Safeco Targets New Program for Low-Mileage Drivers in Illinois

Chicago —Car owners who drive their vehicles less than 5,000 miles a year will pay lower premiums with a new discount Safeco®  Insurance is testing in Illinois.

Safeco’s new discount has been approved by the Illinois Department of Insurance and is available now through Safeco independent agents. Drivers who declare they drive less than 5,000 miles a year will receive a 20 percent discount on a Safeco Insurance auto policy.

“We recognize that many people take mass transit to work each day and use their cars primarily for short errands and occasional weekend trips,” said Christopher T. Allen, regional general manager for Safeco’s Midwest Region. “We don’t think it makes sense for these drivers to pay the same auto insurance rates as their neighbor who may drive significantly more. This is the right product for today, especially in these economic times.”

“We ask only that our customers periodically report their odometer readings when insured under this program,” Allen said. “We want to keep this simple for our customers. It’s as simple as: Drive less, pay less.”

Policyholders can submit their odometer readings online, over the phone or through the mail.

The program is primarily aimed at new and existing Safeco customers who use public transportation, vanpools, or who bike or walk to work. It’s also a cost-effective approach for people who own a second vehicle that’s used only occasionally, such as cars at secondary residences or limited-use vehicles, or motorists who drive only a limited number of miles each year.

More information is available from independent agents in Illinois offering Safeco auto policies. To find a Safeco agent, consumers can go to www.safeco.com. To find an agent participating in this program, go to www.safeco.com/low-miles.



About Safeco

In business since 1923 and based in Seattle, Washington, Safeco sells insurance to drivers and homeowners through a network of independent agents and brokers in eight regions throughout the United States.

Safeco is part of Liberty Mutual Agency Markets, a business unit of Liberty Mutual Group, consisting of property and casualty and specialty insurance carriers that distribute their products and services primarily through independent agents and brokers. Liberty Mutual Group ranks 86th on the Fortune 500 list of the largest U.S. corporations based on 2008 revenues.