USAA (United Services Automobile Association) is a well-known financial services company that primarily serves military members, veterans, and their families. USAA is highly regarded for its car insurance, offering a range of coverage options, discounts, and customer service tailored to the needs of the military community. Here’s a breakdown of what USAA car insurance offers:
Eligibility:
- Who Can Join: USAA membership is open to active, retired, and honorably separated officers and enlisted personnel of the U.S. military, as well as their eligible family members. This includes spouses, children, and sometimes even grandchildren.
Coverage Options:
USAA provides a wide range of auto insurance coverage options, similar to what you would find with other major insurers:
- Liability Coverage:
- Covers bodily injury and property damage if you’re at fault in an accident.
- Comprehensive Coverage:
- Covers damage to your vehicle from non-collision events such as theft, vandalism, fire, and natural disasters.
- Collision Coverage:
- Covers damage to your car resulting from a collision with another vehicle or object.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage:
- Protects you if you’re in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have enough insurance or any insurance.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) / Medical Payments:
- Covers medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of who is at fault in the accident.
- Rental Reimbursement:
- Pays for a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered loss.
- Roadside Assistance:
- Provides services such as towing, tire changes, and battery jump-starts.
- Rideshare Coverage:
- Extends your existing auto insurance coverage to include periods when you’re logged into a rideshare app but haven’t yet accepted a ride, as well as during the ride itself.
Discounts:
USAA offers several discounts that can help lower your premium:
- Safe Driver Discount:
- For drivers with a clean driving record.
- Good Student Discount:
- For students who maintain good grades.
- Military Installation Discount:
- For storing your car on a military base, which is considered a secure location.
- Multi-Vehicle Discount:
- For insuring more than one vehicle with USAA.
- Multi-Policy Discount:
- For bundling auto insurance with other USAA insurance products, such as homeowners or renters insurance.
- Annual Mileage Discount:
- For driving fewer miles per year.
- Vehicle Storage Discount:
- For storing your car while you’re deployed, which can significantly reduce your premium.
- Length of Membership Discount:
- The longer you’ve been with USAA, the more you might save.
Customer Service and Claims:
- Reputation: USAA is known for excellent customer service, with high satisfaction ratings in various consumer surveys. The company is praised for its responsiveness, ease of filing claims, and fair handling of claims.
- Mobile App: USAA offers a highly rated mobile app that allows you to manage your policy, file claims, and get roadside assistance.
Additional Benefits:
- Deployment Flexibility: USAA offers special accommodations for military members, such as the ability to easily adjust your coverage when you’re deployed or stationed overseas.
- Financial Services: Beyond auto insurance, USAA provides a wide range of financial products, including banking, investment, and retirement services, making it a one-stop shop for many members.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Military Focused: Tailored specifically to the needs of military members and their families.
- Competitive Rates: Often offers lower premiums compared to other major insurers, especially when considering the available discounts.
- Excellent Customer Service: High customer satisfaction with claims handling and overall service.
- Comprehensive Coverage Options: Offers a full range of coverage options and additional benefits.
Cons:
- Limited Eligibility: Only available to military members, veterans, and their families.
- No Local Agents: USAA operates primarily online and over the phone, so there are no local agents for in-person assistance.
Conclusion:
USAA car insurance is an excellent choice for eligible members of the military community, offering competitive rates, comprehensive coverage, and top-tier customer service. If you qualify, it’s definitely worth considering for your auto insurance needs.
