USAA vs. Erie: Which Is the Best? (2025)
USAA’s affordable coverage, discounts, and nationwide availability make it the better choice — as long as you have military ties.
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Written byAlani Asis
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3 años de experiencia en redacción de contenidos
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Alani es una escritora independiente especializada en finanzas personales. Su objetivo es hacer que los temas complejos sean más accesibles a través de contenidos divertidos y digestibles.
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Sarah enjoys helping people find smarter ways to spend their money. She covers auto financing, banking, credit cards, credit health, insurance, and personal loans.
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Data reviewed byKonstantin Halachev
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7+ years experience in data analysis
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Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
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Table of contents
USAA and Erie are insurance companies that target different consumer segments. USAA is a nationwide insurer with very affordable rates, but it’s only available to active-duty military members, veterans, and their immediate family members. Meanwhile, Erie offers an assortment of coverages, but it only serves a few states.
Before buying an insurance policy, it’s a good idea to compare online quotes, coverages, and company reputation to find the best car insurance company for you.
Quick Facts
USAA auto insurance has more car insurance discounts than Erie.
Erie offers unique coverages in its standard policy, such as Erie Rate Lock and accident forgiveness.
Both companies offer a telematics program with lucrative rewards.
USAA vs. Erie: The verdict
USAA outshines Erie in various categories, receiving some of the highest scores for customer service and offering competitive rates with more discount opportunities. In contrast, where USAA falls short, Erie thrives, with Erie having a longer list of additional coverage options.
When it comes to accessibility, the “winning” auto insurance company depends on your circumstances and where you live. To apply with Erie, you’ll need to live in one of the eastern and central states. With USAA, you can qualify for coverage anywhere in the nation, but you need to be military-affiliated.
Factor  | USAA | Erie |
|---|---|---|
| IQ Score | 9.1 | 8.4 |
| Customer satisfaction score | 3.9 | 3.8 |
| Average quote: liability only | $53 | $78 |
| Number of discounts | 10 | 8 |
| Number of states where it operates | 50 | 12 |
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.
Our editorial team spent more than 350 hours developing the Insurify Quality (IQ) Score and scoring insurance companies. The IQ Score objectively analyzes and calculates a score for insurers using more than 15 crucial criteria. The team weighted criteria by importance to the consumer — factors such as customer reviews and affordability influence the score more than availability and third-party ratings.
We rate each company on a 1 to 10 scale based on five categories: financial ratings, customer satisfaction, affordability, customer support and transparency, and availability. Insurify updates ratings once a year or as more recent information becomes available.
- Third-party financial ratings: Insurify uses data from AM Best, S&P, Moody’s, and more to compare insurance companies’ credit and ability to pay out future claims.
- Customer satisfaction: To calculate this score, Insurify analyzed more than 55,000 customer reviews across 155 car insurance companies. We also consider third-party ratings from J.D. Power, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and Trustpilot.
- Affordability: Our data scientists analyzed more than 90 million real-time auto insurance rates from our partners across the U.S., as well as available discounts, to calculate an affordability score.
- Customer support and transparency: This measures coverage options, ease of claims filing, and the insurer's transparency surrounding discounts, coverages, and claims process.
- Availability and reach: Insurify scores availability and reach by identifying the number of states in which insurers offer coverage and company size by market share.
USAA
USAA is the fifth-largest auto insurance company in the United States based on 2023 market share data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).[1]
| User Reviews | 4.9 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.1 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $53/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $99/mo |
4.9
Best choiceBased on 2,459 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about USAA
Customers appreciate the insurer’s reliable customer service and claim handling but express concerns about high rates and frequent price increases. Some also find the insurer’s security protocols and communication methods frustrating.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Members of the military community
Outstanding customer service
Competitive rates
How drivers feel about USAA
Customers appreciate the insurer’s reliable customer service and claim handling but express concerns about high rates and frequent price increases. Some also find the insurer’s security protocols and communication methods frustrating.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Members of the military community
Outstanding customer service
Competitive rates
Reviews (1,326)
Yolande
Verified Review
It was easy to complete
Reviewed in Kentucky on December 2025
It's great. I have no problems with them and would tell my friends if they want an insurance company where they can speak to a human, this is the company to go with.
Al
Verified Review
Poor
Reviewed in Georgia on December 2025
Hold true rates, no fake $38.00 per month.
Cheryl
Verified Review
Skyrocketing Rates
Reviewed in Massachusetts on December 2025
I assume it is like most others. USAA is, of course, offered to military personnel, retired military, and their families. Since my bill has skyrocketed to $1,459, I have been upset that my car costs that much to insure. I have had this car since January 2016. I haven't had any accidents, I don't drink alcohol, and my car mostly sits in the garage. It has approximately 67,800 miles on it. My bill is up over $200 from last year and the same for the year before. I just don't understand. Make of it what you will.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
739NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
1.31A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++Why we picked this company
USAA exclusively serves current and former members of the military and their immediate families and is still the seventh-largest insurance company in the U.S. by market share. USAA offers banking, investing, and retirement services in addition to numerous insurance products, including auto, homeowners, renters, and more. Auto policyholders can qualify for discounts for bundling, insuring multiple vehicles, and living on a military base. AM Best gives USAA an A++ (Superior) financial strength rating, and the insurer ranked best in most regions in J.D. Power’s Overall Customer Satisfaction Index.
Pros
High customer satisfaction
Low premiums
SafePilot program rewards good driving with up to 30% discount
Cons
Only available to active-duty military, veterans, military spouses, or children of service members or veterans
No 24/7 customer phone support
Customer reviews are mixed for service and claims processing
Erie
Erie received an overall rating of second place in the 2023 J.D. Power Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, which ranks companies based on the quality and efficiency of their claims handling.
| User Reviews | 4.4 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.4 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $78/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $122/mo |
4.4
Best choiceBased on 424 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Erie Insurance
Customers appreciate the insurer’s excellent customer service and quick claim handling but are dissatisfied with the unexpected and unexplained rate increases. Some also found the policy details hard to understand.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
High customer satisfaction
Competitive rates
Optional coverages
How drivers feel about Erie Insurance
Customers appreciate the insurer’s excellent customer service and quick claim handling but are dissatisfied with the unexpected and unexplained rate increases. Some also found the policy details hard to understand.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
High customer satisfaction
Competitive rates
Optional coverages
Reviews (207)
Betty
Verified Review
Good
Reviewed in North Carolina on November 2025
I hit a deer and my insurance went up by $50.00.
William
Verified Review
Shop Around
Reviewed in Ohio on November 2025
Car insurance is high, but homeowners insurance is affordable.
Bernard
Verified Review
Excellent
Reviewed in Pennsylvania on October 2025
They are pleasant to talk to, helpful, and explain everything clearly.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
700NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.68A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A+Why we picked this company
Erie Insurance has been selling auto coverage since 1925. The company operates in 12 states and Washington, D.C., and also offers more than two dozen types of insurance, including home, life, and business insurance. AM Best gives Erie superior ratings for financial stability and credit strength. The company has a lower-than-expected number of complaints with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and ranks third in overall customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power rankings. The company also has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Pros
Excellent BBB, J.D. Power, and AM Best ratings
Competitive rates for teenagers and drivers with speeding tickets
Offers numerous optional auto coverages
Cons
Available in only 12 states
Customers can’t buy a policy or file a claim online
Offers fewer discounts than competitors
Find Affordable Car Insurance
Liability rates start as low as $42 per month
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Based on 7,669+ reviews
4.8/5
USAA SafePilot vs. Erie YourTurn
USAA SafePilot and Erie YourTurn are telematics programs that reward good driving. Both insurance companies use telematics data from a mobile app on your smartphone to monitor your behavior on the road. After you meet driving requirements, the app generates a score, which determines the benefits you receive.
USAA SafePilot: USAA’s SafePilot program rewards you with a 10% discount for enrolling and up to 30% off your personal auto policy based on your driving. One drawback of the app is that requirements apply. Policyholders must drive at least 325 miles and 16 hours to get a score and discount.
Erie YourTurn: Erie’s YourTurn program doesn’t give policy discounts for good driving. Instead, you can redeem gift cards, get cash back, and donate to charity with the points you earn. Erie also enforces minimum driving thresholds. Participants must drive at least 50 miles during each two-week scoring period to qualify for rewards.
USAA vs. Erie: Which is the cheapest?
USAA’s national average rates are slightly cheaper than Erie’s, but both insurers offer cheaper rates than the nationwide average of $99 per month for liability coverage.
Remember, your personal quote varies based on important factors like your ZIP code, driving profile, age and gender, coverage amount, and more.[2]
USAA: Cheapest for drivers with a clean driving record
Drivers with a clean record pay lower rates because they’re less likely to file a claim. Good drivers can find the cheapest liability car insurance quotes with USAA.
Driver Type | USAA | Erie |
|---|---|---|
| Clean driving record | $53 | $78 |
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 moving violation, such as a speeding ticket, have an increased risk of engaging in reckless driving behavior and causing an accident. If you have a previous speeding violation, you’ll typically find cheaper liability rates with USAA.
Driver Type | USAA | Erie |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers with a speeding ticket | $69 | $107 |
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
Teen drivers pay some of the highest rates for auto insurance, as new drivers are more likely to cause an accident. Fortunately, young drivers may find cheaper options with USAA. Compare each company’s liability-only rates in the table below.
Driver Type | USAA | Erie |
|---|---|---|
| 18-year-old | $99 | $147 |
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.
Erie: Cheapest for senior drivers
Senior drivers who are 70 and older may pay higher insurance premiums as age-related conditions increase the likelihood of an accident. If you’re a senior driver, you may qualify for slightly lower rates with Erie, though both companies have competitive liability-only rates for older drivers.
Driver Type | USAA | Erie |
|---|---|---|
| Senior drivers | $41 | $53 |
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
Drivers with bad credit experience elevated prices on their insurance bills. If you’re a driver with a low credit score, USAA is best for budget-friendly auto coverage.
Driver Type | USAA | Erie |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers with bad credit | $63 | $131 |
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: USAA vs. Erie
Erie and USAA differ in some of the types of insurance options they offer, but you can purchase basic coverage from both companies. This includes required coverages, such as liability insurance, personal injury protection, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Both companies also provide full-coverage car insurance, which includes comprehensive and collision coverage.
Erie customers enjoy more unique coverage options than USAA policyholders. In addition, Erie’s standard policy includes coverages that most of its competitors offer at an extra fee, meaning more value for your dollar.
Coverage | USAA | Erie |
|---|---|---|
| Rental car reimbursement | Yes | Yes |
| Roadside assistance | Yes | Yes |
| Accident forgiveness | Yes | Yes (included) |
| New car replacement | Yes | Yes |
| Pet injury | No | Yes |
| Travel expenses | No | Yes |
| Rate lock | No | Yes (included) |
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Compare discounts: USAA vs. Erie
Consider discounts when comparison shopping.[3] An auto insurance policy from USAA already offers low rates to various drivers, and its discount opportunities can lower your insurance rates even more. As the table below demonstrates, USAA has more discounts than Erie:
Discount | USAA | Erie |
|---|---|---|
| Clean driving record | Yes | No |
| Defensive driving course | No | No |
| Multi-policy | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-car | Yes | Yes |
| Low mileage | No | No |
| Telematics (safe driving app) | Yes | Yes |
| Anti-theft device | Yes | Yes |
| New car | Yes | No |
| Military/affiliation | No | No (but offers a discount for keeping your car on a military base) |
| Good student | Yes | No |
| Loyalty | Yes | No |
| Auto-pay | Yes | No |
| Student away at school | No | Yes |
| Homeowner | No | No |
| Alternative fuel | No | No |
USAA vs. Erie FAQs
If you’re trying to decide between USAA and Erie, consider the following additional information about these insurance companies.
What are the disadvantages of USAA?
One disadvantage of USAA is its membership exclusions. Only members of the military community and their families qualify for coverage. It also offers fewer coverage options than several of its competitors.
Which company is USAA’s biggest competitor?
State Farm is USAA’s biggest competitor in auto insurance based on market share. GEICO, Progressive, and Erie (in certain regions) are also major competitors in the car insurance industry.
Is Erie Insurance a reliable company?
Yes. Erie Insurance is a reputable insurer. It ranked highly in J.D. Power’s claims and customer satisfaction surveys and earned an A+ (Superior) rating from AM Best, indicating its solid financial strength.
What are the primary differences between USAA and Erie Insurance?
The primary difference between USAA and Erie Insurance is availability. USAA offers insurance coverage nationwide but only to military personnel, veterans, and their immediate family members. Erie is a regional insurer, but non-military members can buy a policy.
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Sources
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners. "2023 Top 25 Groups and Companies by Countrywide Premium."
- Insurance Information Institute. "What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?."
- Insurance Information Institute. "How to save money on car insurance."
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Alani Asis
Alani Asis is a personal finance freelance writer with nearly three years of experience in content creation. She has landed bylines with leading publications and brands like Insider, Fortune, LendingTree, and more. Alani aims to make personal finance approachable through fun, relatable, and digestible content.
Alani has been a contributor at Insurify since January 2023.
Edited bySarah Archambault
Experienced personal finance writer
Background working with banks and insurance companies
Sarah enjoys helping people find smarter ways to spend their money. She covers auto financing, banking, credit cards, credit health, insurance, and personal loans.
Featured in
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.