USAA insurance rates often stand out for their affordability, particularly for eligible military members and their families; however, comparing these rates with other providers is crucial to secure the best deal. COMPARE.EDU.VN offers comprehensive comparisons, highlighting coverage options, discounts, and customer satisfaction to help you make an informed decision. By considering factors like coverage details and financial stability, you can confidently choose an insurance plan that fits your needs and budget.
1. USAA vs. Geico Auto Insurance
USAA and Geico consistently receive high ratings in the auto insurance industry. A key differentiator is that USAA auto insurance is exclusively available to active military personnel, veterans, and their immediate family members.
1.1. A Quick Comparison
Here’s a brief overview comparing USAA and Geico:
| Feature | USAA | Geico |
|—|—|
| Overall Rating | 4.8 | 4.5 |
| Industry Standing | 4.9 | 4.8 |
| Availability | 3.5 | 5 |
| Coverage | 4.9 | 4.3 |
| Cost and Discounts | 5 | 4.4 |
| Customer Experience | 5 | 4.6 |
According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, USAA holds approximately 6.3% of the U.S. car insurance market share, making it the fifth-largest provider. Geico nearly doubles this, holding 12.3% of the market share and ranking as the third-largest.
Both USAA and Geico boast A++ (Superior) financial strength ratings from AM Best, indicating a high likelihood of fulfilling their claim obligations.
1.2. Detailed Comparison Table
| Feature | USAA | Geico |
|—|—|
| Year Established | 1922 | 1936 |
| Availability | 50 states | 50 states |
| AM Best Financial Strength Rating | A++ | A++ |
| Better Business Bureau Rating | A+ | A+ |
| J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Insurance Shopping Study | 711 out of 1,000 | 656 out of 1,000 |
| Award | Best for Military Members | Best for Budget-Conscious Drivers |
The J.D. Power study measures overall customer satisfaction with a company’s purchasing experience.
1.3. USAA: An Overview
Founded in 1922 by 25 Army officers, USAA initially provided insurance to fellow military personnel. Today, it exclusively serves military members and their families. Eligibility for USAA car insurance extends to:
- Active-duty military personnel or retired veterans
- Cadets or officer candidates
- Spouses or parents with an existing USAA auto or home insurance policy
For a comprehensive look at USAA’s offerings, refer to the USAA Car Insurance Review on COMPARE.EDU.VN.
1.4. Geico: An Overview
Geico, originally known as the Government Employees Insurance Company, was established in 1936. Initially, it catered to government employees but now offers coverage to drivers nationwide, continuing to provide discounts for federal employees.
More details about Geico’s services can be found in the Geico Car Insurance Review on COMPARE.EDU.VN.
2. USAA vs. Geico Coverage Options
USAA and Geico both offer the six standard car insurance coverages. Additionally, they provide various add-on coverage options, including roadside assistance, rental car coverage, and usage-based insurance in select states.
Geico stands out with its mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI), akin to an extended car warranty. MBI covers repair costs resulting from defective materials or workmanship. USAA, on the other hand, provides coverage for glass damage and leased vehicles.
2.1. Coverage Comparison Table
| Coverage Type | USAA | Geico |
|—|—|
| Bodily Injury Liability | ✓ | ✓ |
| Property Damage Liability | ✓ | ✓ |
| Collision | ✓ | ✓ |
| Comprehensive | ✓ | ✓ |
| Medical Payments | ✓ | ✓ |
| Personal Injury Protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Underinsured/Uninsured Motorist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Roadside Assistance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rental Car Reimbursement | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rideshare Insurance | | ✓ |
| Usage-Based Insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Accident Forgiveness | ✓ | ✓ |
| Glass Coverage | ✓ | |
| Guaranteed Asset Protection | ✓ | |
| Car Replacement Assistance | ✓ | |
| Mechanical Breakdown Insurance | | ✓ |
2.2. Usage-Based Insurance Comparison
Both USAA and Geico have usage-based insurance programs that offer discounts based on driving habits; however, availability varies by state.
| Feature | USAA SafePilot | Geico DriveEasy |
|—|—|
| Device | Mobile app | Mobile app |
| Can It Raise Your Rate? | No | Yes |
| Availability | 47 states + D.C. | 37 states + D.C. |
| Discount | Up to 30% | Varies |
| What It Monitors | Speed, acceleration, braking, swerving, cornering, distance, location, phone use | Distracted driving, hard braking, cornering, smoothness, road type, distance, time of day, weather |
USAA’s SafePilot only provides discounts or maintains the current rate. Geico’s DriveEasy may adjust rates based on driving data, potentially increasing premiums for risky drivers.
2.3. SafePilot Availability
SafePilot is accessible in all states except California, Delaware, and New Jersey. Some restrictions apply in Massachusetts.
2.4. DriveEasy Availability
DriveEasy is available in Washington, D.C., and the following 37 states:
| State | State | State | State | State |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Arizona | Arkansas | Colorado | Connecticut |
| Florida | Georgia | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana |
| Iowa | Louisiana | Kentucky | Maryland | Massachusetts |
| Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri | Nebraska |
| North Carolina | Nevada | New Jersey | New Mexico | New York |
| Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | South Carolina |
| Tennessee | Texas | Utah | Virginia | Washington |
| West Virginia | Wisconsin |
3. How Do USAA Insurance Rates Compare in Cost?
USAA generally offers more affordable car insurance than Geico. The average annual rate for full-coverage car insurance is $1,722 with USAA, compared to $1,939 with Geico. Both are below the national average of $2,433 per year; however, USAA’s eligibility requirements are significant.
3.1. Annual Cost Estimates by Driver Profile
| Driver Profile | Geico Annual Cost Estimate | USAA Annual Cost Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| 35-year-old with good credit and driving history | $1,939 | $1,722 |
| 25-year-old with good credit and driving history | $2,148 | $1,965 |
| 35-year-old with a recent car accident | $3,215 | $2,371 |
| 35-year-old with poor credit | $2,872 | $3,079 |
| 35-year-old with a recent DUI | $3,898 | $3,258 |
These rates are sourced by Quadrant Information Services for a 35-year-old driver with good credit, no driving violations, insuring a 2023 Toyota Camry.
Individual car insurance quotes can vary based on factors like driving history, age, coverage options, and the chosen deductible.
3.2. Discounts Comparison: USAA vs. Geico
Geico offers a wider range of discounts, but USAA often provides lower overall rates, even with fewer discount options.
| USAA Discounts | Geico Discounts |
|---|---|
| Multi-Policy | ✓ |
| Multi-Vehicle | ✓ |
| New Vehicle | ✓ |
| Good Student | ✓ |
| Good Driver | ✓ |
| Driver’s Education | |
| Defensive Driving | |
| Legacy | ✓ |
| Length of Membership | ✓ |
| Low Annual Mileage | |
| Military Installation | ✓ |
| Vehicle Storage | ✓ |
| Air Bags | |
| Daytime Running Lights | |
| Anti-Lock Brakes | |
| Anti-Theft System | |
| Passive Restraint | |
| Seat Belt Use | |
| Membership and Employee | |
| Federal Employee | |
| Military | |
| Military/Emergency Deployment |
3.3. Military Discounts
USAA and Geico have different approaches to military-related benefits.
USAA does not offer a general military discount for veterans but provides specific savings, such as a 15% discount for garaging a vehicle on a military base. Geico provides a 15% discount to active military members and veterans, along with a 25% discount for deployment in an imminent danger pay zone.
USAA offers extensive resources and checklists for military life events like joining, deployment, changing stations, and leaving the military. It also features a job-finding program and discounts on partner services.
4. Customer Reviews: USAA vs. Geico
USAA generally receives higher customer satisfaction ratings than Geico. The J.D. Power Insurance Shopping Study gave USAA a score of 711 out of 1,000, the second-highest score in the study, while Geico received 656 points, below the industry average of 676.
The J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study also reflects this trend. Geico scored 692 out of 1,000, slightly below the study average of 697, while USAA’s score of 726 ranked 5th overall.
Due to its eligibility restrictions, USAA is not always officially ranked in J.D. Power studies but still receives a score.
4.1. Customer Ratings Comparison
| Metric | USAA | Geico |
|—|—|
| BBB Customer Review Rating | 1.2 out of 5 | 1.1 out of 5 |
| App Store Rating | 4.8 out of 5 | 4.8 out of 5 |
| Google Play Rating | 4.7 out of 5 | 4.6 out of 5 |
Low BBB customer review ratings are common for major national car insurance companies. Customers often write reviews after negative experiences, representing a small fraction of the total customer base.
5. Competitors to Geico and USAA
Even with the strengths of USAA and Geico, it’s wise to get quotes from multiple companies to compare options, especially if you don’t qualify for USAA. Travelers and Progressive are excellent alternatives.
5.1. Travelers: Best for Most Drivers
Travelers offers many coverage options and policy add-ons, making it easy to customize insurance policies. Their IntelliDrive program promotes safe driving and offers discounts. Check out Travelers Insurance Review on COMPARE.EDU.VN.
5.2. Progressive: Best for Safe Drivers
Progressive provides driver-specific discounts and a telematics option called Snapshot, rewarding safe driving habits with significant discounts. It also offers unique add-ons like pet injury coverage and rideshare insurance. Read more on Progressive Insurance Review on COMPARE.EDU.VN.
6. FAQ: USAA vs. Geico Car Insurance
6.1. Is USAA a good insurance company?
USAA performs exceptionally well in most insurance studies. It holds an A++ financial strength rating from AM Best and an A+ rating from the BBB.
6.2. Is USAA auto insurance cheaper than other companies?
USAA auto insurance rates are often among the most affordable for various drivers in different locations; however, eligibility is restricted to U.S. military members, veterans, and their immediate family.
6.3. Is USAA insurance a good deal?
USAA insurance is generally a good deal for those who qualify, offering some of the lowest average rates across different categories.
6.4. Is Geico considered an affordable car insurance provider?
Geico is one of the more affordable car insurance providers, with an average annual cost of $1,939 for full-coverage auto insurance, compared to the national average of $2,433.
7. COMPARE.EDU.VN Methodology
COMPARE.EDU.VN is committed to providing objective and accurate information. Our comprehensive rating system assesses car insurance companies based on various factors:
- Coverage (30%): Companies with diverse coverage options rank higher.
- Cost and Discounts (25%): Rate estimates from Quadrant Information Services and available discounts are considered.
- Industry Standing (20%): Market share, expert ratings, and years in business are evaluated.
- Customer Experience (15%): Complaint volumes reported by the NAIC and customer satisfaction ratings from J.D. Power are analyzed.
- Availability (10%): Companies with broader state availability and fewer eligibility requirements score higher.
Credentials:
- 800+ hours researched
- 130+ companies reviewed
- 8,500+ consumers surveyed
COMPARE.EDU.VN aims to simplify the decision-making process.
If you have feedback or questions, please contact us at [email protected].
Choosing the right car insurance involves carefully assessing various factors such as coverage options, customer satisfaction, and, of course, cost. USAA often stands out with competitive rates, especially for military members and their families. However, it’s essential to compare across multiple providers to ensure you’re getting the best possible deal.
Ready to make an informed decision? Visit COMPARE.EDU.VN today to explore detailed comparisons, read customer reviews, and find the perfect insurance plan tailored to your needs. Don’t leave your insurance to chance—make the smart choice with COMPARE.EDU.VN. Contact us at 333 Comparison Plaza, Choice City, CA 90210, United States or reach out via Whatsapp at +1 (626) 555-9090. Explore more at compare.edu.vn.
