Geico vs. USAA Car Insurance: Expert Recommended (2024)

Geico

Pros:

• Affordability: While not the cheapest, Geico offers competitive rates, making it an attractive option for a wide range of customers.
• Discount Variety: Geico provides numerous discounts, allowing policyholders to potentially lower their premiums significantly.
• Accessibility: Geico is available to a broader customer base compared to USAA, making it a viable option for those who don’t qualify for military-based insurance.

Cons:

• Credit Score Impact: Geico tends to charge higher rates for individuals with fair credit, potentially making it less appealing for those with average credit scores.
• Customer Complaints: Based on NAIC data, Geico receives fewer customer complaints compared to USAA, but it may still be a concern for some potential policyholders.

USAA

Pros:

• Affordability: USAA consistently offers lower average rates, especially for military members and their families, making it a highly cost-effective choice.
• Customer Satisfaction: USAA receives high ratings in customer satisfaction, as indicated by its better J.D. Power score and positive feedback for claim resolutions.
• Military Focus: USAA caters specifically to military members, veterans, and their immediate families, providing specialized coverage and discounts.

Cons:

• Limited Eligibility: USAA is exclusive to military-affiliated individuals, restricting access for the general public.
• Higher Complaints: While rated well for customer satisfaction, USAA receives more complaints, according to NAIC data, which might be a consideration for some.

Verdict: USAA Edges Out Geico in Overall Value

When weighing the factors of rates, discounts, and overall offerings, USAA emerges as the preferred choice between the two car insurance giants. While Geico presents itself as a formidable competitor with competitive rates and a plethora of discounts, USAA’s combination of affordability, specialized coverage for military members, and high customer satisfaction tips the scales in its favor.

Affordability and Specialized Coverage: USAA consistently provides lower average rates, particularly benefiting military members, veterans, and their families. This targeted approach ensures that a significant portion of their customer base enjoys cost-effective coverage tailored to their unique needs. Although Geico is affordable, USAA’s specialized focus gives it a distinct edge.

Read more:

• Car Insurance Discounts for Active Military and Veterans
• Best Car Insurance for Veterans

Discounts and Customer Satisfaction: Geico shines in the variety of discounts it offers, providing policyholders with ample opportunities to reduce premiums. However, USAA, despite being more limited in eligibility, stands out with excellent customer satisfaction ratings. The positive feedback for claim resolutions and the overall customer experience contributes to USAA’s reputation as a reliable and customer-centric insurer.

Accessibility and Eligibility: Geico scores points for its accessibility to a broader audience, catering to individuals beyond the military community. However, this accessibility comes at the cost of exclusivity. USAA’s eligibility limitations may be a drawback for some, but for those who qualify, the specialized focus on military members adds significant value.

While Geico is a strong contender, USAA’s commitment to affordability, specialized coverage, and high customer satisfaction makes it the superior choice overall. For military-affiliated individuals, USAA stands as the clear winner, offering not just insurance but a tailored and highly satisfactory experience.

Geico vs. USAA Car Insurance Pricing: Which company has the cheapest national average?

Based on the national average, there is a $57 difference in the rates for USAA and Geico. The national average for USAA auto insurance is $211 per month, while GEICO auto insurance has a national average of $268 per month.

It’s not a significant difference like you may have seen with other company comparisons. But remember, USAA quotes are only available to military members, veterans, and their immediate families.

The same wide range of factors that determine car insurance rates for other companies apply to USAA and Geico coverage. Continue reading to learn more about how those factors affect monthly auto insurance rates at both companies.

If you want a closer look at these companies, we have in-depth information in our USAA insurance review and Geico insurance review.

How does age affect Geico vs. USAA car insurance rates?

Age usually correlates to your driving experience. That’s why a Geico quote or USAA quote is more expensive when you include teen or young adult drivers, who have had less time to cultivate good driving habits, on your auto insurance policy.

Let’s look at how Geico and USAA estimate car insurance costs by age.

GEICO vs. USAA Average Monthly Car Insurance Rates by Age

As you can see, USAA car insurance is more affordable for every demographic.

There may not be a huge difference in affordable rates for Geico and USAA, but the cost of car insurance adds up, especially if you’re insuring a younger driver.

How does credit score affect Geico vs. USAA car insurance quotes?

Car insurance companies believe that drivers with good or excellent credit are less likely to file a claim, so these drivers see cheaper rates.

If your state has not banned this practice, Geico and USAA will use your credit history to determine your rates. Let’s see how these companies calculate credit-based car insurance.

GEICO vs. USAA Average Monthly Car Insurance Rates by Credit Scores

Once again, Geico is the more expensive car insurance company when compared to USAA. Geico rates for those with fair credit are almost $65 more per month than the rates USAA charges.

How do driving records impact Geico and USAA car insurance premiums?

The easiest way to get cheap car insurance is by keeping a clean driving record. Any infraction can impact your rates, but which violation will hurt your wallet the most?

Let’s review a few driving infractions and see how USAA vs. Geico car insurance rates compare.

GEICO vs. USAA Average Monthly Car Insurance Rates by Driving Record

USAA insurance is still more affordable regardless of your driving record. Accidents and DUI convictions impact your premium the most.

Although your rates could be different if you’re eligible for the Geico military discount, you’ll have to qualify for more deals to match the lower prices of USAA. Read on to learn more.

USAA vs. Geico: Special and Standard Car Insurance Discounts

Were you interested in comparing Geico vs. USAA homeowners insurance along with auto insurance? If so, you can bundle home insurance with car insurance to save money on your total insurance bill.

Even if you don’t want to bundle with an auto policy, there are many more discounts to consider when you get a Geico or USAA quote.

But which company has more? Let’s compare USAA and Geico discounts to find out.

GEICO vs. USAA Car Insurance Discounts

USAA is cheaper, but Geico provides more discounts for its customers. If you qualify for enough bargains, you could pay even less than USAA customers do on average.

Discounts can also help with optional types of coverage costs, such as Geico mechanical breakdown insurance.

Seamless Claims Process With Geico vs. USAA Car Insurance

Ease of Filing a Claim

When it comes to filing a claim with Geico and USAA, both companies offer multiple convenient options for their customers. You can file a claim with these insurers through their online portals, over the phone, or via their mobile apps. This flexibility ensures that you can choose the method that suits you best, making the claims process more accessible and efficient.

Average Claim Processing Time

The average claim processing time is a crucial factor to consider when evaluating car insurance companies. While specific processing times may vary depending on the complexity of the claim and other factors, Geico and USAA are known for their prompt claims processing. Customers often report timely resolutions, which can provide peace of mind during stressful situations.

Customer Feedback on Claim Resolutions and Payouts

Customer feedback plays a significant role in assessing an insurance company’s performance. Both Geico and USAA generally receive positive reviews for their claim resolutions and payouts.

Customers appreciate the transparency and fairness exhibited by these insurers when handling claims. However, individual experiences may vary, so it’s essential to read reviews and gather insights from other policyholders to make an informed decision.

Exploring Geico vs. USAA Car Insurance Cutting-Edge Digital and Technological Features

Mobile App Features and Functionality

In today’s digital age, mobile apps have become an essential part of the insurance experience. Both Geico and USAA offer user-friendly mobile apps that allow policyholders to manage their accounts, access policy information, and file claims conveniently.

These apps often include features such as bill payment, document upload, and even roadside assistance requests, enhancing the overall customer experience.

Online Account Management Capabilities

Online account management is another crucial aspect of modern insurance services. Geico and USAA provide robust online account management capabilities, enabling policyholders to make policy changes, review coverage details, and access important documents with ease.

This online accessibility simplifies policy management, making it convenient for customers to stay informed and in control of their insurance needs.

Digital Tools and Resources

In addition to mobile apps and online account management, both Geico and USAA offer a range of digital tools and resources to assist their policyholders.

These resources may include tools for estimating insurance costs, educational content on various insurance topics, and access to customer support through digital channels. These digital assets empower customers to make informed decisions and navigate their insurance policies effectively.

Geico vs. USAA Car Insurance: Financial Strength and Consumer Reviews

It’s important to get a fair price, but you also want to know that the company you’re choosing is reliable.

We collected ratings from the best agencies in the United States to give you an idea of how Geico and USAA are performing financially and how satisfied their customers are. Let’s look at the ratings.

GEICO vs. USAA Ratings

USAA and Geico have the same ratings under A.M. Best and S&P. However, USAA has a better Moody’s rating. These ratings indicate that both companies are very financially secure.

Based on the information from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), USAA receives significantly more customer complaints than Geico. However, USAA has a much better J.D. Power score. Geico has more positive mobile app ratings than USAA.

Geico vs. USAA Car Insurance: What’s the bottom line?

USAA is the more affordable auto insurance provider, but it’s not available to all customers. Geico may be a good choice for those who aren’t eligible for USAA because of the military requirements.

If you are in the military, make sure to look into all of the Geico discounts you might be eligible for before you decide whether to buy Geico vs. USAA car insurance. It could still end up being the better option in terms of overall insurance cost for you.

Now that you know more about Geico vs. USAA car insurance, you can shop for car insurance with confidence. Enter your ZIP code in the free comparison tool below to compare the best companies in your area.