GEICO vs. USAA: Which Is the Best? (2026)
GEICO is the best choice for most drivers, as USAA is available only to military members and their families.
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Written byAnna Baluch
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Anna BaluchAuto and Home Insurance Writer
4+ years writing insurance and personal finance content
MBA from Roosevelt University
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Edited byMacKenzie Korris
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MacKenzie KorrisLicensed P&C Agent, Insurance Copy Editor
Licensed property and casualty insurance agent
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Reviewed byKatie Powers
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Katie PowersLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Editor
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
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Data reviewed byKonstantin Halachev
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Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Updated
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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 | $80 | $51 |
| Number of discounts | 16 | 10 |
| Number of states where it operates | 50 | 50 |
Disclaimer: Table data is based on real-time quotes from Insurify’s network of 500+ insurance partners. Actual rates may vary depending on the policyholder’s individual profile and coverage needs.
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.[1] Liability-only car insurance with GEICO costs $80 per month, while full-coverage car insurance costs $147.
| User Reviews | 4.0 |
|---|---|
| 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. | 9.2 /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. | $80/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. | $147/mo |
4.0
Best choiceBased on 18,458 verified driver reviews and ratings
GEICO's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.0 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.1 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.9 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 3.9 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.8 | 2.9 |
How drivers feel about GEICO
Customers appreciate the reliability and customer service but find the rates to be high and increase frequently, even without claims or accidents. The app has improved, but some find the claims process lacking.
Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Showing recent national reviewsSee all 7,776 GEICO reviews
Verified Review
Reviewed in Florida on June 1, 2026
Every year my insurance increased without me having tickets or accidents—none during my entire time with your insurance. However, my policy rate continued to go up every year. No thank you.
Verified Review
Reviewed in Missouri on May 31, 2026
Rates keep going up the older I get. My car gets older as well. I’m retired and don’t drive very far anymore!
Verified Review
Reviewed in Massachusetts on May 31, 2026
Way too expensive and try your best to avoid horrible drivers/accidents. Your insurance goes up when you’re not at fault due to making a claim.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
637
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.59
A.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++
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.[1] Liability-only car insurance with USAA costs $51 per month, while full-coverage car insurance costs $103.
| 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. | $51/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. | $103/mo |
4.9
Best choiceBased on 3,697 verified driver reviews and ratings
USAA's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.9 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.8 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 4.9 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.9 | 3.1 |
| Value | 4.9 | 2.9 |
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.
Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Showing recent national reviewsSee all 1,585 USAA reviews
Verified Review
Reviewed in Missouri on May 31, 2026
USAA has always been helpful and easy to work with.
Verified Review
Reviewed in New Mexico on May 30, 2026
That's the best car insurance you can buy, but it's very expensive.
Verified Review
Reviewed in Louisiana on May 29, 2026
I have always had good experiences with Progressive. I would advise any friend to go with Progressive.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
739
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
1.31
A.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++
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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.[2]
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.[3]
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 | $80 | $51 |
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 | $109 | $68 |
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 | $144 | $96 |
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 | $98 | $61 |
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 | $58 | $39 |
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.[4] [5]
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.[6] [7]
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.
Sources
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 190 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 500+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
- Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
- No additional coverage
- Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
- Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
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Anna BaluchAuto and Home Insurance Writer
4+ years writing insurance and personal finance content
MBA from Roosevelt University
Featured in
MacKenzie KorrisLicensed P&C Agent, Insurance Copy Editor
Licensed property and casualty insurance agent
10+ years editing experience
NPN: 21630969
Katie PowersLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Editor
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
NPN: 20564519
Featured in
Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology