Complaint Review: Safeco Insurance Company Of America

A little more than 5 weeks ago, I switched my automobile insurance policy from Progressive to Safeco because Safeco initially offered me a cheaper premium.

I was paying $359 for a six month policy with Progressive, but after checking out the rates of other companies online, I decided to switch to Safeco because they quoted me a six month policy for $294. I truthfully and completely filled out the online application, disclosing the only blemish on my driving record, which was a speeding ticket (63 MPH in a 55 MPH zone) which I received 3 years ago in New Jersey.

I cancelled my policy with Progressive and started my new policy with Safeco on February 9, 2009. On February 17th, a little more than a week later, Safeco increased my premium by $305 to $599! This is more than double the price that they initially offered me! When I called them up to ask why my premium was being doubled, they told me that it was because of a moving violation which I failed to disclose on my application. When I asked them the specifics of the moving violation which I allegedly failed to disclosed to them, I found out it was the 3 year old speeding ticket which I had in fact told them about!

I protested this ridiculous bait and switch premium increase and asked them to restore my original premium quote, but they wouldn't budge. They told me that I could simply wait until my policy renewal in August for the moving violation to come off of my record (moving violations remain on your insurance record for 3 years and 3 months) and my renewal premium would decrease. I told them that I would not pay any additional premiums, and I notified them that I would find another insurance company.

After doing some more research, I got a six month insurance premium quote from GEICO for $319. After making sure that they were aware of my motor vehicle record, and that the premium quoted would not mysteriously increase after the start of my policy, On March 9th, I cancelled my automobile insurance policy with Safeco, and started my new policy with GEICO. Even though it has been less than 2 weeks since I became a GEICO customer, I have not yet had any problems or any premium increases from them.

I have one word of advice to anyone who is contemplating switching their automobile insurance company to Safeco based on a cheaper premium quote... DON'T!

Toni
Boca Raton, Florida
U.S.A.