Allstate and USAA are similar-sized nationwide insurers that offer great coverage options and solid customer service ratings. While USAA offers competitive insurance rates, membership is limited to current and former military members and their families. Allstate’s insurance rates are more expensive than USAA’s, but you don’t need a membership to get insurance.

When searching for an auto insurance company, it’s a good idea to compare multiple companies’ rates, customer service, discounts, and coverage to find the insurer that fits your specific needs.

Allstate vs. USAA: The verdict

USAA has a slight edge over Allstate when it comes to customer satisfaction ratings and affordable car insurance. But USAA restricts membership to active military members, veterans, and their families, so not everyone’s eligible for USAA car insurance coverage. Meanwhile, Allstate has relatively affordable average premiums compared to other car insurance companies, advertises more discounts, and doesn’t restrict driver eligibility.

If you qualify for USAA membership, it’s one of the best and cheapest car insurance companies, but Allstate is still a solid choice for drivers because of its rates, decent customer service, and large footprint.

Allstate

Allstate is one of the largest insurance companies, holding nearly 11% of the private passenger auto insurance market share, and it earned an above-average J.D. Power claims satisfaction rating.1 2

USAA

USAA takes fifth position on the list of the largest auto insurance companies, with nearly 6% of the overall market share, and it consistently scores the highest ratings in J.D. Power’s auto insurance satisfaction studies.1 2

Allstate Drivewise vs. USAA SafePilot

Allstate and USAA offer discounts for safe drivers through their telematics programs. Telematics allows insurance companies to collect information about your driving behaviors and habits.

With Allstate, safe drivers can save up to 40% through the Drivewise program. Exact savings depend on your driving behavior and location, but the app measures your driving behaviors and rewards you for safe driving. The Drivewise app also offers crash detection, and if it detects a collision, Allstate will send you a notification through the mobile app asking if you need help.

The USAA SafePilot program offers savings of up to 30% on your insurance premiums for being a safe driver. Just by enrolling in the program, you can save up to 10%. The SafePilot app monitors your driving and gives feedback on how you can improve. The app will automatically track your trips, and when it’s time to renew your insurance, USAA will let you know if you’ve earned a discount.

Allstate vs. USAA: Which is the cheapest?

USAA has cheaper car insurance rates across the board, according to Insurify data. When determining your insurance premiums, auto insurance companies consider various factors, including your age, gender, ZIP code, driving history, how much you drive, and the type of car you drive.3

Here’s how Allstate’s and USAA’s rates compare.

USAA: Cheapest for drivers with a clean driving record

Maintaining a clean driving record can help keep your car insurance premiums low. If you have a history of at-fault accidents or other serious traffic violations, you can expect to pay higher auto insurance rates. USAA offers lower car insurance premiums for drivers with clean records.

USAA: Cheapest for drivers with a speeding ticket

Driving too fast and getting speeding tickets can cause your insurance premiums to increase. Allstate charges higher rates than USAA for drivers with speeding tickets.

USAA: Cheapest for teen drivers

Teen drivers pay some of the most expensive insurance premiums because they have a fatal crash rate nearly three times as high as drivers 20 years and older.4

If you have a teen driver in your house, USAA can be the cheaper option for insuring their car, as it has relatively affordable rates for teens.

USAA: Cheapest for drivers with bad credit

In many states, insurance companies can use your credit history to help determine your insurance rates. Insurance companies believe that drivers with poor credit are more likely to file an insurance claim, so drivers with good credit pay cheaper premiums.5

USAA offers the cheapest auto insurance for drivers with bad credit.

USAA: Cheapest for senior drivers

Around age 70, drivers often see insurers increase premium rates due in part to higher death rates among seniors in crashes. USAA offers lower auto insurance premiums for senior drivers.6

Compare coverages: Allstate vs. USAA

One difference between Allstate and USAA is that USAA insurance is available only to current and former military members, their spouses, and their children. Allstate doesn’t require customers to become members to access insurance.

Both companies offer various auto insurance coverage options, including liability, comprehensive, collision, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. However, while Allstate offers add-ons like gap insurance, USAA doesn’t.

The following table highlights some of the optional insurance coverages available from each auto insurer.

Compare discounts: Allstate vs. USAA

While both auto insurance companies offer plenty of discounts, Allstate has a few more options than USAA. Insurance rates are lower with USAA compared to Allstate, so Allstate’s list of car insurance discounts may help you reduce your rates.

The table below outlines the different discounts available at each of the auto insurance companies.

Allstate vs. USAA FAQs

When comparing Allstate versus USAA car insurance, you may find this additional information helpful.

  • Is Allstate insurance or USAA better?

    The best car insurance company for you depends on your individual needs and budget. If you’re looking for the cheapest insurance rates, USAA generally has lower rates than Allstate. But to take advantage of USAA’s rates, you need to be a current or former military member or the family member of one.

  • What are the main differences between Allstate and USAA insurance?

    The main difference between Allstate and USAA insurance is that USAA is available only to current and former military and their family members. Allstate is available to everyone who qualifies. USAA auto insurance rates also tend to be lower compared to Allstate insurance rates.

  • Who’s eligible for a USAA policy?

    Only USAA members are eligible for a USAA auto insurance policy. Membership is open only to current and retired military members and their spouses. Some USAA members’ children might also be eligible to join. When you apply for a USAA membership, you must provide your military service details along with other personal information.

  • What additional services do Allstate and USAA offer?

    In addition to auto insurance, Allstate offers various insurance products, including life insurance, property, business, identity protection, phone protection, pet, travel insurance, and more. In addition to insurance, USAA offers banking and retirement solutions, including checking accounts, credit cards, and individual retirement accounts (IRAs).

Jessica Martel
Jessica Martel

Jessica is a freelance writer, professional researcher, and mother of two rambunctious little boys. She specializes in personal finance, women and money, and financial literacy. Jessica is fascinated by the psychology of money and what drives people to make important financial decisions. She holds a Masters of Science degree in Cognitive Research Psychology.

Jessica has been a contributor at Insurify since July 2023.