GEICO and USAA are major players in the crowded car insurance arena.
Ranked Numbers 2 and 5, respectively, among the largest auto insurance companies, both carriers started with a targeted customer base. GEICO was initially for federal government employees, but it is now available to the broader population. USAA maintains its strict eligibility requirements; its policyholders are members of the United States military, retirees, and select family members.
For more information on the individual companies, check out our GEICO Car Insurance review and USAA Car Insurance Review.
GEICO and USAA both offer standard car insurance coverage such as:
Read our article on common types of auto insurance to learn more about basic coverage.
Additional coverage from GEICO and USAA may be available as add-ons to enhance basic coverage in some states.
Your driving record is just one consideration when insurers give you a rate quote. Your age, geographic location, marital status, credit history, and the car your drive are among the factors that influence the overall insurance cost.
GEICO is known for having low rates that make it one of the least expensive car insurance carriers. USAA rates also fall on the low side of the car insurance cost spectrum, but not everyone is eligible for membership.
Premium cost tops the list of considerations for most drivers, but it should not be the only factor when looking for insurance. This table compares average annual premiums between GEICO and USAA by age tier.
| Age Group | GEICO | USAA |
| Teens | $3,508 | $2,864 |
| 20s | $1,438 | $1,261 |
| 30s | $1,218 | $963 |
| 40s | $1,189 | $957 |
| 50s | $1,160 | $889 |
| 60s | $1,065 | $845 |
Source: The Zebra
Most carriers give discounts for bundling auto insurance with home, renters, boat, motorcycle, or another insurance policy. While insurers often promote this type of discount, you should ask about multi-policy and multi-vehicle bundling options through GEICO and USAA.
Policyholders with these insurance companies may be eligible for an array of discounts and perks:
Other discounts may be available to eligible customers. For example, USAA policyholders have an uncommon discount for stored vehicles. The benefit — geared toward deployed service members — provides savings of up to 60% for storing a car securely for 30 days. If the storage location is on a military base, USAA gives an additional 15% discount.
Cost and coverage options are primary considerations when shopping for car insurance. Still, many people agree that overall customer satisfaction is worth paying a little more money.
For car insurance shoppers, high customer service ratings mean a strong likelihood of the insurer processing claims quickly and efficiently. The 2021 J.D. Power U.S. Auto Insurance Study includes responses from nearly 39,000 car insurance customers. The results provide insights into customer satisfaction in key areas:
J.D. Power assessments give USAA an “excellent” rating based on customers’ opinions of and experiences with the company. GEICO earns “average” results in the customer satisfaction survey.
GEICO and USAA earned a “superior” financial strength rating from A.M. Best. This high rating indicates that the insurers have the solid ability to pay their claims obligations.
Deciding on the best car insurance company for you is a personal matter. Your needs are unique and the decision requires many considerations. You should request a quote from GEICO, USAA, and other insurance companies to compare prices and policies.
Both USAA and GEICO offer standard coverage that likely will suit your situation. Both companies typically have lower rates than most of the largest insurers. However, not everyone can be a policyholder with USAA.
The cost of insurance is the primary concern for many drivers, but there are many factors you should examine. Be sure to understand coverage details before renewing or signing a new insurance policy. Make sure you feel comfortable that it meets all your needs before signing a policy and buying a new vehicle or renewing your existing coverage.
