Is USAA the same as GEICO?
No, USAA is not the same as GEICO. USAA is an insurance company that serves the military community. GEICO, on the other hand, caters to all types of drivers and is one of the largest car insurers in the U.S.
If you’re in the market for car insurance, you may come across GEICO and USAA. GEICO has been around since 1936 and has a reputation as a leading car insurance company in the United States.
USAA first started in 1922. Today, it serves active-duty military members, former service members, and their families by providing car insurance and other policies and financial services.
Before deciding whether to purchase auto insurance coverage from GEICO or USAA, it’s a good idea to research companies and shop around. Compare car insurance rates, coverage levels, customer service, and discounts. Use this guide to decide whether GEICO, USAA, or another insurer is your best choice.
USAA has lower car insurance rates and a higher Insurify Quality (IQ) Score than GEICO, but its auto policies are only available to drivers connected to the military. GEICO is a strong choice for people unaffiliated with the military.
GEICO is a large car insurance company that serves a variety of drivers with affordable rates and a wide array of discounts. It has excellent financial strength and is rated above average for customer satisfaction by J.D. Power.1 Liability-only car insurance with GEICO costs $97 per month, while full-coverage car insurance costs $136.
USAA focuses on competitive premiums for military personnel and their families. It also has good financial strength ratings and ranks highly in J.D. Power’s customer satisfaction study.1 Liability-only car insurance with USAA costs $51 per month, while full-coverage car insurance costs $97.
DriveEasy is GEICO’s optional usage-based insurance program. You can access it through the GEICO app and lock in a 15% sign-up discount as well as up to 25% off on your premium for demonstrating good driving habits.
The app automatically tracks your driving and considers factors like speeding and hard braking to determine your savings. Unfortunately, poor driving habits with DriveEasy can result in a higher premium.2
USAA’s SafePilot telematics program is similar to DriveEasy. It monitors your driving behaviors and can reward you with an initial discount of 10%. If you prove you’re an exceptionally good driver, you can score up to 30% off your car insurance rates. Note that SafePilot may penalize you for handheld phone usage and even hands-free phone calls.3
USAA offers the cheapest average rates across all categories, but your unique rate depends on several factors, like your location, age, gender, marital status, driving record, and discounts. Also, if you’re not active military, a veteran, or a family member of one, you won’t be able to apply for a USAA policy.
USAA offers the cheapest car insurance quotes for people with a clean driving record.
Drivers with a speeding ticket on their record can find the lowest rates on an auto policy with USAA.
USAA has cheaper car insurance rates for teens and young drivers.
Customers with poor credit may lock in more competitive rates with USAA car insurance.
Senior drivers can expect lower rates from USAA.
GEICO and USAA have lineups of several main car insurance coverage options, including bodily injury liability, property damage liability, personal injury protection, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Collision and comprehensive policies are also available from both car insurance companies.
Additional add-ons are available, like roadside or emergency road service and rental car reimbursement. However, GEICO offers mechanical breakdown insurance, a unique add-on you won’t find with USAA. Mechanical breakdown insurance covers repair costs that stem from mechanical issues. It’s similar to a warranty but provides more robust coverage at a cheaper rate.4 5
As you’re shopping for car insurance, here’s some additional information about car insurance policies from GEICO and USAA.
No, USAA is not the same as GEICO. USAA is an insurance company that serves the military community. GEICO, on the other hand, caters to all types of drivers and is one of the largest car insurers in the U.S.
USAA’s car insurance policies and other insurance products aren’t available to everyone. To secure an auto policy from USAA, you must be affiliated with the military and become a member.
Compared to other car insurance companies such as GEICO, USAA’s car insurance rates are cheaper. But you can only take advantage of these lower premiums if you have a connection to the military and join USAA.
State Farm is GEICO’s biggest competitor. Both insurance companies target drivers with a variety of auto insurance policies.