We talk a lot on this blog about carrier access, and for good reason: the carriers you can quote shape every client conversation. But a carrier list is only a list until you know what each company does best. So we are starting a series on some of the core carriers Secure American agents write with. First up is Liberty Mutual small commercial, and why it matters to an independent agency.
What does Liberty Mutual offer small businesses?
Liberty Mutual was founded in Boston in 1912, with roots in workers' compensation. More than a century later, it is one of the best-known names in business insurance, with a small commercial lineup that covers the core needs of most small businesses:
- Business owners policies (BOPs)
- General liability
- Workers' compensation
- Commercial auto
- Commercial umbrella
For a newer commercial writer, that breadth matters. When one carrier can write the BOP, the workers' comp, and the commercial auto for the same account, you can round out a business owner's coverage without juggling three companies.
What changed when Safeco became Liberty Mutual?
If you have been around independent insurance for a while, you probably knew Liberty Mutual's independent agent business as Safeco. Liberty Mutual officially retired the Safeco brand effective April 25, 2026, and its independent agent products are now sold under the Liberty Mutual name.
For agents, the practical takeaways are simple. Existing customers kept their agent relationships. Liberty Mutual has said its independent agent products remain distinct from what it sells directly to consumers. And independent agents now put one of the most recognized brands in insurance in front of their clients.
That last point is worth a moment. We have written about why brand recognition isn't the advantage captive agents think it is. As an independent agent, you get the benefit of well-known brands without being limited to just one of them.
Where does Liberty Mutual fit in an independent agent's book?
Part of the craft of commercial insurance is learning which carrier wants which business. Liberty Mutual's deep history in workers' compensation makes it a natural carrier to consider when a small business has employees. Its broad small commercial lineup also makes it useful for building multi-policy accounts. Eligibility and coverage vary by state and business class, which is exactly why knowing your carriers, and having trainers and underwriters to call, makes such a difference.
Why does this matter for Secure American agents?
A small business owner does not care how many carriers you represent. They care whether you can find the right coverage at the right price and explain it clearly. Having Liberty Mutual available alongside more than 40 other carriers means you can quote a trusted name and still compare it against the rest of the market.
It also ties into how we train. Through our commercial insurance training, Secure American agents learn carrier appetite, commercial quoting systems, and ACORD applications, and they can have commercial quotes reviewed before presenting them. New to commercial? Start with our guide on how to write a BOP.
Over the next two months, this series continues with Travelers' small commercial platform and The Hartford's new personal lines product built for independent agents.
Want to put carriers like Liberty Mutual to work in your own agency? Visit our Get Started page.
FAQ
Is Safeco still a separate brand?
No. Liberty Mutual retired the Safeco brand effective April 25, 2026. Its independent agent products are now sold under the Liberty Mutual name.
Does Liberty Mutual write workers' compensation for small businesses?
Yes. Workers' compensation is part of Liberty Mutual's small commercial lineup, and the company's roots are in workers' comp. Availability varies by state.
Can Secure American agents quote Liberty Mutual?
Liberty Mutual is one of the carriers Secure American represents. Product availability and eligibility vary by state and are subject to carrier underwriting guidelines.
Product availability, eligibility, and coverage vary by state and are subject to carrier underwriting guidelines.