USAA vs Allstate: Which is Better for You?
Read on to see which company is best for you.
USAA or Allstate: Which company is best for you?
USAA and Allstate have overall positive reputations and are among the most popular insurance companies in the United States. USAA policies are only available to members of the armed forces and certain family members. Membership is also required before you can purchase a policy. Allstate is also a popular company with nationwide brand recognition and claims fourth place in market share for auto insurance.
Both companies have coverage options that will satisfy the needs of most customers — but which one is right for you? Have a look at our in-depth comparison to see which company comes out on top.
USAA car insurance
USAA is unique in that customers must be in the armed forces or be close family members. The company has many insurance options that can be paired with your auto policy. Membership also allows access to other benefits, like banking services. In terms of market share, USAA comes in fifth place.
In general, USAA receives stellar ratings from customers and third-party rating agencies alike, including the top score in The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey. If membership is an option for you, the company is definitely worth looking into.
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Allstate car insurance
Allstate is another major insurance company with a wide array of coverage types and mostly positive ratings from third parties and customers. On the whole, Allstate's car insurance policies are often more expensive than most similarly-sized companies. While Allstate has a number of add-ons and other benefits for policyholders — including rebates for safe driving and a rewards program — drivers will want to strongly consider if these added perks are worth the higher prices. See their ratings below to see how they compare to USAA.
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Which company comes out on top?
USAA
While not all customers will be eligible for USAA's coverage, those who are can expect affordable rates and all-around great customer service. However, even those eligible may still find Allstate to be a good option.
USAA vs. Allstate: car insurance rate comparison
Car insurance rates are determined by a number of factors, including where you live, your driving history and even your credit score (a factor in almost all states). Both USAA and Allstate weigh these factors differently, meaning that you are very likely to get a different quote from each company.
To give you a sense of how USAA and Allstate insurance rates compare rates, we've put together average rates based on a few different factors. Have a look at the figures below to get a sense of which company could be most affordable for you.
Want to find out more? Check out our full reviews of USAAÂ and Allstate.
We found that USAA is more affordable than Allstate, with an average monthly cost of $106. Allstate's average was $170 per month.
USAA vs. Allstate: pricing by credit score
If you have very bad credit, USAA could be the way to go. On average, USAA offers cheaper premiums than Allstate for prospective drivers at every credit level. Check out average insurance costs by credit tier for Allstate and USAA below.
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RATES BY CREDIT LEVEL: ALLSTATE VS. USAA
| Credit level | USAA avg. annual premium | Allstate avg. annual premium |
| Very Poor (300-579) | $2,682 | $3,117 |
| Fair (580-669) | $1,247 | $2,162 |
| Good (670-739) | $1,057 | $2,021 |
| Very Good (740-799) | $910 | $1,820 |
| Exceptional (800-850) | $840 | $1,743 |
Auto insurance data methodology
The auto insurance rates published in this guide are based on the results of The Zebra's State of Insurance car insurance pricing analysis. This analysis of more than 83 million insurance rates spans every U.S. ZIP code, using a sample user profile: a 30-year-old single male driver with a Honda Accord, good credit and full coverage at these levels:
- $50,000 per person/$100,000 per incident for bodily injury liability
- $50,000 per incident for property damage liability
- $500 deductibles for collision and comprehensive coverage
To generate pricing for particular rating factors, we adjusted the driving profile based on common pricing factors used by major car insurance companies. These factors include credit score, coverage level, driving record and others.
In some instances, average rates from Liberty Mutual were derived from internally sourced sales data.
USAA vs. Allstate: rates for high-risk drivers
If you have an at-fault accident, speeding violation, reckless driving violation or DUI on your driving record, USAA could be a better choice than Allstate. USAA was significantly less expensive for those with violations in their recent driving history. Every car insurance company prices policies differently after a violation, so don't be afraid to shop around to understand which insurer suits you.
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RATES BY CITATION: ALLSTATE VS. USAA
| Violation | USAA avg. annual premium | Allstate avg. annual premium |
| At-fault accident (damage < $1,000) | $1,304 | $3,006 |
| At-fault accident (damage > $1,000) | $947 | $2,290 |
| DUI/DWI | $1,952 | $3,637 |
| Reckless driving | $1,472 | $3,388 |
| Speeding ticket | $1,124 | $2,256 |
USAA vs. Allstate: rates by age
Auto insurance companies use a driver's age as an indicator of potential risk and price policies accordingly. Car insurance is commonly priciest for young drivers under the age of 25 — due to their relative inexperience compared to older drivers. Because every car insurance company rates age brackets in a different way, it's worth shopping around and finding the best rate for you.
As a general rule, teen drivers should choose USAA before Allstate: USAA offers average yearly savings of $644, compared to Allstate. USAA was also cheapest for drivers of all ages.
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RATES BY AGE: ALLSTATE VS. USAA
| Age | USAA avg. annual premium | Allstate avg. annual premium |
| Teens | $2,864 | $6,442 |
| 20s | $1,261 | $2,636 |
| 30s | $963 | $2,636 |
| 40s | $957 | $1,912 |
| 50s | $889 | $1,893 |
| 60s | $845 | $1,768 |
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Cost aside, USAA and Allstate each carry pros and cons, including discount programs, customer satisfaction ratings, add-ons and financial stability. Dive into the data before making your decision and be sure to shop around and collect quotes before purchasing a policy.
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Ratings comparison: USAA vs. Allstate
Both USAA and Allstate are among the largest car insurance companies and continue to be very popular options. Both companies are rated positively by third-party organizations and customer satisfaction scores are often quite high for each company. We've compiled a list to compare recent ratings from each company below, including scores for financial strength, customer complaints and overall customer satisfaction.
| Ratings comparison | USAA | Allstate |
|---|---|---|
| Financial strength (A.M. Best) | Superior | Excellent |
| JD Power (claims satisfaction) | Excellent | Average |
| JD Power (customer satisfaction) | Excellent | Average |
| NAIC rating | Excellent | Excellent |
| The Zebra's editorial review score | 5/5 | 4 |
| The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey | 4.6 | 4.5/5 |
Which company scores best?
USAA
USAA consistently ranks as one of the top-rated insurers in the U.S. If you're able to qualify for coverage, you could find a more affordable premium and better benefits with USAA.
The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey
To get a better sense of how the overall customer experience, The Zebra conducted an independent survey taking a look at many different factors. Below you'll find each company's results.
USAA topped the list as the best auto insurance carrier with an overall score of 4.6, winning in every category except Online Experience. Here are some other highlights:
- Top-rated overall
- Highly rated by both male and female respondents
- Highly rated by drivers in all age groups
Allstate came in eighth place overall for car insurance with a score of 4.3 out of 5. See the survey highlights below:
- Scored sixth place for Trustworthiness
- Preferred by older drivers overall
- Struggled with Claims Satisfaction
The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey methodology
Findings are based on an online quantitative survey of 4,794 current U.S. auto and home insurance customers, with Census-balanced sampling by age, gender and region. Categories with n=<20 responses are considered insufficient sample size and are not reported. This survey was developed by The Zebra and executed by independent research firm Maru/Blue in 2023.
USAA vs. Allstate: discount comparison
Discounts on car insurance are usually quite small but they can add up to sizable savings, making it a good way for eligible drivers to save money on their premiums. See each company's available discount selections below. Note that discount availability may vary by state and other factors.
USAA and Allstate offer a comparable number of car insurance discounts. But if you have multiple vehicles, USAA could be a better option. On the other hand, Allstate has discounts for green vehicles, payment methods and anti-theft and safety devices. If unsure, ask a representative about which discounts for which you may qualify.
Telematics options: USAA vs. Allstate
For safe drivers, enrolling in a telematics program can translate to savings. Telematics programs use technology to help track your driving habits and set a rate based on its findings on the way you drive, and in some cases, mileage.
Both USAA and Allstate offer telematics options. Have a look at the options available from both companies below.
SafePilot offers customers the chance to have their driving habits monitored in exchange for cheaper car insurance rates. A discount of 10% is offered just for signing up, with up to 30% savings possible for safe drivers at policy renewal.
Allstate's Drivewise is a telematics program that uses a mobile app to track your driving behavior, which could lead to discounts for safe motorists. Drivers receive 3% cashback for signing up for Drivewise. The app-based program can be used by both policyholders and "non-customers" alike to view driving data and receive feedback.
Milewise is Allstate's program for pay-per-mile car insurance. This could benefit low-mileage drivers in particular as rates are based on the number of miles that you drive. These miles are tracked by a plug-in device. While not available in every state, Allstate has plans to continue expansion in an effort to gain more users.
Zebra Tip: Explore telematics offerings from each company if you are a safe driver
Both USAA's SafePilot and Allstate's Drivewise and Milewise are good options overall, and worth checking out for potential savings if you're a careful or low mileage driver.
Roadside assistance: USAA vs. Allstate
A roadside assistance program can be a great safety net to have in case of emergencies. Below you can find a quick rundown of the roadside assistance options offered by both USAA and Allstate.
USAA
USAA offers the following roadside assistance services to policyholders:
- Towing
- Flat tire changing
- Fuel delivery
- Jump-starts
- Lock-out service
- Stuck vehicle assistance
Another perk of USAA membership is that these services are also available at reduced rates to policyholders without roadside assistance on their policy.
Allstate
Allstate offers three types of roadside service to customers with and without an Allstate insurance plan. Annual roadside membership plans and pay-per-use plans are available, and if you have Allstate insurance, you can add roadside coverage to your policy. The pay-per-use coverage allows you to pay only for service when you need it (typically with a charge of $119 per tow and $84 for other services like tire changes, jump starts, fuel delivery and locksmith services).
USAA vs. Allstate: home insurance
As with auto coverage, both USAA and Allstate have home insurance options that are similarly popular. Allstate comes in second place in market share for homeowners insurance, while USAA comes in third. While both companies will offer sufficient coverage options, price points and other benefits may differ. See our analysis below to find out which company might be the best fit for your home insurance needs.
USAA homeowners insurance review
Similar to USAA's car insurance, customer eligibility is limited to those in the armed forces and their families. As the third most popular option for homeowners insurance in the U.S., the company's coverage is highly rated and quite popular. Most customers will find the coverage satisfactory for their needs, and policies can be amended with a good number of add-ons and opportunities to save with discounts.
USAA topped every category in the homeowners portion of The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey, indicating a strong focus on the customer and affirming its esteemed standing in the home insurance market.
- The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey — 4.6/5: USAA topped every category of our homeowners customer satisfaction survey.
- J.D. Power Rating — Among the Best: J.D. Power rates USAA above average in claims and customer service satisfaction.
- Financial strength — Superior: A "Superior" financial strength rating by A.M. Best shows USAA's ability to pay out claims is solid.
- NAIC Rating — Excellent: Regarding USAA, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) received relatively few customer complaints when compared to the market median.
Allstate homeowners review
Allstate is the second most popular provider of home insurance and offers highly customizable home insurance policies. The company is generally held in high regard by customers and rating agencies alike. Its homeowners insurance came in ninth overall in The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey, indicating that it fell somewhere in the middle of the pack. While Allstate offers a wide array of coverage options, those looking for the cheapest policy may do better to search elsewhere.
- The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey — 4.3/5: Allstate earned satisfactory marks in The Zebra's consumer survey.
- Claims satisfaction (J.D. Power) — Average: Allstate was rated as average in claims satisfaction by J.D. Power.
- Customer satisfaction (J.D. Power) — Above average: Allstate was among the top performers in J.D. Power's 2020 study of customer satisfaction.Â
- Financial strength — Excellent: Allstate's finances grade out at an A+, according to A.M. Best.
- NAIC Rating — Above Average: Allstate's homeowners insurance received fewer customer complaints than the national median.
Which company comes out on top?
USAA
USAA has a strong reputation for taking care of its policyholders. Paired with a robust selection of coverage options and typically very affordable rates, USAA is a great choice for homeowners insurance for eligible customers.
USAA vs. Allstate: home insurance rate comparison
USAA's average homeowners insurance rate is around $127 per month, while Allstate's monthly cost is about $133.
Similar to auto insurance quotes, each company has its own underwriting methods for homeowners insurance. This means your rates are highly likely to vary from one company to another. Learn more about the factors insurers use to price your home insurance quote.
Things such as your claims history, crime rates in your area and your proximity to fire stations can have a big impact on how much you pay. As with car insurance shopping, we suggest getting homeowners quotes from many different companies when looking for home insurance policies.
According to our data, USAA has the cheapest home insurance rates at around $127 per month.
Homeowners insurance data methodology
The homeowners insurance rates published in this guide are based on The Zebra's analysis of the cost of home insurance in every U.S. ZIP code. These rates are based on a sample user profile: a 45-year-old married homeowner living in a 2,500-square-foot single-story home built in 2011 with these coverage levels:
- $200,000 for the dwelling
- $20,000 for other structures
- $100,000 for personal property
- $100,000 for personal liability
- $1,000 deductible
To generate pricing for particular rating factors, we adjusted the homeowner profile based on common pricing factors used by major home insurance companies. These factors include location, coverage limits, claims record and others.
USAA vs. Allstate: homeowners discount comparison
Homeowners insurance discounts are a good way to chip away at the cost of your premium. To be eligible for such discounts, policyholders must meet certain criteria. See how the homeowners discounts from USAA and Allstate stack up below.
| Discount comparison | USAA | Allstate |
|---|---|---|
| Claims free | ✓ | ✓ |
| Recent home buyer | ✓ | |
| Multi-policy | ✓ | ✓ |
| Early signing | ✓ | |
| Newer/more durable roof | ||
| Protective devices (smoke/burglar alarms, etc.) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Paid in full | ✓ | |
| Early signing | ✓ | |
| Auto pay | ✓ | |
| Newer home | ✓ | ✓ |
| Renovated home | ||
| Senior citizen |
Zebra tip: Check out Allstate if you are seeking home insurance discounts
Allstate offers far more discount options than USAA for qualifying customers. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that it will be cheaper for everyone, as every company generates quotes differently.
Other insurance products and bundling options
USAA and Allstate both offer multiple lines of insurance. Oftentimes, these separate insurance lines can be bundled together, allowing you to streamline your insurance policies and potentially leading to savings. While shopping for auto or home coverage, you may want to check into coverages such as life, pet or small business insurance available from USAA and Allstate. Take a look at the additional coverage types available from each company below.
| Other products | USAA | Allstate |
|---|---|---|
| Boat insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Condo insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Life insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Homeowners insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Travel trailer insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Renters insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| RV insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Motorcycle insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mobile home insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Umbrella | ✓ | ✓ |
| ATV insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pet insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Commercial insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
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.