R.E. Hawley is a senior writer for Bankrate. Prior to joining Bankrate’s insurance editorial team in 2024, they worked as senior writer for a popular car ownership and insurance comparison app, leading a team of over a dozen writers in creating customer-focused financial advice content on topics ranging from insurance to vehicle reliability and auto loan refinance. R.E. holds a personal lines insurance license.
Maggie is the managing editor for Bankrate insurance. In addition to overseeing the day-to-day operations of the insurance editorial team, she leads a team of licensed insurance experts who craft insurance content that makes complex information about home, auto, pet, renters and life insurance accessible and easy to understand.
Maggie is the managing editor for Bankrate insurance. In addition to overseeing the day-to-day operations of the insurance editorial team, she leads a team of licensed insurance experts who craft insurance content that makes complex information about home, auto, pet, renters and life insurance accessible and easy to understand.
At Bankrate, we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. To help readers understand how insurance affects their finances, we have 9 licensed insurance agents on staff who have spent a combined 78 years in the insurance industry. While we adhere to strict
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At a glance
3.9
Rating: 3.9 stars out of 5
Bankrate Score
Score breakdown
Auto
Rating: 4.1 stars out of 5
4.1
Cost & ratings
Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2
Coverage
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
4.0
Support
Rating: 3.8 stars out of 5
3.8
Home
Rating: 3.8 stars out of 5
3.8
Cost & ratings
Rating: 3.25 stars out of 5
3.3
Coverage
Rating: 4.33 stars out of 5
4.3
Support
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
4.5
Life
Rating: 3.7 stars out of 5
3.7
Cost & ratings
Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5
4.3
Coverage
Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
3.5
Support
Rating: 3 stars out of 5
3.0
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
Shelter has earned the top spot for customer satisfaction within the central region for the J.D. Power auto study four years in a row, making it a solid possibility for drivers focused on customer service. However, the company is still repairing an unstable credit rating from the BBB and only offers policies in select states.
Ranks first per J.D. Power for auto insurance customer satisfaction in Central region
Only available in 15 states
Uncommon coverage options and discounts for auto and home insurance
8 types of life insurance policies, including life insurance for children
Low NAIC Complaint Index
Auto
Avg. annual premium for full coverage
$2,354
Avg. annual premium for min coverage
$616
Home
Avg. annual premium for $300k dwelling coverage
$3,661
New
What’s new with Shelter?
In June 2024, J.D. Power ranked Shelter Insurance as the top car insurance company in the central region for the seventh time, reflecting high customer satisfaction responses from its customers in that area.
Shelter car insurance review
Shelter Insurance is a regional insurance carrier with a solid Bankrate Score for auto insurance. Limited third-party rankings put Shelter’s score slightly lower than some top-rated carriers, but the company could still be a solid choice for drivers in the 15 states that Shelter serves.
Customer service may be Shelter’s greatest advantage. In 2024, Shelter maintained its position as the top-ranked insurer for customer satisfaction in the Central region of J.D. Power’s U.S. Auto Insurance Study for the fourth year running (and seventh time overall). Shelter’s coverage options are also more generous than many other insurers, with roadside assistance and new car replacement included in every policy. The company offers some uncommon optional coverage types, such as disability income coverage and loss of use coverage, which offers a one-time payout when your car’s in the shop following a claim.
Pros and cons of Shelter car insurance
It’s important to look at the big picture when shopping for car insurance quotes. If you’re considering Shelter car insurance but are unsure how it stacks up, consider these pros and cons.
Pros
Ranked No. 1 for customer satisfaction in the Central region per J.D. Power
Robust coverage options
Roadside assistance and new car replacement included in all policies
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 $2,354. Its rate for a minimum coverage policy is $616 per year, on average. Nationally, the average annual cost of car insurance for full and minimum coverage is $2,692 and $808, respectively.
How much is Shelter car insurance?
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 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.
*All rates displayed are average annual rates. Rates are based on our good driver profile, with 16- and 18-year-old drivers added to their parents’ policy.
Shelter may or may not be the cheapest car insurance company for some drivers in the regions it serves. But every insurer calculates premiums differently based on your unique profile, which means that comparing quotes is the only way to determine which carrier is cheapest for you. The table below shows average rates from Shelter and other auto insurance companies and may serve as a good starting point for your comparison shopping. However, your rates are likely to differ from those below based on your vehicle, driving record, age and more.
Affordable rates are important when looking for the best insurance company, but price 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 2024 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 2024 U.S. Insurance Digital Experience Study.
Shelter auto claims satisfaction
Out of all the companies assessed, Shelter was number one in customer satisfaction for the Central region in the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study for the fourth year in a row, scoring three points above the second-place insurer. This indicates that many of Shelter’s auto policyholders are satisfied with the service Shelter provides. However, the company was not ranked within the 2024 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study.
J.D. Power Auto Claims Satisfaction Study
Bar chart with 2 bars.
J.D. Power Score
The chart has 1 X axis displaying categories.
The chart has 1 Y axis displaying values. Data ranges from 697 to 879.
End of interactive chart.
Shelter auto insurance customer complaints
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), which tracks customer complaints for U.S. insurers, reported a 2024 complaint index of 0.38 for Shelter’s private passenger auto insurance product. This is well below the industry baseline of 1.00, meaning that Shelter receives fewer complaints than average based on its size.
NAIC Complaint Index for auto insurance
Line chart with 3 data points.
The chart has 1 X axis displaying Year. Data ranges from 2021-01-01 00:00:00 to 2023-01-01 00:00:00.
The chart has 1 Y axis displaying Score. Data ranges from 0.27 to 0.51.
End of interactive chart.
Shelter car insurance discounts
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:
Prior carrier tenure discount: 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.
Pay in full discount: Paying your premium in full every six months or once a year could net you up to 10 percent in savings.
Bundling discounts: Certain policyholders who also have life or property insurance through Shelter could qualify for a discount on their policy.
Driver training course discount: In qualifying states, you could earn a discount if a listed driver under 21 years old completes a driver’s training course.
Loyalty discount: If you stay with Shelter for a certain number of years, you may begin to earn discounts when you renew your policy.
Accident prevention course discount: Taking an approved accident prevention course could earn you a discount if you’re the primary driver on your policy.
Length of ownership discount: Some vehicles are eligible for a discount depending on how many years they have been owned.
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Shelter home insurance review
Home insurance from Shelter may be a good choice for homeowners looking for customizable coverage in the states it serves, especially if they already have an auto insurance policy through Shelter. While Shelter advertises a generous number of endorsements and discounts for its home insurance product, higher rates, limited availability and a lack of J.D. Power scores in either the Home Insurance or Property Claims Satisfaction studies contributed to Shelter’s slightly lower home insurance Bankrate Score.
Pros and cons of Shelter homeowners insurance
The pros and cons below could help you better understand what you may expect from a Shelter homeowners policy when comparing quotes with other companies:
Pros
Ample endorsement options
Several discounts are available
A (Excellent) financial strength rating per AM Best
Cons
Not available in every state
Customer service only available during business hours
Experts recommend gathering quotes from several insurers to compare in order to pinpoint the company offering the coverage you want for the most affordable price. Since each company calculates rates using its own proprietary algorithm, the cheapest home insurance company will be different for every homeowner. Beyond cost, you may also want to consider coverage options, discount opportunities, customer satisfaction and more prior to choosing a provider.
J.D. Power did not include Shelter’s homeowners insurance product line in its most recent home insurance studies. However, the company’s low level of NAIC complaints regarding its homeowners policies could mean that customer satisfaction is high.
Shelter home insurance customer complaints
Shelter has had a solid NAIC Complaint Index score for the past three years for homeowners insurance, most recently coming in at .30 in 2024, which suggests that its homeowners policyholders are generally happy with its service.
NAIC Complaint Index home insurance product
Line chart with 3 data points.
The chart has 1 X axis displaying Year. Data ranges from 2021-01-01 00:00:00 to 2023-01-01 00:00:00.
The chart has 1 Y axis displaying Score. Data ranges from 0.31 to 0.52.
Companion policy discount: You could earn a discount if you carry a Shelter auto insurance policy alongside your homeowners or renters policy.
Claim-free discount: Policyholders who go six consecutive years without a home insurance claim may be eligible for a discount on all subsequent policy renewals.
Heating system discount: If you heat your home with a system that doesn’t use solid fuel (wood or coal, for instance), you could get a discount.
New home 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.
Protective devices credit: You might save on your premiums if you install a smoke alarm, burglary alarm and deadbolts on your doors and windows.
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.
Get personalized home insurance quotes
Answering a few quick questions to check your availability with Shelter
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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 life insurance review
Shelter life insurance offers term life and permanent life insurance, as well as low-cost life insurance for children. The company provides three different options for term life insurance coverage depending on your age and insurance needs, and its permanent life insurance options include three 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 riders
Policyholders have the option to add Shelter life insurance riders to their policies for personalized financial protection. While these riders may add to the cost of your life insurance, their benefits could outweigh the additional cost.
Waiver of premium rider: If you’re disabled for more than 180 consecutive days, your life insurance premium would be for the duration of the disability.
Accidental death benefit rider: If an accident causes a policyholder to pass away, the death benefit may be increased.
Guaranteed insurability rider: Allows policyholders to purchase additional coverage at certain times without undergoing a medical exam to prove good health.
Paid-up additional insurance rider: 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.
22-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-59
60+
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.
0-75,000
75,000-125,000
125,000-250,000
250,000-500,000
500,000-1,000,000
1,000,000+
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
Term 5 Years
Term 10 Years
Term 20 Years
Term 30 Years
Whole Life
Final Expense
Not Sure
Please select Policy type
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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: 4 stars out of 5
4.0
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
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
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
Bankrate identified key carrier features, coverage offerings, discounts and more
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.
The insurance market can be complicated, but Bankrate's insurance editorial team used our unique perspective to bring readers the information they need to make educated decisions when shopping for a policy.
78
years of industry experience
9
licensed staff
34.5K
ZIP codes examined
120
carriers reviewed
Is Shelter a good insurance company?
While Shelter’s regional availability is limited and its rates may be above average for some customers, Shelter stands out from competitors for its positive customer experience indicators and its highly customizable coverage. Shelter policyholders seem to be generally happy with their experience based on customer satisfaction rankings, and the company offers a generous list of discounts that could offset higher rates for some people.
Bankrate’s insurance editorial team, which includes licensed agents with combined decades of industry experience, dedicates significant resources each year to conducting comprehensive reviews of insurance carriers to help guide our readers in choosing the best company to fit their personalized needs. Based on our Shelter Insurance reviews of each coverage type, Shelter could be a good insurance company for those living in its service area, depending on each shopper’s needs and priorities.
What are real-life customers saying about Shelter?
To get more nuanced insight into how actual Shelter policyholders would rate their provider, we examined forum responses, online Shelter Insurance reviews and social media posts by Shelter customers. Looking at posts on Reddit and TrustPilot, we saw mostly positive responses, with policyholders praising their low rates and reporting great experiences with Shelter’s customer service. The most common complaint we found about Shelter Insurance related to sudden rate increases with no clear reason.
Reddit
Reddit users discussed Shelter Insurance in a variety of forums, from regional forums to car-focused forums. In both places, we found a mix of positive and negative comments about Shelter’s coverage and rates.
Reddit User 1*
Apr 11, 2024
Best insurance in Indiana
“Shelter Insurance. Have had home and auto with them for 20 years and they still consistently come in with the best rates and deductibles.”
“Holy cow. My 2020 Accord went from $436 in December, to $650 per six months insurance for June. Shelter insurance, which is usually cheaper than most of the named carriers. Seems like a ridiculous increase since I've had no tickets in the last 20 years. And never had an accident. I'm 66, so I'm wondering if it's my age as well as tornado damage hitting the Midwest this Spring?”
Some Shelter policyholders reviewed their experience on TrustPilot, calling out strengths and weaknesses of the company. While negative reviews focused primarily on difficult claims or unresponsive customer service, other reviews praised the personal attention offered by Shelter’s customer service agents.
TrustPilot User 1*
Aug 22, 2022
Local offices
“I have had many auto and home insurance companies cover my stuff. After a bad experience with a difference homeowner insurance company I searched for another and found Shelter. They have been AMAZING! Local offices mean I receive personal attention. Very very happy with Shelter and I will never switch to another company.”
“They raised my rates without having filed a claim. I am a senior citizen and retired. I will definitely change insurance carriers in 6 months. However, the salesman was very responsive to me.”
*The quotes and citations included on this page have been verified by our editorial team and are accurate as of the posting date. Outlinked content may contain views and opinions that do not reflect the views and opinions of Bankrate.
Shelter company details
Shelter offers policyholders several ways to contact customer service, starting with dedicated phone lines for general service, claims and roadside assistance. While claims service is 24/7, policy service is only available Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CST. You can also contact Shelter via email or set up a My Shelter account online.
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 and Wright National Flood Insurance Services.
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
You can file a claim with Shelter by visiting Shelter’s online claims portal or calling 1-800-743-5837. 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.
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 Insurance may accept cash payments through your local agent. You may also be able to pay via 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.
Methodology
Rates
Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze May 2025 rates for all 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 for our base profile are based on the following characteristics and full coverage limits with bundling and paperless billing discounts applied:
40 year old
Single male and female driver
2023 Toyota Camry
Primary vehicle
Good credit score
Clean driving record
Commutes 5 days
Bodily injury liability
$100,000 per person
$300,000 per accident
Property damage liability
$50,000 per accident
Personal injury protection
$100,000 per accident
Uninsured motorist bodily injury
$100,000 per person
$300,000 per accident
Collision deductible
$500
Comprehensive deductible
$500
To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverage that meets each state’s requirements. These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes. Your quotes will differ.
If otherwise specified, the base profile has been modified with the following driver characteristics:
Other profiles
Rates were calculated based on the following insurance credit tiers assigned to our drivers: “poor, average, good (base) and excellent.” Insurance credit tiers factor in your official credit scores but are not dependent on that variable alone. Four states prohibit or limit the use of credit as a rating factor in determining auto insurance rates: California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan.
Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the following incidents applied: clean record (base), at-fault accident, single speeding ticket, single DUI conviction and lapse in coverage.
Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the following differences in mileage: 2K, 5K, 12K (base), 15K and 20K.
Unless otherwise stated, rates are for 2023 vehicle models. For new vs used vehicles, we included the following year in our calculations: 2013.
Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the ages 18-70 (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 due to state regulations. For teen drivers, rates were determined by adding a 16- or 17-year-old teen to their 40-year-old married parents' policy. The rates displayed reflect the total cost of a driver this age added to their parents’ policy.
The following states do not use gender as a determining factor in calculating premiums: California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania.
Rates were evaluated based on the following marital/family status: single (base), married, 40-year-old married man and woman. Marital status is not a rating factor in Hawaii and Massachusetts.
Bankrate Score
Our 2025 Bankrate Score for auto insurance considers key variables that our insurance editorial team determined impact policyholders’ experiences with an insurance company. These factors include a robust assessment of each company’s cost of coverage, product availability, financial strength ratings, online capabilities and customer and claims support accessibility. We grouped these factors into three essential categories — cost and ratings, coverage and savings, and support — which we then weighted in a tiered approach.
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 highlighting where they fall short.
50% Cost & ratings
50% Cost & ratings
30% Coverage & savings
30% Coverage & savings
20% Support
20% Support
Tier 1 (Cost & ratings): To determine how well auto insurance companies satisfy these priorities, our team analyzed 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 National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
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 the discount options listed on each company’s website.
Tier 3 (Support): To encompass the many ways an auto 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 in 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.
Rates
Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze May 2025 rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quoted rates for our base profile are based on the following characteristics and coverage limits:
40 year old
Married male and female homeowners
2017 build year
Primary home
Good credit score
Clean claim history
Dwelling coverage
$300,000
Other structures coverage
$30,000
Personal property coverage
$150,000
Loss of use coverage
$60,000
Liability coverage
$500,000
Medical payment coverage
$1,000
The homeowners also have a $1,000 deductible, a $500 hail deductible and a 2 percent hurricane deductible (or the next closest deductible amounts that are available) where separate deductibles apply.
These are sample rates and should be used for comparative purposes only. Your quotes will differ.
If otherwise specified, the base profile has been modified with the following homeowner characteristics:
Dwelling coverage:
Coverage A, Dwelling: $150,000, $350,000, $450,000, $750,000
Coverage B, Other Structures: $15,000, $35,000, $45,000, $75,000
Coverage C, Personal Property: $75,000, $175,000, $225,000, $375,000
Coverage D, Loss of Use: $30,000, $70,000, $90,000, $150,000
Coverage E, Liability: $500,000
Coverage F, Medical Payments: $1,000
Rates were calculated based on the following insurance credit tiers assigned to our homeowners: “poor, average, good (base) and excellent.” Insurance credit tiers factor in your official credit scores but are not dependent on that variable alone. The following states do not allow credit to be a factor in determining home insurance rates: California, Maryland, Massachusetts.
Rates were calculated based on the following insurance claims assigned to our homeowners: “fire ($80,000 in losses), liability ($31,000 in losses), theft ($5,000 in losses) and wind ($12,000 in losses).”
Rates were calculated based on the following build years for homes and assigned to our homeowners: 1959, 1982, 1992, 2010, 2017 (base) and 2020.
Rates were calculated based on the following deductible amounts: $1,000 (base), $1,500, $2,000 and $5,000.
Bankrate Score
Our 2025 Bankrate Score considers variables our insurance editorial team determined impact policyholders’ experiences with an insurance company. These rating factors include a robust assessment of each company’s cost of coverage, product availability, financial strength ratings, online capabilities and customer and claims support accessibility. We grouped these factors into three essential categories — cost and ratings, coverage and savings, and support — which we then weighted in a tiered approach.
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 highlighting where they fall short.
50% Cost & ratings
50% Cost & ratings
30% Coverage & savings
30% Coverage & savings
20% Support
20% Support
Tier 1 (Cost & ratings): To determine how well home insurance companies satisfy these priorities, our team analyzed 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 National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
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 a 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 in 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.
Bankrate Score
Our 2025 Bankrate Score considers variables our insurance editorial team determined impact policyholders’ experiences with an insurance company. These rating factors include a robust assessment of each company’s financial strength, product and rider offerings, availability, customer experience and corporate sustainability. 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 highlighting where they fall short.
40% Ratings
40% Ratings
40% Coverage
40% Coverage
20% Accessibility
20% Accessibility
Tier 1 (Ratings): To determine a life insurance company’s financial health and reliability, we assessed several industry-standard ratings, such as J.D. Power, AM Best, Comdex, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), and credit agencies like Moody’s, Fitch and S&P.
Tier 2 (Coverage options): We assessed companies’ coverage options, availability and policy features to help policyholders find a provider that best meets their needs. We examined each company’s life insurance product lines, including term, whole and universal life options.
Tier 3 (Accessibility & process): To assess the ease and transparency of applying for coverage, we reviewed the simplicity of obtaining a quote and insurers' underwriting processes — including eligibility requirements. We also considered insurers’ community engagement.
Tier scores are unweighted to show the company's true score in each category out of a possible five points.
What policyholders are saying about Shelter
Shelter has 50 reviews
Dive into community reviews below and see what others think about Shelter.
4.2
50
ratings
Star ranking and total number reflects the lifetime customer reviews received while this lender has been an advertiser on Bankrate.
To help serve you with relevant information, the customer reviews shown are limited to only those that this advertiser has received during the past 12 months.
80% of consumers recommend this insurer
Score breakdown
5 stars
48%
4 stars
32%
3 stars
12%
2 stars
4%
1 star
4%
Score by category
Overall rating4.2 / 5
Original cost3.9 / 5
Coverage4.3 / 5
Customer Support4.4 / 5
How we got these ratings
In May 2024, Bankrate collaborated with market research firm SliceMR to survey over 1,500 insurance customers nationwide, asking policyholders to rate their insurer’s cost, coverage, customer support and overall experience on a five-point scale. Bankrate and SliceMR collected and analyzed these customer ratings, along with website analytics and responses to three open-ended questions regarding customer experience. Responses are based on individual policyholders’ policy details and personal experience, and therefore cannot be verified for accuracy. Users received an incentive for their feedback. All ratings are unedited and have not been reviewed or approved by insurance carriers. User-generated ratings are separate from carrier Bankrate Scores — which are calculated based on our proprietary methodology — and may not match.
Community Reviews
See what users like you are saying about Shelter.
Anonymous Policyholder
April 10, 2025
Name the number one reason that you’d recommend staying with this insurer and the number one reason that you’d consider leaving for a different company.
my experience has been mostly positive
Insurance Type
Auto
Score by category
Original cost5/ 5
Customer Support5/ 5
Coverage4/ 5
Anonymous Policyholder
April 10, 2025
What made you choose this insurer over others for your auto and/or home insurance?
Cheaper price and better coverage for me
Insurance Type
Home
Score by category
Original cost3/ 5
Customer Support3/ 5
Coverage4/ 5
Anonymous Policyholder
April 10, 2025
Name the number one reason that you’d recommend staying with this insurer and the number one reason that you’d consider leaving for a different company.
The price is good and deductible
Insurance Type
Auto + Home
Score by category
Original cost1/ 5
Customer Support1/ 5
Coverage1/ 5
Anonymous Policyholder
April 10, 2025
What made you choose this insurer over others for your auto and/or home insurance?
They do not provide the best coverage for what I am paying
Insurance Type
Auto
Score by category
Original cost4/ 5
Customer Support3/ 5
Coverage2/ 5
Anonymous Policyholder
April 10, 2025
Name the number one reason that you’d recommend staying with this insurer and the number one reason that you’d consider leaving for a different company.
They have been very helpful with my auto insurance
Insurance Type
Auto
Score by category
Original cost1/ 5
Customer Support4/ 5
Coverage4/ 5
Anonymous Policyholder
April 10, 2025
What made you choose this insurer over others for your auto and/or home insurance?
I liked their prices the best. They had the cheapest rates
Insurance Type
Home
Score by category
Original cost2/ 5
Customer Support2/ 5
Coverage4/ 5
Anonymous Policyholder
April 10, 2025
What made you choose this insurer over others for your auto and/or home insurance?
Their auto insurance rates are very competitive
Insurance Type
Auto
Score by category
Original cost5/ 5
Customer Support5/ 5
Coverage4/ 5
Anonymous Policyholder
April 10, 2025
What made you choose this insurer over others for your auto and/or home insurance?
They explain everything in detail when you have questions.
Insurance Type
Auto
Score by category
Original cost4/ 5
Customer Support4/ 5
Coverage5/ 5
Anonymous Policyholder
April 10, 2025
Name the number one reason that you’d recommend staying with this insurer and the number one reason that you’d consider leaving for a different company.
they don't delay claim payments
Insurance Type
Auto
Score by category
Original cost5/ 5
Customer Support5/ 5
Coverage4/ 5
Anonymous Policyholder
April 10, 2025
Name the number one reason that you’d recommend staying with this insurer and the number one reason that you’d consider leaving for a different company.
R.E. Hawley is a senior writer for Bankrate. Prior to joining Bankrate’s insurance editorial team in 2024, they worked as senior writer for a popular car ownership and insurance comparison app, leading a team of over a dozen writers in creating customer-focused financial advice content on topics ranging from insurance to vehicle reliability and auto loan refinance. R.E. holds a personal lines insurance license.
Maggie is the managing editor for Bankrate insurance. In addition to overseeing the day-to-day operations of the insurance editorial team, she leads a team of licensed insurance experts who craft insurance content that makes complex information about home, auto, pet, renters and life insurance accessible and easy to understand.
Bankrate follows a strict editorial policy, so you can trust that we’re putting your interests first. Our award-winning editors and reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right financial decisions.
Key Principles
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Bankrate’s editorial team writes on behalf of YOU — the reader. Our goal is to give you the best advice to help you make smart personal finance decisions. We follow strict guidelines to ensure that our editorial content is not influenced by advertisers. Our editorial team receives no direct compensation from advertisers, and our content is thoroughly fact-checked to ensure accuracy. So, whether you’re reading an article or a review, you can trust that you’re getting credible and dependable information.
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You have money questions. Bankrate has answers. Our experts have been helping you master your money for over four decades. We continually strive to provide consumers with the expert advice and tools needed to succeed throughout life’s financial journey.
Bankrate follows a strict
editorial policy, so you can trust that our content is honest and accurate. Our award-winning editors and reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right financial decisions. The content created by our editorial staff is objective, factual, and not influenced by our advertisers.
We’re transparent about how we are able to bring quality content, competitive rates, and useful tools to you by explaining how we make money.
Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison service. We are compensated in exchange for placement of sponsored products and services, or by you clicking on certain links posted on our site. Therefore, this compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear within listing categories, except where prohibited by law for our mortgage, home equity and other home lending products. Other factors, such as our own proprietary website rules and whether a product is offered in your area or at your self-selected credit score range, can also impact how and where products appear on this site. While we strive to provide a wide range of offers, Bankrate does not include information about every financial or credit product or service.
Insurance Disclosure
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.
Edited by
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