Auto-Owners vs USAA
Last updated July 2026
Auto-Owners
The 'no problem' people
Advantages
- Consistently top J.D. Power scores for claims and customer satisfaction
- Diminishing deductible and accident forgiveness available on eligible policies
- Green Deductible waives up to $250 of your deductible for a claim-free year
- Strong bundling discounts with home, life, and umbrella policies
- Available in 26 states across the Midwest, Southeast, and Mid-Atlantic
Drawbacks
- Quotes only through independent agents, no online purchase
- Not available on the West Coast or in the Northeast
- Digital tools trail Progressive and Geico for on-the-go management
USAA
Serving those who serve
Advantages
- Consistently the lowest average auto rates in the U.S. for eligible members
- Top-tier claims satisfaction and customer service scores year after year
- SafePilot telematics program can shave 30% off premiums
- Deep discounts for storing vehicles on base or during deployments
- Full-line offerings across auto, home, life, and banking
Drawbacks
- Membership limited to military members, veterans, and their families
- No local agent network for in-person service
- New drivers under members can push rates higher than expected
Auto-Owners and USAA both play in auto insurance, but they're aimed at different buyers. Auto-Owners is built for drivers in Auto-Owners' 26 states who want elite service and don't mind an agent-only process. USAA is built for active-duty, veterans, and immediate family who qualify for membership. Which one fits depends on which of those descriptions sounds more like you.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Auto-Owners | USAA |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Monthly Cost | Avg $115-$170/mo before bundling | Avg $85-$130/mo for eligible members |
| Quote Process | Independent agent only | Online, app, or phone (member verification required) |
| Available Discounts | Multi-policy, safe driver, diminishing deductible, paid-in-full, good student | SafePilot, garaging discount, multi-vehicle, storage |
| Claims Experience | 24/7 phone, agent-assisted, app for basic submission | In-app filing, digital estimates, 24/7 phone |
| Customer Support | Independent agents, phone | Phone, chat, app, secure messaging |
| Coverage Options | Liability, collision, comprehensive, gap, roadside, rideshare in some states | Liability, collision, comprehensive, rideshare, umbrella |
| Mobile App Quality | Basic, ID cards, payments, simple claim start | Excellent, one of the best-rated in insurance |
| Bundling Options | Auto, home, life, umbrella, business, boat | Auto, home, renters, life, banking |
Too Close to Call
Auto-Owners and USAA land roughly even overall; the right pick depends on which of their strengths matters more to you.
Auto-Owners's standout strength: Consistently top J.D. Power scores for claims and customer satisfaction. USAA's standout strength: Consistently the lowest average auto rates in the U.S. for eligible members. Neither dominates across the board, and both have well-known weak spots. Auto-Owners's biggest drawback: Quotes only through independent agents, no online purchase. USAA's biggest drawback: Membership limited to military members, veterans, and their families. Pick the one whose strengths line up with what you actually need.
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