AAA vs Travelers: Which is Better for You?

Read on to see which company is best for you.

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Renata Balasco

Senior Content Strategist

Renata joined The Zebra in 2020 as a Customer Experience Agent. Since 2021, she has worked as licensed insurance professional and content strategist.…

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Ross Martin

Insurance Writer

Ross joined The Zebra as a writer and researcher in 2019. He specializes in writing insurance content to help shoppers make informed decisions.

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AAA or Travelers: Which company is best for you?

Among the largest insurance companies in the country, both AAA and Travelers offer car and home insurance. But depending on who you are as a driver or homeowner, one insurer may be the better choice than the other. Dive into our comparison to see which company comes out on top.

AAA car insurance

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Rating from The Zebra Question mark icon

Perhaps best known for its roadside assistance programs, AAA also offers auto insurance to its members. In most cases, coverage is not provided by AAA themselves, but through partner companies. AAA simply acts as an intermediary, meaning that coverage options and experiences can be vastly different based on location.

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3 stars Rating from The Zebra
Ratings based on price, customer service, coverage, and financial strength.
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Pros Cons
  • Many bundling options
  • Additional membership benefits
  • Numerous discount opportunities
  • Lack of robust coverage options
  • Customer satisfaction scores are low

Travelers car insurance

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Rating from The Zebra Question mark icon

Among the oldest insurers in the United States, Travelers remains a popular insurance carrier that provides a number of bundling options. Available coverage types are similar to those offered by most other major insurance companies, and they offer a wide variety of discount options. However, Travelers receives scores less well than competitors regarding overall customer satisfaction.

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4 stars Rating from The Zebra
Ratings based on price, customer service, coverage, and financial strength.
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Pros Cons
  • Affordable rates for most drivers
  • Wide-ranging coverage options
  • Lower customer satisfaction scores overall

Which company comes out on top?

Travelers


Travelers has more positive customer satisfaction scores and was more affordable than AAA, according to our data.


AAA vs. Travelers: car insurance rate comparison

Choosing an auto insurance company can be tricky: rates may vary based on your location, vehicle, and driving record, and some companies offer more perks and benefits than others. AAA and Travelers are two of the top insurers, providing high-quality insurance policies across large portions of the US.

To simplify the process of comparing insurance companies, we've gathered average rates from Travelers and AAA. These take into consideration a variety of rating factors, including credit history, driving record and age. Examine these figures and find the right policy for you.

Want to find out more? Check out our full reviews of AAA and Travelers.

Cheapest average rates
Cheapest average rates

The insurer with the cheapest rates is Travelers at $115 per month — more affordable than AAA's average of $151 a month


AAA vs. Travelers: pricing by credit score

If you have very poor credit, Travelers could be the best option for you. In fact, we found that Travelers was typically much cheaper than AAA for drivers at every credit level. View average insurance rates by credit level for Travelers and AAA below.

 

RATES BY CREDIT LEVEL: TRAVELERS VS. AAA
Credit level AAA avg. annual premium Travelers avg. annual premium
Very Poor (300-579) $6,569 $3,224
Fair (580-669) $4,023 $1,773
Good (670-739) $3,723 $1,375
Very Good (740-799) $3,004 $1,182
Exceptional (800-850) $2,814 $1,069

The Zebra’s auto insurance data methodology

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.

The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.

For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.

AAA vs. Travelers: rates for high-risk drivers

If you've got a speeding ticket or DUI/DWI in your driving record, Travelers could be a better choice than AAA. Each auto insurance company prices policies differently after a violation, so don't be afraid to shop around to figure out which insurer suits you.

 

RATES BY CITATION: TRAVELERS VS. AAA
Citation AAA avg. annual premium Travelers avg. annual premium
At-fault accident (damage < $1,000) $4,078 N/A
At-fault accident (damage > $1,000) $4,002 N/A
DUI/DWI $5,530 $2,004
Reckless driving $5,530 N/A
Speeding ticket $4,078 $1,752

AAA vs. Travelers: rates by age

Auto insurance companies rely on a driver's age to indicate risk, pricing premiums accordingly. An auto insurance policy is commonly more expensive for teen drivers — due to their inexperience — and most affordable for middle-aged and older drivers. Because every car insurance company rates ages differently, it's wise to compare rates and find great coverage.

For drivers in every age group — including teen drivers — Travelers was significantly more affordable than AAA. 

 

RATES BY AGE: TRAVELERS VS. AAA
Age tier AAA avg. annual premium Travelers avg. annual premium
Teens $10,256 $3,622
20s $4,644 $1,645
30s $4,644 $1,348
40s $3,195 $1,237
50s $3,083 $1,167
60s $2,887 $1,165

Aside from finances, AAA and Travelers each carry pros and cons, including their customer satisfaction ratings, discount programs, add-ons and financial stability. Be sure to get quotes and compare rates before purchasing a policy.

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Ratings comparison: AAA vs. Travelers

Being among the largest insurance companies in the country, AAA and Travelers have third-party ratings going back decades. We've put together a list of some of the most recent ratings to help you determine each company's customer satisfaction level, complaint ratio and fiscal security scores.

AAA vs. Travelers
Ratings comparison AAA Travelers
Financial strength (A.M. Best) Superior Superior
JD Power (claims satisfaction) Below average Average
JD Power (customer satisfaction) Average Below average
NAIC rating Poor Good
The Zebra's editorial review score 3/5 4/5
The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey 4.2/5 4.3/5

Which company scores best?

Travelers


While AAA has the edge on customer satisfaction, it was bested by Travelers' ratings for claims satisfaction, degree of consumer complaints and The Zebra's customer satisfaction survey. Both insurers have robust financial strength.


The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey

The Zebra conducted its own survey to discover how customers view insurance companies based on a number of factors. Below you'll find how both companies performed.

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AAA

Among the carriers on our survey, AAA ranked 13th (out of 15) with a score of 4.2. In general, the company placed near the bottom in almost every category.

  • Younger respondents had a more favorable view than older drivers
  • Best scores came in the Trust category
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Travelers

Travelers auto insurance came in sixth place overall (out of 15 carriers) with a score of 4.3. The company scored well in most categories. See highlights below.

  • Scored well in Online Satisfaction (4.4)
  • In the top five for Claims and Customer Service Satisfaction

The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey methodology

Methodology:

These results are based on a survey of 2,722 U.S. insurance policyholders assessing satisfaction with their car and homeowners insurance providers. The survey was conducted using Survey Monkey and designed by our in-house team. It aimed to collect detailed insights from a census-balanced sample reflecting age, gender, and region.

Questionnaire

The questionnaire included demographic questions about age and gender identification and detailed inquiries into insurance experiences. Key topics:

  • Duration with insurance provider and coverage specifics, including teen drivers.
  • Claim filing experiences and satisfaction with claims handling.
  • Customer service interactions, trust in providers, and likelihood of recommending their insurance.
  • Use and satisfaction with digital tools and usage-based insurance programs.

Respondents rated their satisfaction on a Likert scale from 1 to 10 and provided qualitative feedback.

Data Analysis

Data were analyzed focusing on descriptive and inferential statistics to identify satisfaction trends and demographic impacts. Data cleaning and weighting were applied to ensure accuracy, alongside strict confidentiality protocols to protect data security.


AAA vs. Travelers: discount comparison

Below you can see a head-to-head rundown of discount options for auto insurance.

AAA vs. Travelers: discount comparison
Discount comparison AAA Travelers
Good student
Multiple policies
Multiple vehicles
Anti-theft device(s)
Anti-lock brake system
Air bags
Good driver
Defensive driver
Student away at school
Driver training
Green vehicles
Affinity membership alum
Advanced purchase
Pay in full
Home owner
eSign or ePay
Telematics
New Vehicle
Annual Mileage
Military

Due to AAA's partnerships with other car insurance companies to provide policies, some of these discount options may not be available in some locations. Always ask about what discounts you are eligible for when shopping for your policy.


Telematics options: AAA vs. Travelers

Both AAA and Travelers offer telematics programs, which determine your car insurance premium based on how you drive. This data is usually collected via an app or plug-in device. Find out more about each company's telematics options below.

AAA logo
AAA OnBoard

Depending on the state in which they reside, some customers may be able to sign up for OnBoard, AAA's telematics option. The company boasts savings of 15% at sign-up, with total savings of up to 30% possible for eligible drivers. However, there is no separate app at the time of writing, meaning that all participants must download the AAA mobile app.

Travelers IntelliDrive
Travelers IntelliDrive®

Travelers IntelliDrive offers drivers the chance to save up to 20%. Participating policyholders must download a mobile app that tracks your driving habits for 90 days, after which time you might see savings. Bear in mind that this program is not available in all states.

Zebra Tip: Explore both insurers for telematics offerings


Traveler's IntelliDrive and AAA's OnBoard operate similarly and could provide comparable savings for safe drivers.


Roadside assistance: AAA vs. Travelers

Below you'll find a breakdown of the different types of roadside assistance available from each company.

AAA

Perhaps no other company is more closely associated with roadside assistance than AAA. For that reason, it's no surprise that the company has an expansive selection of options available to both members and policyholders. Below is a list of options available:

  • Jumpstarts
  • Towing
  • Fuel delivery
  • Vehicle lockout
  • flat tire service
  • Stuck vehicle services

AAA offers different levels of membership that apply to roadside assistance. Those in higher tiers are often reimbursed for larger amounts or eligible for towing for longer distances. The highest tier even offers trip interruption coverage.

 

Travelers

Travelers offers two tiers of Roadside assistance, both available 24-hours a day. Have a look at how each package compares below:

Plan features Basic plan Premier Roadside Assistance
Towing

Yes (up to 15 miles)                            

Yes (up to 100 miles)
Jump starts

Yes

Yes
Fuel Delivery

Yes

Yes
Flat tire change

Yes

Yes
Lockout services

Yes

Yes
Winching services

Yes

Yes
Trip interruption coverage*

No

Yes
Personal property coverage**

No

Yes

 

*Covers up to $200 per day, up to a maximum of $600

** Provides $500 of coverage for personal property damaged or stolen

tow truck

AAA vs. Travelers: home insurance

While both companies have a sizable presence in the auto insurance industry, Travelers is more popular for homeowners coverage than AAA. See our comparison to find out which company might be the best fit for your home insurance needs.

AAA homeowners insurance review

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Rating from The Zebra Question mark icon

As with AAA's car insurance offering, the company partners with a number of affiliated insurers to provide homeowners coverage. These companies include CSAA and Auto Club Indemnity Company. Ratings of AAA's home insurance offering are a composite of these companies in an effort to give a broad idea of what customers can expect.

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4 stars Rating from The Zebra
Ratings based on price, customer service, coverage, and financial strength.
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  • The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey — 4.2/5: AAA ranked 14th in the overall homeowners carrier category of The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey.
  • Customer Service (J.D. Power) — Below Average: The average J.D. Power ranking of CSAA and Auto Club of Southern California Insurance group comes in just shy of the average for customer satisfaction. 
  • Financial Strength (AM Best) — Excellent: With a financial rating of “excellent,” you can rest assured AAA will be able to handle your claims.
  • Claims Satisfaction (NAIC) — Fewer complaints than average: The average number of complaints across different branches of AAA homeowners insurance companies is fewer than average.

Travelers homeowners review

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Rating from The Zebra Question mark icon

Travelers has a large footprint in the home insurance space. The company has a variety of coverage options, discounts and reasonable rates overall. However, the company's homeowners offering didn't do quite as well in The Zebra Customers Satisfaction Survey. Find out more about the company and its ratings below.

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3.5 stars Rating from The Zebra
Ratings based on price, customer service, coverage, and financial strength.
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  • The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey — 4.3/5: Travelers received a 4.3 out of 5 in The Zebra's survey of customer satisfaction, 14th out of 15 companies.
  • Claims satisfaction (J.D. Power Rating) — Average: In J.D. Power's most recent property claims satisfaction report, Travelers came in just below the industry average.
  • Customer satisfaction (J.D. Power Rating) — Below average: Travelers fell below the industry average in J.D. Power's customer satisfaction study.
  • Financial strength — Excellent: According to AM Best, Travelers has strong financials and will be able to handle your claims.
  • NAIC Rating — Good: Fewer complaints were logged by the NAIC in regards to Travelers' homeowners insurance, falling just below the national complaint index.

Which company comes out on top?

Tie


In this case, both companies come out very close in terms of homeowners insurance ratings. As a prospective customer, you should compare quotes and coverage options from each company to see which is best for your unique coverage needs.


AAA vs. Travelers: home insurance rate comparison

The average annual home insurance rate for AAA is $1,212, while Travelers comes in higher at about $1,500. Travelers and AAA both differ in their underwriting methods, so it's important to remember that your quotes may not match these exactly when you are searching for home coverage. 

Similar to car insurance, homeowners insurance prices can vary based on certain personal and location factors. Companies use not only your insurance history when putting together your quotes, but also historical data for the neighborhood, including crime rates, location to fire fighting services, and the likelihood of natural disasters.

Cheapest average rates
Cheapest average rates

The insurer with the cheapest home insurance rates is AAA at around $101 per month, somewhat cheaper than Traveler's average of $125 per month.

The Zebra’s homeowners insurance data methodology

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.

The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.

For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.


AAA vs. Travelers: homeowners discount comparison

Both AAA and Travelers provide discounts to homeowners who meet certain criteria. While these discounts are not as plentiful as many competitor companies, they may still help customers find significant savings.

AAA VS. TRAVELERS: HOMEOWNERS DISCOUNT COMPARISON
Discount comparison AAA Travelers
Claims free
Recent home buyer
Multi-policy
Newer/more durable roof
Protective devices (smoke/burglar alarms, etc.)
Paid in full
Early signing
Auto pay
Green home

Zebra tip: Check out Travelers if you are seeking home insurance discounts


Travelers offers far more discount options than AAA for qualifying customers, though this doesn't necessarily mean that they will be cheaper for everyone.


Other insurance products and bundling options

Both AAA and Travelers have many insurance products available. Many of these can be bundled together for additional savings. See how the product offerings from AAA and Travelers compare below.

AAA vs. Travelers: other insurance products
Other products AAA Travelers
Boat insurance
Condo insurance
Life insurance
Homeowners insurance
Travel trailer insurance
Renters insurance
RV insurance
Motorcycle insurance
Mobile home insurance
Umbrella
Offroad vehicles and ATVs

Find the best insurance policy for your needs.

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About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

  • The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
  • The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
  • The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
  • The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.