Compare USAA vs. The General Insurance

Get affordable car insurance quotes from top companies like USAA and The General

The General and USAA are both big names in the insurance industry. The General was founded in 1963, and USAA was founded in 1922. USAA has outstanding ratings all across the board: it has superior financial strength ratings, 5 out of 5 stars from J.D. Power, and one of the highest customer satisfaction ratings for auto insurance companies. Its only downside is that it only offers insurance to military personnel and their immediate families. On the flip side, The General provides low premiums for high-risk drivers and has a great online-quote tool, but suffers from low customer satisfaction ratings and inconsistent services. So which one offers the kinds of discounts, services, and even customer ratings that best fit your car insurance wants and needs? Keep reading to find out.

Best If/Worst If

  USAA The General
Best If USAA
  • You (or a parent) are a member of the military, and customer service is very important to you
 The General
  • You don’t have a perfect driving record but still want affordable insurance rates
Worst If USAA
  • You are not in the military, and do not have a parent who served
 The General
  • You want good customer service and consistency

Compare Insurance Prices

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

Standard Car Insurance Discounts

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

Consumer Complaint Data

USAA Car Insurance The General Auto Insurance
2016 245 13
2015 415 14
2014 380 3
2013 270 4

U.S. Auto Insurance Shopping Study (2016)

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

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

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

Financial Strength Ratings

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

Mobile Apps

USAA The General
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. 

 The General

The General Mobile App

This app grants users easy access to their policy info on their mobile devices. It also lets them pay their insurance premiums, view their insurance ID cards, and even get a quote.

Download the The General mobile app for iPhone.

Download the app for Android.

Roadside Assistance

USAA The General
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.

 The General

The General 24/7 Roadside Assistance

The General's roadside assistance plan is provided thru a partnership with Nation Safe Driver (NSD). Roadside assistance isn't purchased with you General auto insurance policy, it's a membership with Nation Safe Driver. Plans cost $10/month.

Services Covered

  • Towing
  • Battery service
  • Fuel delivery
  • Lock-out service