USAA Review: Is It the Best Choice for Car Insurance?

USAA Auto Insurance: At a Glance

USAA stands out for its tailored discount programs and member-focused benefits. It topped the charts in J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study for overall customer satisfaction and is available nationwide.

But unfortunately, USAA auto insurance policies are only available to military members and their eligible family members.

Let’s dive into what USAA offers and how it measures up in the competitive world of car insurance.

Is USAA a Good Choice for Car Insurance?

Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, USAA car insurance has custom-fit coverage for military members and their families. The company’s commitment to taking care of policyholders sets it apart from other options, as shown by the high customer service satisfaction scores.

USAA has been in business for over 100 years and is the fifth-largest auto insurance company in the U.S., according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).

The company is a giant in the auto insurance industry, but longevity and size aren’t the only distinguishing features.

Where USAA stands out

USAA separates itself with exceptional discounts and services designed for military families. It offers support and benefits that align with their lifestyle needs, which is rarely found in other car insurance companies.

Where USAA falls short

Despite its strengths, USAA has limited availability to the general public and a narrower range of coverage and discount options than many companies. For example, it doesn’t offer gap insurance, and drivers with alternative fuel vehicles or students away at school don’t qualify for special discounts.

How to Qualify for USAA Insurance Coverage

You must have a military affiliation to be eligible for USAA insurance coverage. Membership is currently open to:

• Active-duty, guard, or reserve members
• Separated or retired veterans under honorable conditions
• Contracted cadets or midshipmen
• Officers or warrant officers commissioning within two years
• Spouses of active-duty personnel and veterans
• Former spouses and widows of former USAA members
• Children of USAA members

As you can see, USAA is committed to serving current and former military members and extending the benefits across generations of military families.

USAA Reviews: What Real Customers Are Saying

With J.D. Power ranking USAA so high in overall customer satisfaction, you’d think the company had glowing reviews across different review platforms. But that isn’t the case. Customer reviews on multiple platforms indicate unhappy customers. But before we jump in, it’s worth noting that poor customer review scores are common among insurers, especially ones of USAA’s size.

More than 2,400 reviews on Trustpilot rank USAA 1.3 stars out of 5, and 87% of reviewers leave a one-star review. The main complaint is about claims. Many reviewers — like the ones featured below — gripe about a lack of claim updates and delays in claim payments.

If you look at Better Business Bureau (BBB) customer reviews, you’ll see the company isn’t doing much better. It has 1.15 out of 5 stars on the BBB site. It also isn’t accredited by the BBB and holds an NR (No Rating) status.

It also has a large number of customer complaints — the BBB lists 3,845 complaints from 2020 to 2023, with 1,734 in 2023 alone. Below are just a few of the most recent complaints — most of which, again, allude to a spotty claims experience.

How Much Is USAA Auto Insurance?

USAA policyholders tend to find lower rates on car insurance policies than people with many other companies. Here’s a look at the average cost of USAA coverage across the U.S.

USAA’s competitive rates average $40 per month for liability-only, while full coverage is around $84. Both figures are well below the national averages of $77 and $173 per month, respectively. In fact, USAA’s full-coverage rates are less than half the national average.

But keep in mind that these numbers can be misleading — insurance premiums vary significantly based on individual circumstances.

In the next sections, you’ll discover how USAA’s prices compare with its competitors and explore rate variations for different types of drivers.

How do USAA’s rates compare to competitors?

When considering average car insurance rates, USAA’s prices are often lower than other insurers. The table below clearly compares how the company stacks up against its competitors.

USAA is a highly competitive option — it’s one of the cheapest car insurance companies for liability-only and full-coverage rates. GEICO’s average quotes are closest to USAA’s, but Allstate, for example, has considerably higher premiums. Progressive and State Farm fall in the mid-range, offering competitive but generally pricier rates than USAA.

USAA Car Insurance Rates by Age Group

It’s no secret that age is one of the key factors in car insurance costs. The differences in premiums reflect the risk levels and driving experience among age groups. Young drivers are often seen as higher risk, according to the National Safety Council. This leads to higher rates for many young drivers.

Let’s consider how age affects your rates with USAA. The table below breaks down the company’s average rates for different age groups.

Insurance rates generally drop as you get older. Teens face the biggest auto insurance bills, but rates become more favorable by the time you reach your 25th birthday. The lower costs are likely due to having more experience behind the wheel, which leads to a lower risk profile.

Let’s take a closer look at USAA’s rates for two of the most affected age groups: teens and seniors.

USAA rates for teens and young drivers

At age 18, the average monthly cost of USAA’s liability is $118, and full coverage is almost double, at $235 per month. Premiums significantly drop to $50 per month for liability and $108 for full coverage by age 25, showing a notable decrease as drivers mature.

Rates continue to stabilize for older age groups. But for drivers under age 25, discounts for driver training, getting good grades, safe driving, and insuring multiple vehicles can help keep costs affordable.

USAA rates for seniors and retirees

USAA charges the average 40-year-old driver $41 per month for liability and $87 for full coverage, showing rate stability with age. As you age into retirement at 65, premiums show a minor change to $43 for liability and $85 for full coverage.

USAA doesn’t offer senior-specific discounts, but older drivers benefit from safe driver discounts, lower rates for reduced mileage, and up to 60% savings for vehicle storage.

USAA Car Insurance Rates by Driving Record

Your driving history is like a report card for the road — the better your record, the lower your rates can be.

Check out the table below to understand how your driving habits can affect your car insurance quotes. It shows the average cost of USAA coverage for different driving histories.

As with most companies, a clean driving record gets you the best prices with USAA. But if you’ve had a recent speeding ticket, at-fault auto accident, or DUI conviction, expect your rates to climb. Each infraction adds to your risk profile, causing a premium increase.

Let’s take a closer look at USAA’s average rates for each.

USAA rates after a speeding ticket

If you get a speeding ticket, you can expect your USAA car insurance bill to go up. For instance, the liability-only rate jumps from $40 to $50 per month, and full coverage from $85 to $106. Still, the differences are less than the national average increase of 37%, according to Compare.com data.

Still, even after a ticket, you can find ways to save by taking a defensive driving course or bundling policies.

USAA rates after an accident

Causing a car accident leads to a rise in USAA’s average rates: liability-only jumps from $40 to $63 per month, and full coverage from $84 to $129. These increases — both of which are more than 50% — are more substantial than the national average increase of 44%.

After an accident, you can qualify for lower rates by practicing safe driving habits or choosing a higher deductible amount for your policy.

USAA rates after a DUI

A DUI has the biggest impact on car insurance prices of any driving infraction — both with USAA and other companies. The average cost for liability and full-coverage policies more than doubles with USAA. The rate hike is more than the national average increase of 94% for drivers with a DUI, according to Compare.com data.

But there’s a silver lining: Even with a DUI, you can explore discounts like completing a DUI education program. Reducing a policy to meet the state’s minimum liability insurance coverage requirements can also ease the strain on your wallet.

USAA Car Insurance Rates by Credit Score

Your credit history can have a surprising effect on how much you pay for car insurance. It’s like a financial snapshot, and insurers use it to gauge risk. Generally, the lower your score, the more you’ll pay.

If you’re curious how your credit history might affect what you pay with USAA, we’ve broken down the average rates by credit score in the table below.

USAA policyholders with excellent credit scores get the lowest premiums, paying 7% less than the company’s average rate for liability-only and full coverage. On the other end of the scale, you’ll notice the rate changes substantially from excellent to poor credit — an increase of more than 88% for both policy types.

The jump in costs highlights the importance of maintaining a good credit score, not just for loans and credit cards, but for insurance costs, too. Better credit could lead to saving $900 each year if you have a full-coverage USAA auto insurance policy.

USAA Car Insurance Discounts

Discounts are a great way to cut down on your car insurance expenses. USAA provides a variety of discounts for different driver needs, including:

1. Good student: High-achieving students can enjoy lower rates, but this discount isn’t available in Hawaii or North Carolina.
2. Clean driving record: Safe driving over five years can lead to rate reductions, rewarding your responsible habits on the road.
3. Driver education course: Finish a defensive driving or driver training course for potential savings. Check with your agent for eligibility since it isn’t available in all locations.
4. SafePilot: Sign up for the USAA’s telematics program to save up to 30% off your premiums.
5. Military base vehicle storage: Storing your car on a military installation reduces your comprehensive insurance cost (in California, it also lowers your collision premiums).
6. New car: If you own a car less than three years old, you might qualify for a lower rate thanks to its enhanced safety features.
7. Multiple vehicles: Insuring more than one car with USAA can reduce your overall rates.
8. Bundling: Combine car insurance with homeowners or renters policies for potential average savings of up to 10%.
9. Low mileage: Less time on the road means reduced risk of accidents. And driving fewer miles translates to lower USAA car insurance costs.

What Types of Coverage Does USAA Offer?

You have a range of coverage options with USAA, and the company allows you to customize your coverage to your unique needs. Here’s a look at the coverage types USAA currently offers:

• Liability coverage: Required in nearly every state, this includes bodily injury liability and property damage liability to protect your finances if you’re responsible for an accident. It covers injury costs (including medical expenses) and physical damage to another person’s property.
• Collision coverage: It covers damages to your car from collisions, regardless of who’s at fault.
• Comprehensive coverage: This is physical damage coverage for your car from non-collision events like theft, weather, and animals.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: This protects you if you’re in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have enough coverage or may not have a policy at all.
• Roadside assistance: For emergencies like a flat tire or dead battery, USAA roadside assistance is available 24/7.
• Rental reimbursement: If your car is in the shop due to a covered claim, USAA helps pay for the rental cost, ensuring you’re not stranded without transportation.

How to Purchase a Car Insurance Policy from USAA

Buying a USAA auto insurance policy is straightforward and user-friendly. You can handle everything online, from getting a quote to finalizing the policy. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Visit USAA’s website: Go to USAA’s home page and click on the “Get an auto quote” button to get started.
2. Enter your information: You’ll provide some basic information, such as your ZIP code, name, date of birth, military status, vehicle details, and driving history to ensure you get an accurate quote.
3. Receive your quote: After receiving your details, USAA will generate a quote using the information you provided. The quote will show your monthly car insurance premium. The company will also offer the option to bundle your auto insurance policy with renters to save up to 10%.
4. Review your coverage: Before finalizing your policy, you can customize your coverage options to find a combination that best fits your situation.
5. Purchase your policy: Once you’re happy with the coverage you’ve selected, you can select your start date and purchase your new policy.

Reviewing USAA’s Customer Service

USAA’s customer service is known for being efficient and accessible. Calling the company’s main line — at 1 (210) 531-8722 — is straightforward, with a quick response from an automated system. On a call at 4 p.m. ET on a Tuesday, it took just three and a half minutes to navigate the menu and verify military affiliation without additional hold time for a representative.

Additionally, you’ll have the option to chat with a representative when going through the quote process. Even though it was fast and helpful, it’s important to note this is currently a chatbot, not a live person. Still, the chat connected me with claims reporting — a process that took me about eight minutes — less than the estimated 10 minutes that was advertised at the start.

Overall customer service feedback on social media platforms like Facebook is generally favorable, too. One policyholder (shown below) mentioned how easy it was to file a car insurance claim and the helpful timeline provided by the representative.

Still, some customers have reported encountering issues, such as difficulties in account verification, showing there’s room for improvement in some areas.

Filing a Claim with USAA

USAA’s claims filing process is typically seen as user-friendly. Customer testimonials from social media and user reviews offer a more nuanced view. As we saw in the Facebook testimonial in the previous section, some users have raved about an “easy” claims process.

But not all experiences are as favorable. Some users have reported severe frustration with the claims process.

For instance, comments on X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit mentioned submitting a claim and then facing a lengthy silence — sometimes with weeks passing without any update.

The user in the Reddit thread shown below highlighted a severe lack of communication between USAA and the body shop, causing a two-month delay in car repairs.

What Other Types of Insurance Does USAA Offer?

USAA offers more than just car insurance. You can even qualify for discounts if you bundle property insurance like homeowners or renters coverage with your auto policy.

But USAA also has options to protect your health, business, and even your pets. Here’s a quick overview of its products:

• Property insurance
• Life insurance
• Umbrella insurance
• Long-term care
• Health insurance
• Business insurance
• Pet insurance
• Special event insurance
• Personal cyber insurance

Bottom Line: Is USAA Car Insurance Right for You?

Choosing a car insurance company isn’t always cut and dry. You’ll need to weigh the advantages and potential drawbacks before deciding which is best for you.

USAA stands out for its range of coverage options and competitive rates. But its availability is limited to military members, and some policyholders have reported challenges in the claims process.

Balancing the pros and cons with your personal needs and membership eligibility is key to making the right choice.

USAA Auto Insurance FAQs

Exploring USAA’s full catalog of car insurance options can raise several questions. To help you better understand its services, here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about USAA car insurance.

Is USAA car insurance really cheaper?

It depends. USAA car insurance is typically more affordable for many drivers. People with an active USAA auto insurance policy often pay premiums that fall well below the cost of other auto insurers, with savings of up to 60% in certain instances. This makes USAA an economically attractive option for eligible customers. But since your rates will depend on a variety of personal factors, the only way to know if it’s cheaper than other options is to compare quotes from as many insurers as possible.

Is USAA still only for the military?

USAA is primarily for military members and veterans. However, precommissioned officers are eligible, as are spouses and children of members, veterans, and those currently serving in the military.

What are the disadvantages of USAA?

One of the main disadvantages of USAA is its limited availability. It primarily serves the military community, excluding access for much of the general public. Additionally, some members have reported issues with the claims process, including delayed responses and communication challenges.

Does USAA have its own auto insurance?

Yes, USAA has its own auto insurance policies. Several companies fall under the USAA umbrella, and your policy may be through United Services Automobile Association, USAA Casualty Insurance Company, USAA General Indemnity Company, Garrison Property and Casualty Insurance Company, or USAA Insurance Agency, among others.

What do you need to qualify for USAA?

To qualify for USAA, you need to be an active, retired, or honorably separated member of the military or an eligible family member (such as a spouse or child) of someone who is or was in the military.

How do you cancel USAA?

You can cancel your USAA auto insurance policy at any time by calling USAA’s customer service phone number. But it’s unclear if USAA charges a fee for early cancellation. Contact customer service or talk to your agent for more details.

Methodology

Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance rates from more than 75 partner insurance providers in order to compile the quotes and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.

All the quotes listed in this article have been gathered from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide drivers with insight into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.

Sources

1. NAIC, “2022 Top 25 Groups and Companies by Countrywide Premium,” Accessed January 16, 2024.
2. J.D. Power, “2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study,” Accessed January 16, 2024.
3. Trustpilot, “USAA,” Accessed January 16, 2024.
4. Better Business Bureau, “USAA,” Accessed January 16, 2024.
5. National Safety Council, “Injury Facts,” Accessed January 16, 2024.