When shopping for car insurance, two of the largest national providers you’ll encounter are Travelers and Liberty Mutual. But which one is the better choice for your needs and budget?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare Travelers and Liberty Mutual on key factors like cost, discounts, customer service and more. By the end, you’ll have the insights to determine if either of these industry leaders is right for protecting your vehicle.
Travelers vs Liberty Mutual: At a Glance
Travelers and Liberty Mutual are two of the biggest car insurance companies in the nation, insuring millions of drivers. Here’s an overview of each provider:
Travelers
- One of the largest insurers in the US
- Over 30,000 employees
- Founded in 1864
- A++ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best
- Available in all 50 states and Washington D.C.
Liberty Mutual
- Fifth largest property and casualty insurer in the U.S.
- Over 45,000 employees
- Founded in 1912
- A (Excellent) rating from AM Best
- Available in all 50 states and Washington D.C.
Both companies have excellent financial strength, nationwide availability, and a wide range of insurance products. When it comes to car insurance, they offer similar coverages and options. The differences lie more in cost, discounts and customer service.
Cost Comparison: Who Is Cheaper?
For many shoppers, the premium cost will be one of the deciding factors when choosing between Travelers and Liberty Mutual.
According to industry rate data, Travelers tends to offer lower car insurance rates on average compared to Liberty Mutual across most driver categories.
Here are some examples of estimated annual premiums with minimum required coverage:
| Driver Profile | Travelers | Liberty Mutual |
|---|---|---|
| 30-year-old single female, good credit | $806 | $1,070 |
| 50-year-old married male, good credit | $714 | $952 |
| 21-year-old single male, minimum coverage | $2,201 | $2,592 |
Individual premiums vary based on your location, driving record, age and other risk factors. But overall, Travelers appears to maintain a pricing advantage over Liberty Mutual.
Getting quotes directly from each company is the best way to compare costs for your situation. Be sure to inquire about all available discounts as well.
Discounts Offered
Both Travelers and Liberty Mutual offer a range of car insurance discounts to lower your premium. Here are some common discounts to ask about:
Travelers Discounts
- Multi-policy
- Good payer
- Continuous insurance
- Homeowner
- Good student
- Defensive driving course
Liberty Mutual Discounts
- Multi-vehicle
- Multi-policy
- New car
- New home
- Auto-pay
- Paperless
- Good student
Travelers has more discounts overall, including some unique options like their hybrid/electric vehicle discount. But Liberty Mutual offers larger individual discounts in some cases like savings up to 25% for bundling home and auto.
Getting discounts can reduce your premium by hundreds of dollars per year. Be sure to see which company offers discounts that fit your situation when comparing quotes.
Coverages Offered
Two of the largest auto insurers in the nation, Travelers and Liberty Mutual both offer a full suite of standard car insurance coverages:
- Liability (bodily injury and property damage)
- Collision
- Comprehensive
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist
- Medical payments
- Personal injury protection
In addition to required minimum coverage, you’ll also find common options like:
- Rental car reimbursement
- Roadside assistance
- Rideshare coverage
- Accident forgiveness
- Custom parts/equipment value
Travelers has a slight edge when it comes to miscellaneous coverages like gap insurance and Mexico coverage. But overall, both feature extensive options to customize your policy.
Customer Satisfaction
How do policyholders rate Travelers and Liberty Mutual for customer service and claims handling? Here are insights based on industry ratings and reviews:
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J.D. Power: Travelers and Liberty Mutual both score 4/5 for overall customer satisfaction. Travelers edged out Liberty Mutual slightly on claims satisfaction.
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NAIC Complaint Index: Travelers has a better complaint record (0.11) compared to Liberty Mutual (2.66).
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AM Best: Travelers (A++) has a higher financial strength rating than Liberty Mutual (A).
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Reviews: Travelers tends to have better customer feedback overall based on online reviews. Complaints about Liberty Mutual cite issues with rate hikes.
While Liberty Mutual has received some negative feedback, both companies provide decent customer service on average. Getting quotes from local agents can provide the best insight into service quality for your area.
Availability and Features
As two of the largest auto insurers nationwide, both Travelers and Liberty Mutual have wide availability across the U.S:
- Offer coverage in all 50 states and Washington D.C.
- Network of local agents and offices
- Online quotes and policy management
- Mobile app for managing your account
For convenience, Travelers may have an advantage. Customers report an easier process for getting quotes online and handling policy changes through their app and website. Liberty Mutual has invested in improving tech tools for customers as well.
No matter which you choose, you’ll have access to licensed agents for personalized service when needed. Apps and online accounts also make managing your policy a breeze.
The Bottom Line: Travelers vs Liberty Mutual
When choosing between these two industry leaders, there are good arguments to be made for each company.
Reasons to choose Travelers:
- Lower premium rates on average
- Stronger financial health rating
- Better customer satisfaction ratings
- More discounts available
- Better online/mobile experience
Reasons to choose Liberty Mutual:
- Wider selection of insurance products
- More coverage add-ons in some states
- Competitive bundled pricing with home insurance
- Accident forgiveness program
- Convenient local agent access
For the best rates and service, the deciding factor often comes down to getting quotes directly from each provider. Be sure to compare estimated premiums and discuss discounts, coverages and policy options.
Weighing factors like cost, customer service, and coverage against your own priorities will determine if Travelers or Liberty Mutual is the right insurer for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Liberty Mutual have accident forgiveness?
Yes, Liberty Mutual offers accident forgiveness to customers after 5 years claim-free. This can waive your rate increase after your first at-fault accident.
Does Travelers have roadside assistance?
Yes, Travelers offers roadside assistance plans starting under $10 per month. They cover services like towing, tire changes, lockout help and more.
What discounts does Liberty Mutual offer?
Common Liberty Mutual discounts include multi-policy, multi-car, safe driver, new car, new home, auto-pay, good student and more. Discounts can reduce your premium by up to 30%.
Does Travelers insurance cover rental cars?
Yes, a standard Travelers auto policy extends liability, collision and comprehensive coverage to rental cars in most cases. Confirm coverage when booking the rental vehicle.
Can I get a Liberty Mutual discount for bundling home and auto?
Yes, Liberty Mutual offers up to 25% off for bundling home and auto insurance. Other multi-policy discounts are available for adding renters, umbrella, or life insurance.
The Bottom Line
Comparing leading insurers Travelers and Liberty Mutual can help you find the right blend of affordable rates, coverages and service. Get free quotes from both providers to see which is the better fit and value for protecting your vehicle.
Travelers insurance full in-depth review. Should you buy Travelers insurance?
FAQ
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