USAA vs. Safeco

USAA or Safeco: Which company is best for you?

USAA and Safeco 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. Safeco is also a popular company with nationwide brand recognition.

Both companies have coverage options that will satisfy the needs of most customers, and prices that are — at least on average — quite affordable. Have a look at our in-depth comparison to see which company comes out on top.

USAA car insurance

Safeco car insurance

USAA vs. Safeco: 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 Safeco 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 Safeco 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.

USAA vs. Safeco: pricing by credit score

For drivers with very poor credit, USAA could be the best option for you. Typically, USAA offers more affordable premiums than Safeco for drivers with credit scores of 579 or less. Those with exceptional credit — a score of 800-plus — should also consider USAA, which typically beats Safeco by $815 annually. View common insurance rates by credit level for Safeco and USAA.

RATES BY CREDIT LEVEL: SAFECO VS. USAA

USAA vs. Safeco: 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 Safeco. Every car insurance company prices policies differently after a violation, so don't be afraid to shop around to understand which insurer suits you.

RATES BY CITATION: SAFECO VS. USAA

USAA vs. Safeco: 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 — 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 Safeco: USAA offers average yearly savings of $4,901, compared to Safeco. USAA was also cheapest for drivers of all ages.

RATES BY AGE: SAFECO VS. USAA

Cost aside, USAA and Safeco 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 see quotes from several insurers before purchasing a policy.

Ratings comparison: USAA vs. Safeco

Both USAA and Safeco are among the highest-rated car insurance companies and continue to be very popular options. Third-party ratings and customer satisfaction scores are often quite high for each company. Compare recent ratings from each company below, including scores for financial strength, customer complaints and overall customer satisfaction.

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. Safeco did not meet the criteria to be included in this survey, but you can see how customers viewed their experiences with USAA below.

USAA vs. Safeco: discount comparison

Discounts can be a good way for eligible drivers to save money on their premiums. While most discounts are quite small, they can add up to sizable savings. See each company's available discount selections below.

In general, Safeco offers a number of discounts aimed at younger drivers, including those for young drivers who become newly independent and continue coverage through Safeco. USAA offers fewer discounts on car insurance but could still offer a lower rate despite this shortcoming. If unsure, ask a representative about which discounts for which you may qualify.

Telematics options: USAA vs. Safeco

Telematics programs utilize technology to help track your driving habits and set a rate appropriate for the amount of risk that you pose. For safe drivers, this can translate to savings. Both USAA and Safeco offer telematics options. Have a look at the options available from both carriers below.

Roadside assistance: USAA vs. Safeco

For those who find themselves on the side of the road after a breakdown, a roadside assistance program can be a blessing. It's 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 Safeco.

USAA vs. Safeco: home insurance

As with auto coverage, both USAA and Safeco have home insurance options that are similarly popular among policyholders. Below, we take a look at how the two companies compare.

USAA homeowners insurance review

Safeco homeowners review

USAA vs. Safeco: home insurance rate comparison

USAA's average homeowners insurance rate is around $127 per month, and Safeco comes in a bit lower at $103 per month. 

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 home insurance quotes from many different companies when looking for home insurance policies.

USAA vs. Safeco: homeowners discount comparison

Homeowners insurance discounts can be a good way to bring down your premiums. To be eligible for such discounts, policyholders must meet certain criteria. See how the homeowners discounts from USAA and Safeco stack up below.

Other insurance products and bundling options

USAA and Safeco 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 Safeco. Take a look at the additional coverage types available from each company below.