The General vs USAA
Last updated July 2026
The General
Coverage for drivers who need to get back on the road
Advantages
- Approves drivers other carriers reject, DUI, SR-22, lapses in coverage
- Instant SR-22 filing available in most states, often same-day
- Low upfront down payment options make it easy to get started
- Simple online quote and purchase, no agent required
- Payment flexibility including monthly and bi-weekly plans
Drawbacks
- Base rates are among the highest in the industry for its underwriting pool
- Coverage limits and add-ons more limited than mainstream carriers
- Customer satisfaction scores consistently trail Progressive and Geico
- Claims service reviews are mixed, expect longer resolution times
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
The General and USAA both play in auto insurance, but they're aimed at different buyers. The General is built for drivers with DUIs, SR-22 requirements, or lapses in coverage who need proof of insurance fast. 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 | The General | USAA |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Monthly Cost | Avg $180-$300/mo for high-risk profiles | Avg $85-$130/mo for eligible members |
| Quote Process | Online, phone, no agent | Online, app, or phone (member verification required) |
| Available Discounts | Multi-vehicle, safe driver over time, prior insurance | SafePilot, garaging discount, multi-vehicle, storage |
| Claims Experience | Phone or online submission | In-app filing, digital estimates, 24/7 phone |
| Customer Support | Phone, online, limited hours | Phone, chat, app, secure messaging |
| Coverage Options | Liability, collision, comprehensive, SR-22 filing | Liability, collision, comprehensive, rideshare, umbrella |
| Mobile App Quality | Basic, ID cards, payments, claim start | Excellent, one of the best-rated in insurance |
| Bundling Options | Auto only, limited bundling options | Auto, home, renters, life, banking |
USAA Wins
USAA takes it overall (9/10 vs 6/10), but The General is still the sharper pick for drivers with DUIs, SR-22 requirements, or lapses in coverage who need proof of insurance fast.
USAA's standout strength: Consistently the lowest average auto rates in the U.S. for eligible members. Its biggest drawback (membership limited to military members, veterans, and their families) is easier to live with than The General's (base rates are among the highest in the industry for its underwriting pool). The General isn't out of the running though — its own standout strength is approves drivers other carriers reject, DUI, SR-22, lapses in coverage. If you fit the profile of drivers with DUIs, SR-22 requirements, or lapses in coverage who need proof of insurance fast, that alone can flip the decision.
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