Updated: September 26, 2025
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Shelter Insurance ranks 16th for full coverage affordability and 16th for minimum liability coverage with average rates of $113 and $48 monthly, respectively.
Shelter Insurance earns 15th place nationwide for overall customer satisfaction, though it doesn't particularly stand out in agent service and forum reviews.
Shelter Insurance claims the 5th best spot for coverage options, offering unique features like accident forgiveness and new car replacement coverage.
Shelter Insurance ranks 14th overall nationally, placing it as a moderately strong car insurance provider among the nation's best car insurance companies. The company stands out most in its coverage options, where it earned a top-5 ranking, and also performs well in affordability with a 15th-place finish.
This only represents a 40-year-old male driver with good credit and no driving violations and the company's ranking for you will depend on your profile and coverage needs.
| Overall Score | 4.40 | 14 |
| Customer Experience | 4.41 | 15 |
| Coverage | 4.33 | 5 |
| Affordability | 4.41 | 15 |
Shelter Insurance works best for drivers with a DUI, seniors, adult drivers and those with newer or older cars seeking affordable coverage. However, young drivers and those with bad credit should look elsewhere for better rates.
Below, you can compare how Shelter Insurance stacks up for your unique profile.
| Overall Score | 4.21 | 18 |
Your Shelter Insurance car insurance costs can range from $44 to $976 monthly, depending on your profile and coverage choices. We've broken down national costs by age group, gender, coverage level, credit score and driving record to help you make the best decision.
| $264 | $3,172 | -4% | 22 |
Shelter Insurance ranks as much more expensive for most driver categories, including young drivers, those with accidents, speeding tickets, bad credit, low income and older vehicles. Adult drivers will also find higher rates. Below you can review how affordable Shelter Insurance is for your specific driving category compared to other regional competitors.
| Adult Drivers | $47 | $111 | -7% | 15 |
| Drivers With A DUI | $66 | $146 | -34% | 5 |
| Drivers With An Accident | $65 | $141 | -14% | 12 |
| Drivers With A Speeding Ticket | $54 | $124 | -13% | 12 |
| Drivers With Bad Credit | $97 | $237 | -3% | 23 |
| Drivers With Low Income | $60 | $144 | -6% | 18 |
| Drivers With Newer Cars | $57 | $133 | -17% | 9 |
| Drivers With Old Cars | $43 | $101 | -4% | 15 |
| Senior Drivers | $49 | $116 | -21% | 8 |
| Young Drivers | $115 | $269 | 1% | 20 |
*All profiles are modified based on a 40-year-old male driver with good credit and no driving violations, driving a 2012 Toyota Camry. Young drivers represent ages 25 and under, Adults 26 to 64, and seniors 65 and older. Older vehicles change the vehicle age to 2007, and newer vehicles change it to 2025.
Shelter Insurance offers 14 car insurance discounts, with average savings of up to 20% depending on your driving profile, involvement in programs and your area. Check out its offerings:
Multi-Policy/Bundle | Up to 20% | Must have two or more policies with Shelter (auto and home/property/life insurance bundled) | Available nationwide |
Multi-Car | Up to 20% | two or more vehicles on same policy | Available nationwide |
Good Student | Variable | Students with good grades (class rank, GPA, or academic honors), must qualify before age 19, renewable for unmarried full-time students under 25 | Available nationwide |
Safe Driver | Up to 20% | Accident and violation-free for past three years, may increase after six years | Available nationwide |
Pay in Full | Up to 12% | Pay premiums in full every six months or annually instead of monthly | Available nationwide |
Loyalty Discount | Variable | Renewing policies based on number of years policy has been in force | Available nationwide |
Prior Carrier Tenure | Variable | New customers based on length of time prior auto insurance policy was in force | Available nationwide |
Passive Restraint (Airbags) | Variable | Cars with factory-installed airbags | Available nationwide |
Accident Prevention Course | Variable | Primary driver completes approved accident prevention/defensive driving course | Available nationwide |
Driver Training Course | Variable | Every driver in household under age 21 completes approved driver's education course | Qualifying states only |
Prior Coverage Selection | Variable | Based on selected limit of liability coverage on prior auto insurance policy | Available nationwide |
Evidence of Continuous Insurance | Variable | Vehicles with active prior coverage when switching to Shelter | Available nationwide |
Vehicle Tenure | Variable | Based on number of years you have owned the vehicle | Available nationwide |
Companion Other Vehicles | Variable | Have other qualifying Shelter non-private passenger vehicle policies | Available nationwide |
Shelter Insurance ranked 15th in overall customer satisfaction in MoneyGeek's thorough customer experience study. Reviews highlight strong performance in agent service, with policyholders frequently praising helpful and knowledgeable representatives.
Still, claims handling generated more complaints than average, with customers citing delays and communication issues during the process. Below, we break down the buying, policy management and claims process experiences based on our research.
Customers generally view Shelter’s buying process favorably, pointing to the support of independent agents and the personal service offered through local offices.
Even so, some customers report billing discrepancies after purchase, with one customer stating they were quoted one price but charged much more, leading to disputes with agents.
The company offers online tools and mobile app access, though some customers describe the website as feeling "dated" and difficult to navigate. Rate increases are a common complaint, with long-term customers reporting unexpected premium jumps without claims history.
Policy management reviews are mixed: some customers value the personal service from local agents, while others voice frustrations with billing issues and slow customer support.
Customers appreciate the ability to bundle multiple insurance products and the variety of discount options available. However, several customers describe poor customer service experiences, particularly when dealing with billing disputes or policy changes.
The company offers various payment options and online account management, though some customers report difficulties with website navigation and limited authority from customer service representatives to resolve complex issues.
Claims handling shows the largest variation in customer experiences with Shelter Insurance. Some customers praise the company's claims service, with one stating "Shelter took care of it no questions asked. Super friendly, and personable company."
However, many negative reviews focus on delayed communication and investigation practices. Multiple customers report accusations of fraud for routine claims, with one describing being subjected to "under oath interrogation with a lawyer and a court reporter" simply for hitting an animal. Processing delays are frequently mentioned, with customers reporting weeks or months of waiting for claim resolution.
Several customers describe adjusters as unresponsive, with one stating it "takes forever for adjusters to return calls and emails." The company's investigation approach appears aggressive, with customers reporting being immediately suspected of fraud even for straightforward claims like vehicle theft or animal strikes.
Shelter Insurance ranks well for financial strength from all industry rating agencies, but in J.D. Power studies, the company finishes average or below average in most areas. Here are Shelter Insurance's scores from industry agencies.
AM Best Financial Strength | A (Excellent) | A++ to D- | Excellent ability to meet financial obligations and pay claims |
AM Best Long-Term Credit Standing | Not Available | aaa to d | Long-term credit rating not publicly disclosed |
S&P Global Financial Strength | Not Available | AAA to D | No public S&P rating available |
Moody's Financial Strength | Not Available | Aaa to C | No public Moody's rating available |
J.D. Power Auto Claims Satisfaction | Not Available | 1,000-point scale | Not included in national claims satisfaction studies |
J.D. Power Digital Service Experience | Not Available | 1,000-point scale | Not included in digital service studies |
J.D. Power Auto Insurance Shopping Study | Not Available | Out of 1,000 | Not included in shopping studies |
J.D. Power Overall Customer Satisfaction | #1 Central Region | Out of 1,000 | Ranked #1 in Central Region seven times since 2016 |
NAIC Auto Complaints | 0.38 | 1.00 is average | far fewer complaints than expected |
Reddit users and forum members share mixed experiences with Shelter Insurance's auto rates, car accident claims processing, and customer service representatives. Many drivers appreciate competitive car insurance pricing and local agent relationships but express concerns about sudden auto rate increases and inconsistent vehicle claims handling.
Common complaints include Shelter Insurance unexpected auto rate increases without clear explanation, inconsistent car accident claims adjuster quality, and customers reporting being charged for auto policies they intended to cancel.
Here's what real customers are saying about their experiences on forums:
General thoughts on auto pricing initially are positive with competitive car insurance rates, but sudden rate increases without clear explanation impact long-term value, according to forum users:
"My only gripe is that they increased premiums this year by roughly 15%. I reached out to a broker to shop around and it appears Shelter was still cheaper than anything she could find."
"To my understanding when you sign up with a insurance company you are locked into that price until renewal. I had the insurance on my car and my grandson's. for 1 month. and the next month the rates went up over 100.00."
"I was with them for over 20 years. Needed insurance for my daughter and they wanted to hike our rates on all our vehicles. Wouldn't work with us at all. So we switched to progressive which gave us much lower rates."
Most customers report mixed experiences with how Shelter handles auto accident claims, with quality varying greatly by adjuster and vehicle damage complexity:
"I've been with shield of Shelter for over 10 years. I was hit in a hit and run accident and they took care of everything and my rates did not increase. I'm extremely satisfied with their auto insurance policies."
"I totaled my 2017 Lincoln. No other cars were involved and there were no injuries to me or anyone else. The adjuster doesn't return calls and when I call him he has to call his supervisor before he can do anything. He continually blames the collision center holding my car for the delays."
"I got rear ended by one of their clients almost two months ago, the agent handling my claim was RUDE! She wouldn't respond to calls or text until last week when she turned my claim over to another agent because my truck was deemed totaled. The new agent won't answer my calls, text, or emails on when they are going to settle my claim."
"Have only used it once after I hit a deer, but they were easy to work with and paid my claim quickly."
Agent service shows wide variation based on local office quality, with many customers praising local agent relationships for auto insurance while criticizing corporate customer service:
"As for customer service, I have always gone through a local agent to do any paperwork/interactions. I have his cellphone number so he is easy to contact 24/7. I have never had a bad customer service interaction because there are no robots or national call centers involved."
"When my husband had a wreck they were fair in their assessment of the value of the vehicle. We had a good experience with working with them."
"I call customer service department, and they tell me they can't help me. I really would like to know what their job is if they can not assist customers."
Shelter's digital resources receive mixed feedback, with customers noting difficulties with auto insurance website navigation and system functionality:
"Customers appreciate the clear communication and friendly service but dislike the unexpected rate increases and difficult website navigation."
"Everything on the phone system is oriented to auto insurance."
Customer feedback highlights concerns with Shelter’s rate practices and policy handling, raising trust issues despite favorable industry ratings:
"I got Shelter Insurance in April of 2024. In July of 2024 my wife got into a crash. I called Shelter and attempted to file a claim. They said my policy had lapsed due to non-payment! Excuse me? I signed the paperwork for automatic payments, and they took out the first 2 months perfectly fine."
"If you have only liability with Shelter you're screwed! Claims work against you. The adjuster I had in one accident claim sided with a jerk."
People report issues with auto coverage understanding and car insurance policy setup, with customers finding gaps between what they expected and what was actually covered:
"I always carried rental car coverage but when I asked for a rental I was told I didn't have it."
"I had insurance with them for many many years. I had insurance on six vehicles and maintain a good driving record. A car ran into the side of my truck when changing lanes. However, my shelter adjuster stated that they would not pay the extra labor charge to repair aluminum even though Farmers said they would. It ended up costing me 1200 dollars out of my pocket because the Shelter adjuster wouldnt pay as they should have."
Negative reviews dominate forums and don't reflect overall service quality. For a complete picture, combine user reviews with industry resources like J.D. Power, independent agents, National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and the Insurance Information Institute.
Shelter Insurance provides liability, comprehensive and collision coverage like other major insurers. The company also offers these additional add-on options:
New Car Replacement | Replaces your new car with a brand new one of the same year, make and model if totaled | Included in all policies; applies to cars with fewer than 15,000 miles and less than one year old |
Road Assist Coverage | 24/7 roadside assistance including fuel, flat tire, lockout, battery jump-start and towing services | Includes Lyft ride voucher if your vehicle is towed; two levels of coverage available; up to $100 per incident |
Temporary Transportation Coverage | Pays for the cost of renting reliable transportation while your car is being fixed after an accident | May also apply in case of theft; rental car reimbursement coverage |
GAP Insurance | Pays the difference between the comparable value of your vehicle and the amount you still owe on your loan | Up to policy limits; protects against being upside down on car loan if vehicle is totaled |
Auto Loss of Use Coverage | Provides a single lump sum payment when your car is in the shop following a covered loss | Different from rental car coverage; offers coverage in many different amounts |
Disability Income Coverage | Provides weekly payment if you're disabled and unable to work as result of a covered auto accident | Up to one year of payments; applies whether you were driver, passenger, or pedestrian |
Accidental Death Benefit | Provides payment to your estate if you or your spouse dies as result of car accident or being struck by a car | Coverage can be extended to other drivers or family members for additional premium |
You can bundle these insurance types with your auto policy or buy them separately:
Who Offers It? | Insurance Products |
|---|---|
Shelter Insurance (Directly Offered) | Auto insurance, home insurance, renters insurance, motorcycle insurance, RV insurance, ATV insurance, boat insurance, umbrella insurance, flood insurance, condominium insurance, mobile home insurance, business insurance |
Third-Party Partner | Identity theft protection (AmShield Insurance) |
Shelter Insurance excels in Affordability, Customer Experience and Coverage, earning 14th place for both full and minimum coverage. However, we recommend you compare car insurance rates, do your own research and decide on coverage needs before buying to get the best deal.
Below are MoneyGeek's expert answers to frequently asked questions about Shelter Insurance car insurance:
Yes, Shelter Insurance is a legitimate car insurance company that secured 14th place in our comprehensive car insurance provider rankings. The insurer particularly excels in coverage options, where it earned an impressive 5th place ranking among all providers we evaluated.
Shelter isn't the top car insurance provider in any state, but it is in the top five in a good number of states where it's rated.
Shelter Insurance's average annual cost for adults is $580 for state minimum and $1,356 for full coverage. Rates range from $529 to $4,097 for minimum and $1,237 to $9,510 for full coverage.
Customer reviews indicate that the company has faced criticism over claim denials, with policyholders citing disputes about coverage interpretations and settlement amounts. Some report delays and the denial of what they believed were valid claims, though comprehensive industry data on this remains limited.
Note: This represents limited information based primarily on forum reviews.
Yes, Shelter Insurance offers competitive rates for certain high-risk drivers. The company ranks 5th overall for drivers with a DUI, making it an excellent choice for this group.
Yes, Shelter Insurance raises rates over time due to inflation impacting repair and medical expenses, higher claim frequencies from distracted driving and severe weather, plus increased vehicle technology costs. Rate adjustments also reflect updated regional risk assessments, regulatory changes, and personal factors like credit score shifts or age-related risk category changes.
No, Shelter Insurance doesn't offer competitive rates for young drivers, ranking 20th for overall affordability with monthly premiums averaging $269 for full coverage.
MoneyGeek pulled auto insurance rate data from Quadrant Information Services and compared prices from 79 insurers in every U.S. ZIP code.
Standard Driver Profile Used for Analysis
We used a baseline driver profile to ensure consistent rate comparisons. Our standard driver has these characteristics:
We then modified specific variables, including age, driving record, credit score and military status, to determine which insurers offer the best rates for different driver categories. Our minimum coverage rates represent policies meeting state-required minimums. Full coverage includes 100/300/100 liability limits plus comprehensive and collision coverage with $1,000 deductibles.
Company Rating System
Our evaluation process weighted three key factors:
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.
