Allstate is one of the largest companies in the insurance industry. In contrast, AAA works with various regional insurance partners to offer car insurance options to its members, but you’ll still find coverage in every state.

Each company has strengths and weaknesses. For example, Allstate earned a higher customer satisfaction rating in the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study. Additionally, Allstate offers more robust coverage options. But AAA stands out for its roadside assistance services, which require a separate membership fee.

You should take a close look at each company and consider how your insurance needs match up. Compare quotes from these insurers, as well as customer service, coverage options, and discount opportunities.

AAA vs. Allstate: The verdict

Allstate earned a higher Insurify Quality (IQ) Score than one of AAA’s regional partners, CSAA. Allstate also tends to offer lower car insurance premiums than AAA. However, AAA offers a few more ways to score a discount than Allstate, which could affect how much you pay.

Most drivers know of AAA through its roadside assistance membership program. But the company also works with a network of regional insurance companies to provide car insurance policies. Notably, drivers have to pay for a AAA membership to access insurance options through AAA.

Drivers who already have an AAA membership and prefer the emphasis on rescues in roadside emergencies might choose to work with AAA. However, drivers who want a wider range of coverage options and cheaper policies might find what they’re looking for with Allstate.

AAA

AAA offers emergency roadside assistance plans, which cover services like a jump-start or fuel delivery. The company also partners with regional insurance companies to offer car insurance coverage to AAA members. For example, coverage is available through the CSAA Insurance Group in some locations.

Allstate

Allstate is one of the largest insurance companies in the United States. Not only did the company earn an above-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction score, but it also earned a higher IQ Score and offers lower rates. The company has an A (Excellent) financial strength rating from AM Best.

AAA SMARTtrek vs. Allstate Drivewise

Allstate and AAA both have telematics programs that provide drivers the opportunity to earn a discount for safe driving habits.

The AAA SMARTtrek program offers a participation discount of up to 10%. Once you allow the mobile app to track your driving behavior, you can easily check your driving scores for every drive you complete. Depending on your habits, the program can help you earn a policy discount for safe driving.

Allstate’s Drivewise program is an option for any Allstate policyholder to enroll in. When you sign up for the program, you’ll allow the mobile app to track your driving behavior. Throughout the program, you can earn a policy credit for safe driving habits every six months. The exact amount you’ll save varies based on your driving habits.

AAA vs. Allstate: Which is the cheapest?

Car insurance companies consider many different factors when determining your car insurance premiums. Your age, gender, driving record, and location can all influence how much you pay for auto coverage.

Since everyone’s situation is unique, it’s useful to compare quotes from multiple insurance companies to make an informed decision for your situation. But Allstate generally offers cheaper rates than AAA.

Allstate: Cheapest for drivers with a clean driving record

Drivers without any incidents like car accidents or speeding tickets pay lower rates with Allstate. The table below shows the average liability rates from AAA and Allstate.

Allstate: Cheapest for drivers with a speeding ticket

Drivers with an incident on their driving record, like a speeding ticket, DUI, or at-fault accident, pay more for car insurance. On average, drivers with a speeding ticket pay less for car insurance with Allstate.

In the table below, you can see how each insurance company’s liability-only policy compares in cost.

Allstate: Cheapest for drivers with bad credit

Drivers with poor credit typically pay more for car insurance than people with good credit. Here are the average liability coverage costs for drivers with poor credit from AAA and Allstate.

Allstate: Cheapest for senior drivers

Senior drivers can find more affordable car insurance premiums with Allstate over AAA. But it’s still a good idea to shop around to find the most affordable option for your situation.

Compare coverages: AAA vs. Allstate

Both AAA and Allstate offer standard coverage options, including bodily injury liability, property damage liability, personal injury protection, collision, and comprehensive coverage. Only AAA members can choose to purchase auto insurance through an AAA partner.

Beyond the basics, Allstate and AAA each offer ample add-ons like gap insurance and rideshare insurance. Although people know AAA best for roadside service, both companies offer roadside assistance coverage, which could include the help of a tow truck. If you’re looking for more than basic roadside assistance, AAA is likely the better car insurance company for you.

However, Allstate doesn’t offer trip interruption coverage, while AAA does.

Compare discounts: AAA vs. Allstate

AAA and Allstate each offer a wide range of discounts. For example, you might score a discount from either insurer by earning good grades or purchasing multiple types of policies through the same company. AAA offers a slightly wider selection of discounts, which can make a difference to your budget, though specific discount offerings vary by AAA insurer.

The table below highlights some key discounts available to drivers through each insurance company.

AAA vs. Allstate FAQs

Determining the right car insurance company for you will depend on your specific coverage needs. The following information should help answer your remaining questions about coverage from AAA and Allstate.

  • Is Allstate more expensive than AAA?

    Typically, no. On average, Allstate offers more affordable car insurance premiums than AAA, but it’ll depend on your location, driving record, and more. Allstate drivers pay $71 per month for liability insurance and $134 for full-coverage insurance, on average.

    For comparison, the average cost of coverage from CSAA is $98 per month for liability and $136 for full coverage.

  • Does Allstate Insurance have a good reputation?

    An above-average customer satisfaction rating in the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study indicates the company has a relatively good financial reputation. And customers filed a below-average number of complaints for a company of its size, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) complaint index.

  • Do you have to be a AAA member to buy its insurance?

    Yes. You have to have a AAA membership to buy its car insurance products. At least one covered driver must have a membership. An AAA membership provides access to help during roadside emergencies like a flat tire.

  • Is AAA good at paying claims?

    Yes. AAA has an A (Excellent) financial strength rating from AM Best, which indicates a strong financial position to pay out claims.

Sarah Sharkey
Sarah SharkeyInsurance Writer

Sarah Sharkey is a personal finance writer who enjoys helping people make savvy financial decisions. She covered insurance and personal finance topics. You can find her work on Business Insider, Money Under 30, Rocket Mortgage, Bankrate, and more. Connect with her on LinkedIn.

Sarah has been a contributor at Insurify since September 2022.

AAA vs. Allstate: Which Is the Best? (2025) | Insurify