USAA Car Insurance Reviews
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USAA Car Insurance Review
We’ve assessed USAA car insurance and given it a solid rating of 9.2 out of 10.0, deeming it the Best for Military Members. In our extensive study on top car insurance providers, USAA secured the second spot, just behind State Farm. It stood out with commendable scores in key areas such as reputation, coverage, and cost – factors that play a crucial role in our evaluation.
Let’s break down USAA’s performance in five crucial categories, each contributing to our overall assessment. We evaluate companies based on cost, coverage, reputation, availability, and customer experience.
Here’s a detailed look at USAA’s performance:
| Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 9.2 |
| Industry Standing | 8.9 |
| Availability | 8.0 |
| Coverage | 9.5 |
| Cost | 9.7 |
| Customer Service | 8.9 |
Is USAA Insurance a Good Choice?
Established in 1922, USAA offers insurance products to active-duty military members, veterans, and their immediate family members. This San Antonio-based company stands out as one of the most affordable options for car insurance, especially for those who qualify.
According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), USAA has grown to become the fifth-largest car insurance company in the United States. In the year 2022 alone, the company wrote over $16.4 billion in car insurance premiums.
Here’s why many consider USAA to be a great option for auto insurance:
- Affordability: Based on our thorough industry research, USAA consistently provides some of the most budget-friendly car insurance coverage for a wide range of drivers.
- Add-on Options: USAA offers unique add-ons like accident forgiveness, car replacement assistance, and classic car insurance, providing additional choices for tailored coverage.
- SafePilot®: USAA’s SafePilot® program allows drivers to enroll in a usage-based insurance initiative. This program tracks driving habits and rewards responsible behavior with discounts.
In terms of ratings, USAA holds an A++ financial strength rating from AM Best, indicating a high level of financial stability. While they don’t have a rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), their longstanding reputation and financial strength contribute to their status as a reliable choice for many.
How much does USAA car insurance cost?
USAA car insurance typically costs around $1,432 per year for full coverage. This is more affordable compared to the national average of $1,982 per year. When we look at other major insurance companies, USAA’s rates are generally lower. It’s important to note that USAA exclusively offers insurance policies to active and former military members and their families.
Here’s a comparison of average annual rates for full coverage among different insurance companies:
| Company | Average Annual Rate (Clean Record) |
|---|---|
| Travelers | $1,681 |
| American Family | $1,791 |
| Geico | $1,846 |
| State Farm | $1,976 |
| Allstate | $2,665 |
| Progressive | $2,112 |
| Nationwide | $2,279 |
| Farmers | $3,106 |
| USAA* | $1,432 |
*USAA auto insurance is exclusively available to active-duty military members, veterans, and their families.
These rates are based on a 35-year-old driver with a clean driving record, good credit, and full coverage insurance, including liability, comprehensive, collision, and any additional coverage required by the state. Keep in mind that these are average rates, and your actual premium may vary depending on factors like your driving history, car model, location, and other considerations.
Complaints and customer satisfaction
When it comes to customer satisfaction with USAA auto insurance, things are looking positive. According to data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners spanning three years, USAA had fewer complaints than expected compared to its size. This suggests that customers are generally content with their auto insurance experience.
In a recent survey conducted by NerdWallet in June and July 2023, USAA received an overall satisfaction score of 81 out of 100 from a group of its customers. To put this in context, the average score among seven insurers was 78, with the highest reaching 82. This indicates that USAA is performing well above the average and is only slightly behind the highest-ranking insurer.
While USAA wasn’t included in J.D. Power’s 2023 auto insurance studies due to its policies not being available to all consumers, it’s essential to note that customers provided positive feedback regarding auto insurance shopping and claims satisfaction. This suggests that, despite not being ranked in the study, USAA is still earning praise for aspects like the ease of obtaining insurance and satisfaction with the claims process.
What kinds of insurance does USAA offer?
USAA has different types of car insurance to choose from. They have the basics like liability coverage, uninsured motorist coverage, and collision and comprehensive coverage. Let’s break down some details about their rates and some extra options you can get with your policy.
- USAA Extended Benefits: This comes in handy if you’re in a car accident. It helps with things like lost wages, disability services, and death benefits.
- USAA Roadside Assistance: You can choose to add this to your policy. It helps if you get locked out of your car, run out of gas, need a tire change, or if your car won’t start. It’s like having a friend on call for car troubles!
- Rental Reimbursement: If your car gets damaged, not from regular maintenance but from something like an accident, this coverage helps with the cost of renting a car. The amount you get depends on your coverage level.
- Accident Forgiveness: This is cool – if you’re a USAA customer and you don’t have an accident for five years, your insurance cost won’t go up after your first at-fault accident. It’s like a reward for safe driving!
- USAA Rideshare Coverage: If you drive for Uber or Lyft, USAA has coverage just for you. You can get rideshare coverage for as low as $6 a month. But remember, this isn’t available in every state. It’s like an extra layer of protection while you’re giving people rides.
USAA Car Insurance Discounts Overview
USAA provides a range of discounts that can help you save money on car insurance. In our 2024 assessment, we found that USAA already offers some of the most affordable rates among insurers. A significant 71% of survey respondents expressed satisfaction with the various discounts available from USAA. Let’s take a closer look at the discounts they offer:
Safety Discounts:
- Anti-Theft Devices Discount
- Newer Vehicle Discount
- SafePilot Discount
Performance Discounts:
- Clean Driving Record Discount
- Safe Driver Discount
- Defensive Driver Training Discount
- Basic Driver Training Course Discount
- Good Student Discount
Employment Discounts:
- Military On-Base Discount
- Deployment/Storing Discount
- Driving Less Discount
Additional Discounts:
- Multi-Vehicle Discount
- Bundle and Save (Multi-Policy Discount)
- Loyal Member Discount
- Family Discount
FAQs
You can easily get in touch with USAA by giving them a call at 800-531-8722. They’re available to assist you from Monday to Friday, starting at 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. CT. On Saturdays, they are available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CT.
Getting a quote from USAA is simple! You can do it online without any hassle.
If you need to file a claim for your vehicle, you have a few options. You can do it online, through their mobile app, or even by fax. To use the fax method, just send the details to the USAA fax number: 800-531-8669.
Absolutely! USAA offers rideshare coverage to ensure you’re protected during the time your app is on, even if you haven’t been matched with a rider yet.
About the Author
Alex Huber is a content writer for Atoz Insurances and he is a very experienced and well-rounded freelance content writer who specializes in the insurance and finance niches. His writing is engaging and informative, and he has a strong understanding of the industries he writes about.