Hippo vs Safeco: Homeowners Insurance Coverage Comparison
A coverage-first, independent comparison of Hippo and Safeco — based on public policy forms and carrier disclosures, not premiums or marketing. Coverage details vary by state and change frequently; confirm at bind.
Information reflects public sources as of January 2025.
At-a-glance comparison
| Coverage feature | Hippo | Safeco |
|---|---|---|
| Carrier structure | Stock | Stock |
| Distribution | Direct-to-consumer | Independent agents |
| AM Best rating | A- (via Spinnaker Insurance Company) | A |
| States written | Most U.S. states | Most U.S. states |
| Policy form | Proprietary form | ISO HO-3 |
| Roof settlement (default) | Varies by state | Varies by state |
| Wind/hail deductible | Varies by state | Varies by state |
| Water backup | Included (standard) | Available as endorsement |
| Ordinance or law | Included (standard) | Included (standard) |
| Service line | Included (standard) | Available as endorsement |
| Equipment breakdown | Included (standard) | Available as endorsement |
| Extended replacement cost | Available as endorsement | Available as endorsement |
| Guaranteed replacement cost | Not offered | Not offered |
| Online quote | ||
| Mobile claims app |
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Coverage breakdown
Policy form
Hippo: Proprietary form
Safeco: Safeco generally writes on an ISO HO-3 base with proprietary endorsements. A Liberty Mutual subsidiary sold through independent agents.
Why it matters: the policy form is the contract. Two carriers can both call a product "homeowners insurance" and have meaningfully different definitions of "covered peril," "actual cash value," and how losses are settled.
Roof settlement
Hippo: Settlement basis varies by state and program. Confirm at bind.
Safeco: Default roof settlement varies by state. Safeco has filed ACV roof-loss settlement endorsements in multiple hail-exposed states. Confirm at bind.
Why it matters: on a 15-year-old asphalt roof, an ACV or schedule-by-age settlement can leave the homeowner with five-figure out-of-pocket costs after a hailstorm. Read more about RCV vs ACV.
Wind / hail deductible
Hippo: Varies by state and program.
Safeco: Percentage wind/hail deductibles apply in many coastal and hail-prone states.
Why it matters: percentage deductibles (1%–5% of Coverage A) are common in hail- and hurricane-prone states. On a $500,000 dwelling, a 2% wind/hail deductible is $10,000 — the first $10,000 of any wind or hail loss.
Water backup
Hippo: Hippo's product typically includes water backup coverage; sublimits apply.
Safeco: Available as endorsement
Ordinance or law
Hippo: Included (standard)
Safeco: Typically included at 10% of Coverage A; higher limits available by endorsement.
Which policy fits which homeowner
We don't rank carriers. The right choice depends on your home, your roof, your state, and the specific endorsements you add. A few coverage-driven considerations:
- If you have a roof over 10 years old, the roof settlement basis matters more than the premium difference.
- If you live in a hail- or hurricane-prone state, check the wind/hail deductible structure on both quotes.
- If your home was built before 1990, default 10% ordinance or law coverage is often insufficient — ask about higher limits.
- If you have a finished basement, sump pump, or septic, water backup coverage is worth pricing on both quotes.
See what either carrier would actually pay
The coverage differences above are abstract until you put real dollars against them. Three calculators that translate the policy form into out-of-pocket exposure on your home.
Prefer one number? Get your free Coverage Score — six dimensions, one grade, no email required.
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Talk to an advisorFAQs
Is Hippo or Safeco better for homeowners insurance?
Neither carrier is universally "better." The right policy depends on your home's age, your roof, your state, and the specific endorsements you add. Hippo uses proprietary form; Safeco uses iso ho-3. Compare them on roof settlement basis, wind/hail deductible, water backup, and ordinance or law — not just premium.
What's the main coverage difference between Hippo and Safeco?
The biggest practical differences are usually (1) how roof losses are settled (replacement cost vs actual cash value vs payment schedule by age), (2) whether wind/hail uses a flat or percentage deductible, and (3) which endorsements are included by default vs sold as add-ons. Hippo includes water backup; Safeco offers as an endorsement it.
Does Hippo or Safeco cover roof replacement?
Both carriers cover roof damage from covered perils, but the settlement basis varies by state and program. Settlement basis varies by state and program. Confirm at bind. Default roof settlement varies by state. Safeco has filed ACV roof-loss settlement endorsements in multiple hail-exposed states. Confirm at bind.
Is Hippo or Safeco cheaper?
We don't quote premiums on this page because they vary dramatically by state, home characteristics, prior claims, and credit. The more useful question is which policy actually pays out the way you expect after a claim — which is what coverage form differences determine.
Is Hippo a good company?
Hippo holds an AM Best rating of A- (via Spinnaker Insurance Company) and has a limited footprint. Financial strength matters, but coverage quality and claims experience matter more at claim time. Read the actual policy form and endorsement list before binding.
Sources & methodology
Coverage details above are drawn from the carriers' public-facing product disclosures and policy summaries. Policy forms, endorsements, and roof settlement schedules vary by state and change frequently. The summaries here are not policy advice and are not a substitute for reading the actual policy you are offered.
Hippo and Safeco Insurance Company of America are trademarks of their respective owners. RateMyPolicy is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by either carrier listed on this page. This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute insurance advice. Coverage terms are governed by the actual policy issued.