Compare AAA vs. USAA Car Insurance

I was hit from the back at a stop sign by a young lady and by the time I got an estimate the next day USAA send me a check for the amount of damage the following day

my wife was hit in the rear end her chev was total usaa payed all the claims

I have been a client of USAA for 46 years. I have had multiple automobile claims and homeowner insurance claims. Each incident has been handled quickly and has left me very satisfied with their attitude and service. I was speaking to the owner of a collision repair shop and explaining what I wanted done on the vehicle. He stopped me and said, "That is up to the insurance company." When I told him that I had USAA, he laughed and said there would be no problem. "They will do whatever you want." It was an exaggeration but very close to the truth. The insurance is the only insurance that has a "Subscriber's Savings Account" that I am aware of in the industry. Over the last 10 years, a percentage of my premium has gone into the account. The percentage has varied from a low of 9% to as much as 52% of my premium. The average is 23% of my premiums. It is not a bad discount for great service.

We've had USAA for fifty (yes, FIFTY!) years now and wouldn't even consider changing to another company. Along the way we've had a few claims (both auto and homeowner's), and in addition to the claims being handled fairly, quickly, and efficiently, we've never experienced any significant rate changes as a result. Speaking of rates, when comparing you'll definitely want to consider the fact that USAA offers an annual "rebate"; the amount of which is based on a formula of how much you paid in premiums, and their loss experience. Part of this rebate is awarded in cash (or credit to your current premium), and part is deposited in a "Subscriber Savings Account" with the company (and the amount we're talking about can easily be hundreds of dollars!)...the net result is a reduction in your overall cost. This "rebate" is NOT guaranteed, but based on the fact that they've awarded it every single year (to my knowledge), it's pretty safe to say that you'll get one. In my humble opinion, if you qualify for this insurance and don't take advantage of it, you're missing out on a great, cost effective experience. To be "fair and balanced", I've also read some, not a lot, but some "bad" USAA reviews over the years, which surprises me based on my personal experiences. One of the more common complaints seems to focus on poor customer service. Obviously I don't know the people involved or the specifics, but in my experience, talking to USAA reps literally hundreds of times over the last half century, I've NEVER once had a negative interaction, nor have any of my family members; all of whom are USAA members too! So this leads me to conclude that "...there are always two sides to a story." One last anecdotal experience: I used to get "cold calls" from auto insurance companies asking me if I'd like to save some money on my insurance. Sure, I'd say, go ahead and give me a quote. So the first question (almost always) was: Who is your current insurer? USAA, I'd respond. Oh, OK, great company, thanks for your time, goodbye. Only once did an agent actually take the time to give me a quote, which was, I'll admit, about $10 a year less than what I was paying. So, he asked, are you ready to switch to us? Well, I responded, I might consider it (not really) after you tell me about your rebate program. Huh? Rebate? Uh, we don't do that, sorry.