USAA auto insurance is available exclusively to active-duty military members, veterans, and their immediate family members, such as spouses and children of USAA members.
When it comes to finding reliable and cost-effective car insurance, especially for military families, USAA auto insurance often tops the list. Known for exceptional customer service, competitive rates, and exclusive member benefits, USAA has become a go-to provider for active-duty military, veterans, and their families.
But is USAA car insurance truly the best fit for your needs? How does it compare to other top providers like Geico, State Farm, or Progressive? And what are the benefits, drawbacks, discounts, and claims experiences real users report?
In this in-depth USAA auto insurance review (2025), we’ll break down everything you need to know—from coverage options and pricing to customer satisfaction and eligibility. We’ll also compare USAA to competitors and explore key features like accident forgiveness, roadside assistance, and policy flexibility. Whether you're an active-duty service member, a veteran, or part of a military family, this review will help you determine if USAA is worth it.
Who is USAA Auto Insurance For?
USAA (United Services Automobile Association) offers financial products and services exclusively to military personnel and their families. This includes:
- Active-duty service members
- Retired military
- Veterans
- Spouses and children of USAA members
This eligibility requirement is a key differentiator. If you don’t meet it, you won’t be able to get a USAA insurance quote or access its products. However, if you do qualify, you’ll be joining a community known for high customer loyalty and satisfaction.
USAA Auto Insurance Coverage Options
USAA offers a comprehensive range of auto coverage, including:
- Liability coverage
- Collision and comprehensive insurance
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Personal injury protection (PIP)
- Medical payments coverage
- Rental reimbursement
- Towing and labor (roadside assistance)
USAA Auto Insurance Discounts
USAA offers a wide range of auto insurance discounts, which can significantly lower your premium:
- Safe driver discount
- Good student discount
- Defensive driving course discount
- Vehicle storage discount (ideal for deployed members)
- Family discount (for teens who transition into their own USAA policy)
- Low annual mileage discount
- Multi-vehicle discount
These offerings make USAA one of the most affordable options for military families.
Standout Features and Benefits
1. USAA Accident Forgiveness
If you qualify for this feature and maintain a clean driving record, your premium won’t go up after your first at-fault accident. This can provide significant peace of mind, especially for young or new drivers in military households.
2. USAA Roadside Assistance Review
Roadside assistance from USAA includes:
- Towing
- Flat tire replacement
- Jump starts
- Lockout service
- Fuel delivery
Customers report quick, reliable support and responsive service—making it one of the top-rated roadside assistance options among auto insurers.
3. Claims Process and Satisfaction
USAA consistently scores high in claims satisfaction surveys, including those from J.D. Power. The mobile app allows easy digital claims filing, while live support is praised for being both compassionate and knowledgeable.
In the 2024 J.D. Power Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, USAA received some of the highest marks in customer service and claims handling, although it is typically listed separately due to eligibility requirements.
USAA Customer Service Review
USAA offers 24/7 customer service, a user-friendly mobile app, and an easy online portal to manage policies and file claims. The USAA customer service rating is consistently high, reflecting the company’s military-first ethos.

Pricing: USAA Insurance Rates and Cost Comparison
Is USAA the cheapest car insurance for military?
Often, yes.
In multiple insurance rate comparison studies, USAA frequently offers the lowest premiums for military families, beating out major competitors. However, exact pricing depends on factors like location, driving record, age, vehicle type, and coverage level.
According to NerdWallet (2025), USAA offers average premiums around $1,150 per year—significantly below the national average for full coverage.
USAA Auto Insurance Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely competitive rates for military
- Excellent customer satisfaction
- Wide range of coverage options and discounts
- Digital-first tools and support
- High claims satisfaction
Cons:
- Only available to military members and families
- No in-person branches
- Some limitations on additional coverage types compared to competitors
USAA Auto Insurance vs. Competitors
Provider | Military Focus | Avg. Annual Premium | Roadside Assistance | Customer Satisfaction |
---|---|---|---|---|
USAA | Yes | $1,150 | Yes | Excellent |
Geico | No (military discount) | $1,350 | Yes | Good |
State Farm | No | $1,400 | Yes | Good |
Progressive | No | $1,550 | Yes | Average |
For military families, USAA wins in cost, service, and satisfaction.
Eligibility and How to Apply
To be eligible for USAA auto insurance, you must be:
- An active, retired, or honorably separated military personnel
- A spouse or child of a USAA member
Once eligible, you can apply online, via the app, or by phone to receive a USAA insurance quote in minutes.
Final Verdict: Is USAA Auto Insurance Worth It?
For those who qualify, USAA offers unmatched value in the car insurance world. Between their low rates, military-focused service, exceptional claims handling, and digital convenience, USAA remains a gold standard in auto coverage for service members and veterans.
That said, if you're not eligible, you’ll need to explore alternatives. But for those who are, this is a top-tier provider that’s hard to beat.
Want to Learn More?
Visit our Learning Center for expert guides on auto coverage, military benefits, and vehicle protection.
USAA Auto Insurance: Answers to the Most Common Questions from Military Drivers and Families
Who qualifies for USAA auto insurance?
Is USAA auto insurance cheaper than other providers?
Yes, USAA often offers some of the lowest auto insurance rates, especially for military families. It consistently ranks as the cheapest car insurance for veterans and active-duty service members in industry comparisons.
What discounts does USAA offer for auto insurance?
USAA offers a variety of discounts, including safe driver, good student, vehicle storage, bundling, and low-mileage discounts. These are tailored to military lifestyles, such as deployments.
Does USAA auto insurance cover rental cars and towing?
Yes, USAA offers optional rental reimbursement and roadside assistance coverage that includes towing, fuel delivery, jump starts, and lockout service.
How does USAA accident forgiveness work?
With USAA’s accident forgiveness, your premium won’t increase after your first at-fault accident, as long as you qualify based on your driving record.
How do I file a claim with USAA auto insurance?
You can file a claim through the USAA mobile app, website, or by calling customer service. The process is streamlined and highly rated for customer satisfaction.
Can I keep USAA auto insurance after leaving the military?
Yes, once you're a USAA member, you can maintain your auto insurance even after transitioning out of active duty or the military entirely.
What is the average cost of USAA auto insurance?
While costs vary by driver profile and location, the average annual premium for full coverage with USAA is around $1,150—significantly below the national average.
How does USAA auto insurance compare to Geico or State Farm?
USAA typically offers lower rates and better customer satisfaction for military families. However, Geico may be an alternative for those not eligible for USAA.
How do I cancel my USAA auto insurance policy?
You can cancel your policy at any time through your online USAA account, mobile app, or by contacting a representative by phone.
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