of them actually uses Safeco themself, so that made me feel fairly confident.

This is honestly the most frustrating thing I've done in the homebuying process.

[LQQKOUT]

You can always change to another company- if this is something needed for a home purchase select one that fits your needs right now for the purchase and you can make changes or change policies after. It's not liking your signing the dotted line for life. I understand wanting that security of a good policy- pick a good one and go from there.

[rodgwag]

Most insurance agents have one of about seven or eight companies that they would buy for themselves and Safeco is one of them; the rest they wouldn't touch with a ten foot pole. I can't count the number of times agents have burst into laughter over the companies chosen by their clients or newly licensed agents that don't know any better during an agent conference.

[Pete53FR]

I like Safeco they pay their claims and usually premiums pretty decent. I also had good luck with Travelers.

[Willsson]

Contact your local banker to inquire if they have any recommendation. Mine processed an eKemper dot com policy and saved about 20%.

[Thersis]

Safeco has been terrible for me, I'd stay away from them. They were great right up till I got in a no fault accident. Now even though I have no accidents on my record according to the government, they are increasing my insurance. well...... Time to find new Insurance:/