Agreement Allows Each Company to Grow Their Respective Core Business
BOSTON (Sept. 25, 2024)– Safeco Insurance, a Liberty Mutual company and a leading provider of personal lines insurance solutions, has entered into a book transfer agreement with Columbia Insurance Group (Columbia), a Central and Midwest regional carrier. Under the agreement, Columbia will transfer its entire personal lines auto and umbrella lines business in eight states to Safeco, effective for renewals beginning January 1, 2025.
The deal enables both companies to focus on their respective areas of expertise while ensuring seamless service for customers. Safeco will expand its agency footprint and customer base in Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and South Dakota, while Columbia will focus exclusively on commercial solutions going forward.
“We pride ourselves on empowering the success of agents and the independent agency channel,” said Luke Bills, President of Independent Agent Distribution, US Retail Markets, Liberty Mutual Insurance. “This agreement is a valuable opportunity to grow business across the region and we welcome Columbia agents and customers to Safeco."
“The decision to focus exclusively on commercial lines and, therefore, exit personal lines was difficult. In addition to providing our agents with significant notice, we are also pleased to partner with Safeco toward making the transition as smooth as possible,” said Keith Maciejewski, Chief Underwriting Officer, Columbia Insurance Group. “Columbia remains committed to enabling a smooth transition even as we enhance our focus on providing industry leading service for our agents and commercial policyholders.”
Safeco’s book transfer capabilities have successfully produced a number of prior agreements, and its established process ensures a seamless transition for both agents and customers.
The smooth transfer will be aided by a majority of Columbia agents currently having Safeco appointments. Those without appointments will be given the opportunity to apply.
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About Safeco Insurance
In business since 1923, Safeco Insurance sells personal automobile, homeowners and specialty products through a network of more than 10,000 independent insurance agencies throughout the United States. Safeco is a Liberty Mutual Insurance company, based in Boston, Mass.
For more information about Safeco Insurance, go to www.safeco.com.
Contact: Liberty Mutual Media Relations
mediarelations@libertymutual.com
