USAA
- High customer satisfaction ratings.
- One-stop shop for insurance as well as banking and investing products.
- Policies available in all states and Washington, D.C.
- Available only to military families, veterans and some federal employees.
NerdWallet's take on USAA auto insurance
USAA earned 4.7 stars out of 5 for overall performance, according to our analysis.
Best for: Military members, veterans, their families and anyone else who is eligible for a policy from USAA.
Not ideal for: Anyone who isn’t eligible, which includes most drivers across the U.S.
Where USAA car insurance stands out
Customer satisfaction. USAA consistently earns high customer satisfaction ratings, often placing among the top insurers. However, it’s often ranked separately because of its specific eligibility requirements.
One-stop shop. USAA sells many different types of insurance, while also providing banking and investing products to customers. Some of these offerings are available even if you don’t have a military connection.
Where USAA car insurance falls short
Exclusive availability. USAA might be one of the best insurers in our comparisons, but it’s only available to a small group of people.
See what you could save on car insurance
Easily compare personalized rates to see how much switching car insurance could save you.
How much is USAA car insurance?
USAA car insurance costs an average of $1,499 per year for full coverage, compared to the national average of $2,300. This is according to NerdWallet’s November 2025 analysis.
Our analysis also found that USAA car insurance costs an average of $381 per year for minimum coverage, compared to the national average of $627.
USAA car insurance rates vs. other large insurers
USAA’s car insurance rates are generally among the cheapest when it comes to large U.S. insurers. Below are average annual rates for a full coverage policy for a 35-year-old driver with a clean driving history and good credit.
» MORE: Compare car insurance rates
USAA auto insurance rates by age
Your age will play a big role in how much you pay for car insurance. We’ve found that young drivers pay the most, with prices dropping steadily the older the driver gets. USAA is consistently among the cheapest insurers for every age group in our rates analysis.
Here are USAA's average car insurance rates for drivers of different ages:
20-year-olds
USAA: $3,303/year National: $4,684/year
The average cost of USAA car insurance for 20-year-old drivers is $3,303 per year, or $275 per month. That's significantly less than the national average for this age group, which is $4,684 per year, or $390 per month.
Our analysis also found that USAA's rates for 20-year-old drivers are the cheapest compared to other large auto insurers.
40-year-olds
USAA: $1,417/year National: $2,232/year
The average cost of USAA car insurance for 40-year-old drivers is $1,417 per year, or $118 per month. That's a lot lower than the national average for this age group, which is $2,232 per year, or $186 per month.
Our analysis also found that USAA's rates for 40-year-old drivers are the cheapest compared to other large auto insurers.
60-year-olds
USAA: $1,243/year National: $1,988/year
The average cost of USAA car insurance for 60-year-old drivers is $1,243 per year, or $104 per month. That's significantly cheaper than the national average for this age group, which is $1,988 per year, or $166 per month.
Our analysis also found that USAA's rates for 60-year-old drivers are much cheaper when compared to other large auto insurers.
- More USAA auto rates by age
Age USAA median rate National median rate 20 $3,303 $4,684 30 $1,573 $2,375 35 $1,499 $2,300 40 $1,417 $2,232 50 $1,331 $2,074 60 $1,243 $1,988 70 $1,270 $2,125
USAA auto insurance rates by driver profile
USAA may be a cheaper option for drivers who have a recent speeding ticket, at-fault crash or DUI, while drivers with poor credit may find more affordable rates elsewhere.
Below are USAA's average full coverage rates for 35-year-old drivers.
Poor credit
USAA: $2,729/year National: $3,850/year
The average cost of USAA car insurance for drivers with poor credit is $2,729 per year, or $227 per month. That's much cheaper than the national average, which is $3,850 per year, or $321 per month.
Our analysis also found that USAA's rates for drivers with poor credit are among the cheapest when compared to other large auto insurers.
(California, Hawaii and Massachusetts don't allow insurers to use credit when determining car insurance rates.)
Speeding ticket
USAA: $1,826/year National: $2,931/year
The average cost of USAA car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket is $1,826 per year, or $152 per month. That's cheaper than the national average, which is $2,931 per year, or $244 per month.
Our analysis also found that USAA's rates for drivers with a speeding ticket are the cheapest when compared to other large auto insurers.
(California, Hawaii and Massachusetts don't allow insurers to use credit when determining car insurance rates.)
At-fault crash
USAA: $2,160/year National: $3,405/year
The average cost of USAA car insurance for a driver with an at-fault crash is $2,160 per year, or $180 per month. That's much cheaper than the national average, which is $3,405 per year, or $284 per month.
Our analysis also found that USAA's rates for drivers with an at-fault crash are the cheapest when compared to other large auto insurers.
DUI
USAA: $2,921/year National: $4,265/year
The average cost of USAA car insurance for a driver with a DUI crash is $2,921 per year, or $243 per month. That's significantly cheaper than the national average, which is $4,265 per year, or $355 per month.
Our analysis also found that USAA's rates for drivers with a DUI are among the cheapest when compared to other large auto insurers.
USAA auto insurance discounts
Depending on your state, you may be able to save on auto insurance by:
Going at least five years without an accident.
Completing a defensive driving or basic driver training course.
Meeting USAA’s standards for a good student.
Having a car that is three years old or newer.
Installing an anti-theft device.
Insuring multiple vehicles through USAA.
Driving relatively few miles in a year.
Storing your vehicle in a safe location and not driving it.
Being a former dependent on your parents’ insurance and taking over as the new policyholder.
Garaging your vehicle on a military base.
Having multiple policies with USAA.
If you’re looking for the cheapest auto insurance rates possible, you may want to buy the minimum car insurance needed to drive in your state. Read our cheap car insurance article to see average minimum car insurance rates by company and state.
USAA car insurance coverage
USAA's full coverage car insurance includes the standard types of coverage offered by most insurers:
- Liability insurance
Liability car insurance pays for others’ injuries or property damage you cause in a car accident, up to your auto policy limits. There are two types:
Bodily injury liability covers others’ medical expenses after an accident where you are at fault.
Property damage liability covers the repair costs to other vehicles, fences, mailboxes or buildings from an accident.
Is it required? Yes. Every state, except for Virginia and remote parts of Alaska, requires drivers to have a minimum amount of liability car insurance in order to drive legally.
- Personal injury protection
Also known as "no-fault insurance," PIP covers your own injuries and medical expenses after a crash, regardless of who's at fault, up to your policy limits. Depending on your state, PIP could also help pay for:
Lost wages if you're unable to work due to your injuries from a car accident.
Services you can't perform because of an accident, such as house cleaning or child care.
Funeral costs if an injury from an accident leads to death.
A small death benefit as a cash payout.
Is it required? Personal injury protection is required in the following states: Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Oregon and Utah.
- Medical payments coverage
Medical payments coverage, or MedPay, helps pay for your medical expenses or funeral costs after a car accident, no matter who's at fault, up to your policy limits. It also pays for medical bills if you or one of your family members is hit by a car while on foot, riding a bike or traveling as a passenger in someone else’s car.
Is it required? MedPay is required in Maine and New Hampshire, and can be purchased as an optional add-on in most other states. In a few states, MedPay can't be purchased because personal injury protection is required.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage pays out if you're in an accident where the at-fault driver has no liability car insurance, or not enough to cover your injuries or property damage. It can also be used to pay for your passengers’ and household family members’ injuries.
Is it required? Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is required in Washington, D.C., and the following states: Connecticut, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
- Collision insurance
Collision insurance reimburses you to fix or replace your car if you crash into another car or object. It can also pay for hit-and-runs, rollovers and damage caused by uninsured or underinsured drivers.
Collision insurance becomes less useful the older your car is. That's because it reimburses you for repairs only up to the actual cash value of your car, minus your deductible.
Is it required? Collision insurance isn't mandatory in any state, but most lenders require it if you finance or lease your car. And when you buy collision insurance, you'll likely have to also get comprehensive insurance, which pays for damage to your car from non-traffic-related causes.
- Comprehensive insurance
Comprehensive insurance reimburses you to fix or replace your car after non-traffic-related causes, such as:
Weather events, like hail, floods or tornadoes.
Falling objects, such as tree limbs.
Fire or explosions.
Hitting an animal.
Car theft and broken windows.
Earthquakes.
Vandalism or civil disobedience, such as a riot.
Comprehensive insurance becomes less useful the older your car is. That's because it reimburses you for repairs only up to the actual cash value of your car, minus your deductible.
Is it required? Comprehensive insurance isn't mandatory in any state, but most lenders require it if you finance or lease your car. And when you buy comprehensive insurance, you'll likely have to also get collision insurance, which pays for damage to your car from traffic-related causes.
Optional coverage
USAA also offers some types of optional coverage, such as:
Rental reimbursement. This type of coverage will pay for the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is in the shop after a covered accident. (Rental reimbursement might also be called "transportation expense coverage” on your policy, depending on where you live.)
Rideshare insurance. If you drive for a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft, you can add USAA’s rideshare coverage to make sure you’re insured during the time the app is on but you haven’t been matched yet with a rider.
When shopping for car insurance, it's important to understand what coverage you want and what you’re required to buy. Most states require a minimum amount of car insurance to drive a vehicle, but if you can afford it, we recommend getting full coverage insurance.
USAA's SafePilot program
USAA’s SafePilot program uses a smartphone app to track your driving habits. You can earn a 10% discount just for signing up, and may get an even bigger discount if you maintain safe driving habits while using the SafePilot app. The SafePilot app tracks things like when you drive, how hard you brake and whether you use your phone while driving.
Is USAA a good insurance company?
USAA may not always be ranked alongside other top insurers because its policies aren’t available to all drivers. But that doesn’t mean it’s a bad company. In fact, we found that USAA consistently scores as one of the best car insurance companies in the nation.
Complaints: Compared to other companies of its size, USAA received more than the expected number of complaints, according to an analysis of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
Shopping: USAA doesn’t receive rankings in J.D. Power’s auto insurance studies because its policies aren’t available to everyone. However, USAA did get the most positive feedback in J.D. Power’s 2025 Insurance Shopping Study. This study looks at how shoppers feel about a company’s buying process.
Claims satisfaction: Similarly, USAA wasn’t ranked in J.D. Power’s 2025 Auto Insurance Claims Satisfaction study, but did earn the second-highest score. This study measures how customers feel about an insurer’s claims process.
See what you could save on car insurance
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More information about USAA car insurance
Customer service: Call 800-531-8722 or 210-531-8722.
Website: USAA’s site has information about coverage options, plus advice on topics such as how to live in retirement, prepare for natural disasters and buy a car. Planners and calculators help you determine your financial needs.
Mobile app: USAA’s mobile app is available for Apple and Android devices. You can pay bills, get ID cards, request roadside assistance or file a claim.
Other USAA reviews
How we review auto insurance companies
Our editorial team considers these factors when reviewing auto insurance companies:
- Financial strength
We use AM Best ratings to confirm an insurer’s long-term financial stability and ability to pay claims. NerdWallet does not recommend companies with a rating lower than a B.
- Complaints
These ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. The best auto insurance companies have fewer than the expected number of complaints.
- Ease of use
This category looks at how easily consumers can interact with an insurer through its mobile app and website. This includes how much coverage information is offered online, whether a user can start and track a claim online and get a quote and mobile app scores based on the Apple and Google Play store ratings.
- Discounts
We look at the kind of discounts a company offers and the total number of discounts available.
Read our full auto insurance methodology.
We nerd out on car insurance
Our goal is to give you what you need to make smart decisions about your car insurance.
Here’s why you can trust NerdWallet:
We do our homework. We regularly evaluate and review many of the insurance companies we write about. And all of our content is fact-checked before publication. This means the star ratings you see on our reviews are accurate and up-to-date.
We analyze the data. We update our average car insurance rates every month. To do that, we analyze more than 500 million rates from across the country. These rates are provided by Quadrant Information Services.
We are unbiased. NerdWallet’s content is never influenced by our business partners and advertisers. Learn more about how we write in our editorial guidelines.
Frequently asked questions
Is USAA a good auto insurance company?
Is USAA a good auto insurance company?
Everyone has different insurance needs, but USAA consistently ranks as one of the top car insurance companies in our comparisons. It’s a good fit for many types of drivers, as long as they are eligible to get a USAA policy.
Does USAA auto insurance cover rental cars?
Does USAA auto insurance cover rental cars?
Yes, USAA offers rental car reimbursement as an optional coverage. If you add it to your policy, then your insurance will cover the cost of a rental car while yours is in the shop.
Article sources
NerdWallet writers are subject matter authorities who use primary, trustworthy sources to inform their work, including peer-reviewed studies, government websites, academic research and interviews with industry experts. All content is fact-checked for accuracy, timeliness and relevance. You can learn more about NerdWallet's high standards for journalism by reading our editorial guidelines.
- 1.J.D. Power. 2025 Insurance Shopping Study. Accessed Dec 19, 2025.
- 2.J.D. Power. 2025 Auto Insurance Claims Satisfaction. Accessed Dec 19, 2025.
Methodology
Insurer complaints methodology
NerdWallet examined complaints received by state insurance regulators and reported to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in 2022-2024. To assess how insurers compare to one another, the NAIC calculates a complaint index each year for each subsidiary, measuring its share of total complaints relative to its size, or share of total premiums in the industry. To evaluate a company’s complaint history, NerdWallet calculated a similar index for each insurer, weighted by market shares of each subsidiary, over the three-year period. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. Ratios are determined separately for auto, home (including renters and condo) and life insurance.
Auto insurance ratings methodology
NerdWallet’s auto insurance ratings reward companies for customer-first features and practices. Ratings are based on weighted averages of scores in several categories, including financial strength, consumer complaints and discounts. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim. Using our editorial discretion, we also consider customer satisfaction surveys. These ratings are a guide, but we encourage you to shop around and compare several insurance quotes to find the best rate for you. NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our editorial guidelines and full ratings methodology for auto insurance.
Average rates methodology
NerdWallet averaged rates based on public filings obtained by pricing analytics company Quadrant Information Services. We examined rates for men and women for all ZIP codes in any of the 50 states and Washington, D.C. Although it’s one of the largest insurers in the country, Liberty Mutual is not included in our rates analysis due to a lack of publicly available information.
In our analysis, “good drivers” had no moving violations on record; a “good driving” discount was included for this profile. Our “good” and “poor” credit rates are based on credit score approximations and do not account for proprietary scoring criteria used by insurance providers.
These are average rates, and your rate will vary based on your personal details, state and insurance provider.
Sample drivers had the following coverage limits:
$100,000 bodily injury liability coverage per person.
$300,000 bodily injury liability coverage per crash.
$50,000 property damage liability coverage per crash.
$100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage per person.
$300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage per crash.
Collision coverage with $1,000 deductible.
Comprehensive coverage with $1,000 deductible.
We used the same assumptions for all other driver profiles, with the following exceptions:
We changed the credit tier from “good” to “poor” as reported to the insurer to see rates for drivers with poor credit. In states where credit isn’t taken into account, we only used rates for “good credit.”
For drivers with one at-fault crash, we added a single at-fault crash costing $10,000 in property damage.
For drivers with a DUI, we added a single drunken-driving violation.
We used a 2022 Toyota Camry LE in all cases and assumed 12,000 annual miles driven. We analyzed rates for drivers of the following ages: 20, 30, 35, 40, 50, 60 and 70.
Auto insurance survey methodology
The opt-in survey of 7,503 U.S. adults ages 18 and older was conducted online by Russell Research on behalf of NerdWallet in June and July 2024. Respondents were asked to rate one auto insurance brand they obtained or renewed a policy within the past 12 months, with at least some changes to the original policy. These brands were rated on overall satisfaction, overall value, online experience, trustworthiness, mobile app experience, claims experience and customer support on a scale of 1-100.
Only brands with 100 or more qualifying respondents are reported. Of those respondents: 300 were State Farm customers, 300 were Progressive customers, 300 were Allstate customers, 300 were GEICO customers, 100 were USAA customers, 157 were AAA customers, 100 were Liberty Mutual customers, 100 were American Family customers, 100 were Farmers customers, 100 were Travelers customers and 101 were Nationwide customers.
