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Insurance 101
Find useful tips, advice and information about insurance including a glossary of insurance terms, answers to frequently asked questions, and a library of educational and informative videos.Tips
Learn about how you can help to fight insurance fraud and identity theft and other useful tips regarding insurance.
Learn more useful tips.
Natural Disaster Preparedness
Learn about how to be prepared for an earthquake, hailstorm, hurricane, tornado, wildfire or severe winter weather. Learn about what to do before, during and after a natural disaster.
Learn more about natural disasters.
Insurance Terms
A glossary of insurance terms and their definitions. Find out what terms like "actual cash value" to "underlying liability coverage" mean. Get more information to decide if an option like valuable articles coverage is the right choice for you.
Learn more about insurance terms.
FAQ
Answers to frequently asked questions about Safeco Insurance, claims, and your online account.
Learn more about frequently asked questions.
Video Center
Watch Safeco TV commercials, meet independent Safeco agents and find educational insurance videos about a variety of informative subjects.
© 2013 Liberty Mutual Insurance Insurance is offered by Safeco Insurance Company of America and/or its affiliates, 1001 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98154. This website provides a simplified description of coverage. Nothing stated herein creates a contract. All statements made are subject to the provisions, exclusions, conditions and limitations of the applicable insurance policy. Please refer to actual policy forms for complete details regarding the coverage discussed. If the information in these materials conflicts with the policy language that it describes, the policy language prevails. Coverages and features not available in all states. Eligibility is subject to meeting applicable underwriting criteria.
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Insurance Tips
Get more out of life with Safeco Insurance. We’ll be there if you need us, but you can also help out by learning about ways to be safe and reduce your risks. Learn about how to avoid being a victim of identity theft or what you can do to help prevent insurance fraud.- Preventing Identity Theft
Learn how to reduce the risk of having your identity stolen. - Fighting Insurance Fraud
Learn about what Safeco is doing to fight insurance fraud and what you can do to help. - Avoiding Catastrophe Fraud
Learn how to avoid becoming a victim of scam artists after surviving a natural or catastrophic disaster - Credit-Based Insurance Scores Explained
Learn what a credit-based insurance score is and how it can have an effect on how much you pay for insurance.
© 2013 Liberty Mutual Insurance Insurance is offered by Safeco Insurance Company of America and/or its affiliates, 1001 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98154. This website provides a simplified description of coverage. Nothing stated herein creates a contract. All statements made are subject to the provisions, exclusions, conditions and limitations of the applicable insurance policy. Please refer to actual policy forms for complete details regarding the coverage discussed. If the information in these materials conflicts with the policy language that it describes, the policy language prevails. Coverages and features not available in all states. Eligibility is subject to meeting applicable underwriting criteria.
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Preventing Identity Theft
Your Identity Belongs to You. Protect It, Too.
The best way to protect yourself against identity theft is to prevent it. If your identity is stolen, you'll be able to lessen problems by being prepared to act quickly.Start with Good Preventive Habits
- Leave your Social Security card at home in a safe place.
- Shred papers with personal information.
- Reduce your credit card accounts, and carry only the cards you need.
- Photocopy both sides of your credit cards and store safely.
Watch Your Accounts Closely
- Review balances and transactions often by phone or online.
- Make sure every transaction on your credit card statements is accurate.
- Sign up with Experian, Transunion and Equifax. Stagger your requests to get a free credit report every four months or sign up for credit watch service that will report directly to you.
If Identity Theft Happens to You
- Report to the police immediately and make several copies of police report.
- Call your credit card companies and ask where to send a copy of the police report.
- File a Federal Trade Commission ID Theft Complaint and Identity Theft Affidavit.
- Have your bank place an alert on your driver's license number and Social Security number, and freeze your account.
- Call fraud units of the credit report agencies Experian, Equifax and Transunion.
Tools and Resources
Federal Trade Commission identity theft line and websites- 877-438-4338
http://www.ftc.gov/idtheft
http://www.ftc.gov
- 800-269-0271
- Equifax
800-525-6285 - Experian
888-397-3742 - Transunion
800-680-7289
© 2013 Liberty Mutual Insurance Insurance is offered by Safeco Insurance Company of America and/or its affiliates, 1001 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98154. This website provides a simplified description of coverage. Nothing stated herein creates a contract. All statements made are subject to the provisions, exclusions, conditions and limitations of the applicable insurance policy. Please refer to actual policy forms for complete details regarding the coverage discussed. If the information in these materials conflicts with the policy language that it describes, the policy language prevails. Coverages and features not available in all states. Eligibility is subject to meeting applicable underwriting criteria.
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Fighting Insurance Fraud
Insurance Fraud Hurts All of Us. Learn What You Can Do to Help.
Insurance fraud is a significant challenge facing us today. The problem can range from such things as fabricated claims, exaggerated losses, or organized criminal rings. Its reach can include multiple insurance companies and span virtually every state.What We Are Doing to Fight Insurance Fraud
Safeco understands that insurance fraud hurts everyone – including our policyholders, our agents and our community as a whole. To help protect you, we have a special program staffed with dedicated field investigators whose function is to identify and investigate suspected fraud.These investigators work closely with law enforcement agencies to help stamp out insurance fraud. Safeco also spends a significant amount of time and money on the education of our claims staff, underwriting department and agents to identify red flags that signal potential insurance fraud.
How to Report Insurance Fraud
Call Safeco at 888-456-2120 or the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB®) hotline at 800-TEL-NICB / 800-835-6422 immediately if you suspect any of the following:- Faked or inflated auto or home losses
- Intentionally set home or auto fires
- Staged auto and slip/fall accidents
- Phony or inflated medical, auto, or home repair bills
- Misrepresenting the ability to work (claiming medical disability)
Report Suspected Arson
You can help Safeco fight insurance fraud and keep premiums lower for everyone. Call 888-456-2120 to report suspected arson. We will pay up to $25,000 for information which leads to an arson conviction in connection with a fire loss to property covered by Safeco.
© 2013 Liberty Mutual Insurance Insurance is offered by Safeco Insurance Company of America and/or its affiliates, 1001 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98154. This website provides a simplified description of coverage. Nothing stated herein creates a contract. All statements made are subject to the provisions, exclusions, conditions and limitations of the applicable insurance policy. Please refer to actual policy forms for complete details regarding the coverage discussed. If the information in these materials conflicts with the policy language that it describes, the policy language prevails. Coverages and features not available in all states. Eligibility is subject to meeting applicable underwriting criteria.
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Avoiding Catastrophe Fraud
Tips to Help You Avoid Becoming a Victim of Fraud Following a Catastrophe
Catastrophes usually bring out the best in most people, but also bring out the worst in a few others. If you have just been victimized by a natural catastrophe you don’t want to become a victim again. After each natural disaster, the area affected is inundated by outsiders, including insurance adjusters, emergency/medical personnel and assistance organizations that provide valuable services. Unfortunately, experience has taught us that scam artists are drawn to disasters.The most common types of fraud that occur after a disaster involve unscrupulous building repair firms, price gouging, offers of debris removal, and fraudulent charitable solicitations. To protect yourself, it is important to keep a sharp lookout for predators trying to take advantage of consumers.
The following can help you avoid becoming a victim:
- Contact your agent or Safeco immediately. You will want your claim reviewed as soon as possible so that repairs can begin promptly. In addition, your insurance coverage may provide for additional living expenses.
- Beware of high pressure sales people. Don’t be rushed into signing a contract. Take the time to obtain written estimates from more than one contractor. Make sure to read the entire estimate or contract before you sign.
- Get everything the contractor discusses in writing. If there are changes or modifications in the contract, they should be acknowledged by all parties in writing. Never sign a contract with blanks that have not been filled in.
- Do not make large down payments. Unscrupulous vendors could disappear after receiving the down payment or after performing limited work. Federal law also requires a three day “cooling off” period for unsolicited door to door sales of more than $25.
- Verify all licensing concerning those individuals or companies that you are considering hiring. Check with your state's Better Business Bureau or Contractor's Licensing Board for more information.
- Deal only with licensed contractors. Ask to see the contractor's license and other identification. If the person claims to be representing a contractor, but can't show you a contractor's license, call the contractor and find out if the person is authorized to act on the contractor's behalf.
- Only do business with a contractor who carries appropriate insurance coverage. If the contractor is not insured, you may be liable for accidents that occur on your property. Ask the contractor if he/she carries general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Request a certificate of insurance (COI) from the contractor that shows the name of the insurance company, policy number and policy limits the contractor carries.
- The Safeco Special Investigation Unit at 888-456-2120.
- The National Insurance Crime Bureau or 800-TEL-NICB (800-835-6422)
© 2013 Liberty Mutual Insurance Insurance is offered by Safeco Insurance Company of America and/or its affiliates, 1001 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98154. This website provides a simplified description of coverage. Nothing stated herein creates a contract. All statements made are subject to the provisions, exclusions, conditions and limitations of the applicable insurance policy. Please refer to actual policy forms for complete details regarding the coverage discussed. If the information in these materials conflicts with the policy language that it describes, the policy language prevails. Coverages and features not available in all states. Eligibility is subject to meeting applicable underwriting criteria.
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Credit-Based Insurance Scores Explained
Safeco, like most insurance companies, uses many factors to price your insurance. They include your driving record, claims history, the type of home or vehicle you own and, in some states, your credit-based insurance score.What is a Credit-Based Insurance Score and Why Does it Matter?
Your credit-based insurance scores is not the same as your personal credit score, nor is it a measure of your credit worthiness. The credit-based insurance scores is a number that measures your likelihood of having an insurance claim. Studies have shown that consumers with higher credit-based insurance scores have fewer and less severe losses. For this reason the credit-based insurance scores is useful as a rating factor, but in those states where it is used, it is only one of many that are used.
Because your personal credit history affects your credit-based insurance scores, it is important to regularly review it and make sure it’s accurate. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) allows you to order one report for free from each of the major credit reporting agencies each year. You may also purchase a 3-in-1 report to review your scores from all three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
Credit Rules Vary by State
Most states have rules about how credit information can be used in insurance. Contact your state’s Department of Insurance for the latest information on your state’s rules.
Credit Report Errors If your credit record is incomplete or has an error, ask the credit reporting bureau to make the corrections. If they do they will notify you in writing. Then you can let us know if you want your policy number updated by providing a copy of the notice with your name and policy to: Safeco Imaging Center, P.O. Box 515097, Los Angeles, CA 90051-5097.
© 2013 Liberty Mutual Insurance Insurance is offered by Safeco Insurance Company of America and/or its affiliates, 1001 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98154. This website provides a simplified description of coverage. Nothing stated herein creates a contract. All statements made are subject to the provisions, exclusions, conditions and limitations of the applicable insurance policy. Please refer to actual policy forms for complete details regarding the coverage discussed. If the information in these materials conflicts with the policy language that it describes, the policy language prevails. Coverages and features not available in all states. Eligibility is subject to meeting applicable underwriting criteria.
Natural Disaster Preparedness
How to Prepare for Natural Disasters
Nature is a fickle friend. Weather is unpredictable. Let us help you prepare for the worst and sleep a little easier. The following links provide valuable tips on proactive ways to keep you, your family and your things as safe as possible.Recovering from Disaster
If the unthinkable happens, we understand that your most valuable assets are more than just items on a balance sheet, and we know that getting information is critical during a time of catastrophe. Use links below to get the info you need if you are affected by a natural disaster.Disaster Resources
In the case of an emergency, the following links provide additional resources to assist with preparing for and recovering from disaster.- American Red Cross
The American Red Cross not only provides disaster relief nationally, but is part of a global humanitarian network, responding to those in need. - Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
FEMA is an independent agency of the federal government, which provides preparedness and response and recovery support to the nation. - National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
NOAA is a federal agency and the primary source of weather data and warnings for the United States. - Federal Emergency Assistance FAQ
Answers to frequently asked questions about getting assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Small Business Administration and the Farm Service Agency. - Do a Home Inventory
Having a full inventory of your personal belongings will help the claims process go smoother if your possessions are lost, stolen or damaged in a natural disaster.
© 2013 Liberty Mutual Insurance Insurance is offered by Safeco Insurance Company of America and/or its affiliates, 1001 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98154. This website provides a simplified description of coverage. Nothing stated herein creates a contract. All statements made are subject to the provisions, exclusions, conditions and limitations of the applicable insurance policy. Please refer to actual policy forms for complete details regarding the coverage discussed. If the information in these materials conflicts with the policy language that it describes, the policy language prevails. Coverages and features not available in all states. Eligibility is subject to meeting applicable underwriting criteria.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question or need help?
Find answers and help for many common questions below. If you can’t find an answer to your question, you can call our customer service line at 800-332-3226. Your call may be automatically routed to your local Safeco agent, as they are best suited to answer specific questions regarding your current policy or insurance needs. Your time is valuable to us! Having your policy number ready before you call will allow us to assist you more quickly..My Insurance Policy
- Can I purchase a policy online?
- Where do I find my policy number?
- Can I get a copy of my policy or ID cards?
- Can I order a copy of my complete insurance policy?
- How can I change my policy coverages?
- How do I add or delete a driver from my policy?
- How do I add or delete a vehicle from my policy?
- Why has my rate / bill increased?
- How do I change my address?
- How do I cancel my policy?
Claims
Online Account Management
- What can I do with my online account?
- How do I sign up for an online account?
- I'm having trouble verifying my online account. What should I do?
- How do I associate a policy with my online account? And how do I add additional policies?
- I forgot my password, how do I find it?
- I forgot my user name, how do I find it?
Bill Payment
- How do I pay my bill online?
- Can I pay my bill by phone?
- Which payment options do you accept over the phone?
- Which credit cards does Safeco accept for payment?
- How do I change my billing plan / frequency?
- How do I change my billing method?
- How do I change my billing due date?
- What's the mailing address to send my payment?
- How do I set up recurring payments?
Paperless Billing
- What is paperless billing?
- How do I sign up for paperless billing?
- What happens if a paperless billing email is returned as undeliverable?
- How do I change my email address for paperless billing?
- How do I view my paperless bill?
- How do I pay my paperless bill?
- Which documents will I receive electronically?
- How can I cancel my paperless billing enrollment?
For Agents
Business Insurance
Other Questions
- How do I leave a compliment?
- How do I submit a complaint?
- How do I find an agent?
- How do I get on Safeco's Do Not Call list?
- How can I provide feedback about the Safeco.com website?
- How do I reach Safeco's media contacts?
- Who should I talk to about Safeco's community relations and grants programs?
- Where do I find information about working for Safeco?
My Insurance Policy
Can I purchase a policy online?
Safeco insurance is sold exclusively through local independent agents. Talk to your local Safeco agent to get the best combination of coverage, value and price.
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Where do I find my policy number?
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Can I get a copy of my policy ID cards?
Yes. To download and print a copy of your ID cards, simply:
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Can I order a copy of my complete insurance policy?
Yes. To order a copy of your complete insurance policy, including endorsements and exclusions, simply:
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How can I change my policy coverages?
With an online account you can:
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How do I add or delete a driver from my policy?
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How do I add or delete a vehicle on my policy?
Contact your local Safeco agent or call 800-332-3226.
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Why has my rate / bill increased?
There may be several reasons why your bill has increased. Contact your local Safeco agent or call 800-332-3226.
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How do I change my address?
Changes take effect within 24 hours of your request, however it may take up to seven business days to receive your confirmation letter. If you are moving, your policy may be affected. Please contact your local Safeco agent to discuss potential changes. You can also contact your local Safeco agent or call 800-332-3226 to change your address. |
How do I cancel my policy?
Contact your local Safeco agent or call 800-332-3226.
Your policy will be cancelled within 24 hours of your request, however it may take up to seven business days to receive your cancellation confirmation letter. |
Claims
How do I file a claim?
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How can I track my claim?
It's easy to track the status of your claim online.
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Online Account Management
What can I do with my online account?
It’s easy to manage your insurance policies with an online account. Once you’re signed up, you can:
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How do I sign up for an online account?
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I'm having trouble verifying my online account. What should I do?
For your security, we ask that you verify your personal information in your online account.
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How do I associate a policy with my online account? And how do I add additional policies?
When you register for an online account, choose at least one insurance type, like home, auto or motorcycle, and enter its policy number. Your policy number can be found in the upper right corner of each of your policy documents. You can manage one policy or multiple policies through your account. Once you've created an account, it's easy to add additional policies.
If you still have questions, call 888-458-2246. |
I forgot my online password. How do I find it?
Follow these steps to retrieve your password hint:
For your security, Safeco does not reset passwords electronically. If you still can’t remember your password, call 888-458-2246. |
I forgot my user name. How do I find it?
Follow these steps to retrieve your user name online:
Still having problems? Call 888-458-2246. |
Bill Payment
How do I pay my bill online?
Payment will show on your bank or credit card statement within three to seven business days. Online check payments can only be made from a checking account. Savings account payments are not currently available. |
How do I change my billing plan / frequency?
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How do I change my billing method?
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How do I change my billing due date?
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How do I set up recurring payments?
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Paperless Billing
What is Paperless Billing?
Paperless billing means you will no longer receive paper versions of your bill in the mail. Instead, you will receive an email notification when your bill is ready to view. You can then view, print, and save your bill to your computer from your online account.
It is your responsibility to inform us of any changes to your paperless billing email address. Please keep your email address active and capable of receiving new emails by ensuring that your email account has sufficient space for new emails and that your email server and spam-blocking software do not block our emails. We are not responsible for problems arising from emails sent to an inactive or out-of-date email address. |
How do I sign up for Paperless Billing?
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What happens if a Paperless Billing e-mail is returned as undeliverable?
If a bill notification email is returned as undeliverable, Safeco will send you a paper version of the bill. If two consecutive bill notification emails are returned as undeliverable in a 13 month period, your paperless billing enrollment will automatically be canceled and you will receive paper versions of all documents from that point forward. You can re-enroll in paperless billing by providing a valid email address.
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How do I change my e-mail address for Paperless Billing?
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How do I view my paperless bill?
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How do I pay my paperless bill?
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Which documents will I receive electronically?
After enrolling in paperless billing, you will receive billing notifications electronically for all policies associated with the billing account. In some instances, you may still receive a bill notification by mail to your postal address after enrolling in paperless billing. In addition, non-billing related documents and cancellation notices will be sent to you by regular mail.
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How can I cancel my Paperless Billing enrollment?
Upon cancellation, all insurance documents for all policies associated with the chosen account, including billing statements, will be mailed to your postal address. Please allow up to 24 hours to process. |
For Agents
How do I become a Safeco agent?
We're happy you're interested in partnering with Safeco Insurance. We rely on our trusted agents to help us with our mission to make buying, selling and owning insurance easy and understandable. Read more about the benefits of being a Safeco agent. If you'd like to sell Safeco Insurance, please fill out this online application form to start the conversation.
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What is National Programs?
National Programs is a department of Liberty Mutual Agency Underwriters™ that creates and manages specialty insurance programs. They currently offer four programs:
Questions? Contact the National Programs office.
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Business Insurance
Does Safeco offer business insurance products?
Safeco Insurance no longer sells business insurance products. However, if you are an existing Safeco business insurance policyholder, please continue to work with your current local Safeco agent. You can also still handle any claims and manage your policy through your online account.
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Does Safeco sell surety bonds?
Safeco Surety merged with Liberty Mutual Surety in 2008 to create the second largest surety in the United States. Liberty Mutual Surety has a dedicated staff to assist with all your surety bond needs.
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Other Questions
How do I leave a compliment?
If you have received outstanding service or have positive feedback and would like to leave a compliment about your experience with Safeco, please complete our online compliment form. We will respond to your feedback within three business days as well as acknowledge those that have provided a great experience.
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How do I submit a complaint?
Even though we pride ourselves on excellent customer service, we understand that you may occasionally have concerns about your experience with us. If you have feedback for us, please fill out our online complaint form. We'll respond within three business days in many cases, and may ask for more information to help us resolve your concern.
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How do I find an agent?
Go to our find an agent page and search for an independent Safeco agent near you.
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How do I get on Safeco's Do-Not-Call list?
If you'd like to be placed on our Do Not Call registry, please submit a request by phone or our online form. You'll be on the registry for five years, and if your phone number changes you can update it to keep your Do Not Call status current. Please note that we may still call you if you're an existing policyholder for customer service related information, or if you contact us for assistance.
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How can I provide feedback about the Safeco.com website?
We'd love to hear your thoughts on what you like about our website, or your suggestions for improvement.
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How do I reach Safeco's media contacts?
Visit our newsroom to find out who to contact for public relations inquires, Safeco news and other media related information.
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Who should I talk to about Safeco's community relations and grants?
Visit Safeco in the Community to learn more about Safeco’s involvement in the community and our grant opportunities.
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Where do I find information about working for Safeco?
Go to our careers page to learn about the benefits of working for Safeco and search for a job.
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Insurance Choices
© 2013 Liberty Mutual Insurance Insurance is offered by Safeco Insurance Company of America and/or its affiliates, 1001 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98154. This website provides a simplified description of coverage. Nothing stated herein creates a contract. All statements made are subject to the provisions, exclusions, conditions and limitations of the applicable insurance policy. Please refer to actual policy forms for complete details regarding the coverage discussed. If the information in these materials conflicts with the policy language that it describes, the policy language prevails. Coverages and features not available in all states. Eligibility is subject to meeting applicable underwriting criteria.
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