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USAA vs. GEICO

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When comparing USAA and GEICO, we found that USAA is more affordable on average, but GEICO provides more coverage and discount opportunities for drivers.

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  • USAA offers great flexible payment options and customer service but is limited in its availability.
  • GEICO has a strong industry standing and easy-to-use communication tools but has had some issues with customer service in the past.
  • Read our comparison between these top two providers to make the best choice for your auto insurance needs.

With the landscape of auto insurance changing constantly, it can be tough to decide what company is right for your needs – especially if you’re choosing between two leading providers like GEICO vs. USAA. To make things a little easier, we’ve researched 32 of the best auto insurance and cheapest car insurance companies in areas like customer satisfaction, cost, and coverage.

Now we’re comparing GEICO vs. USAA side by side. Find out how each car insurance company handles claims and protects its customers, as well as how the top providers perform in terms of affordability.

GEICO vs. USAA Car Insurance Reviews

GEICO and USAA are both leaders in the car insurance industry and provide an array of discounts and coverage opportunities. But the coverage that’s right for you will depend on your unique situation and what you are looking for. For example, USAA car insurance tends to be the best choice available for military members, veterans, and their families, while GEICO can be a good option for students and high-risk drivers.

Is GEICO Better than USAA?

In our industry-wide review, GEICO and USAA both received the same overall score from our editorial team. However, the companies scored differently across several categories, including industry standing, availability, coverage, affordability, customer service, and online experience.

Review CategoryGEICOUSAA
Industry Standing4.94.5
Availability5.04.0
Coverage4.24.8
Affordability4.04.8
Customer Service4.34.3
Online Experience4.74.9
Overall Rating4.44.5

GEICO vs. USAA: Pros and Cons

Below, we’ve outlined the most important factors that set GEICO and USAA apart. 

GEICO

  • Pros: High number of discounts, advanced Geico mobile app, and access to insurance representatives anytime
  • Cons: Mixed customer reviews 

USAA

  • Pros: Low rates for military families, payment flexibility, and accident forgiveness 
  • Cons: Limited to military families

Created in 1936, GEICO is one of the leading car insurers in the United States. Aside from auto insurance, the company offers homeowners and life insurance policies. GEICO has received strong industry ratings from AM Best and the BBB. One of the defining features of GEICO car insurance is 24/7 access to representatives and support.

With a similar reputable standing, USAA started in 1922. USAA car insurance is available to active military members, veterans, and their families. It extends coverage to pre-commissioned officers as well. The auto insurer has also received strong industry ratings from AM Best and J.D. Power.

USAA vs. GEICO Car Insurance Coverage

Both GEICO and USAA offer the six standard types of coverage, including:

  • Liability coverage (BI/PD)
    • Bodily injury liability (BI): If you cause an accident, other drivers and their passengers are covered.
    • Property damage liability (PD): If you cause an accident, other vehicles involved are covered.
  • Medical payments (MedPay): Medical costs are covered for you as well as your passengers.
  • Personal injury protection (PIP): This covers medical costs, lost income, and funeral benefits for you and your passengers, regardless of fault. If you drive in a no-fault state, you’re expected to have PIP coverage.
  • Collision: Your vehicle is covered regardless of fault.
  • Comprehensive: This covers damages caused to your vehicle by theft and vandalism, as well as environmental factors like floods.
  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM): If you’re involved in an accident with a driver without insurance or too little insurance, you’re covered. In some states, hit-and-runs are also covered.

USAA vs. GEICO Auto Insurance Options

When comparing GEICO vs. USAA, you’ll want to look beyond standard coverage. The top providers differ in the additional coverage that you can get.

Additional Coverage from GEICOAdditional Coverage from USAA
Emergency roadside assistance: You can request 24/7 roadside assistance for battery jump-starts, flat tire services, and lockout services up to $100.Roadside assistance: This extra protection covers things like towing, flat tire services, lockout services, and gas delivery.
Rental reimbursement: If you’re in need of a rental car and have a covered claim, GEICO will help pay for the rental car costs.Rental reimbursement: This optional coverage can pay for the cost of a rental car after a covered claim.
Mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI): If you own a new or leased car with fewer than 15,000 miles, you’re eligible to purchase GEICO’s mechanical breakdown insurance. A replacement for an extended warranty, MBI covers repair costs for up to seven years/100,000 miles.Accident forgiveness: A highlight of USAA’s additional coverage options, its accident forgiveness coverage keeps your premium costs the same after one at-fault accident. The catch? Remain accident-free for five years.

Is USAA Cheaper than GEICO?

Our cost research shows that USAA and GEICO auto insurance rates are some of the cheapest in the industry on average. USAA averages $98 per month or $1,079 per year for a full coverage policy, while a GEICO full coverage policy averages around $148 per month or $1,779 per year.

USAA Auto Insurance Rates vs. GEICO

USAA and GEICO car insurance costs vary depending on your unique situation. Factors like your age, location, and driving history all impact the price you’ll pay for car insurance. For example, young drivers without experience pay hundreds of dollars more for car insurance coverage.

The sections below will compare car insurance rates for USAA and GEICO.

USAA Auto Insurance Rates vs. GEICO: Young Drivers

USAA car insurance rates are significantly lower for younger drivers than GEICO. The table below compares rates for USAA and GEICO for a 16-year-old driver with a full coverage policy.

CompanyAverage Monthly Car Insurance RateAverage Annual Car Insurance Rate
USAA$414$4,972
GEICO$533$6,394
National Average$680$8,160

USAA Auto Insurance Rates vs. GEICO: Young Adults

On average, USAA is cheaper for young adults when compared with Progressive. The table shows full coverage car insurance rates for USAA and GEICO for a 20-year-old driver.

CompanyAverage Monthly Car Insurance RateAverage Annual Car Insurance Rate
USAA$186$2,230
GEICO$263$3,162
National Average$313$3,752

USAA Auto Insurance Rates vs. GEICO: Adults

USAA and GEICO both offer affordable car insurance coverage on average for adults, far below the national average. The table below details USAA and GEICO’s average car insurance cost for a 30-year-old driver.

CompanyAverage Monthly Car Insurance RateAverage Annual Car Insurance Rate
USAA$106$1,270
GEICO$150$1,796
National Average$171$2,047

USAA Auto Insurance Rates vs. GEICO: Middle-Aged Adults

Our research shows that USAA car insurance rates for middle-aged adults are among the most affordable in the nation on average. The table below shows the cost differences between USAA and GEICO for a full coverage policy for a 50-year-old driver.

CompanyAverage Monthly Car Insurance RateAverage Annual Car Insurance Rate
USAA$94$1,128
GEICO$143$1,719
National Average$158$1,895

USAA Rates vs. GEICO: High-Risk Drivers

Drivers with a recent speeding ticket, at-fault accident, or DUI on their record tend to pay more for car insurance coverage on average. The reason is that car insurance companies view high-risk drivers as a liability compared to safer drivers.

The sections below will compare USAA and GEICO cost estimates for high-risk drivers.

USAA Rates vs. GEICO: Speeding Tickets

Drivers with a speeding ticket who qualify for USAA insurance may find affordable coverage with the provider. The tables below show the costs for a full coverage policy from USAA and GEICO.

CompanyAverage Monthly Car Insurance RateAverage Annual Car Insurance Rate
USAA$120$1,438
GEICO$206$2,470
National Average$207$2,487

USAA Rates vs. GEICO: Recent Accident

Based on our cost data, USAA tends to offer car insurance rates far below the national average for drivers with a recent accident. The table below compares cost data between USAA and GEICO for a full coverage policy.

CompanyAverage Monthly Car Insurance RateAverage Annual Car Insurance Rate
USAA$142$1,709
GEICO$259$3,103
National Average$243$2,911

USAA Rates vs. GEICO: DUI

USAA provides affordable coverage on average for drivers with a DUI compared to GEICO. The table below shows the cost differences between USAA and GEICO for 40-year-old drivers with a recent DUI.

CompanyAverage Monthly Car Insurance RateAverage Annual Car Insurance Rate
USAA$184$2,209
GEICO$364$4,373
National Average$294$3,531

USAA Car Insurance vs. GEICO Discounts

Beyond the base price you pay for auto insurance, you want to know what discounts you can qualify for between Geico vs. USAA. A few good discounts can greatly reduce your monthly or annual premium.

GEICO DiscountsUSAA Discounts
Multiple policiesMultiple policies (up to 10%)
Multiple vehicles (25%)Multiple vehicles
Military (15%)Military installation (up to 15%)
Emergency deployment (25%)Vehicle storage (up to 60%)
Good student (15%)Good student
Good driver (26%)Safe driver
Driver’s education courseDriver training
New vehicle (15%)Defensive driving
Federal employee (8%)New vehicle
Membership/employeeAnnual mileage
Anti-theft system (25%)Family discount (up to 10%)
Anti-lock brakes (5%)Length of membership
Air bags (25 to 40%)
Daytime running lights (1%)
Seat belt use (15% off MedPay or PIP)

USAA vs. GEICO Customer Service

We’ve given GEICO a 4.4 out of 5.0 satisfaction rating for customer service, reflecting some issues customers have had with local agents and company representatives. According to the J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Auto Insurance Study, GEICO’s overall customer service experience was rated “average” compared to other car insurance companies. However, the auto insurer offers customers many ways to get in touch with representatives, including the GEICO Mobile app and GEICO Voice.

On the other hand, USAA received a 4.5 out of 5.0 satisfaction rating in our industry review. Although the car insurance company doesn’t have any physical locations, it earned one of the highest ratings for claims satisfaction in J.D. Power’s 2021 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study. To get in contact with a USAA representative, you can reach out online, by phone, and through the mobile app. The USAA mobile app lets you request roadside assistance, file claims, and review an accident checklist.

GEICO vs. USAA: Conclusion

GEICO and USAA are two of the biggest names in auto insurance for a reason. Both providers have comprehensive choices for coverage, reasonable costs, and high ratings from industry experts. If you are an active or retired member of the military, USAA is likely the better choice for you. For drivers who don’t qualify for USAA, GEICO was recognized in our industry review as one of the best overall car insurance companies.

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GEICO vs. USAA Alternatives

Before committing to any auto insurance plan, it’s best to get quotes from multiple providers. That way, you ensure you’re not only getting the best coverage but also the best deal. Auto insurance quotes are based on many factors, including the age and mileage of your vehicle, your driving history, and your location. Here are two more providers that you should consider while shopping for insurance.

Progressive: Best for Accident-Prone Drivers

Progressive has an A+ financial strength rating from AM Best and high scores from us in many categories, including coverage options and price. The popular auto insurance company has one of the most streamlined and well-rounded tech experiences of any insurer. On Progressive’s website, you can use the Name Your Price tool to find a plan that fits your budget. There’s also a price comparison tool that lets you compare Progressive to competitors side by side.

Read more: Progressive insurance reviews

State Farm: Best Customer Experience

State Farm is another great choice for auto insurance, especially for student drivers. The insurer offers many different discounts, including the Drive Safe & Save and Steer Clear® safe driving programs. By braking efficiently and avoiding late-night driving, you can save money on your car insurance even if you’re a young driver faced with traditionally high rates.

Read more: State Farm Insurance reviews

GEICO Car Insurance vs. USAA: FAQ

Below are frequently asked questions about GEICO car insurance vs. USAA.

Is USAA actually cheaper?

Based on our research, USAA is one of the cheapest car insurance providers in the industry for military members, veterans, and their families. It typically provides some of the lowest rates in the industry for good driving, costing $98 per month or $1,179 per year for a full coverage policy.

Who is better than USAA?

In our review of the best car insurance companies, we found that State Farm is the Best Overall car insurance provider in the industry. The company regularly offers some of the most affordable rates for students and offers multiple incentives and discounts to lower car insurance premiums.

Is USAA a top-rated insurance company?

Yes, USAA is a top-rated insurance company. It holds an A++ financial strength rating from AM Best and regularly tops industry studies as the best overall company in terms of claims and customer satisfaction.

Our Methodology

Our expert review team takes satisfaction in providing accurate and unbiased information. We identified the following rating categories based on consumer survey data and conducted extensive research to formulate rankings of the best car insurance providers.

  • Affordability: A variety of factors influence cost, so it can be difficult to compare quotes between providers. Our team considers auto insurance rate estimates generated by Quadrant Information Services and discount opportunities when giving this score.
  • Coverage: Because each consumer has unique needs, it’s essential that a car insurance company offers an array of coverage options. We take into account types of insurance available, maximum coverage limits, and add-on policies.
  • Industry Standing: Our team considers Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings, financial strength, and years in business when giving this score.
  • Availability: Auto insurers with greater state availability and few eligibility requirements are more likely to meet consumer needs.
  • Customer Service: Reputable car insurance providers operate with a certain degree of care for consumers. We consider complaints filed with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), J.D. Power claims servicing scores, and customer feedback.
  • Online Experience: Insurers with easy-to-use websites and highly rated mobile apps scored best in this category.