GEICO vs. USAA: Which Is the Best? (2025)
GEICO is the best choice for most drivers, as USAA is available only to military members and their families.
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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.
Quick Facts
USAA offers cheaper car insurance to the military community than GEICO.
Both USAA and GEICO have various discounts to help you save money on coverage.
You can score lower rates through the GEICO DriveEasy and USAA SafePilot telematics programs if you’re a safe driver.
GEICO vs. USAA: The verdict
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.
Factor  | GEICO | USAA |
|---|---|---|
| IQ Score | 9.2 | 9.1 |
| J.D. Power customer satisfaction score | 818 out of 1,000 | 876 out of 1,000 |
| Average quote: liability only | $91 | $52 |
| Number of discounts | 16 | 10 |
| Number of states where it operates | 50 | 50 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
GEICO
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.[?] Liability-only car insurance with GEICO costs $91 per month, while full-coverage car insurance costs $139.
USAA
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.[?] Liability-only car insurance with USAA costs $52 per month, while full-coverage car insurance costs $99.
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GEICO DriveEasy vs. USAA SafePilot
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.[?]
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.[?]
GEICO vs. USAA: Which is the cheapest?
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: Cheapest for drivers with a clean driving record
USAA offers the cheapest car insurance quotes for people with a clean driving record.
Driver Type | GEICO | USAA |
|---|---|---|
| Clean driving record | $91 | $52 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
USAA: Cheapest for drivers with a speeding ticket
Drivers with a speeding ticket on their record can find the lowest rates on an auto policy with USAA.
Driver Type | GEICO | USAA |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers with a speeding ticket | $122 | $67 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
USAA: Cheapest for teen drivers
USAA has cheaper car insurance rates for teens and young drivers.
Driver Type | GEICO | USAA |
|---|---|---|
| 18-year-old | $164 | $97 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
USAA: Cheapest for drivers with bad credit
Customers with poor credit may lock in more competitive rates with USAA car insurance.
Driver Type | GEICO | USAA |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers with bad credit | $111 | $62 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
USAA: Cheapest for senior drivers
Senior drivers can expect lower rates from USAA.
Driver Type | GEICO | USAA |
|---|---|---|
| Senior drivers | $66 | $40 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Compare coverages: GEICO vs. 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.[?] [?]
Coverage | GEICO | USAA |
|---|---|---|
| Rental reimbursement | Yes | Yes |
| Emergency road service | Yes | Yes |
| Mechanical breakdown insurance | Yes | No |
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Compare discounts: GEICO vs. USAA
GEICO and USAA offer a similar number of discounts that can help you save money on car insurance costs. You should reach out to each auto insurance company directly or speak to a car insurance agent to figure out which discounts apply to you.[?] [?]
Discount | GEICO | USAA |
|---|---|---|
| Clean driving record | Yes | Yes |
| Defensive driving course | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-policy | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-car | Yes | Yes |
| Low mileage | No | Yes |
| Telematics (safe driving app) | Yes | Yes |
| Anti-theft device | Yes | Yes |
| New car | Yes | Yes |
| Military/affiliation | Yes | Yes |
| Good student | Yes | Yes |
| Loyalty | Yes | Yes |
| Auto pay | Yes | Yes |
| Student away at school | No | No |
| Homeowner | Yes | Yes |
| Alternative fuel | No | No |
GEICO vs. USAA FAQs
As you’re shopping for car insurance, here’s some additional information about car insurance policies from GEICO and USAA.
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.
What are the disadvantages of USAA?
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.
Is USAA cheaper than most insurance?
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.
Who is GEICO’s biggest competitor?
State Farm is GEICO’s biggest competitor. Both insurance companies target drivers with a variety of auto insurance policies.
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