USAA auto insurance review 2022

USAA was recognized as one of the best auto insurance companies for its affordable rates and customer service. USAA policyholders benefit from a variety of discounts on top of competitive rates and enjoy easy policy management through its digital services. However, the company also has strict eligibility requirements — only military members and eligible family members can buy USAA insurance.

• Average full coverage premium: $1,484 per year
• Region offered: All 50 states and Washington, D.C.
• Market share: 3.2%
• AM Best rating/financial strength profile: A++ (Superior)
• J.D. Power auto claims satisfaction rating: 909/1,000

USAA customer satisfaction and complaints

USAA consistently performs well in J.D. Power’s studies on customer satisfaction for auto insurance. In J.D. Power’s 2021 Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, USAA earned a 909 out of 1,000 points. USAA also performed well in J.D. Power’s regional studies for overall car insurance satisfaction, earning above average in every region. 

These scores can be useful to customers who prioritize customer service while looking for car insurance. However, keep in mind that USAA does not officially rank in any of the J.D. Power studies because of its eligibility restrictions.

How factors affect USAA’s auto insurance rates

USAA offers a range of coverage and averages $539 a year for minimum liability policies and full coverage policies averaging $1,484 a year. Numerous factors will affect your specific auto insurance costs. The table below demonstrates the impact on USAA full coverage rates with specific factors added for comparison. 

Accidents and tickets

Incidents on your driving record, like a speeding ticket, at-fault accident or DUI, indicate to car insurance companies how risky you might be to insure. If you have one or more marks on your record, car insurance carriers will typically raise your premium to help cover costs and offset future claims. 

The good news is that accidents and tickets won’t impact your car insurance rates forever. Car insurance carriers typically have a surcharge for incidents that occurred within the last three to five years, although more serious incidents may be longer. To help keep costs low, maintaining a clean driving record is one of the best strategies for affordable car insurance. 

How credit affects car insurance rates

Most states allow the use of credit scores to help determine insurance premiums, except California, Michigan, Massachusetts and Hawaii. While the proprietary analysis of your credit score varies by provider and state, studies show that the score can be a predictor of individual risk. In other words, a lower credit score correlates with the increased likelihood of filing a claim.

USAA’s average full coverage premiums saw a substantial increase with poor credit as a variable. Thankfully credit scores can be improved over time, so you may be able to effectively reduce your premiums with better credit. According to the Insurance Information Institute, about 50% of policyholders can pay lower premiums because of good credit. 

USAA auto insurance discounts

Car insurance discounts can help lower your final premium by providing a lot of savings. Knowing what discount opportunities USAA has could be useful when quoting to make sure you’ve got them all. Some unique car insurance discounts are:

• Multiple policy discount: Bundling your home and auto insurance with USAA could reward you with even more savings. 
• Vehicle garaging: If your car is parked at a military installation, you could earn a discount on your car insurance. 
• Safe driver discount: Drivers who have not had an at-fault accident or moving violation within the last 5 years may qualify for this discount. 
• SafePilot: This is USAA’s usage-based telematics program that monitors driving behaviors and provides rewards based on safe driving habits. In eligible states, drivers who perform well can earn a hefty savings off their auto insurance premium at the next renewal. 

USAA vs. other insurance companies

Alternative insurance products offered by USAA

USAA might be well-known for its car insurance, but it also has other insurance products. Below are two of the most popular USAA insurance products, but eligible customers can also buy health insurance, flood insurance, boat insurance and more. 

USAA home insurance

USAA home insurance also scored well for customer satisfaction in J.D. Power’s Home Insurance Study. Its coverage is also tailored to the needs of military members with Home Sharing Coverage to insure their home if it is partially or fully rented out and coverage for military uniforms that have been damaged while on deployment or active duty. Available home insurance discounts include claims-free, multiple policy and protective devices discounts.

USAA life insurance

USAA life insurance is a convenient way for USAA customers to further protect their families. The company offers term life, simplified whole life and universal whole life. Guaranteed whole life is also available through USAA’s partner Mutual of Omaha.

Methodology

Coverage Utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze quoted rates from thousands of zip codes across all 50 states, using USAA’s premiums written. Quoted rates are based around the profiles of a 30-year-old male and female with clean driving records, good credit and the following full coverage details:

• $100k bodily injury liability per person
• $300k bodily injury liability coverage per crash
• $100k property damage liability coverage per crash
• $500 collision coverage deductible
• $500 comprehensive coverage deductible

Minimum coverages were applied to match state requirements. Both drivers used a new, financed 2018 Toyota Camry, commuting 5 days a week and driving 12,000 miles per year.

An accident was defined as an at-fault accident with $3k in property damage. A speeding incident was defined as speeding 16-20 MPH over the limit.

These rates were publicly sourced from insurer filings and should be used for comparative purposes only – your own quotes may be different.