Auto Insurance Comparison
Shelter vs Metromile
Side-by-side comparison of Shelter vs Metromile auto insurance — ratings, cost, coverage, customer experience, pros, cons. No sales pitch, just the research.
Quick verdict
Shelter comes out clearly ahead Metromile in our overall scoring — but each carrier wins on different dimensions. See the breakdown below before deciding.
Head-to-head
Overall scores, key facts, and what each is known for.
| Shelter | Metromile | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 3.95 /5 ★★★★★ Highest overall | 3.65 /5 ★★★★★ |
| Best for | Shelter Insurance is a Midwest-focused mutual that consistently ranks well on customer satisfaction in its operating states | Metromile's pay-per-mile model is genuinely interesting for low-mileage drivers — work-from-home professionals, retirees, urban drivers — where the per-mile pricing can produce dramatically lower premiums |
| Read full review | Shelter review → | Metromile review → |
Rating breakdown
How each carrier scores on the dimensions we weight.
| Category | Shelter | Metromile |
|---|---|---|
| Customer experience | 4.20 | 3.40 |
| Coverage breadth | 4.00 | 3.30 |
| Affordability | 3.70 | 4.20 |
Pros and cons, side by side
What each carrier wins on, and where each one falls short.
Shelter
Full review →Pros
- Strong customer satisfaction reputation in operating states
- Mutual structure — policyholder-owned, no shareholder pressure
- Local agent network with deep state-specific expertise
- Bundling discounts when combined with home or umbrella
Cons
- Available in only 14 states, mostly Midwest
- No online quoting — every policy runs through an agent
- Mid-market pricing, not a budget option
Metromile
Full review →Pros
- Low-mileage drivers
- Drivers looking for lower rates
- Drivers who value technology-focused insurance
Cons
- High-mileage drivers
- Those who want to bundle insurance types
- Drivers who want a robust set of coverage options
Coverage at a glance
What each carrier offers in standard policies.
Shelter
Metromile
The bottom line
Shelter
Shelter is a solid choice in its Midwest footprint, particularly if you prefer agent-based service. Outside its operating states, it isn't an option.
Read the full Shelter reviewMetromile
Metromile (now Lemonade's auto product) is a genuinely good fit for low-mileage drivers. For typical commuters, the per-mile pricing makes it more expensive than mainstream alternatives.
Read the full Metromile reviewBefore you decide
Rankings are a starting point — your profile decides the rest.
These scores reflect our editorial research across cost, coverage, and customer experience. The right carrier for you still depends on your record, location, and vehicle, so read the full reviews before you commit.