AAA vs. USAA Car Insurance Comparison [2024]
AAA is famous for roadside assistance, while USAA has low rates but only services military personnel and their families. If you're considering AAA or USAA, check out our AAA vs. USAA car insurance comparison, which spotlights AAA boasting a superior overall customer satisfaction rating and USAA offering broader coverage.
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Laura D. Adams
Insurance & Finance Analyst
Laura Adams is one of the nation’s leading finance, insurance, and small business authorities. As an award-winning author, spokesperson, and host of the top-rated Money Girl podcast since 2008, millions of readers and listeners benefit from her practical advice. Her mission is to empower consumers to live healthy and rich lives by planning for the future and making smart money decisions. She rec...
Insurance & Finance Analyst
UPDATED: Nov 24, 2024
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- AAA may be a better option because of their excellent roadside assistance program
- USAA is only available to those who have served or are currently serving in the military and their families
- AAA has an overall better customer satisfaction rating
Is the Automobile Club of Southern California (AAA) car insurance or the United Services Automobile Association (USAA) car insurance better?
Read through our AAA and USAA insurance comparison, and then read our AAA car insurance review and USAA car insurance review for more detailed information.
When selecting an insurance provider, it’s crucial to thoughtfully assess the type of plan you need. The optimal approach is to obtain quotes from the best car insurance companies to secure the most favorable deal. Occasionally, spending a bit more is worthwhile.
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AAA and USAA R0adside Assistance
In the case of USAA vs. AAA auto insurance, you may want to consider AAA for auto insurance. AAA has a long history of customer satisfaction with car insurance plans and has a famous roadside assistance program.
Read more: The General Roadside Assistance
The USAA roadside assistance coverage isn’t quite as reliable. In fact, the roadside assistance from USAA has had a lot of complaints over the years from Consumer Reports and other professional reviewers such as the Better Business Bureau.
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USAA vs. AAA insurance: What You Need to Know
USAA has a long and established history in this country which gives it the edge when acquiring new customers. Perhaps the most profound thing about USAA is their lack of a proper marketing plan.
You almost never see a USAA commercial on TV because they acquire clients on a word-of-mouth or inheritance basis. USAA car insurance is also only available to those who have served or are actively serving in the military, making it one of the best choices for car insurance for military members and their families.
USAA was such a hegemonic and well-established business that it dominated home and auto insurance from the early 1900’s onward.
This hasn’t kept USAA from retrofitting their policies or their prices, and they have an updated website and powerful E-marketing campaign in the works.
USAA generally has more comprehensive plans than AAA insurance, but AAA still has an overall better customer satisfaction rate when it comes to car insurance, which is probably a result of the emergency roadside service.
For more information on each roadside assistance service provider, check out both AAA’s and USAA’s websites.
Read more: AAA vs. Nationwide Car Insurance Comparison
AAA and USAA Road Services
These two roadside assistance plans are pretty comparable. Both AAA and USAA’s car insurance roadside assistance plans include the following services:
- Lockout service
- Jump starts
- Flat tire change
- Emergency fuel delivery
- Towing service
- Trip interruption coverage
With AAA roadside assistance coverage, you get a few more options. With AAA’s battery service, a technician will come to your location and test your battery for you or switch out a dead battery for a new one. AAA will also do minor repairs to your vehicle if you are broken down, or tow you to the nearest repair facility. You also get extrication/winching service with AAA.
USAA vs. AAA Roadside Assistance Program: Which one is Cheaper
Like any kind of auto insurance coverage, there are a variety of factors that affect car insurance rates, including your age, gender, location, credit history, and driving record. It would be best to get a personalized auto insurance quote before making a decision.
Both companies offer the following discounts:
- Good student discount
- Multi-policy discount
- Multi-vehicle discount
- Safe driver discount
- Defensive driver discount
AAA insurance does not offer a military discount, so military personnel may find a better deal with USAA. Check out our guides to AAA car insurance discounts and USAA car insurance discounts for more information.
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Is USAA Better Than AAA or Vice Versa
Both companies offer a wide variety of full coverage car insurance plans and everything in between. USAA is a well-established company with a good track record.
USAA has offices all around the U.S. as does AAA. AAA generally has cheaper auto insurance rates and offers a membership-based roadside assistance program.
Before you narrow down to just USAA and AAA, you should take a look at what other roadside assistance providers have to offer as well. Shop around to find the best deals on car insurance, and you could end up saving more than a hundred dollars yearly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is AAA better than USAA?
AAA car insurance generally has better customer satisfaction and offers a famous roadside assistance program. However, USAA car insurance is known for its comprehensive plans and is a great choice for military members and their families.
Is USAA and AAA the same company?
USAA is not the same as AAA. AAA is open to the general public and offers a membership-based roadside assistance program. On the other hand, USAA car insurance is exclusively available to military personnel and has a long-established history of serving them.
What services are included in AAA and USAA insurance roadside assistance?
Both AAA and USAA emergency roadside assistance programs offer similar services, including towing, lockout assistance, fuel delivery, and tire changes. However, AAA also provides battery testing and replacement, minor vehicle repairs, and extrication/winching service.
Is USAA cheaper than AAA for roadside assistance?
The cost of roadside assistance coverage depends on various factors such as age, location, driving record, and more. It is recommended to get personalized quotes from both companies to determine the most affordable option for you.
Which is better overall, USAA or AAA?
Both companies have their strengths. USAA is known for its comprehensive plans and military focus, while AAA insurance has a better overall customer satisfaction rate and a popular roadside assistance program. It is advisable to compare quotes and consider individual needs to determine the better option for you.
Does USAA have better rates than AAA?
While USAA often offers competitive rates, it’s worth noting that USAA only serves military members and their families.
What car insurance is better than USAA?
So, who is USAA’s biggest competitor? USAA’s biggest competitors include other large insurance companies such as State Farm, Geico, Allstate, and Progressive.
Is USAA insurance actually cheaper?
USAA is known for offering competitive rates, but whether it’s cheaper for you depends on various factors. It’s recommended to obtain quotes from multiple insurers to compare rates and coverage options.
Is USAA roadside assistance the same as AAA?
While both USAA and AAA offer roadside assistance services, there may be differences in the specific services provided and the coverage areas. When comparing AAA vs. USAA roadside assistance, there are several factors to consider:
- Membership Eligibility
- Coverage Options
- Cost
- Service Network
What are the disadvantages of USAA?
Some potential disadvantages of USAA include eligibility restrictions (available primarily to military members, veterans, and their families), limited physical branch locations, and occasional complaints about claims handling or customer service.
Is USAA worth keeping?
Many members of USAA appreciate its customer service, competitive rates, and specialized products tailored to military members and their families.
Why should I switch to USAA?
USAA is cheaper than most auto insurance companies in the U.S., offering specialized coverage for military members and their families, and positive customer service and claims handling reviews.
Why does USAA have an F rating?
In December 2019, USAA earned an “F” rating from the Better Business Bureau for consumer complaints due to regulatory concerns.
Why is USAA special?
USAA is unique because it offers specialized products and services tailored to the needs of military members, veterans, and their families.
Why is USAA so successful?
USAA’s success can be attributed to several factors, including its commitment to customer service, competitive rates, specialized products for military members, efficient claims handling, and strong financial stability.
What company is equivalent to AAA?
Some companies that offer services similar to AAA include AARP, Better World Club, and Good Sam Roadside Assistance.
What is the best AAA coverage?
Unlike USAA, AAA offers various membership levels with different benefits, including roadside assistance, travel discounts, insurance products, and more.
Does USAA have good interest rates?
USAA offers various financial products, including savings accounts, CDs, and loans, with interest rates that may vary depending on market conditions and individual product terms.
What is the savings rate for USAA?
It’s advisable to check USAA’s website or contact them directly for current savings rates and terms.
What companies are better than AAA?
Some insurance that may be better than AAA are: State Farm, Geico, and Progressive, based on factors like average premiums, number of discounts available, and customer service.
Does USAA auto insurance have roadside assistance?
Yes, USAA does provide roadside assistance as part of their auto insurance policies. USAA auto insurance roadside assistance coverage is an optional add-on. Roadside assistance from USAA often includes services such as towing coverage, fuel delivery, jump-starts, tire changes, and locksmith services to help you in case of emergencies while you’re on the road.
What does USAA roadside assistance cover?
USAA’s roadside insurance typically includes:
- Towing: If your vehicle breaks down and cannot be driven safely, USAA’s auto insurance towing coverage can arrange for a tow truck to transport your vehicle to a repair shop or another location.
- Fuel Delivery: If you run out of gas while driving, roadside assistance can arrange for a small amount of fuel to be delivered to your location.
- Jump Starts: If your vehicle’s battery dies, USAA covers battery replacement.
- Flat Tire Assistance: If you experience a flat tire, USAA’s roadside assistance can send a service provider to help you change the tire.
- Lockout Service: If you lock your keys inside your car, USAA’s lockout service allows you to arrange for a locksmith to help you gain entry.
How much does USAA roadside assistance cost?
USAA’s roadside assistance price ranges from around $10 to $20 per year, but this can vary based on factors such as your location, the type of vehicle you insure, and any discounts that may be available.