Jessa Claeys is an insurance editor for Bankrate with over a decade of experience writing, editing and leading teams of content creators. She currently covers auto, home and life insurance with the goal of helping others secure a healthy financial future. Her work has been published by several insurance, personal finance and investment-focused publications, including Jerry, BiggerPockets, 401(k) Specialist, BP Wealth and more.
Jessa Claeys is an insurance editor for Bankrate with over a decade of experience writing, editing and leading teams of content creators. She currently covers auto, home and life insurance with the goal of helping others secure a healthy financial future. Her work has been published by several insurance, personal finance and investment-focused publications, including Jerry, BiggerPockets, 401(k) Specialist, BP Wealth and more.
At Bankrate, we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. To help readers understand how insurance affects their finances, we have licensed insurance professionals on staff who have spent a combined 47 years in the auto, home and life insurance industries. While we adhere to strict
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At a glance
3.4
Rating: 3.4 stars out of 5
Bankrate Score
Score breakdown
Auto
Rating: 3.7 stars out of 5
3.7
Cost & ratings
Rating: 3.7 stars out of 5
3.7
Coverage
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
4.0
Support
Rating: 3.8 stars out of 5
3.8
Home
Rating: 3 stars out of 5
3.0
Cost & ratings
Rating: 2.7 stars out of 5
2.7
Coverage
Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5
4.3
Support
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
4.5
Bankrate scores are objectively determined by our editorial team. Our scoring formula weighs several factors consumers should consider when choosing financial products and services.
About Bankrate Score
Bankrate's take
Policyholders who value top-notch customer service over strong digital tools might consider Shelter Insurance as their company of choice — as long as they live in a state where Shelter does business.
Who Shelter Insurance may be good for: Shelter Insurance may be a good option for policyholders looking for a financially strong insurance company that offers more than basic coverage. Policyholders needing additional insurance products may appreciate Shelter’s extensive insurance lineup, which includes umbrella, farm and business insurance products.
Who Shelter Insurance may not be good for: With limited state availability, Shelter Insurance is not a good option for policyholders who live outside its insurance market. Additionally, those looking for low-cost home insurance may be able to find better deals elsewhere.
Avg. annual auto insurance premium for full coverage: $2,225
Avg. annual auto insurance premium for min coverage: $682
Avg. annual home insurance premium for $250k dwelling coverage: $
Mailing address: 1817 W. Broadway Columbia, MO 65218
State availability: Shelter Insurance offers products in 15 states: Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma and Tennessee.
Answer a few questions to see custom rates
We want to know what you think about Shelter
Do you have experience with Shelter? Let us know your thoughts.
Shelter car insurance
Shelter earned a Bankrate Score of 3.8 for auto insurance, which is a bit lower than some top companies due to its limited availability and limited third-party ratings. Still, our Shelter Insurance review shows that it could be a solid choice for drivers who value customer service. Shelter ranked first for customer satisfaction in the Central region, according to the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study and recorded a low number of customer complaints with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) for private passenger auto insurance.
Shelter car insurance is unique in that roadside assistance and new car replacement are included in every policy. Meanwhile, coverage types like collision and comprehensive, rental reimbursement, disability income, gap insurance and loss of use are optional.
Shelter provides both home insurance quotes and car insurance quotes online and through a network of local agents. It offers a wide range of discounts to help policyholders save money, too.
Pros and cons of Shelter car insurance
It’s important to look at the big picture when shopping for the best car insurance. If you’re considering Shelter car insurance but are unsure of how it stacks up, consider these pros and cons.
Pros
Robust coverage options
Complimentary roadside assistance
High customer satisfaction
Cons
Not available nationwide
High average rates for young drivers
No accident forgiveness
Shelter car insurance cost
According to proprietary rate data from Quadrant Information Services, Shelter’s average annual premium for a full coverage policy is $2,136. Its rate for a minimum coverage policy is $608 per year, on average. Nationally, the average annual cost of car insurance for full and minimum coverage is $2,542 and $740, respectively.
Shelter car insurance rates by driving history
Car insurance companies consider several rating factors to determine your premium, and your driving history may be one of the most significant. Some types of driving activity can be weighed more heavily than others, as demonstrated in the tables. Not all companies will offer a policy to a driver with a DUI on their record, so you may want to contact a local agent for more information regarding DUI premiums.
Car insurance companies consider several rating factors to determine your premium, and your driving history may be one of the most significant. Some types of driving activity can be weighed more heavily than others, as demonstrated in the tables below. Not all companies will offer a policy to a driver with a DUI on their record, so these rates have been omitted. You may want to contact a local agent for more information regarding DUI premiums.
Due to their inexperience behind the wheel and heightened accident risk, younger drivers typically pay the highest premiums. However, how much these drivers cost to insure will also be impacted by whether they are listed on their parents' policy or if they have a policy of their own. Note that drivers under 18 cannot legally sign a binding contract or have their own insurance policy.
Average cost of car insurance for drivers on their parents' policy
If you’re wondering how to lower your car insurance premiums, Shelter advertises more than a dozen car insurance discounts on its website — some for new customers switching to Shelter and others for existing customers. To name a few, available discounts include:
Available to customers at the new business stage. You may earn a discount based on the tenure earned with your prior insurer when switching your auto insurance over to Shelter.
Paying your premium in full every six months or once a year could net you up to 10 percent in savings.
Policyholders aged 48 years or older who also carry a property insurance policy with Shelter could qualify for a discount on their auto policy.
Only available for policies that qualify for the companion property policy discount. Your auto policy may receive an additional discount if the named insurance also has a qualifying Shelter life insurance policy.
In qualifying states, you could earn a discount if a listed driver under 21 years old completes a driver’s training course.
Get personalized auto insurance quotes
Answering a few quick questions to check your availability with Shelter
This advertisement is powered by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. The offers and links that appear on this advertisement are from companies that compensate Coverage.com in different ways. The compensation received and other factors, such as your location, may impact what offers and links appear, and how, where and in what order they appear. While we seek to provide a wide range of offers, we do not include every product or service that may be available. Our goal is to keep information accurate and timely, but some information may not be current. Your actual offer from an advertiser may be different from the offer on this advertisement. All offers are subject to additional terms and conditions.
Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.
Shelter home insurance
Shelter home insurance may be a good choice for homeowners looking for standard coverage types such as dwelling coverage, coverage for other structures, personal property and personal liability. Like many of the best homeowners insurance companies, Shelter also offers optional add-ons, like sewer back-up, coverage for docks and piers, increased computer protection, farm insurance and earthquake damage.
Our team calculated a Bankrate Score of 3.5 out of 5.0 possible points for Shelter’s home insurance. Shelter fell short in its lack of nationwide availability and high average premiums, as well as the fact it was not included in the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Home Insurance Study. However, this score also reflects Shelter’s high AM Best score for financial strength and wide range of home insurance coverage options.
Pros and cons of Shelter homeowners insurance
These pros and cons could help you better understand what you may expect from a Shelter homeowners policy when comparing quotes with other companies:
Pros
Ample endorsement options
Discounts are available that may help you save
A (Excellent) financial strength per AM Best
Cons
Not available in every state
Customer service only available during business hours
High average rates compared to the national average
Shelter home insurance cost
The national average cost for homeowners insurance in 2024 is $1,687 per year. However, the average cost of Shelter home insurance is $2,941. Note that your premium will vary based on your individual rating factors, such as your location, claims history and credit (depending on the laws in the state where you live). But if you’re looking for the cheapest homeowners insurance company, you might want to get quotes from other insurers.
You could earn a discount if you carry a Shelter auto insurance policy alongside your homeowners or renters policy.
If you heat your home with a system that doesn’t use solid fuel (wood or coal, for instance), you could get a discount.
If your home is under construction, Shelter may give you a discount of up to 40 percent for one year. You could get additional savings if you complete construction and occupy your home in the following year.
You might save on your premiums if you install a smoke alarm, burglary alarm, and deadbolts on your doors and windows.
Get personalized home insurance quotes
Answering a few quick questions to check your availability with Shelter
This advertisement is powered by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. The offers and links that appear on this advertisement are from companies that compensate Coverage.com in different ways. The compensation received and other factors, such as your location, may impact what offers and links appear, and how, where and in what order they appear. While we seek to provide a wide range of offers, we do not include every product or service that may be available. Our goal is to keep information accurate and timely, but some information may not be current. Your actual offer from an advertiser may be different from the offer on this advertisement. All offers are subject to additional terms and conditions.
Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.
Leaving so soon? Your custom quotes are just minutes away.
Shelter life insurance
Shelter life insurance offers term life and permanent life insurance, as well as low-cost life insurance for children. The company’s permanent life insurance options include several types of whole life insurance and one type of universal life insurance. The company also offers several endorsements that could help you personalize your policy. If you’re looking for a life insurance provider with several policy options and life insurance for children, you may want to consider a quote from Shelter.
Pros and cons of Shelter life insurance
Here are some things you may want to consider when requesting a life insurance quote with Shelter:
Pros
Several types of life insurance available
Numerous riders offered
Term life available without a medical exam
May qualify the auto policy for a companion discount
Cons
Lacks nationwide availability
Customer service is not available 24/7
No online quotes
Shelter life insurance endorsements
Policyholders have the option to add Shelter life insurance endorsements to their policies for personalized financial protection. While these riders may not provide you with the cheapest life insurance policy, their benefits could outweigh the additional cost.
If you’re disabled for more than 180 consecutive days, your life insurance premium would be for the duration of the disability.
If an accident causes a policyholder to pass away, the death benefit may be increased.
Allows policyholders to purchase additional coverage at certain times without undergoing a medical exam to prove good health.
Allows the insured to purchase additional life insurance coverage while their premium is still being paid, as long as they prove they’re in good health.
Compare life insurance providers quickly and easily
See which provider is right for you.
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Please select age
The amount of coverage you need depends on many factors, including your age, income, mortgage and other debts and anticipated funeral expenses.
Please select Coverage amount
Whole life insurance combines life insurance with an investment component.
Coverage for life
Tax-deferred savings benefit if premiums are paid
3 variations of permanent insurance: whole life, universal life and variable life include investment component
Term life insurance is precisely what the name implies: an insurance policy that is good for a specific term of time.
Fixed premium over term
No savings benefits
Outliving policy or policy cancellation results in no money back
This advertisement is powered by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. The offers and links that appear on this advertisement are from companies that compensate Coverage.com in different ways. The compensation received and other factors, such as your location, may impact what offers and links appear, and how, where and in what order they appear. While we seek to provide a wide range of offers, we do not include every product or service that may be available. Our goal is to keep information accurate and timely, but some information may not be current. Your actual offer from an advertiser may be different from the offer on this advertisement. All offers are subject to additional terms and conditions.
Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.
After considering points from our Shelter Insurance review, you may still be uncertain if this company is the right choice for you. To round out your insurance shopping experience, this list of car insurance providers may also be worth exploring in your research:
Featured
Shelter
Rating: 3.7 stars out of 5
3.7
Bankrate scores primarily reflect a weighted rank of industry standard ratings for financial strength and customer experience, in addition to average quoted rates. A secondary assessment of each provider's online and mobile resources and policy management options also contributed to overall ratings.
Read reviewRead Bankrate's full Shelter Insurance review
Electric Insurance
Rating: 0 stars out of 5
0
Bankrate scores primarily reflect a weighted rank of industry standard ratings for financial strength and customer experience, in addition to average quoted rates. A secondary assessment of each provider's online and mobile resources and policy management options also contributed to overall ratings.
Read reviewRead Bankrate's full Electric Insurance review
Encompass
Rating: 3.6 stars out of 5
3.6
Bankrate scores primarily reflect a weighted rank of industry standard ratings for financial strength and customer experience, in addition to average quoted rates. A secondary assessment of each provider's online and mobile resources and policy management options also contributed to overall ratings.
Read reviewRead Bankrate's full Encompass Insurance review
Policyholders who value top-notch customer service might consider Shelter as their company of choice — as long as they live in a state where Shelter does business. Policyholders needing additional insurance products may appreciate Shelter’s extensive insurance lineup, which includes umbrella, farm and business insurance.
If Shelter Insurance’s limited availability is an issue, you may want to check out Electric Insurance, which writes policies in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Electric’s auto insurance coverage options are robust, and like Shelter, it also offers homeowners insurance.
Owned by Allstate, Encompass offers a staggering number of discounts. If you’re looking for ways to lower your premium, this could be a good company for you. Encompass also operates in 40 states and offers accident forgiveness, a perk that Shelter lacks.
If you are an HVAC technician, photographer, landscaper or another type of artisan contractor, First Chicago Insurance could be a good choice because of the specialized coverage this company offers. It also boasts 10 discounts that you could earn on your personal auto policy.
Avg. full coverage auto rate
Avg. full coverage auto rate
Avg. full coverage auto rate
Avg. full coverage auto rate
$2,136
$2,417
$2,095
No rates available
Avg. home rate for $250k dwelling coverage
Avg. home rate for $250k dwelling coverage
Avg. home rate for $250k dwelling coverage
Avg. home rate for $250k dwelling coverage
$2,941
No rates available
$2,065
No rates available
J.D. Power Digital Experience Study - Service
J.D. Power Digital Experience Study - Service
J.D. Power Digital Experience Study - Service
J.D. Power Digital Experience Study - Service
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J.D. Power Digital Experience Study - Shopping
J.D. Power Digital Experience Study - Shopping
J.D. Power Digital Experience Study - Shopping
J.D. Power Digital Experience Study - Shopping
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AM Best rating
AM Best rating
AM Best rating
AM Best rating
A (Excellent)
A (Excellent)
A+ (Superior)
B (Fair)
Is Shelter a good insurance company?
Our insurance editorial team, which includes licensed agents with industry experience, works to ensure that the information we provide is accurate, honest and helpful. We dedicate significant resources each year to conducting comprehensive insurance company reviews to help guide our readers in choosing the best carrier to fit their personalized needs.
With that in mind, Shelter could be a good insurance company, depending on your priorities. According to third-party scores, Shelter policyholders are generally happy with its service. Its policies are also highly customizable because of its robust coverage and rider options. However, you may pay a little more than average for home insurance, and depending on where you live, Shelter may not be available. You can contact an agent to request a quote to find out if Shelter Insurance best fits your individual needs.
Shelter customer satisfaction
Affordable rates are important when looking for the best insurance company, but it isn’t the only consideration. In fact, some shoppers may value customer service above all else. Bankrate analyzed available third-party scores from J.D. Power and AM Best to shed light on Shelter’s customer satisfaction, digital tools and financial strength. Shelter ranked first in the Central region in the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study for customer satisfaction. It also received an excellent rating from AM Best for financial strength. However, Shelter was not included in the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Insurance Digital Experience Study.
Although J.D. Power did not include Shelter’s property insurance product line in its 2022 or 2023 homeowner insurance studies, the company’s low level of NAIC complaints regarding its homeowners policies could mean that customer satisfaction is high.
Although J.D. Power did not include Shelter’s property insurance product line in its 2023 homeowners insurance study, the company’s low level of NAIC complaints regarding its homeowners policies could mean that customer satisfaction is high.
Shelter auto insurance claims satisfaction
Out of all the companies assessed, Shelter was number one in customer satisfaction for the Central region in the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study for the third year in a row. This could indicate that many of Shelter’s auto policyholders are satisfied with the level of service Shelter provides. The company also ranked above average for customer satisfaction in the 2023 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study.
J.D. Power Auto Claims Satisfaction Study
Shelter customer complaints
Researching customer complaints is another way to find insurance companies that are more likely to offer quality customer service. Regarding customer complaints, Shelter scores well on the NAIC’s customer complaint index for its private passenger and home product lines. The NAIC complaint baseline is 1.0, so an index below 1.0 means that Shelter receives fewer customer complaints than average.
Regarding customer complaints, Shelter scores well on the NAIC’s customer complaint index for its private passenger product line. The NAIC complaint baseline is 1.00, so an index below that means that Shelter receives fewer customer complaints than average.
Shelter’s low level of NAIC complaints for its homeowners policies could mean that customer satisfaction is high. It has had a solid NAIC score for the past three years, which could mean the level of service during customer interactions is consistently good.
Other Shelter tools and benefits
When comparing quotes from different insurance companies, it can be helpful to look at a company’s perks to see if it stands out from the crowd. In Shelter’s case, it offers a wide range of coverage types and features, including:
Umbrella insurance: An umbrella policy can offer formidable liability protection above and beyond what you carry on your home and auto policies.
Farm insurance: Shelter offers policies that can protect your farm property, livestock, farm equipment and more through its suite of farm insurance.
Flood insurance: Shelter Insurance offers flood insurance written through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and the Wright Flood Insurance company.
Mobile app: Not all regional carriers offer a mobile app, but Shelter does. With it, you can access your ID cards, view your agent’s contact information, schedule a payment and see your policy details.
Business Insurance: From small business and general liability to commercial fire insurance, Shelter Insurance has additional policies and online tools that cover a large range of business insurance needs.
Life calculator: Shelter Insurance features a life calculator tool to help customers understand the correct life insurance type and coverage limit they may need.
Shelter Insurance Gardens: Policyholders in the Columbia, Missouri, area may want to visit the Shelter Insurance Gardens located at the company’s corporate headquarters. Among the garden’s many features, you will find more than 300 types of trees, a waterfall, a Vietnam veterans’ memorial, a garden for the blind and more.
Frequently asked questions about Shelter
When the time comes to file a claim, Shelter will ask you for some basic information. For instance, the agent will ask for the vehicle and driver information of everyone involved when you report a car accident, where the accident occurred, what time of day it happened, what the road conditions were and several other questions. Having the contact information for anyone involved in the accident is a good idea, including witnesses on hand when you file the claim. You can file a claim with Shelter by visiting Shelter’s online claims portal or calling 1-800-743-5837.
Shelter’s nonprofit arm, the Shelter Foundation, sponsors a range of scholarships throughout its operating region. It also helps raise money for the Heart of Missouri United Way every year. Over the years, Shelter has donated funds to veterans, Ronald McDonald House and food banks.
In terms of diversity, Shelter operates through a Principles of Community statement designed to promote inclusivity. The company also encourages employees to participate in internal support networks such as the Multicultural Group (MCG) and the Shelter Women’s Advocacy Group (SWAG).
Yes, Shelter has several ways to accept payments and if you pay with your local agent, they can accept cash, check/EFT, debit/credit cards and money orders. Payments made by mail can be with a check or money order and online or phone payments can be made with debit/credit cards or EFT. If you need help with your scheduled due date, both local and phone agents may be able to adjust your payment due date to one that works best for you.
46
years of industry expertise
122
carriers reviewed
34.5K
ZIP codes examined
1.2M
quotes analyzed
Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze 2024 rates for ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates are weighted based on the population density in each geographic region. Quoted rates are based on a 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit and the following full coverage limits:
$100,000 bodily injury liability per person
$300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
$50,000 property damage liability per accident
$100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
$300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
$500 collision deductible
$500 comprehensive deductible
To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverage that meets each state’s requirements. Our base profile drivers own a 2022 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.
These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes.
Age: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the ages 16-60 (base: 40 years) applied. Depending on age, drivers may be a renter or homeowner. Age is not a contributing rating factor in Hawaii and Massachusetts.
The rates for drivers ages 16–20 added to their parent's policy reflect the good student and driver's training discounts applied. The rates for drivers aged 18-20 on their own policy do not include the good student and driver's training discounts. Additionally, 25-year-old rates are based on the driver as a renter and 30+ on the driver as a homeowner.
Incidents: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the following incidents applied: clean record (base), single speeding ticket and single at-fault accident.
Our 2024 Bankrate Score considers variables our insurance editorial team determined impacts policyholders’ experiences with an insurance company. These rating factors include a robust assessment of each company’s product availability, financial strength ratings, online capabilities and customer and claims support accessibility. Each factor was added to a category, and these categories were weighted in a tiered approach to analyze how companies perform in key customer-impacting categories.
Each category was assigned a metric to determine performance, and the weighted sum adds up to a company’s total Bankrate Score — out of 5 points. Our scoring model provides a comprehensive view, indicating when companies excel across several key areas and highlight where they fall short.
Tier 1 (Cost & ratings): To determine how well auto and home insurance companies satisfy these priorities, average quoted premiums from Quadrant Information Services (if available), as well as any of the latest third-party agency ratings from J.D. Power, AM Best, Demotech and the NAIC, were analyzed.
Tier 2 (Coverage & savings): We assessed companies’ coverage options and availability to help policyholders find a provider that balances cost with coverage. Additionally, we evaluated each company’s discount options listed on its website.
Tier 3 (Support): To encompass the many ways an auto and home insurance company can support policyholders, we analyzed avenues of customer accessibility along with community support. This analysis incorporated additional financial strength ratings from S&P and Moody’s and factored a company’s corporate sustainability efforts.
Tier scores are unweighted to show the company's true score in each category out of a possible five points.
Jessa Claeys is an insurance editor for Bankrate with over a decade of experience writing, editing and leading teams of content creators. She currently covers auto, home and life insurance with the goal of helping others secure a healthy financial future. Her work has been published by several insurance, personal finance and investment-focused publications, including Jerry, BiggerPockets, 401(k) Specialist, BP Wealth and more.