In This Review:
- USAA Car Insurance Review
- USAA Company Overview
- USAA Industry Reviews
- USAA Insurance Customer Reviews
- USAA Car Insurance Coverage
- USAA Car Insurance Cost
- USAA Home Insurance
- USAA Life Insurance
- USAA Insurance Reviews: Conclusion
- USAA Car Insurance Reviews: FAQ
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Key Points
- USAA offers quality auto coverage at low average rates but is only available to members of the military, veterans, and their family members.
- Though it isn’t ranked because of its eligibility restrictions, the company performs extremely well in J.D. Power consumer studies.
- USAA’s usage-based program, SafePilot™, can save good drivers up to 30 percent when they renew their policies.
USAA Insurance Review: Overall Rating
4.6
The Bottom Line
USAA provides quality coverage at consistently low rates, but its policies are only available for active-duty military members, veterans, and their spouses and children.
USAA car insurance reviews reflect excellent customer service and lower rates on average than other providers. However, the company’s auto insurance coverage is available only to active-duty members of the military, veterans, and their immediate family members.
In this article, our team of experts analyzes USAA’s auto coverage options, average costs, and overall reputation. We also compare the company to other providers that scored well in our industry-wide survey of the best car insurance companies and cheapest car insurance companies.
USAA Car Insurance Review
We give USAA car insurance 4.6 out of 5.0 stars overall and name it Best for Military Members. This rating is based on USAA’s performance in four key areas: cost, coverage, reliability, and service.
USAA Insurance Ratings
| Overall Rating | 4.6 |
|---|---|
| Cost | 4.9 |
| Coverage | 4.6 |
| Reliability | 4.7 |
| Service | 4.6 |
*Ratings are determined by our editorial review team. Learn more about our scoring methodology below.
Is USAA Insurance Good?
USAA offers high-quality auto coverage at affordable rates. The company also has a reputation for excellent customer service. However, USAA car insurance policies aren’t available to all drivers. Only active-duty members of the military, veterans, and their children and spouses are eligible to purchase USAA auto insurance.
Pros And Cons Of USAA Insurance
Available in: All 50 states for military members, veterans, and their spouses and children
Founded in: 1922
Coverage: Auto, homeowners, renters, life, dental, medical, and more
To give more context for our USAA auto insurance review, we’ve listed a few pros and cons:
ProsAffordable rates for most driversHigh customer satisfaction ratings in J.D. Power studiesA++ financial strength rating from AM BestHighly rated mobile app
ConsOnly available for military members, veterans, and their familiesUsage-based insurance program not available in all statesNot the cheapest option for drivers with a DUI
USAA Company Overview
USAA has been in business for just over 100 years. In that time, the company has built a reputation for stellar customer service. USAA insurance products are available in all 50 states for current and former members of the military and their spouses and children. For drivers who qualify, the company offers some of the cheapest auto coverage in the country.
USAA Industry Reviews
USAA isn’t rated or accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The company does hold an A++ (Superior) rating from AM Best, which means it is financially stable and capable of paying insurance claims.
USAA Insurance Customer Reviews
Positive USAA car insurance reviews typically focus on the company’s strong customer service. Many customers also praise the speed and efficiency of the USAA claims process. Some negative reviews center on the company’s claims process as well, which is to be expected with such a large insurer.
USAA has closed more than 3,000 complaints on the BBB website over the past three years. This is a low number for such a large company, and it reflects USAA’s strong performance in J.D. Power consumer studies.
USAA Insurance Reviews: J.D. Power
Although USAA membership restrictions prevent the insurer from being formally ranked in J.D. Power consumer studies, it outscores most others. In the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Insurance Shopping Study℠, which polled more than 10,000 customers for insights into the car insurance shopping experience, USAA scored second highest with 874 out of 1,000 points. Only State Farm, at 877 points, scored higher among large insurers.
USAA also performed well in the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study℠, having the fourth highest score among all insurers. This survey considered input from more than 8,000 customers who had settled auto insurance claims within the previous six months.
USAA Insurance Reviews: BBB And Trustpilot
Customer reviews on the BBB and Trustpilot aren’t as kind to USAA. The company receives 1.1 out of 5.0 stars on average from over 1,100 reviews on the BBB’s site and an average of 1.3 out of 5.0 stars from more 1,900 reviews on Trustpilot.
USAA Customer Satisfaction Survey
Our team conducted a car insurance survey in August 2022 that polled nearly 7,000 respondents. USAA policyholders accounted for about six percent of those surveyed. The table below displays the average ratings the company received in several categories. Each score equaled or exceeded the industry average in our survey.
| Survey Category | USAA Rating | Industry Average Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Overall satisfaction | 4.3 | 4.2 |
| Affordability | 3.8 | 3.7 |
| Coverage selection | 3.9 | 3.9 |
| Customer service from agents | 4.2 | 4 |
| Claims service | 4.3 | 4.2 |
*Each rating is out of 5.0 points.
USAA Car Insurance Coverage
USAA offers the six standard types of car insurance, which include:
| Type of Coverage | Description |
|---|---|
| Liability | Bodily injury (BI) liability insurance pays the medical expenses for other drivers and their passengers after an accident where you’re at fault.Property damage (PD) liability insurance covers the damages to other drivers’ vehicles after an accident where you’re at fault. |
| Collision | Collision insurance pays for damages to your vehicle from a collision with another vehicle or a road hazard. |
| Comprehensive | Comprehensive coverage pays for damages to your vehicle from animals or natural disasters. It also covers theft and vandalism. |
| Medical payments coverage (MedPay) | MedPay covers medical bills for you and your passengers after an accident. |
| Personal injury protection (PIP) | PIP also covers medical bills for you and your passengers after an accident. Additionally, PIP can cover lost wages. |
| Underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) | Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage covers your property damages (UMPD/UIMPD) and bodily injuries (UMBI/UIMBI) for you and your passengers when you’re in an accident with a driver who is underinsured or doesn’t have any insurance. |
Other USAA Coverage Options
Along with standard coverage options, USAA offers the following add-on protections:
- Roadside assistance: Services include towing, lockout assistance, and fuel delivery.
- Rental reimbursem*nt: This pays for a rental car if your vehicle is in the shop for covered repairs.
- Accident forgiveness: You can purchase this at any time or get it for free once you go accident-free for five years.
- Rideshare insurance: This protects your vehicle if you use it for a service like Uber or Lyft.
- Car replacement assistance: In the event of a total loss, this pays an additional 20 percent over your car’s actual cash value.
The first four coverage options on this list are standard offerings for most insurers. Car replacement policies are less common and can be especially helpful if you drive a lot (which quickly depreciates your car’s value).
USAA Car Insurance Cost
We found that 35-year-old married drivers with good credit and clean driving records pay an average of $1,054 per year or $88 per month for full-coverage car insurance from USAA. That’s roughly 39 percent lower than the national average, which is $1,730 per year or $144 per month.
| Car Insurance Company | Average Full-Coverage Cost Per Month | Average Full-Coverage Cost Per Year | Average Minimum-Coverage Cost Per Month | Average Minimum-Coverage Cost Per Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USAA | $88 | $1,054 | $28 | $333 |
| Erie Insurance | $103 | $1,238 | $38 | $459 |
| Nationwide | $107 | $1,281 | $51 | $613 |
| Country Financial | $108 | $1,295 | $39 | $467 |
| Geico | $109 | $1,308 | $39 | $468 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance | $111 | $1,337 | $29 | $349 |
| State Farm | $123 | $1,481 | $45 | $543 |
| American Family Insurance | $128 | $1,537 | $57 | $685 |
| Progressive | $134 | $1,611 | $57 | $687 |
| Travelers | $139 | $1,669 | $61 | $730 |
| Allstate | $174 | $2,088 | $60 | $725 |
| Farmers | $178 | $2,140 | $73 | $881 |
*These rates are based on the profile of a 35-year-old married driver with good credit and a clean driving record.
USAA Car Insurance Rates By Age
USAA’s car insurance rates are higher for teen drivers than for those with more experience behind the wheel. However, the company’s rates still tend to be well below the national averages for every age group.
| Age | Average Car Insurance Cost Per Month | Average Car Insurance Cost Per Year | National Average Car Insurance Cost Per Month | National Average Car Insurance Cost Per Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | $399 | $4,784 | $576 | $6,912 |
| 17 | $283 | $3,398 | $468 | $5,612 |
| 18 | $241 | $2,897 | $413 | $4,958 |
| 19 | $188 | $2,261 | $309 | $3,708 |
| 21 | $134 | $1,609 | $232 | $2,786 |
| 25 | $108 | $1,292 | $168 | $2,019 |
| 30 | $97 | $1,160 | $153 | $1,831 |
| 40 | $90 | $1,079 | $146 | $1,755 |
| 45 | $88 | $1,051 | $144 | $1,730 |
| 50 | $85 | $1,021 | $138 | $1,658 |
| 55 | $84 | $1,012 | $134 | $1,609 |
| 65 | $88 | $1,057 | $137 | $1,648 |
| 75 | $105 | $1,260 | $159 | $1,912 |
USAA Car Insurance Rates By Driving Profile
The table below shows that, on average, USAA offers affordable rates for high-risk drivers.
| Traffic Incident | Average Car Insurance Cost Per Month | Average Car Insurance Cost Per Year | National Average Car Insurance Cost Per Month | National Average Car Insurance Cost Per Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speeding ticket (16–20 mph over limit) | $118 | $1,413 | $193 | $2,313 |
| Recent accident | $137 | $1,647 | $224 | $2,689 |
| DUI conviction | $186 | $2,236 | $273 | $3,277 |
*Rates apply to the profile of a 35-year-old male driver.
USAA Car Insurance Discounts
USAA has a healthy selection of discounts that help policyholders save on their car insurance premiums. Here are some of the ways USAA customers can earn discounts:
- Good student discount: Full-time students with good grades earn discounts.
- Safe driver discount: Having a clean driving record for five or more years unlocks this discount.
- Garage discount: Customers who garage their vehicles at military installations are eligible for this discount.
- Defensive driving discount: Completing an approved defensive driving training course is another way to save money.
- Bundling discount: This is for customers who also have USAA property insurance products (homeowners or renters insurance).
- Multi-vehicle discount: Get a discount for insuring more than one car with USAA.
- New vehicle discount: Having a car that’s no more than three years old makes you eligible for more savings.
- Storage discount: Service members who keep their cars in storage can save up to 60 percent.
- Anti-theft discount: Having an anti-theft device on your car cuts down your coverage rates with USAA.
USAA SafePilot
Here are some details about SafePilot, USAA’s usage-based insurance program:
| Program Factor | Details |
| Device | Mobile app |
| What it tracks |
|
| Availability | Not available in:
There are also restrictions in Massachusetts. |
Factors That Affect Car Insurance Rates
These are some of the key factors auto insurance companies consider when setting car insurance rates:
- Driving record: Having at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, or DUIs in your driving history will significantly raise your insurance premium.
- Location: If you live in a densely populated area, the higher number of claims and accidents mean you’ll pay higher rates.
- Age: Younger drivers (especially teens) pay higher premiums than people with more experience behind the wheel.
- Marital status: Single drivers pay more for auto coverage than their married counterparts.
- Vehicle: Luxury cars, sports cars, and newer vehicles with modern features are more expensive to insure than older vehicles.
- Gender: The gender on your driver’s license affects your car insurance rates. People who identify as males pay the highest premiums.
Depending on the state you live in, insurers aren’t allowed to use information like your credit history or marital status to set your rates.
USAA Home Insurance
Like its auto insurance offerings, USAA home insurance coverage is exclusively for military members, veterans, and their families. The company provides the following types of homeowners insurance:
- Dwelling coverage: This helps pay to repair or rebuild your home if it’s damaged during a covered event.
- Other structures coverage: This covers structures on your property that are separate from your home, such as storage sheds, fences, and detached garages.
- Personal belongings coverage: This helps pay to repair or replace possessions such as furniture and electronics.
- Home sharing coverage: If you’re renting out any part of your home, this protects you and your property.
- Loss of use coverage: This add-on covers your increase in living expenses if you can’t live in your home after a covered loss.
- Personal liability coverage: This protects you when you are legally responsible for accidental injuries or damage to others’ property.
USAA Life Insurance
USAA offers two types of life insurance coverage:
- Term life insurance: This provides temporary coverage that lasts up to 30 years. It has a set monthly payment.
- Permanent life insurance: This type of coverage lasts a lifetime and often costs more because parts of the premiums might earn interest.
You can learn more about USAA life insurance policies by calling 1-800-531-5433.
USAA Insurance Reviews: Conclusion
USAA offers quality auto coverage at affordable rates, but one drawback is that USAA policies aren’t available to everyone. If you’re eligible for USAA car insurance, it’s an excellent option.
Other Recommended Car Insurance Companies
State Farm and Geico are two of our highest-rated auto insurance providers. As you weigh your coverage options and compare car insurance quotes, we encourage you to reach out to these companies.
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State Farm: Best Overall Provider
The largest auto insurer in the U.S. according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), State Farm is also at the top of our rankings. The company has an array of add-on coverage options, including rideshare insurance and rental car reimbursem*nt. Drive Safe & Save™, State Farm’s usage-based program, can earn safe drivers discounts of up to 30 percent.
Geico: Best for Discounts
Like State Farm, Geico is a large and well-known auto insurance provider. The company wrote more than $38 billion in premiums during 2022, making it the third largest auto insurer in the country. Aside from its competitive rates and extensive coverage options, our team likes Geico for the many generous discounts it offers.
Geico also offers mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI), which protects your vehicle’s vital components and functions much like an extended warranty.
USAA Car Insurance Reviews: FAQ
Is USAA good at paying claims?
According to our research, USAA customers are generally happy with the company’s claims process. USAA earned the fourth highest score in the most recent J.D. Power Auto Claims Satisfaction Study with 890 out of 1,000 points. And in our August 2022 car insurance study, USAA tied the industry average of 4.1 out of 5.0 for satisfaction with the outcome of a claim.
Is USAA cheaper for auto insurance?
Data from Quadrant Information Services shows USAA often has the lowest average auto insurance rates for nearly all types of drivers. Those with DUIs on their records may find cheaper coverage elsewhere, but that’s one of the only exceptions.
Is USAA auto insurance only for military members?
Yes, USAA products and services are only available for current and former military members, their spouses, and their children.
Do I qualify for USAA if my dad was in the military?
Yes, as long as your father is a current USAA member, you are eligible for an auto insurance policy through the company.
What is the average cost of car insurance from USAA?
The average cost of a full-coverage car insurance policy from USAA is $1,054 per year or $88 per month, according to Quadrant Information Services. These averages are for a 35-year-old married driver with good credit and a clean driving record.
How We Rate Insurers
Our review process aims to deliver consistent and unbiased assessments of car insurance providers. While there are multiple qualities that make a car insurance company successful, our review team focuses on those we believe are the most important for consumers:
- Cost: Cost can be difficult to compare between insurers because so many factors impact annual premiums. The cheapest insurer for one driver may not be the cheapest for another. To determine our cost score, we look at insurance rate estimates generated by Quadrant Information Services, discount opportunities, and consumer reports.
- Coverage: To determine our coverage score, we look at the number of coverage options available as well as coverage limits and deductible options. Our ratings also take into account additional services and benefits like roadside assistance.
- Reliability: It’s important that an auto insurer is able to meet its claims obligations. Companies with a strong financial strength rating from AM Best score best in this category. Established insurers with a long history of reliable service also receive positive marks.
- Service: We comb through customer reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn about customer experiences. Insurers with a low volume of complaints score well in this area. We also consider the claims process, giving higher ratings to car insurance providers that offer easy-to-use claims apps.
*Data accurate at time of publication.
