USAA and AAA are two of the most popular options for car insurance in the United States. However, they differ in their eligibility requirements. While anyone can purchase an AAA membership to access its auto insurance products, USAA is exclusive to individuals in the armed forces and their families. In terms of cost, USAA is generally the cheaper option, with average monthly rates of $46 for liability coverage compared to AAA's $86. USAA also offers various discounts and benefits tailored to military members, such as discounts for garaging a vehicle on a base. On the other hand, AAA is known for its roadside assistance programs and travel benefits, which may appeal to frequent travellers. When choosing between USAA and AAA, it's important to consider eligibility, cost, and the specific needs and preferences of the individual.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Average monthly cost | USAA: $46 |
AAA: $86 | |
Average annual cost | USAA: $1,335 |
AAA: $1,032 | |
Cheapest for drivers with | USAA: Clean driving record, speeding ticket, teen drivers, bad credit, senior drivers |
AAA: N/A | |
Customer satisfaction | USAA: High |
AAA: Low | |
Customer complaints | USAA: Below industry average |
AAA: Above industry average | |
Financial strength | USAA: A++ (Superior) |
AAA: A+ (Excellent) | |
Availability | USAA: Only for military personnel and their families |
AAA: Available nationwide |
What You'll Learn
USAA is cheaper than AAA for drivers with bad credit
When it comes to auto insurance, USAA and AAA are two of the most popular options. However, they have different features, eligibility requirements, and pricing structures. So, how do they compare when it comes to drivers with bad credit?
USAA is a membership-based insurance company that exclusively serves members of the military, veterans, and their families. On the other hand, AAA is also a membership-based company, but its insurance products are available to anyone who purchases a membership. While AAA has a broader eligibility requirement, USAA stands out for its focus on serving the military community and offering tailored benefits and discounts.
When it comes to pricing, USAA is known for offering affordable policies, and this extends to drivers with bad credit. According to Insurify's data, USAA is cheaper than AAA for drivers with bad credit. USAA's average liability coverage costs $46 per month, while AAA's average liability coverage costs $86 per month.
USAA's rates are also more favourable for drivers with poor credit scores. Typically, USAA offers better rates than AAA for drivers with credit scores lower than 580. For those with exceptional credit scores of 800 or above, USAA is still a more cost-effective option, with annual savings of up to $1,974 compared to AAA.
In addition to its competitive rates, USAA also provides unique benefits and discounts for military members, such as discounts for garaging a vehicle on base or storing a vehicle long-term. USAA also has high customer satisfaction ratings and is known for its robust roadside assistance services.
In summary, for drivers with bad credit, USAA is a more affordable and feature-rich option compared to AAA. However, it's important to remember that USAA's eligibility requirements are more restrictive, and only those with a military connection can avail of their services.
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USAA is cheaper than AAA for teen drivers
USAA is a great option for auto insurance, especially for military families. It offers exclusive benefits and discounts for military members, veterans, and their families. USAA is also one of the cheapest options for teen drivers, with average savings of $7,392 per year compared to AAA.
USAA provides inexpensive coverage for teen drivers and their families. They offer driver training and good student discounts, and drivers can choose from a range of coverage options, such as specialty rideshare insurance. USAA also has a SafePilot program, which offers a 10% discount just for signing up and up to 30% for safe driving.
While USAA has received more customer complaints than average, it still has high customer satisfaction scores and is known for its stellar ratings. USAA is a good choice for those who are eligible, offering affordable premiums and quality coverage.
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USAA offers exclusive benefits and discounts for military members
USAA provides a range of auto insurance choices, including comprehensive crash coverage and property damage liability. One of the benefits of USAA's auto insurance is the rental car reimbursement feature, which covers the cost of a rental vehicle while the policyholder's primary car is being repaired due to an insured event. Another advantage is emergency roadside assistance, which includes situations such as flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts, and running out of gas.
USAA also offers flexible payment options and deployment-friendly policies for military personnel. For example, if a policyholder is deployed to a dangerous zone, USAA allows them to suspend their auto policy while still maintaining comprehensive coverage for their stored vehicle. This feature provides peace of mind for both the policyholder and their family members back home.
In addition to auto insurance, USAA offers other types of insurance, banking, investing, and retirement services. Military members and their families can take advantage of various discounts, such as on-base garaging discounts, multi-vehicle and multi-policy discounts, and a good student discount. There is also a 10% legacy discount if the policyholder's parents were USAA members.
USAA has consistently received high marks for customer satisfaction and is known for its commitment to serving the military community. The company understands the unique challenges faced by military families, such as frequent moves and deployments, and offers affordable rates through its special needs program.
Overall, USAA's exclusive benefits and discounts for military members make it a top choice for those who are eligible. The company's strong financial stability, high customer satisfaction ratings, and tailored services for the military community set it apart from other insurance providers.
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AAA offers additional membership perks like travel discounts and roadside assistance
AAA, or the American Automobile Association, offers a range of membership perks that extend beyond its insurance offerings. One notable benefit is its roadside assistance service, which provides peace of mind for motorists. In the event of an emergency, AAA members can avail of professional and courteous assistance from a fleet of certified technicians who are ready to help day or night and in any weather condition. This includes services such as battery support, jumpstarts, lockouts, tire changes, and tows to nearby auto repair shops.
In addition to roadside assistance, AAA membership also grants access to a network of over 7,000 Approved Auto Repair facilities, where members can enjoy special benefits like auto repair discounts, an extended 24-month/24,000-mile parts and labour warranty, and assistance in resolving repair-related issues.
But the perks don't stop there. AAA also offers a host of travel-related benefits, including discounts on car rentals, hotel stays, airport parking, passport photos, and vacation packages. For those who enjoy dining out, AAA membership provides savings at participating restaurants and on attraction admissions. Travellers can also take advantage of international travel maps and guides, and special member offers on cruises and tours booked through AAA preferred partners.
For those who like to shop, AAA membership offers exclusive retail deals and shopping discounts of up to 30%. Additionally, members can save on movie tickets and gain access to complimentary identity theft protection and financial and insurance products.
With different membership tiers like Classic, Plus, and Premier, individuals can choose the plan that best suits their needs. And with the option of automated membership renewal, members can ensure they stay secure and save time and money.
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USAA has better customer satisfaction scores than AAA
USAA is known for its high-quality customer service, with consistently high customer satisfaction ratings. The company's dedication to customer service is reflected in its SafePilot program, which offers a 10% discount on car insurance rates just for signing up and provides feedback and suggestions for safer driving.
USAA's customer satisfaction extends beyond auto insurance. In The Zebra's homeowners insurance customer satisfaction survey, USAA topped every category, indicating a strong focus on the customer.
USAA's customer satisfaction is further evidenced by its ability to handle customer complaints effectively. While USAA's NAIC Complaint Index showed some variability over the past few years, with a slight increase in complaints in 2023, the company's commitment to addressing customer concerns is evident.
Overall, USAA's high customer satisfaction scores, positive reviews from male and female respondents of all age groups, and superior claims handling make it a top choice for auto insurance, especially for military members and their families.
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Frequently asked questions
USAA typically offers lower rates than AAA, so it may be a more cost-effective option for eligible policyholders. USAA is only available to military personnel, veterans, and their families, while AAA requires membership but is open to almost anyone.
USAA is exclusively for military members and their families, while AAA is available to anyone who purchases a membership. USAA typically offers more competitive rates, while AAA includes perks like travel discounts and roadside assistance.
USAA offers auto insurance, homeowners insurance, mobile home insurance, and insurance for off-road vehicles and ATVs. They also provide banking, investing, and retirement services.
AAA offers auto insurance, homeowners insurance, motorcycle insurance, and insurance for classic cars. They also provide travel, financial, and automotive services.