If you live in the eastern half of the country and a broker mentioned Selective insurance, you are looking at a carrier that leans heavily toward businesses and flood coverage. Founded in 1926, Selective has grown into a regional heavyweight with a solid financial rating. This review breaks down what Selective Insurance sells, where it operates, and who it fits, using current facts as of July 2026.
Key facts at a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1926 |
| Headquarters | Branchville, New Jersey |
| Products | Commercial, personal auto and home, flood, E&S |
| States | About 30 states plus Washington, D.C. |
| AM Best | A (Excellent) |
| Contact | Claims 800-735-3284; flood 877-348-0552 |
Treat the table as a quick snapshot. Rates and terms vary by state, product, and your own profile.
What Selective Insurance Offers
Selective is a property and casualty company with four main areas. It writes standard commercial lines, standard personal lines, excess and surplus lines, and it invests the premiums it collects.
On the business side, Selective covers contractors, manufacturers, schools, and offers cyber liability, among many others. On the personal side, it sells auto and home coverage. It is also one of the largest writers of flood policies through the federal National Flood Insurance Program, which is a standout point for homeowners in flood-prone areas.
Where Selective Insurance Operates
Selective does not sell everywhere. Its coverage is available in about 30 states plus Washington, D.C., with the strongest presence in the East, South, Midwest, and Southwest.
States like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, and the Carolinas are core territory. If you live in the western United States, you may find that Selective is not available for personal policies in your area. Like Cincinnati Insurance and several other carriers, Selective sells through independent agents rather than direct to the public.
Compare before you commit
Because Selective works through agents and only in certain states, it pays to know the wider market first and how regional peers like Erie Insurance, Auto-Owners Insurance, and Chubb Insurance price comparable coverage. Insurify compares quotes from more than 120 providers in one place and says drivers can save up to 50 percent. That gives you a price to hold any agent quote against. Start with Insurify.
Insurify
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Cons
Some users report unwanted communications from third-party providers.
How Much Does Selective Insurance Cost?
Selective does not publish a single average rate. Your price depends on your location, coverage limits, claims history, the property or vehicle, your credit-based insurance score where allowed, and any discounts you earn.
Bundling policies, keeping a clean record, and adding safety features can lower the bill. Selective tends to focus on solid coverage rather than the lowest possible price, and its flood expertise can be valuable in high-risk zones. A quote from your agent, checked against an outside comparison, is the best way to judge value.
Selective Insurance Financial Strength
Selective holds an A (Excellent) rating from AM Best. That grade sits in the upper part of the scale and points to a strong ability to pay claims.
A good rating signals stability, but it does not guarantee any single claim outcome. For coverage you may hold for years, especially flood protection, that financial footing is worth noting.
A digital-first alternative
Agent-based, regional carriers are not the only path. Lemonade is an AI-powered insurer that sells renters, homeowners, pet, life, and car coverage nationwide, often with quotes in minutes through its app. If Selective does not serve your state or you want a fully digital option, it is worth a look. See what Lemonade offers.
Lemonade
Lemonade
Insurance that's fast, affordable, and actually feels good. Lemonade uses AI to process claims in seconds and donates leftover premiums to causes you care about. Get renters, home, pet, life, or car insurance — all from one app.
Standout feature
AI claims in seconds. Giveback program donates unused premiums. 2.9M+ customers.
Fees
Varies by policy (renters insurance from ~$5/mo)
Pros
Lightning-fast AI claims processing. Social impact through Giveback program. Beautiful, easy-to-use app (4.9★ App Store).
Cons
Limited home insurance availability (28 states + DC only).
Pros and Cons of Selective Insurance
Here is a balanced view.
Pros
- A (Excellent) AM Best rating and nearly a century in business
- Strong flood insurance program through the federal NFIP
- Deep commercial and specialty coverage options
- Claims reporting available 24/7 for most lines
Cons
- Personal coverage is limited to about 30 states
- Sold through independent agents, not directly online
- More focused on business than on bargain personal auto
Who Selective Insurance Is Best For
Selective Insurance fits small and mid-sized business owners, contractors, and organizations that want specialty coverage. It is also a strong choice for homeowners in flood-prone regions who want an experienced flood carrier. Drivers hunting for the cheapest personal auto rate, or anyone outside its service area, should compare other insurers like Mercury Insurance first.
What Customers Commonly Report
Feedback about Selective tends to gather around a few themes. Business clients often mention responsive agents and thorough commercial coverage. Homeowners with flood policies frequently point to the company's experience in that space. On the other side, some shoppers note that personal auto was not the cheapest, and others are simply outside its service area. Experiences vary, so a personal quote is the best guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Selective Insurance available in my state?
Selective offers coverage in about 30 states plus Washington, D.C., with the strongest footprint in the East, South, Midwest, and Southwest. Availability differs by product, so a local independent agent can confirm what is offered where you live.
What is Selective Insurance's claims phone number?
For most claims, you can call 800-735-3284, and the line is available around the clock. For flood claims specifically, the dedicated number is 877-348-0552, with hours that differ from the general line.
Does Selective Insurance sell flood coverage?
Yes. Selective is one of the larger writers of flood policies through the federal National Flood Insurance Program. That makes it a common choice for homeowners in areas with higher flood risk.
Can I buy Selective Insurance directly online?
No. Selective sells its policies through independent agents rather than direct to the public. An agent gathers your details, explains the coverage, and provides a quote, and rates and terms vary by state and policy.
