USAA and GEICO are both big insurance companies, but they serve different groups of people. USAA is mainly for military members and their families, offering various types of insurance and banking services.
It’s known for good prices and happy customers, but it’s not available to everyone.
GEICO, on the other hand, is open to anyone and has lots of customers over 18 million drivers. They offer similar types of insurance as USAA but might cost a bit more on average.
Car insurance comparison
| USAA Car Insurance | GEICO Car Insurance | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating from The Zebra | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Eligibility | Limited to military personnel and close family | Open to the general public |
| Market Share | Fifth place | Second largest |
| Pros | Affordable rates | Affordable rates for most |
| Great customer satisfaction scores | Wide-ranging coverage options | |
| Other membership perks | Great customer satisfaction scores | |
| Cons | Eligibility limited to those in the armed forces | Lack of local agents |
Comparing Roadside Assistance Services
| Roadside Assistance Services | USAA | GEICO |
|---|---|---|
| Towing | Yes | Yes |
| Flat Tire Changing | Yes | Yes (with spare tire) |
| Fuel Delivery | Yes | Yes |
| Jump-Starts | Yes | Yes |
| Lock-Out Service | Yes | Up to $100 coverage |
| Stuck Vehicle Assistance | Yes | Winching (depending on severity) |
| Availability for Non-Roadside Assistance Policyholders | Available at reduced rates | Not specified |
Comparison of USAA and Geico Coverage
USAA and Geico both provide the six standard car insurance coverages to drivers nationwide. They also offer several add-on coverage options, including roadside assistance, rental car coverage, rideshare coverage and usage-based insurance in some states.
The main difference between USAA and Geico car insurance policies is that Geico offers mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI), which is similar to an extended car warranty.
If defective materials or workmanship cause damages, MBI coverage pays for the repair. USAA, on the other hand, has coverage for glass as well as leased vehicles.
Below is the comparison of coverage options:
| Coverage | USAA | Geico |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily Injury Liability (BI) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Property Damage Liability (PD) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Collision | ✓ | ✓ |
| Comprehensive | ✓ | ✓ |
| Medical Payments (MedPay) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Personal Injury Protection (PIP) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Roadside Assistance | ✓ | ✓ |
And so on, with additional details about specific coverage options for each provider.
USAA vs. GEICO: Customer Satisfaction Rating
USAA does not receive a J.D. Power ranking, while GEICO scores higher at 843 out of 1,000, notably excelling in the rental experience category.
On the J.D. Power website, USAA boasts a five-star rating across several categories, including first notice of loss, rental experience and claims servicing. However, USAA’s absence for some customers prevents a numerical score assignment.
USAA Ratings:
- First Notice of Loss: 5/5
- Estimation of Process: 4/5
- Repair Process: 4/5
- Claims Servicing: 5/5
GEICO Ratings:
- First Notice of Loss: 4/5
- Estimation of Process: 4/5
- Repair Process: 4/5
- Claims Servicing: 4/5
USAA vs. GEICO: Customer Complaint Ratio
Compared to GEICO’s NAIC customer complaint ratio of 2.04, USAA has a lower ratio of 1.00, aligning with the national median score. This indicates USAA received an average number of complaints while GEICO received more than double the average number.
USAA’s complaints match the national index, while GEICO’s exceed it significantly.
USAA vs. GEICO: Online Tools
Unlike USAA, GEICO allows you to access its online tools without requiring you to purchase a policy, making it MoneyGeek’s preferred choice for online experience.
GEICO conducts the majority of its business online, enabling customers to sign up for policies, file claims and pay bills at any time, day or night.
One unique feature is that GEICO customers can use certain online tools like premium payments without the need to log in, simplifying policy management.
USAA also offers online access to policies, allowing both customers and non-customers to file claims and monitor progress through their website. However, accessing most of USAA’s online features requires joining the company beforehand.
USAA vs. GEICO Discount Comparison Table
Here is a comparison between USAA and GEICO regarding discounts for car insurance in a 4-column table:
| Discount Type | Description | USAA | GEICO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good Student | Discount for maintaining a good academic record | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multiple Policies | Discount for having multiple insurance policies | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multiple Vehicles | Discount for insuring multiple vehicles | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-theft Device(s) | Discount for having anti-theft devices in the car | ✓ | |
| Anti-lock Brake System | Discount for cars equipped with anti-lock brakes | ✓ | |
| Air Bags | Discount for vehicles with airbags | ✓ | |
| Good Driver | Discount for maintaining a clean driving record | ✓ | ✓ |
| Defensive Driver | Discount for taking a defensive driving course | ✓ | ✓ |
| Student Away at School | Discount for students who attend school away from home | ||
| Driver Training | Discount for completing driver training courses | ✓ | ✓ |
| Green Vehicles | Discount for eco-friendly vehicles | ||
| Affinity Membership | Discount for certain group memberships | ✓ | |
| Advanced Purchase | Discount for buying insurance in advance | ||
| Pay in Full | Discount for paying the premium in full | ||
| Home Owner | Discount for owning a home | ||
| eSign or ePay | Discount for using electronic signing or payment | ||
| Telematics | Discount for using telematics technology | ✓ | |
| New Vehicle | Discount for insuring new vehicles | ✓ | ✓ |
| Annual Mileage | Discount for low annual mileage | ✓ | |
| Military | Discount for military personnel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Continuous Coverage | Discount for having continuous insurance coverage | ||
| Senior Citizen | Discount for senior citizens | ✓ |
Although USAA offers fewer discounts, it may still provide competitive rates. GEICO has a broader range of discounts, including those for senior citizens and anti-theft devices.
The best way to understand which discounts you qualify for is to discuss with a company representative.
Conclusion
USAA and GEICO are well-known insurance companies offering a variety of products to a broad range of customers.
Each company has distinct strengths: USAA focuses on providing services for military members and their families, often offering competitive rates and tailored support for this community. GEICO, on the other hand, offers a wider array of discounts and appeals to a broader customer base.
In deciding between USAA and GEICO, it’s essential to consider your personal circumstances, such as military affiliation or specific discount eligibility.
Comparing quotes and speaking with company representatives can help determine which insurer provides the best overall value and meets your needs. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your unique requirements and preferences for customer service, coverage and cost.