Compare AAA vs. USAA Insurance

Get affordable car insurance quotes from top companies like AAA and USAA

AAA and USAA are top companies in the insurance world. AAA was ranked fifth among top auto insurers of 2015. And USAA has comparably strong ratings to match it. USAA has impressive financial strength and J.D. Power ratings as well as excellent customer service and a wide discount selection. AAA also offers a variety of auto discounts plus additional discounts for hotels, restaurants, and more.

However, AAA has trouble being on time when it comes to roadside incidents, and USAA’s main drawback is that it serves only military personnel and their immediate families.

So which one offers the discounts, services, and even customer ratings that best fit your car insurance wants and needs? Keep reading to find out.

Best If/Worst If

  AAA USAA
Best If AAA
  • You want excellent roadside service
  • You want to easily access information from the website
 USAA
  • You (or a parent) are a member of the military, and customer service is very important to you
Worst If AAA
  • You constantly need service calls. AAA only provides four service calls per cardholder per year. Anything beyond that costs extra
 USAA
  • You are not in the military, and do not have a parent who served

Special Car Insurance Discounts

AAA USAA
AAA

Another special feature of AAA is that it offers discounts in almost any category you can imagine. Here are just a few of the Triple A discounts you can get:

  • Automotive
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
  • Financial
  • Health
  • Insurance
  • Lodging
  • Services
  • Shopping
  • Travel
 USAA

Compare Insurance Prices

Comparing quotes is the best way to get your lowest rates from top insurers like AAA and USAA. QuoteWizard is an independent company that helps you find your right policy at your best rate.

Standard Car Insurance Discounts

Bundling Coverage Discounts AAA USAA
Multi-Car
Home and Car
Car and Life
Vehicle Type and Safety Features AAA USAA
Alternative Fuel
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Anti-Lock Brake
Anti-Theft
Passive Restraint
New Car
Economy Car
Utility Vehicle
Farm or Ranch Vehicle
Driving Record and Insurance History AAA USAA
Accident Free/Good Driver
Prior Insurance
Long Term Policy Holder
Defensive Driving Course
Student, Professional, and Club Memberships AAA USAA
Affinity Group
College Graduate
Good Student
Resident Student
Organization or Club Membership
Farm Bureau Member
Military
Special Circumstances AAA USAA
Telematics Device
Low Mileage
Short Commute
Days Per Week Driven
Other Discounts AAA USAA
Married
Paid in Full
Advance Renewal
Electronic Funds Transfer
Senior Driver
55 and Retired

Consumer Complaint Data

AAA Car Insurance USAA Car Insurance
2016 245
2015 415
2014 380
2013 270

U.S. Auto Insurance Shopping Study (2016)

AAA Car Insurance USAA Car Insurance
Overall Purchase Experience Average Among the best
Policy Offerings Average Among the best
Pricing Average Among the best
Local Agent Average --
Call Center Representative Above average Among the best
Insurer Website Average Among the best

U.S. Auto Insurance Claims Satisfaction Study (2015)

AAA Car Insurance USAA Car Insurance
Overall Satisfaction Above average Among the best
First Notice of Loss Above average Among the best
Service Interaction Above average Average
Appraisal Average Among the best
Repair Process Among the best Above average
Rental Car Experience Above average Among the best
Settlement Above average Among the best

Financial Strength Ratings

AAA Car Insurance USAA Car Insurance
A.M. Best A+ A++
Moody's -- Aaa
S&P's A AA+

Mobile Apps

AAA USAA
AAA

AAA Mobile app grants you access to tons of exclusive member discounts at over 164,000 locations. You can also request roadside assistance from your mobile device as well as instant battery quotes. Download the AAA Mobile app here.

AAA eTourBook Guides provide members with great travel information for top travel destinations in the US.

 USAA

The USAA Mobile App lets you manage your insurance policies quickly and easily from your mobile device. The app has a touch fingerprint ID feature or voice recognition for a more secure login process. Use the USAA Mobile App to pay insurance premiums, transfer funds, and more. Download the USAA mobile app here. 

Roadside Assistance

AAA USAA
AAA

AAA Roadside Assistance

AAA is best known for its roadside assistance and emergency road service. With the Emergency Road Service (ERS), AAA members can request help at any time.

ERS offers the following roadside services:

  • Accident Towing
  • Battery Service
  • Emergency Towing
  • Flat Tire
  • Fuel
  • Lock Out
  • Winching
  • Bicycle Service

Contact Phone Number

When you call the ERS number 1-800-AAA-HELP (1-800-222-4357), you’ll need to provide the rep with your contact information:

  • Name
  • Membership number
  • Membership expiration date
  • Phone number
  • Vehicle type
  • Exact location
  • License plate number
  • Nature of difficulty
  • Tow destination
 USAA

USAA Roadside Assistance

USAA Roadside Assistance is offered thru USAA Towing and Labor as a policy add-on. Only vehicles covered by USAA insurance are eligible. USAA contracts their roadside service with Cross Country Motor Club to help you in need of help.

Roadside Services Covered

  • Towing
  • Gas delivery
  • Tire replacement

Contact Phone Number

1 (866) 375—5374.