- Highest possible financial strength rating.
- Above-average J.D. Power scores for both shopping and claims.
- Unique deployment and overseas coverage options.
- Strong discount menu including up to 60% for stored vehicles.
- Member-owned structure offering annual dividends.
- Eligibility limited to military members and their families.
- Low (D+) CRASH Network score.
- Above average NAIC complaint volume.
- Online quotes limited for non-members.
USAA car insurance: Jerry’s verdict
The United Services Automobile Association (USAA) has been serving military members and their families since 1922. It is the fifth-largest auto insurer in the United States by market share — a remarkable achievement considering it’s only available to active-duty military, veterans, select federal employees, pre-commissioned cadets, and children and spouses of eligible members.
For eligible drivers, USAA makes a strong case for itself. It holds an AM Best A++ (Superior) rating, the highest tier available. In J.D. Power’s 2025 studies, USAA scored above average in both the shopping study and the claims study (though it is officially “unranked” in both studies because its eligibility restrictions mean it doesn’t meet J.D. Power’s award criteria). USAA’s products include options that don’t exist at standard carriers: overseas coverage for deployments and PCS moves, big stored-vehicle discounts and a member-owned (mutual) structure that sends annual dividends to policyholders based on the company’s financial performance.
There are some things worth noting, though. USAA’s CRASH Network grade is a D+, which signals that collision repair professionals think its claims handling practices around repair quality are below average, though it’s worth noting that no major national carrier scored above a C in the most recent report. USAA’s NAIC complaint index also runs above the industry baseline (1.00), meaning it receives more complaints than expected for a company of its size. Neither of these negates USAA’s strength for most eligible drivers, but it’s important to get the whole picture before assuming USAA is universally superior.
If you’re eligible, USAA is one of the first carriers worth quoting. Compare top-rated options through Jerry against USAA to find your best possible deal.
Who USAA is best and worst for
An eligible military member or veteran who wants a comprehensive, highly-rated insurer. USAA’s combination of financial strength, above-average J.D. Power scores and products built around military life makes it one of the most complete options for eligible drivers.
A driver who needs overseas or deployment coverage. USAA offers auto coverage outside the United States and significant stored-vehicle discounts… features that other standard carriers don’t offer and cater to real situations that military families face.
A safe driver who wants telematics savings. SafePilot offers up to 30% off at renewal for qualifying driving habits, and SafePilot Miles adds mileage-based pricing for low-mileage drivers.
A driver who isn’t eligible for USAA membership. Eligibility is restricted to active-duty military, veterans, select federal employees, pre-commissioned cadets, and children and spouses of eligible members. Drivers who don’t qualify cannot purchase a USAA policy.
A driver who prioritizes repair shop satisfaction. USAA’s CRASH Network D+ grade suggests collision repair professionals rate its claims handling practices below average — though grades across the industry are generally low, with no major carrier scoring above a C.
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Learn more: Full coverage vs. liability-only insurance
How much does USAA car insurance cost?
USAA has a strong reputation for competitive pricing among eligible members, particularly for drivers with clean records and those who qualify for multiple discounts. Rates vary based on factors like your age, location, vehicle type and age, driving record, other drivers on your policy and the amount of coverage you choose.
USAA’s military-specific discounts can result in big savings, sometimes beyond what standard carriers offer, so it’s always worth shopping around and at least comparing your options if you qualify.
The factors that matter most:
- Your driving record is the biggest factor, and a clean record gets you the best rates while violations push them up significantly. Even a single at-fault accident will raise your premium by 61% on average, while a DUI conviction can mean an even bigger increase. A DUI conviction can also affect your USAA eligibility status, depending on your military standing.
- Credit score plays a significant role in your pricing at USAA; this is done via a credit-based insurance score in most states, and drivers with poor credit will pay more for their coverage. (Note that California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan prohibit the use of credit in insurance pricing.)
- Location matters more than many drivers expect. State regulations, local accident rates, weather exposure and claims costs all affect what USAA charges in your area. Rates vary substantially from state to state and even between ZIP codes.
- Coverage level determines the floor. Minimum liability coverage is significantly cheaper than full coverage but leaves your own vehicle unprotected. The right level depends on your car’s value, your risk tolerance and whether you’re financing or leasing.
Key takeaway: To figure out the right coverage for you, start with your comfort level around risk and what your car is worth. Then let Jerry show you what each option costs in real time.
Learn more: Best car insurance companies
Industry ratings of USAA car insurance
USAA’s financial strength and J.D. Power satisfaction scores are its strongest benchmarks. The CRASH Network grade and NAIC complaint volume are the most significant concerns.
| Rating | USAA’s score |
| NAIC consumer complaint index (2025) | Above average (1.23). |
| CRASH Network report card (2026) | D+. |
| JD Power auto insurance shopping study (2025) | Unranked. (Score equates to first place, though) |
| JD Power auto insurance claims study (2025) | Unranked. (Score equates to second place, though) |
| AM Best (2025) | A++ (Superior). |
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NAIC details
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CRASH Network details
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JD Power details
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AM Best details
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USAA car insurance coverage options
USAA offers the standard suite of personal auto coverage alongside several add-ons designed specifically for military members. Standard coverages include collision, comprehensive, bodily injury liability, property damage liability, medical payments, personal injury protection (PIP) and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
USAA also offers optional add-ons like:
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Rideshare coverage to fill coverage gaps while driving for companies like Uber and Lyft.
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Rental reimbursement to cover a rental vehicle while your car is being repaired after a covered claim.
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Roadside assistance provides a jump-start, tire change, fuel delivery, lockout service and towing.
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Classic car coverage is available through USAA’s partnership with American Collectors Insurance for eligible older vehicles.
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Commercial auto insurance covers business-owned and operated vehicles.
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Overseas auto coverage extends to members driving abroad during a deployment or PCS move, and is unavailable through most standard carriers.
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Coverage Definitions
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Who it pays: The other person, for injuries when you’re at fault in a crash.
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What it covers: Medical bills, lost wages and legal costs for people injured in an accident you cause.
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How it pays: Up to your policy limits, shown as two numbers. For example, 50/100 means $50K per person and $100K per accident.*
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Do you need it? Required by law in every state except New Hampshire. Your state sets a minimum, but Jerry recommends considering limits of at least 100/300.
Property damage liability (PD)
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Who it pays: The other person, for property you damage in a crash.
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What it covers: Costs to repair or replace another person’s car, fence, mailbox or other property you hit.
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How it pays: Up to your policy’s limit. For example, $50K.*
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Do you need it? Required by law in every state except New Hampshire. Your state sets a minimum, but Jerry recommends considering limits of at least $100K.
*Bodily injury liability and property damage liability are typically shown as three numbers on your policy, like 100/300/100. The first two numbers represent your bodily injury limits per person and per accident, while the third number represents your property damage limit.
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Who it pays: You, for damage to your own car.
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What it covers: Costs to repair or replace your own car after a crash with another car or object, like a guardrail or pole.
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How it pays: You pay a deductible first, then insurance covers the rest, typically up to your car’s current market value.
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Do you need it? Required if you’re financing or leasing your car. Optional otherwise, but recommended if your car is worth more than $5,000. May not be worthwhile for older, lower-value cars.
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Who it pays: You, for damage to your own car.
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What it covers: Damage from non-crash events like theft, vandalism, hail, flooding, falling trees, fire or hitting an animal.
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How it pays: You pay a deductible first, then insurance covers the rest, typically up to your car’s current market value.
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Do you need it? Required if you’re financing or leasing your car. Optional otherwise, but recommended if your car is worth more than $5,000. May not be worthwhile for older, lower-value cars.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM)
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Who it pays: You and your passengers, for injuries and property damage.
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What it covers: Your own injuries and property damage when the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough to cover your costs, including hit-and-runs in many states.
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How it pays: Up to your chosen limits, which often match your BI limits. There’s usually no deductible for UM, but UIM may have one.
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Do you need it? Required in some states, but Jerry recommends every driver get it, since about 1 in 8 drivers does not have car insurance.
Personal injury protection (PIP)
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Who it pays: You and your passengers, for medical bills and lost income, no matter who caused the accident.
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What it covers: Medical bills, lost wages, childcare, funeral costs and other expenses after an accident, regardless of fault.
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How it pays: Up to your policy limit. There’s usually no deductible, though this varies by state.
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Do you need it? Required in no-fault states. If available in your state, it’s worth considering.
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Who it pays: You and your passengers, for medical bills.
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What it covers: Medical expenses after an accident, regardless of fault.
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How it pays: No deductible. Pays up to your policy’s limit.
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Do you need it? Optional in most states, but can be valuable if you don’t have health insurance or have a high-deductible health plan.
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USAA car insurance discounts
USAA’s discount menu is one of the most comprehensive in this review set, with several options specific to military life.
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Bundle. Save by combining auto with home or renters insurance.
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Multi-vehicle. Insure two or more vehicles on the same policy.
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Safe driver. Maintain a clean driving record for at least five years.
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Legacy. Save up to 10% as a member whose parents also had USAA membership.
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Driver education. Complete an approved basic driver training or defensive driving course.
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New vehicle. Insure a car up to three years old.
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Anti-theft device. Vehicle equipped with a qualifying anti-theft system.
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Deployment/stored vehicle. Save when a covered vehicle is stored securely and won’t be driven during a deployment or extended absence. Unavailable at standard carriers.
Does USAA offer insurance based on driving behavior?
Yes, USAA offers two telematics options:
SafePilot tracks driving behavior through a mobile app. Drivers receive a 10% discount when they enroll and can earn up to 30% off their premium at renewal based on safe driving habits. The program monitors speed, braking, acceleration and phone use. Poor driving scores will not increase your rates; the program can only help, not hurt. SafePilot is not available in California, Delaware or New Jersey.
SafePilot Miles is a usage-based program for low-mileage drivers. It offers a discount for low annual mileage and the potential for an additional discount for safe driving habits. It uses the same app-based monitoring as SafePilot.
Jerry helps you bundle home and auto for less in just minutes.
Filing a claim with USAA
USAA offers multiple channels for filing a claim and managing it thereafter, with a top-rated digital experience.
File online, by phone or through the app
Claims can be filed through the USAA mobile app, online at usaa.com or by calling 800-531-8722. The claims line is available 24/7.
Work with a claims representative
USAA assigns a representative to manage the claim. Policyholders can track claim status, upload documents and communicate with their representative through the app or website. USAA’s CRASH Network D+ suggests some friction on the repair side — if you end up disputing a repair estimate or parts quality, document everything from the start.
Repair and rental
USAA will provide a repair estimate and connect you with preferred repair facilities. If you have rental reimbursement coverage, USAA will authorize a rental vehicle while your car is being repaired.
Settlement or payout
For total losses, USAA settles based on actual cash value (ACV).
Customer reviews of USAA
Hundreds of Jerry customers have used and reviewed USAA auto insurance, giving the company a solid overall score.
Is USAA a good insurance company?
For eligible members, USAA is one of the strongest options in this review set. The financial strength, customer satisfaction scores and military-specific features are difficult to find anywhere else, and the member-owned structure means the company’s financial health and policyholder interests are well-aligned, especially compared to standard for-profit carriers.
The company’s NAIC complaint volume is above average and worth noting, as is its CRASH Network score of D+. That said, eligible drivers should compare their options through Jerry and see where USAA lands.
See coverage options for your car.
How to contact USAA
Members can manage their policies, file claims and communicate with representatives online, by phone or through the USAA mobile app.
- Get a quote or customer service: 800-531-8722 (Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT; Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
- Claims (24/7): 800-531-8722
- App: USAA (iOS and Android)
- Website: usaa.com
Related guides
FAQ
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What are the pros and cons of USAA auto insurance?
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Who is eligible for USAA car insurance?
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Does USAA offer overseas auto coverage?
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Does USAA offer usage-based insurance?
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Does USAA pay dividends?
Drivers who switch with Jerry save an average of $54/mo on car insurance.
Methodology
Statistics, rates and conclusions in this article are based on Jerry’s proprietary database of real-world car insurance quotes, not third-party models or estimates. As a licensed insurance broker in all 50 states, Jerry has firsthand visibility into how quotes are generated and validated, and all data is aggregated and anonymized to protect privacy. With millions of quotes delivered each year (often multiple offers per driver), our datasets are large enough to avoid bias toward any one region, insurer or driver type.
Unless otherwise indicated, quotes shown are from drivers with clean records in the last 12 months. Quotes involving accidents, violations or credit use the last 18 months to ensure a reliable sample.
How we rate car insurance companies
Jerry’s team of car insurance expert writers and editors analyzes real customer ratings, regulatory data and industry reports to evaluate each insurer across the factors that matter most when shopping for and using auto insurance: claims handling, customer satisfaction, complaint volume, coverage breadth, cost and discounts, financial stability and direct customer feedback from Jerry shoppers.
To calculate our 2026 Jerry Score rating, we analyzed over 1,200,000 actual policy quotes for real Jerry customers last year, across 100+ different insurers. This was used alongside data from independent industry sources covering financial strength, claims handling, customer satisfaction and customer complaints to create a proprietary score for our top insurance companies.
We regularly reassess insurers’ star ratings and fact-check these reviews to ensure they’re accurate and up-to-date. Each factor rolls up into a weighted composite score on a 1 to 5 scale.
What we measure
- Claims and repair experience (16%)
- J.D. Power Auto Claims Satisfaction Study (5%)
- CRASH Network Insurer Report Card — collision repair professionals’ ratings of how well insurers’ practices support quality repairs (4%)
- J.D. Power U.S. Auto Insurance Study — regional customer satisfaction with policy experience (7%)
- Customer complaints (11%)
- NAIC Complaint Index — current complaint volume relative to industry average (8%)
- NAIC three-year trend — direction of complaint volume over time (3%)
- Cost and value (11%)
- Loss ratio — share of premium dollars paid out in claims, with scoring tuned to identify insurers in the healthy 65% to 78% middle ground (5%)
- Discount and program density — count of available discounts and savings programs (6%)
- Financial stability (15%)
- AM Best Financial Strength Rating (12%)
- AM Best Outlook (3%)
- Coverage and features (13%)
- Breadth of optional coverages, telematics programs and rider availability
- Customer experience (24%)
- Clearsurance peer reviews — aggregated policyholder ratings (10%)
- Mobile app — availability and average rating across iOS and Android (7%)
- Better Business Bureau rating (7%)
- Jerry customer reviews (10%)
- Direct feedback from Jerry customers who hold or have held a policy with that insurer
Insurers must have data coverage of at least 60% across these measures to receive a composite score.
Editorial integrity
We’re all about balanced, unbiased and helpful content at Jerry. None of our articles are sponsored by advertisers or insurance companies, so you can trust the information we provide. As a comparison platform that works with 100+ insurers, Jerry has no reason to favor one insurer over another. Our job is to help you find the best fit for your situation.
Jerry does earn a commission from insurers when you purchase a policy through our platform. This does not affect our editorial ratings or insurer assessments, though, which are determined independently by our insurance experts. Click to read more about Jerry’s data gathering and verification processes.
Stephanie Colestock is a professional writer, CFEI®, and licensed insurance agent specializing in personal finance. With over 14 years of experience, she crafts insightful and accessible content on a wide range of financial topics, including insurance, loans, credit/debt, investing, retirement planning, and banking.
Her bylines appear in top-tier publications such as TIME, Fortune, MSN, Business Insider, USA Today, Money, Fox Business, and CBS. Stephanie’s deep understanding of complex financial concepts and her ability to communicate them clearly have made her a trusted voice in the industry.
When she’s not writing, Stephanie enjoys SCUBA diving, reading a good book, and traveling the world with her family.
