Shelter Car Insurance Review for 2025 [See Rates & Discounts Here]

Our Shelter car insurance review compares dependable coverage at competitive rates, starting at $86/month for coverage. Shelter offers cheap high-risk insurance to teens and drivers with DUIs or accidents. Shelter car insurance customer service reviews also show fewer complaints than other companies.

UPDATED: Feb 4, 2025Fact Checked

Laura Kuhl

Managing Content Editor

Laura Kuhl holds a Master’s Degree in Professional Writing from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Her career began in healthcare and wellness, creating lifestyle content for doctors, dentists, and other healthcare and holistic professionals. In 2018, she started writing for the cannabis industry. She curated news articles and insider interviews with investors and small business ...

Managing Content Editor

Ty Stewart

Licensed Insurance Agent

Ty Stewart is the founder and CEO of SimpleLifeInsure.com. He started researching and studying about insurance when he got his first policy for his own family. He has been featured as an insurance expert speaker at agent conventions and in top publications.  As an independent licensed insurance agent, he has helped clients nationwide to secure affordable coverage while making the process simpl...

Licensed Insurance Agent

UPDATED: Feb 4, 2025

Advertiser Disclosure

It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.

Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.

Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.

Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about car insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything car insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by car insurance experts.

UPDATED: Feb 4, 2025

Advertiser Disclosure

It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.

Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.

Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.

UPDATED: Feb 4, 2025Fact Checked
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Shelter Insurance

Monthly Rates

$86

A.M. Best Rating:

A

Complaint Level:

Low

Pros

  • Affordable for safe drivers: Competitive rates for drivers with clean records.
  • Strong financial stability: Reliable in handling claims during peak times.
  • Low complaint ratio: Fewer complaints, indicating high customer satisfaction.

Cons

  • Limited availability: Operates in a few states, limiting coverage options.
  • Varied customer service: Service quality can differ by region, causing inconsistencies.

This Shelter car insurance review breaks down the different types of car insurance coverage it offers, including new car replacements.

Shelter Car Insurance Review

Monthly Shelter car insurance rates start at $86 for minimum coverage, and it has affordable coverage for teens, seniors, and high-risk drivers with accidents.

Shelter Car Insurance Rating

Rating CriteriaShelter Car Insurance Review
Overall Score3.7
Business Reviews3.0
Claims Processing3.5
Company Reputation4.0
Coverage Availability4.1
Coverage Value3.4
Customer Satisfaction2.1
Digital Experience4.0
Discounts Available5.0
Insurance Cost4.1
Plan Personalization4.0
Policy Options3.1
Savings Potential4.4

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Shelter Mutual Insurance Company also earns accolades for customer satisfaction. Keep reading for customer service reviews and business ratings.

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Just the Basics

  • Shelter car insurance rates start at $86 per month for minimum coverage
  • Save up to 18% with Shelter’s safe driver and multi-policy discounts
  • Shelter Insurance offers new car replacement and accident forgiveness

Competitive Shelter Insurance Rates

Shelter auto insurance rates vary by driver age and coverage level. Minimum insurance is the cheapest, with older drivers getting lower rates as they gain more experience behind the wheel.

Shelter Car Insurance Monthly Rates by Coverage Level, Age, & Gender

Age & GenderMinimum CoverageFull Coverage
Age: 16 Female$321$507
Age: 16 Male$353$542
Age: 18 Female$289$472
Age: 18 Male$319$510
Age: 25 Female$176$296
Age: 25 Male$191$324
Age: 30 Female$147$250
Age: 30 Male$159$272
Age: 45 Female$126$230
Age: 45 Male$135$242
Age: 60 Female$114$215
Age: 60 Male$119$225
Age: 65 Female$110$210
Age: 65 Male$116$220

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For example, a 25-year-old woman will pay about $176 monthly for minimum coverage and $296 per month for full coverage. More mature drivers tend to have a lower rate, such as Shelter’s $114 per month for minimum and $215 monthly for full coverage for a 60-year-old driver. These prices reflect factors that affect the cost of car insurance, such as age and driving history. Shelter’s competitive pricing makes it a solid choice for various drivers.

Factors That Affect Car Insurance Rates Definition Card: Shelter Car Insurance Review

Shelter Insurance offers rates that hold firm against the competition. When you compare Shelter Insurance vs. State Farm and American Family, it brings affordable coverage to teens at around $275 per month. Older drivers will also find Shelter car insurance cheaper than popular companies like Farmers and Allstate.

Shelter Car Insurance Monthly Rates vs. Top Competitors by Age & Gender

Insurance CompanyAge: 17 FemaleAge: 17 MaleAge: 25 FemaleAge: 25 MaleAge: 35 FemaleAge: 35 MaleAge: 60 FemaleAge: 60 Male
Allstate: Shelter Car Insurance Review$285$320$160$170$130$140$92$98
American Family: Shelter Car Insurance Review$280$315$155$165$125$135$94$99
Farmers: Shelter Car Insurance Review$290$325$165$175$135$145$93$99
Geico: Shelter Car Insurance Review$260$295$145$155$115$125$85$90
Liberty Mutual: Shelter Car Insurance Review$275$310$150$160$120$130$90$95
Nationwide: Shelter Car Insurance Review$265$300$148$158$118$128$86$92
Progressive: Shelter Car Insurance Review$270$305$150$160$120$130$88$93
Shelter Insurance: Shelter Car Insurance Review$275$310$150$160$120$130$90$95
State Farm: Shelter Car Insurance Review$280$315$155$165$125$135$95$100
Travelers: Shelter Car Insurance Review$295$330$162$172$132$142$96$101

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This consistency in pricing shows that Shelter car insurance costs remain competitive across various age groups, offering a strong alternative without sacrificing the quality of coverage.

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Shelter Insurance Rates Tailored to Your Driving Record

Drivers with clean records pay the lowest premium — $33 a month for minimum coverage, but Shelter Insurance fees by driving history are still competitive. Minimum coverage for infringements like an at-fault accident or a DUI would adjust to $49 and $51 monthly with Shelter, compared to all other insurance companies, which may charge them hundreds or even thousands of dollars more for the same driving history.

Shelter Car Insurance Monthly Rates by Provider & Driving Record

Insurance CompanyClean RecordOne TicketOne AccidentOne DUI
Allstate: Shelter Car Insurance Review$160$185$210$270
American Family: Shelter Car Insurance Review$155$180$205$260
Farmers: Shelter Car Insurance Review$165$190$215$275
Geico: Shelter Car Insurance Review$140$165$190$240
Liberty Mutual: Shelter Car Insurance Review$150$175$200$250
Nationwide: Shelter Car Insurance Review$145$170$195$245
Progressive: Shelter Car Insurance Review$145$170$195$245
Shelter Insurance: Shelter Car Insurance Review$150$175$200$250
State Farm: Shelter Car Insurance Review$155$180$205$260
Travelers: Shelter Car Insurance Review$160$185$210$265

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If you’ve got a ticket, expect to pay $175 monthly, which mirrors the costs at Nationwide and Progressive. After an accident, Shelter’s $200 rate continues to match that of Liberty Mutual, providing a reasonable option amidst slight increases across the board. Even with a DUI, Shelter’s $250 rate stays competitive — lower than Allstate’s $270 but slightly higher than Geico’s $240.

Experiencing Shelter Insurance firsthand showed me their commitment to service, especially when they seamlessly handled my claim after a minor accident, making the process stress-free and efficient.

Rachel Bodine Insurance Feature Writer

Shelter Insurance Company offers competitive rates that hold their own against major insurers, especially when you consider driving records. Follow these safe-driving tips to lower car insurance rates for an even better price.

Comparing Shelter Car Insurance Discounts

Shelter car insurance generally has the lowest rates, consistently beating the rates of big-name insurers, but it also lowers car insurance costs with competitive discounts.

Shelter Car Insurance Discounts

Discount NameSavings PotentialHow to Qualify
Bundling18%Bundle home and auto insurance, or other policies
Good Student14%Maintain a "B" average or higher as a full-time student
Safe Driver12%Maintain a clean driving record for several years
Defensive Driving11%Complete an approved defensive driving or safety course
Driver Training9%Complete an approved driver training course as a young driver
Anti-Theft7%Equip your vehicle with approved anti-theft devices
Pay-in-Full6%Pay the entire premium upfront instead of in installments
Eco-Friendly5%Opt for paperless billing and electronic communications
Early Signing4%Sign up for a policy before your current one expires
Claims-Free10%Maintain a record of no claims over a specified period

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Shelter offers discounts for drivers who bundle their home and auto insurance, as well as for students who maintain good grades. Teen drivers can already benefit from competitive rates with Shelter car insurance, and achieving a B average could further reduce these rates by up to 14%. It’s a good idea to check out Shelter home insurance reviews to see how others have benefited from these discounts.

But when it comes to finding strategies to keep your car insurance premiums low, keep in mind things like maintaining a clean driving record or bundling your policies. This is a way to help control Shelter’s car insurance costs. Remember to explore whether Shelter Insurance is expensive and identify ways to minimize your expenses.

Shelter Car Insurance Coverage Comparison

Shelter car insurance offers a wide variety of coverage for different types of drivers. Unlike many insurers that add a fee for roadside assistance and rental reimbursement, Shelter includes these perks, making it an excellent pick for practical drivers.

Shelter Car Insurance Coverage Options

Coverage NameWhat it Covers
LiabilityInjury and property damage you cause to others
CollisionYour car’s damage after an accident, regardless of fault
Comprehensive Non-collision damage like theft, fire, or weather
Uninsured MotoristDamages caused by uninsured drivers
Underinsured MotoristDamages when another driver’s insurance is insufficient
Medical PaymentsMedical expenses for you and passengers after an accident
Personal Injury ProtectionMedical bills and lost wages after an accident
Roadside AssistanceTowing, tire changes, and fuel delivery
Rental ReimbursementA rental car during repairs after an accident
Custom EquipmentAftermarket parts and accessories
Gap InsuranceThe difference between car value and loan/lease balance

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Shelter stands out as a smart option for drivers looking for reliable and affordable coverage. Understanding why you need car insurance can help you see the value in Shelter car insurance policies, which offer unique protections for customized equipment and breakdowns.

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Shelter Insurance Customer Satisfaction and Stability

Shelter Insurance maintains strong industry ratings, earning 850 out of 1,000 from J.D. Power, signaling above-average customer satisfaction. The company also boasts robust financial health with an ‘A’ rating from A.M. Best and fewer customer complaints, as noted by a 0.85 NAIC complaint ratio.

Shelter Car Insurance Business Ratings & Consumer Reviews

AgencyShelter Car Insurance Review
J.D. Power: Shelter Car Insurance ReviewScore: 850 / 1,000
Above Avg. Satisfaction
BBB: Shelter Car Insurance ReviewScore: A
Excellent Financial Strength
Consumer Reports: Shelter Car Insurance ReviewScore: 75/100
Good Customer Feedback
NAIC: Shelter Car Insurance ReviewScore: 0.85
Fewer Complaints
A.M. Best: Shelter Car Insurance ReviewScore: A
Excellent Financial Strength

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Over on Reddit, users often comment on Shelter’s thorough and well-regarded coverage, as well as the company’s speedy claims process and service level.

Comment
byu/1S1M from discussion
inwichita

Shelter Insurance maintains robust ratings from industry standards, mirrored by the favorable Shelter Insurance reviews on BBB, discussions on Shelter Insurance Reddit, and recognition by the Shelter Insurance AM Best rating. These accolades underscore the company’s commitment to reliability and customer satisfaction, reinforcing trust among consumers seeking honest feedback and reliable coverage.

Shelter Car Insurance Pros and Cons

When it comes to Shelter insurance for your car, you may want to consider the possible pros and cons before deciding if the company will align with what you need. Here are some perks to choosing Shelter auto insurance:

  • Extensive Coverage: Offers a range of policies with unique options, such as Shelter car insurance, roadside assistance, or new car replacement
  • Discounts Options: Offers multi-car, safe driving, and loyalty discounts that can lower rates
  • Competitive High-Risk Rates: Teens and drivers with accidents or DUIs get cheaper rates with Shelter than other popular insurers.

A handful of downsides may affect whether Shelter is the right insurer for you, most specifically your location. Shelter is only available in a handful of states:

  • Limited State Availability: It’s only available in Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas.
  • Inconsistent Customer Service: Experiences with customer service can vary by state, which might impact satisfaction and support during claims.

It’s clear that Shelter offers competitive rates that cater to a diverse range of drivers, but consider customer reviews and how much insurance you need for your car, as Shelter’s coverage varies by location, and service quality may differ depending on your region.

When choosing Shelter car insurance, start by assessing your driving habits and needs to decide if added options like accident forgiveness or new car replacement are right for you.

Brad Larson Licensed Insurance Agent

Shelter is a good choice for some high-risk drivers, but your best option is to compare multiple car insurance companies in your city to see which can offer you the best coverage at the best price.

Shelter Car Insurance: Affordable Coverage Across the Board

When assessing your options in our Shelter car insurance review, its insurance rates compete very well with national providers, and it often outperforms industry leaders for drivers who are under 25.

Shelter Insurance Company Screenshot: Shelter Car Insurance Review

Shelter Insurance Company focuses on affordability for high-risk drivers without cutting corners on coverage. If you’re buying car insurance, it’s a solid option for consumers who want lower rates with basic protections. If you are considering filing a lawsuit against Shelter Insurance, you are likely in the process of reviewing your options to determine the best possible provider for your needs.

If Shelter auto insurance isn’t available in your state, get the best deal on car insurance by entering your ZIP code here.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where does Shelter Insurance rank among car insurance providers?

Shelter Insurance ranks highly for customer satisfaction in the central region and holds an ‘A’ rating from AM Best for financial stability.

Who owns Shelter Mutual Insurance Company?

Shelter Insurance Company operates as a mutual insurer owned by its policyholders.

Is Shelter car insurance more expensive compared to competitors?

Shelter’s rates are competitive, averaging $86 per month for coverage. If you need full coverage on a financed car, Shelter offers affordable gap insurance and full coverage options that meet lender requirements.

Does Shelter Insurance offer discounts for bundling auto and home insurance?

Yes, Shelter provides multi-policy discounts of up to 18% when you bundle car insurance with home, renters, or life insurance policies.

Is Shelter Insurance available in all states or limited to specific regions?

Shelter Insurance is not nationwide and operates in 15 states, mainly in the Midwest and South. Enter your ZIP code into our free comparison tool to see how much car insurance costs in your area.

What is the average monthly cost for Shelter car insurance?

The average cost for good drivers is about $86 per month for full coverage and $33 monthly for minimum insurance. Understanding how car insurance works can help you see how factors like age, driving history, and location affect your Shelter car insurance rates.

What was Shelter Insurance previously called before adopting its current name?

Shelter car insurance was initially known as MFA Mutual Insurance Company before rebranding in 1981.

How does Shelter Insurance compare to companies like State Farm and Geico?

Shelter offers lower rates for specific demographics, especially older drivers, and focuses on personalized service through local agents, while Geico and State Farm excel in digital services and nationwide availability.

Does Shelter Insurance offer accident forgiveness for policyholders?

Yes, Shelter car insurance accident forgiveness is available to help drivers avoid rate hikes after their first at-fault accident. Prioritizing accident preparedness with the right coverage like this can prevent financial stress later.

Does Shelter Insurance include roadside assistance in its auto policies?

Yes, Shelter offers optional roadside assistance coverage, which includes towing, flat tire changes, and emergency fuel delivery.

What is Shelter Insurance’s claim process for car accidents?

You can file a claim online, through an agent, or by calling the claims hotline. Shelter assigns a local adjuster to guide you through the process.

What types of auto coverage options does Shelter Insurance provide?

Shelter Insurance not only provides standard auto coverages like liability, comprehensive, and collision, but it also offers unique add-ons. Key highlights include new car replacement and roadside assistance. These options enhance the typical car insurance cover, catering specifically to those looking for more than just basic protection.

Does Shelter Insurance provide new car replacement coverage?

Yes, Shelter offers new car replacements for vehicles less than one year old with fewer than 15,000 miles if it’s totaled in an accident.

How are Shelter Insurance’s customer satisfaction ratings compared to competitors?

Shelter scores above average in customer satisfaction, with strong ratings from J.D. Power in the central region, outperforming larger competitors in some categories.

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Does Shelter Insurance accept credit card payments for premium payments?

Yes, Shelter lets policyholders pay premiums with credit cards for added convenience. Understanding things you do that can raise your premiums, like late payments or frequent claims, can help you manage costs and keep your rates affordable.

Laura Kuhl

Managing Content Editor

Laura Kuhl holds a Master’s Degree in Professional Writing from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Her career began in healthcare and wellness, creating lifestyle content for doctors, dentists, and other healthcare and holistic professionals. In 2018, she started writing for the cannabis industry. She curated news articles and insider interviews with investors and small business ...

Managing Content Editor

Ty Stewart

Licensed Insurance Agent

Ty Stewart is the founder and CEO of SimpleLifeInsure.com. He started researching and studying about insurance when he got his first policy for his own family. He has been featured as an insurance expert speaker at agent conventions and in top publications.  As an independent licensed insurance agent, he has helped clients nationwide to secure affordable coverage while making the process simpl...

Licensed Insurance Agent

Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about car insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything car insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by car insurance experts.

Reviews
for Shelter Mutual Insurance Company

4.16 (421 reviews)
1
July 20, 2022

FranklinGirl

Stay far away!

I filed a claim for a parking lot accident after a lady backed out and hit me. I spoke with the claims adjuster [REDACTED NAME], and he took a statement and told me he would reach out to the other insurance agency. I was logged into my account and noticed he had closed my claim without communicating with me. I contacted him and he told me to contact the other insurance agency. Really??? I pay nearly $10,000 a year (20 years) for insurance for a h...
I filed a claim for a parking lot accident after a lady backed out and hit me. I spoke with the claims adjuster [REDACTED NAME], and he took a statement and told me he would reach out to the other insurance agency. I was logged into my account and noticed he had closed my claim without communicating with me. I contacted him and he told me to contact the other insurance agency. Really??? I pay nearly $10,000 a year (20 years) for insurance for a house and 5 cars for him to do his job. Unbelievable..I'm in the process of finding a company that values my business and serves their clients. Shelter has really gone down the [REDACTED] . They were a premier company, but not anymore.
1
October 21, 2021

BenjaminHM

Non communicative experience.

I have never been more uncomfortable speaking with personnel in my life. The representatives from Shelter refused to work around my schedule for phone calls, constantly interrupted me, and even called me out for "harassing" the other driver for asking for their insurance info. I had to wait several months for their investigation to finish(note that the other driver was undeniably at fault in the accident.)When all was said and done they refused t...
I have never been more uncomfortable speaking with personnel in my life. The representatives from Shelter refused to work around my schedule for phone calls, constantly interrupted me, and even called me out for "harassing" the other driver for asking for their insurance info. I had to wait several months for their investigation to finish(note that the other driver was undeniably at fault in the accident.)When all was said and done they refused to pay for damage to my hubcap(later I had to pay for the resulting flat tire), didn't respond to my requests, and in general just treated me horribly.
4
October 17, 2020

DaRiD

Problem with Claims Communications

I recently had an accident and getting information from the company regarding the status of my claim was extremely difficult. Overall, my dealings with the agent are pleasant, but receiving updates from the claims department was a nightmare.
5
July 31, 2020

Atm

Great!

It was wonderful. Every time my insurance was supposed to go up it would go down in price. For example when I got an MIP when I was 19 my insurance went down $20.
5
July 19, 2020

Leo_Kim

The product and sevice is good!

The policy provided is very easy to understand. The agent was very nice to explain everything to me and helped customize my auto insurance.
1
July 9, 2020

Broncos1858

Horrible experience

Horrible. My brand new 2020 truck got damaged last night! The insurance agent was rude! I can't even take my truck to get fixed until the adjuster calls me so I am stuck driving around a damaged truck which was no fault of my own!!!
5
May 1, 2020

lesley

Trusted with good rates

The company covered my two fender benders and was a reasonable rate. The insurance agent was wonderful. He was a cornerstone of the community and trusted. I had my apartment and car insurance through the company. I was ran into and two different occasions and it did not raise my rates. I only canceled after I moved to a different state and got married.
5
February 23, 2020

Cricky73

A great company to do business with and offer discounts

I have not had to make a claim (fortunately) however, any time we've had a question they were available to answer and we're kind in doing so. Even better, their prices are lower than anyone else we could find. They also offer discounts such as safe driver.
5
February 13, 2020

kolsen

Shelter Insurance, A Great Company

Shelter has always been good to me and I've never had any issues. They offer far lower prices than I could find at competitors with the same coverage.
5
January 30, 2020

beanmom

Probably the Best

I had to file two claims in less than a year, and one I could have been hassled over, but Shelter took care of it no questions asked. Super friendly, and personable company. I have been with them for 5 years and have always been impressed, and I am a supercritical person when it comes to businesses such as this.
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