How to Cancel Your Safeco Car Insurance Policy in 5 Easy Steps

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Written by J.J. Starr Edited by Nick Versaw

Updated August 21, 2024

Safeco insurance policies are easy to cancel, but the company doesn’t share much information about the process online. That said, you can purchase Safeco only through an insurance agent, so the agency typically decides how to cancel.

You can usually cancel your policy online or with the mobile app. But be sure to compare rates and purchase a new policy before you cancel — after all, Safeco typically offers cheap car insurance with rates that are hard to beat.

In the sections below, we walk you through the entire process, from preparation to follow-up. By the end, you’ll know everything you must do to cancel a Safeco policy correctly.

5 Steps to Cancel Your Safeco Car Insurance Policy

To cancel a Safeco insurance policy, you can work with your agent or, when the company allows it, cancel yourself using your Safeco account. The company lets you cancel without a cancellation fee — though you’ll need to cover any unpaid premiums.

Canceling your policy is easy and shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes. But give yourself time to do it properly to avoid added expenses like double-paying for premiums or having gaps in insurance coverage.

1. Review your current policy

To expedite the cancellation process, you’ll need to have your basic information and Safeco policy number handy. You can find these on your statements, on policy documents, and through the online portal. If you can’t access your policy information, contact your insurance agent for assistance.

Use the most current information and review your policy’s components, including coverage types, coverage levels, deductibles, and renewal date. Premium increases tend to happen during the renewal process, so keeping track of your renewal date is essential.

Finally, note other insurance or financial products you also have through Safeco that earn you a discount — you may lose it when you cancel.

2. Understand what you need from your next policy

As you review your policy, note its coverage options and limits. For example, if you have rental car reimbursement, note the number of days and the amount of coverage per day.

You may need to adjust your policy. For example, you may be ready to drop gap insurance if you no longer owe more than your car is worth.

If you need only minimum coverage, your insurance agent or the company will ensure you get what you need to meet state and lender insurance requirements.

You should also consider raising your liability limits. Car insurance claims have become more expensive in recent years, according to the New York Times. That’s due to several reasons, including vehicles becoming more expensive to repair. Purchasing higher liability coverage usually comes with a modest increase in price.

3. Compare quotes and purchase your new policy

You need a new car insurance policy before canceling your old one — it helps you avoid lapses in car insurance coverage. The best way to find a new policy at the best price is by comparing quotes from multiple companies. It’s crucial to ensure you compare policies with the same coverage and limits.

The easiest way to do this is to use a car insurance comparison site. You can fill out a single form to get multiple quotes, often side by side. When you find the best policy, buying is typically a few clicks away.

4. Contact Safeco customer service

To cancel your existing Safeco policy, contact your independent insurance agent. They can walk you through the process and answer any questions. If you’re unsure of who to contact, call Safeco customer service at 1 (800) 332-3226 to find out.

Ask for your policy to end on or after the start date of your new policy. You may want to overlap your policies by a day so you can verify coverage. Your agent will inform you if you need to submit a signed cancellation letter, which some states require.

Finally, ask your agent whether you should expect a refund and when. If you’ve prepaid any portion of your policy, you should get a refund for the unused days of coverage.

5. Confirm your cancellation and get your refund

In most cases, Safeco can process your cancellation within 24 hours. You should receive a confirmation email with the necessary details for your cancellation.

Though your automatic payments should stop with the end date of your policy, you may want to shut off auto pay yourself. If you set up auto pay through your bank or another third party, make sure you end payments with them.

If you’ve prepaid for any days beyond your cancellation date, you’re likely eligible for a refund. But keep in mind that refunds can take up to 30 days to process. Speak with your agent about your refund process — it can work differently depending on how you purchased your policy.

Ways to Cancel Your Safeco Auto Insurance Policy

You have a few ways to cancel your Safeco policy, but the rules depend on how you bought it. Safeco typically sells its policies through an independent agency, and some agencies require customers to manage policies through them, including cancellation.

But most agencies allow you to manage your policy yourself. To do so, you’ll need an account through Safeco’s online portal, which also gives you access to the insurer’s mobile app.

Online

You can cancel your account online by logging into the Safeco online portal. Then, follow the steps outlined there to submit your cancellation request. Alternatively, you can use your mobile app to complete the process.

By phone

You can cancel your Safeco policy by calling your insurance agent and completing the cancellation process with them.

If your insurance agent doesn’t require you to cancel through them, you can also contact customer service at 1 (800) 332-3226 for your cancellation options.

In person

If you worked with a local independent agent to buy your Safeco policy, you can likely cancel it in person. Go to your agency during business hours or call your agent to schedule an appointment. They can likely also help you buy your next policy.

When to Cancel Your Car Insurance Policy

Like with most auto insurers, you can cancel Safeco at any time. Here are some situations where canceling your car insurance policy might be a good idea:

• You moved to a different state or ZIP code. While many insurance companies provide coverage across multiple states, you may need to switch companies if your current insurer doesn’t operate in your new area.
• You sold or totaled your vehicle. If your car is a total loss or you’ve sold it and don’t plan on purchasing another one, canceling your policy could be the next logical step.
• You found a more affordable option. Although Safeco offers low rates, it may not always provide the lowest price.

What to Consider Before Canceling Your Safeco Auto Insurance Policy

Before canceling your Safeco car insurance policy, here are a few points to keep in mind when making your decision:

• Consider your options: Start by comparing rates from different insurers to find great coverage that saves money.
• Avoid gaps in coverage: Make sure to secure a new policy with a new insurer before canceling the old one.
• Beware of potential fees: Safeco typically doesn’t charge a cancellation fee, but it’s important to check for a percentage or flat rate fee if you cancel before your policy term ends. If there’s a fee, include that in your cost comparison to determine if canceling is still the best choice.
• Consider your discount eligibility: If you bundle your auto insurance with other insurance products, such as homeowners or renters insurance, canceling your car insurance will likely increase the other policy premium when you lose the bundling discount.

Safeco Car Insurance Premiums vs. the Competition

Comparing quotes when buying a new policy is the most effective way to get affordable coverage at a competitive price. The more quotes you review, the higher your chances of finding an excellent policy at a great price.

The table below illustrates how Safeco’s average rates stack up against competitors and the industry average, according to Compare.com data.

Safeco offers excellent rates — much cheaper than the industry average and even its parent company, Liberty Mutual. Still, GEICO and State Farm offer modestly cheaper premiums.

But keep in mind that broad averages don’t guarantee these companies will offer you similar premiums, so get personalized quotes first to find out.

Canceling Safeco Insurance FAQs

Here are answers to some of the most common questions Safeco policyholders ask when canceling their car insurance policy.

What’s the best way to cancel a policy with Safeco?

To cancel your Safeco policy, contact your independent agent or log into your account through the Safeco website or mobile app.

Does Safeco charge a cancellation fee?

No. In most cases, Safeco doesn’t charge cancellation fees or penalties. But if Safeco insured you for days you haven’t yet paid for, it’ll send you a bill for the unpaid premiums.

Can you cancel your insurance policy before it ends?

Yes, you can usually cancel your auto insurance policy anytime. But you should research the consequences of early cancellation, like potential fees, penalties, and refunds.

How do you cancel your insurance immediately?

To cancel your insurance immediately, contact your insurance agent, log into your account online, or use the mobile app to request cancellation.

How far in advance do you need to notify Safeco to cancel your policy?

When you cancel your policy through your insurance agent, the app, or the online portal, you can set your cancellation date for any future date.

Will you receive a refund if you cancel your Safeco policy before the renewal date?

It depends. You’ll get a refund if you’ve prepaid any portion of your remaining policy term. But if Safeco has insured you for days you haven’t paid for, it’ll collect premiums for those unpaid days.

Can you cancel your Safeco policy online, or do you need to speak with a representative?

If you have an account with the Safeco online portal, you can log in and cancel your policy there (the app works, too). That said, some insurance agencies may prefer that you cancel your policy through them, so check with your agent first.

Sources:

1. New York Times, “Why Is Car Insurance So Expensive?”, Accessed August 12, 2024.
2. Insurance Information Institute, “Facts + Statistics: Auto insurance,” Accessed August 12, 2024.

J.J. Starr Insurance Writer

J.J. Starr is an insurance writer for Compare.com who specializes in auto insurance and personal finance. She has a passion for helping people save money by explaining complex topics like car insurance in a way that is simple and easy to understand. Prior to writing for Compare.com, J.J was a registered banker and life insurance consultant. She holds a master's degree in writing from New York University and a bachelor's degree from Stephens College.