USAA Auto Insurance Review 2026

Yes, USAA is often worth it for veterans, and one of our top car insurance choices for the military community. The provider offers some of the lowest average rates, along with strong customer satisfaction scores and military-specific benefits. USAA also receives high marks for financial strength from AM Best, meaning it has the monetary backing to fulfill claims.

USAA is a great car insurance option for anyone affiliated with the U.S. military. Its rates are below the national average for drivers with many profiles, including drivers with a DUI, at-fault accident, and bad credit.

Who Is Eligible for USAA?

If you fall into any of the following categories, you are eligible for USAA membership:

• Active-duty members of the U.S. military
• Members of the National Guard or Reserves
• Veterans with an honorable or general under honorable conditions discharge
• Precommissioned officers in ROTC, a service academy, or officer candidate 
• Spouses of a current or former USAA member
• Child or stepchild of a USAA member
• An unmarried former spouse of a USAA member, if the member joined during the marriage
• Widows/widowers of USAA members

USAA Eligibility for Children and Dependents

Children of USAA members can usually keep their membership even after they move out or become financially independent. Stepchildren may also qualify for membership.

On average, USAA charges $1,533 annually ($128 monthly) for full coverage and $436 annually ($36 monthly) for minimum coverage. USAA has the lowest rates among the companies we analyzed. Its rates are 35 percent below the national average for full coverage and 40 percent below the national average for minimum coverage.

We recommend getting an auto insurance quote if you’re eligible for USAA membership. Some customers report that USAA has raised its rates in the past year, which my family and I experienced as well. However, it was not a large bump and seemed to be in line with the industry as a whole.

USAA is usually the benchmark for military-focused auto insurance, but companies like GEICO, Liberty Mutual, and Farmers also have military discounts and nationwide coverage. Here’s how they compare.

A note on military discounts: GEICO and other carriers apply their military discounts as a percentage reduction off a standard rate available to the general public. USAA’s lower rates, by contrast, are the baseline — available to all eligible members automatically. For example, GEICO’s 15% military discount applied to its average full coverage premium of $1,867 brings the effective rate to roughly $1,587, still above USAA’s average baseline rate of $1,533. For most veterans and military families, USAA’s model delivers more savings than a traditional discount program.

In addition to sharing my personal experience with USAA, our team analyzed real-life customer feedback and review patterns to understand what other drivers think. By analyzing over 3,000 customer reviews from major platforms like Reddit, Trustpilot and more, we identified common themes in customer satisfaction, complaints, and overall experience. Here’s what we found:

What Real Customers Say:

“Hit a deer and totaled my truck. Was 100% super easy through USAA. Prices for insurance always change, and I can’t speak to how well they really paid me off for it because I didn’t have a choice.”

“USAA is great when it is time to put in a claim, they will take care of you with no gimmicks. That peace of mind can cost a bit extra, but every other year or so I shop around and ask USAA to match and it keeps it pretty low.”¹

Another thing I love about USAA is the plethora of discounts you can get. With three vehicles to insure, plus a teenage driver and a teenager with a learner’s permit, we utilize as many as we can. You can earn discounts with USAA for the following:

My family has tapped into the following discounts, which save us $433 per six-month policy cycle. USAA threw in an additional $882 discount for having multiple USAA products, an on-time payment history, and a longtime membership.

• Multi-car
• Low annual mileage
• Automatic payment
• Passive restraint
• Daytime running lights
• Driver training
• Good student

You can begin your USAA quote online at https://www.usaa.com/inet/wc/auto-insurance. To get a quote from USAA by phone, call 800-531-USAA (8722). To check your membership eligibility, go to https://www.usaa.com/join/get-started/.

USAA offers all standard auto coverages, such as liability, medical payments, uninsured/underinsured motorist, collision, and comprehensive. In addition, you can purchase the following coverages:

• Car replacement assistance, which adds 20 percent of the actual cash value of your vehicle to the settlement amount in the event of a total loss (for example, if your car is worth $10,000 when it’s totaled, USAA will pay out $12,000)
• Rental reimbursement, which pays for a rental car while your car is in the shop for repairs after a covered loss
• Roadside assistance, which can help with towing, flat tires, breakdowns, running out of fuel, lockouts, and stuck vehicles
• Rideshare coverage, which you may need if you drive for a company like Lyft, Uber, or DoorDash. USAA offers rideshare coverage in every state except Hawaii, Michigan, Montana, North Carolina, New Mexico, New York, South Carolina, and Virginia.
• Umbrella insurance, which helps pay for damages that exceed your policy limits, typically due to major losses, injury claims, or lawsuits.

USAA does not sell stand-alone gap coverage, but car replacement assistance functions similarly and will usually cover any remaining loan balance in the event of a total loss.

Why I Added Accident Forgiveness to My Policy

One type of additional coverage we elected to get is accident forgiveness. With teen drivers in our household, this seemed like a prudent coverage to add. USAA’s accident forgiveness coverage means it won’t increase your premium after the first at-fault accident of anyone on the policy, including teens.

You can also earn accident forgiveness by maintaining an accident-free driving record with USAA for five years. Once earned, you get the coverage without paying any additional premium. We’re glad we’ve earned accident forgiveness coverage — and hope our teen drivers help us keep it!

Where Is USAA Auto Insurance Available?

USAA sells auto insurance in all 50 states; Washington, D.C.; and select international locations, including the following:

• Azores
• Belgium
• Cuba
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Guam
• Italy
• Netherlands
• Portugal
• Puerto Rico
• South Korea
• Spain
• U.S. Virgin Islands
• United Kingdom

Highlighted Offering: Usage-Based Insurance

Through SafePilot Miles, USAA offers usage-based insurance in all states except the following: California, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.

Usage-based insurance can save you money if you drive infrequently (less than 8,000 miles annually). With this type of policy, your premium consists of a fixed monthly rate plus a monthly mileage adjustment. An app will track how many miles you drive, as well as behaviors like braking, accelerating, phone use, and nighttime driving. Every month, your variable rate is determined by how many miles you drive and your driving behaviors.

As I mentioned above, you can also get a low-annual-mileage discount with USAA without signing up for the app, which is what my family and I do.

Other Insurance USAA Provides

USAA also sells the following policies:

• ATV
• Aviation
• Boat and personal watercraft
• Business
• Classic car
• Condo, homeowners, and renters
• Cybersecurity
• Farm and ranch
• Flood
• Health, including dental and vision
• Landlord
• Life
• Mobile home
• Motorcycle
• Personal property
• Pet
• RV and motorhome
• Special event
• Travel

My family has bundled several additional policies for even more savings with USAA, including camper, life, homeowners, and personal property insurance.

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel your USAA auto insurance policy by calling 800-531-8722. There is no cancellation fee, but make sure you find a new insurance policy before you cancel your USAA policy so you don’t have a gap in auto insurance coverage.

One of USAA’s biggest advantages for military families is its flexibility during changes tied to military service, like deployment or relocation. Here’s how the provider handles some common situations associated with military life.

Deployment and Vehicle Storage

If you’re deployed and won’t be driving for an extended period, USAA provides a storage discount. This can greatly lower your premium while maintaining certain coverages, such as comprehensive insurance for theft, vandalism, or weather damage 

Before storing your vehicle, you’ll need to:

• Confirm that you won’t be driving the vehicle
• Update your garaging address (if needed)
• Notify USAA about deployment dates

Once you return, you can reinstate your usual coverage through the USAA app or by calling customer service.

Permanent Change of Station Moves

Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves can affect your premiums and coverage requirements since car insurance laws vary by state. When you move, USAA may need the following information:

• Your garaging address
• Vehicle registration information
• Driver’s license information
• State minimum coverage limits

Your updated rate will depend on your new location. For example, moving from a rural area to a dense urban neighborhood typically results in premium hikes because of higher accident and theft risks. USAA also provides coverage for some overseas (OCONUS) assignments, offering insurance in certain countries in Europe and Asia.

On-Base vs. Off-Base Garaging

USAA has discounts for cars garaged on military installations. Vehicles stored on base usually have a theft or vandalism risk, which can lower premiums compared to off-base parking. However, your rate still depends on factors like accident rates in your area, natural disaster risks, vehicle model, and driving record.

With USAA, you have several ways to file and manage a claim, including through its mobile app, website, and customer service number. Here’s what to expect, from the initial report to repairs or payment.

1. Gather Important Information

Before starting your claim, collect as much information as possible about the accident. This helps speed up the process and reduces back-and-forth with the insurer. You’ll need:

• Your policy number
• Date, time, and location of the incident
• Photos or videos of the damage
• Driver and vehicle information for everyone involved
• Police report number, if applicable
• Contact information for witnesses
• Repair estimates or towing receipts, if you already have them

If the vehicle isn’t drivable, make a note of its location so USAA can help coordinate towing or repairs.

2. File the Claim

You can file a USAA auto claim in one of three ways:

• Through the USAA app
• Online through the USAA website
• By phone at 800-531-8722

USAA recommends filing digitally through the app or website for faster processing. However, if you’re unsure whether to file a claim or have a more complicated situation, speaking with a representative can be more helpful.

3. Get a Repair Estimate

After you submit your claim, USAA will review the damage and give an estimate. For simple claims, estimates may be completed within a day or two. More complex claims involving injuries or multiple vehicles can take longer.

4. Choose a Repair Shop

USAA lets you use either a preferred repair shop in its network or your own mechanic or body shop.

Using a direct repair shop can make the process easier because USAA coordinates with the shop. Many preferred shops also help arrange rental cars nearby. If you use your own repair shop, you may need to coordinate repair timelines and communication yourself. 

5. Track Your Claim

You can track your claim through the USAA app or your online account. Status updates usually include claim review progress, estimate approvals, and repair status. USAA may also send text or email updates throughout the process.

Claims

USAA scored highly on J.D. Power’s 2025 Claims Satisfaction Study, which assesses customer claims experience in six areas: claims servicing, estimate, first notice of loss (i.e., when you first file the claim), rental car, repair, and financial settlement. Because USAA is available to military affiliates only, it was not technically eligible for award criteria. However, with a score of 741 out of 1,000, it would have come in second place overall in claims satisfaction.

Reviews from CRASH Network — an independently published survey of collision repair shops — are mixed. In 2025, USAA’s score remained at a D+ from the previous year, and rose to a C- in 2026. This means some collision repair shops may find the company difficult to work with. Customers may have a better experience working with a USAA-affiliated shop (also known as a direct repair shop).

Customer Satisfaction Highlight: Roadside Assistance

While we’ve not filed an auto claim recently, we have used USAA’s 24/7 Roadside Assistance several times over the past few years. Here’s what we have liked and disliked about the service, which costs us roughly $100 yearly for our three vehicles and popup camper.

You’ll need more than my opinion to make your own decision about USAA. Read on to see what other USAA customers have to say about the company.

Customer Profile

• Customer for over 10 years
• Also has renters insurance
• Financed vehicle with a USAA loan

How long have you been a USAA customer?

I’ve been a customer since my very first insurance policy at age 16, and my family have been members for over 20 years.

Have you ever had to file a claim with USAA? How would you describe the experience?

I have once, and the experience was incredibly quick, smooth, and easy.

How easy was it to get a quote?

I was able to get a quote almost instantaneously over the phone, with minimal wait time.

Customer Profile

• Customer for seven years
• Added spouse to policies
• Also has homeowners and valuable personal property insurance

Have you ever had to file a claim with USAA? How would you describe the experience?

No, I haven’t had to file a claim, but customer service has been very knowledgeable and helpful whenever I’ve called in. They’ve never failed to address an issue I’ve had with policy enrollment, ID card requests, etc.

How easy or difficult was the process of obtaining membership?

Obtaining membership was extremely easy. What I appreciated the most was USAA’s rate comparison tool. That helped my wife and me figure out the best balance of coverage versus cost.

Customer Profile

• Bundles multiple policies
• Has filed a claim

How has your experience been with USAA?

They’re decent, but I did have some issues after a drunk driver hit me and USAA tried to undervalue my underinsured motorist claim. They’re always helpful and insightful, and I don’t make a habit of getting hit by drunk drivers, so hopefully that’s my first and last issue with them.

USAA recommends customers begin a claim on the USAA website or mobile app. You can also file a claim by phone at 1-800-531-USAA (8722). You can work with an in-network USAA shop or your preferred shop; however, be aware that USAA will coordinate repairs with its own shops only. If you choose your own shop, you are responsible for coordinating repairs. Most in-network USAA shops have an Enterprise agency on-site or nearby, making it easy to pick up a rental car if you need one while your vehicle is being repaired.

A few months ago, I considered whether or not to file an uninsured motorist claim with USAA after a minor fender-bender. However, since I wasn’t 100 percent certain I should, the process was difficult on the mobile app, which required yes or no responses to questions about the claim. I ended up calling a customer service representative instead. I decided against filing that claim, and my recommendation is to call if you’re not sure you want to file the claim.

Also, because this was related to an uninsured motorist, there was confusion on my part and the agent’s regarding what exactly my uninsured motorist coverage included. She insisted I couldn’t file a claim because I had the name of the driver, whose auto insurance policy had lapsed. Ultimately, I decided not to file a claim, so the point was moot.

USAA has a robust set of online tools. You can use USAA’s mobile app to file and manage claims, view your ID card, and request roadside assistance. You can also use the app to manage other financial services you might have with USAA, like banking. Like many insurers, USAA has a separate app for its safe driving discount. While the program is called SafePilot, the app is called DriveSafe.

In the beginning, I wasn’t a fan of the app, but now I’ve come to like its features, especially the roadside assistance. I also like getting notifications about my insurance bill and other services we have with USAA.

At AutoInsurance.com, we aim to offer consumers accurate and unbiased information. We assess auto insurance providers like USAA using four key criteria:

• Price (40%): We analyze average premiums for full and minimum coverage, focusing on good drivers with strong credit, as well as drivers with more challenging profiles, such as those with DUIs, accidents, or lower credit scores. Available discounts, like those offered by USAA for military families, are also considered. Our full coverage estimates use the following limits:
  • Bodily injury liability: $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident
  • Property damage liability: $50,000 per accident
  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury: $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident
  • Comprehensive and collision: $500 deductible
• Claims Handling (25%): We evaluate insurers based on benchmarks like the J.D. Power Claims Satisfaction Report and financial stability from AM Best and S&P. When possible, we also incorporate feedback from real customers to provide a more complete picture.
• Customer Experience (25%): USAA consistently ranks highly for customer satisfaction, with a smooth process for obtaining quotes, managing policies, and accessing documents. We assess both online and agent interactions, as well as the quality of the company’s website and mobile app. Data from sources like J.D. Power, NAIC complaint indexes, BBB ratings, and app store reviews inform our evaluation.
• Coverage Options (10%): We look at the range of coverage options offered by providers. USAA offers more than just the basics, with valuable add-ons like accident forgiveness, rental car coverage, and roadside assistance to better protect its members.

Learn more about our rating system and methodology.