USAA Auto Insurance Review: Highly Rated Coverage for Military Members and Their Families

This auto insurer is a good fit for: Military members looking for the lowest auto rates. In operation since 1922, USAA has been protecting members (and former members) of the military and their families for nearly 100 years.

USAA auto insurance at a glance

Monthly premium costs:

USAA rates are among the lowest in the industry. USAA members who switched from another insurance carrier saved an average of $707 a year, according to the company.

Based on the personal experiences we have gathered from USAA members, the insurer is a great choice for members who only want to insure their auto. Once a member owns a home (or other property) and wants to bundle coverage, they can sometimes find a better rate with another carrier. While this is not always the case, the ability to pay less with another carrier must be weighed against USAA's excellent customer service and the fact that they cover their members no matter where they are stationed in the world.

Coverage options:

• Comprehensive
• Collision
• Liability
• Uninsured/underinsured motorists
• Medical payments
• Roadside assistance
• Ridesharing

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Top perks

Customer service

Each year, J.D. Power conducts an Auto Insurance Satisfaction Study. The company breaks the study down into 11 regions across the U.S. to learn which insurer has the highest customer satisfaction ratings in each region. In their 2021 study, USAA had more satisfied customers in all 11 regions -- a feat rarely accomplished by any other company.

Multiple discounts

USAA reports that their customers can save up to 10% by bundling home and auto insurance. In addition, USAA offers discounts for everything, from good students to family policies.

Flexible payment plan

At no additional cost, members can opt for a flexible, affordable payment plan rather than pay six months' worth of premium at once.

Easy to use from anywhere in the world

USAA members can be stationed anywhere around the globe and know that their insurance follows them.

Financially secure

AM Best gives USAA a financial strength rating of A++ (superior) and S&P Global Ratings awards USAA auto insurance with a AAA rating. What this means is that members know their insurer has the financial resources to back claims.

What could be improved

Available only to members of the military and their families

Not everyone is eligible to take advantage of USAA's low rate and top-notch customer service. Here's a rundown of who can become a member of USAA:

• Those currently serving in the Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy, National Guard, and Reserves.
• Those honorably discharged from the U.S. military who have either retired or separated from service.
• Family members of USAA members who carried USAA auto or property insurance. This includes children whose parents had USAA coverage, widows, widowers, and former spouses who have not remarried.
• Those attending a U.S. service academy, officer candidates within 24 months of commission, and anyone in school on an ROTC scholarship or in advance ROTC training.

Those who aren't eligible for USAA but want a highly ranked auto insurer: Geico provides some of the least expensive premiums in the industry.

For those who like perks: Liberty Mutual's perk offerings, like accident forgiveness and better car replacement, make it an attractive alternative for drivers looking for worry-free coverage.

At a glance, USAA beats the competition in auto insurance premiums. Still, it pays to shop around -- particularly for drivers who plan to bundle coverage. Many insurance companies, including Geico and Progressive, offer a military discount to their customers. Check their rates before deciding if USAA provides the lowest premium costs in your situation.

While premiums that fit your monthly budget matter, don't allow a low price to be the sole determining factor. Financial stability and customer satisfaction play a role in determining the best coverage for drivers. After all, inexpensive coverage that does not pay out when there's an accident does no good.

See how USAA car insurance rates compares to the national averages across the auto insurance industry. These rates are broken out by common driver profile but you're specific quote can vary.

USAA offers a wide range of discounts, including:

• Good student
• Driver training
• Safe driver
• Defensive driving
• Multi-vehicle
• Multi-policy
• New vehicle
• Family
• Military installation (for drivers who live and park their vehicle on base)
• Vehicle storage (when the driver is deployed)
• Low mileage
• Anti-theft device
• USAA SafePilot
• Automatic payments

Policy types

• Life insurance
• Homeowners insurance
• Renters insurance
• Condo insurance
• Umbrella insurance
• Earthquake insurance
• Flood insurance
• Small business insurance
• Motorcycle insurance
• RV insurance
• Boat insurance
• ATV insurance
• Classic car insurance
• Personal watercraft insurance
• Aviation insurance

Coverage types

• Comprehensive
• Collision
• Liability
• Uninsured/underinsured motorists
• Medical payments
• Roadside assistance
• Ridesharing

USAA is the leading brand for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power, and has an A++ rating with A.M. Best and a AAA rating with S&P Global Ratings for financial strength.

• Members (or former members) of the military who want to be covered by a top-rated insurance company
• Those needing monthly premiums that work with their budget
• People who value the financial stability of their insurance company
• Drivers who need coverage when they're deployed

Those who don't have access to a USAA membership can consider another nationwide insurer, like State Farm, Geico, Progressive, or Liberty Mutual.