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At Bankrate, we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. To help readers understand how insurance affects their finances, we have licensed insurance professionals on staff who have spent a combined 47 years in the auto, home and life insurance industries. While we adhere to strict , this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation of . Our content is backed by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed entity (NPN: 19966249). For more information, please see our .
USAA, founded in 1922 by Army officers, has grown to become one of the largest auto insurance providers by market share in the U.S. It exclusively focuses on the needs of veterans, current military members and qualifying family members by limiting membership to these groups.
Amica is even older, founded in 1907, and is the oldest mutual automobile insurance provider in the U.S. As a mutual company, Amica returns some dividends to policyholders, depending on the financial metrics of the year. Amica emphasizes customer satisfaction and continuously receives high marks among the J.D. Power overall customer satisfaction survey. If you are interested in getting a quote from Amica, you can visit its website at amica.com.
| USAA | Amica | |
|---|---|---|
| Bankrate score | 4.3 | 4.4 |
| Tier 1 | 4.5 | 3.8 |
| Tier 2 | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Tier 3 | 4.7 | 4.8 |
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Our 2023 Bankrate Score considers variables our insurance editorial team determined impacts policyholders’ experiences with an insurance company. These rating factors include a robust assessment of each company’s product availability, financial strength ratings, online capabilities and customer and claims support accessibility. Each factor was added to a category, and these categories were weighted in a tiered approach to analyze how companies perform in key customer-impacting categories.
Like our previous Bankrate Scores, each category was assigned a metric to determine performance, and the weighted sum adds up to a company’s total Bankrate Score — out of 5 points. This year, our 2023 scoring model provides a more comprehensive view, indicating when companies excel across several key areas and better highlighting where they fall short.
- Tier 1 (Cost & ratings): To determine how well auto and home insurance companies satisfy these priorities, 2023 quoted premiums from Quadrant Information Services (if available), as well as any of the latest third-party agency ratings from J.D. Power, AM Best and the NAIC, were analyzed.
- Tier 2 (Coverage & savings): We assessed companies’ coverage options and availability to help policyholders find a provider that balances cost with coverage. Additionally, we evaluated each company’s discount options listed on its website.
- Tier 3 (Support): To encompass the many ways an auto insurance company can support policyholders, we analyzed avenues of customer accessibility along with community support. This analysis incorporated additional financial strength ratings from S&P and Moody’s and factored a company’s corporate sustainability efforts.
Tier scores are unweighted to show the company’s true score in each category out of a possible five points.
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Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.
Compare auto insurance rates
Save on auto insurance with quotes from trusted providers like:
Drivers switch & save an average of $750+/year
Are you overpaying for auto insurance?
Safe drivers choose Allstate®
Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.
USAA vs. Amica comparison
USAA and Amica are both highly-rated car insurance companies that offer coverage in most states. However, USAA only offers insurance to its members, and membership is limited to military members, veterans and their qualifying family members, while Amica does not have membership restrictions and is therefore available to a wider demographic. Still, both companies offer a number of potential benefits and downsides to drivers, and it may be helpful to consider these pros and cons when determining the best fit for your insurance needs.
USAA pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unique policy options geared toward military members | Membership eligibility is limited |
| High customer satisfaction ratings and J.D. Power score | Limited brick-and-mortar access |
| Low average premiums on car insurance |
Amica pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Live chat option for customer support and claims | No coverage offered in Hawaii |
| Range of coverage options available | Does not offer ridesharing coverage |
| Cheaper than average car insurance rates |
Is USAA cheaper than Amica?
USAA offers cheaper average annual car insurance premiums for full and minimum coverage when compared to Amica. Drivers who purchase a full coverage car insurance policy with USAA will pay $106 less per year on average compared to drivers who purchase full coverage from Amica.
| Car insurance company | Average annual premium for full coverage | Average annual premium for minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $1,361 | $371 |
| Amica | $1,467 | $429 |
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Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze 2023 rates for ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates are weighted based on the population density in each geographic region. Quoted rates are based on a 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit and the following full coverage limits:
- $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $50,000 property damage liability per accident
- $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
- $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
- $500 collision deductible
- $500 comprehensive deductible
To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverage that meets each state’s requirements. Our base profile drivers own a 2021 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.
These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes.
Amica is generally cheaper for drivers with poor credit
Both car insurance carriers offer lower than average car insurance premiums if you have a good or excellent credit rating. While credit scores play an important role in determining auto insurance rates, a few states prohibit using these scores to calculate rates. This includes California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan.
| Credit Score | USAA | Amica |
|---|---|---|
| Poor | $2,625 | $2,216 |
| Average | $1,476 | $1,544 |
| Good | $1,361 | $1,467 |
| Excellent | $1,204 | $1,392 |
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Rates were calculated based on the following insurance credit tiers assigned to our drivers: “poor, average, good (base) and excellent.” Insurance credit tiers factor in your official credit scores but are not dependent on that variable alone. Four states prohibit the use of credit-based insurance scores as a rating factor in determining auto insurance rates: California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan.
USAA is generally cheaper for young drivers
When adding young drivers to a parents’ policy, car insurance rates typically increase significantly. That’s because car insurance companies consider young and teen drivers to be at higher risk to insure due to their lack of driving experience. In general, USAA offers cheaper average rates for young drivers. The table below shows the average annual premium rates for full coverage for young drivers added to a parents’ policy from both Amica and USAA:
| USAA | Amica | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 16 | $3,402 | $3,682 |
| Age 17 | $2,698 | $3,385 |
| Age 18 | $2,294 | $3,123 |
| Age 19 | $1,924 | $2,747 |
| Age 20 | $1,798 | $2,603 |
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The rates displayed reflect the total cost of a 16- through 20-year-old driver added to their parents’ policy. The total cost for the 18-year-old is related to a driver on their own insurance policy. Age is not a contributing rating factor in Hawaii and Massachusetts due to state regulations.
USAA is generally cheaper for adult drivers
Car insurance rates tend to become cheaper after a certain age, as the risk is statistically lower when insuring a driver with more experience behind the wheel. For example, average rates drop significantly after the age of 40. In general, however, USAA offers the cheaper average rates for adult drivers when compared to Amica. The table below outlines each company’s average annual premium for adult drivers:
| USAA | Amica | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 18 | $3,674 | $5,423 |
| Age 25 | $1,765 | $1,718 |
| Age 30 | $1,506 | $1,515 |
| Age 40 | $1,361 | $1,467 |
| Age 60 | $1,253 | $1,434 |
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Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the ages 18-60 (base: 40 years) applied. Depending on age, drivers may be a renter or homeowner. Age is not a contributing rating factor in Hawaii and Massachusetts due to state regulations.
USAA is generally cheaper for high-risk drivers
If you have a speeding ticket, accident or DUI conviction on your record, you can generally expect to pay more than drivers with a clean driving record. DUIs are one of the most serious driving infractions, and drivers can expect to pay significantly more with any insurance company if they have a DUI conviction on their record. However, USAA offers the cheapest average rates for high-risk drivers when compared with Amica. The table below includes average high-risk rate data for USAA and Amica, but there is no guarantee that either company will offer you a policy with a DUI on your record.
| USAA | Amica | |
|---|---|---|
| Clean driving record | $1,361 | $1,467 |
| Speeding ticket conviction | $1,652 | $1,789 |
| At-fault accident | $1,971 | $1,742 |
| DUI conviction | $2,620 | $3,934 |
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Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the following incidents applied: clean record (base), at-fault accident, single speeding ticket and single DUI conviction.
USAA vs Amica: discounts
Discounts are a simple way to save more on premiums. USAA and Amica both offer common discount opportunities to drivers, including bundling, multi-vehicle savings and good student discounts. There are also a few unique discounts each carrier offers, which may help you save more than you would through another insurance provider. For example, USAA offers military installation, SafePilot, and family discounts, while Amica offers accident-free, student away at school, and anti-theft installation discounts.
USAA unique discounts
- Good student discount: If you’re adding a driver under 25 to your policy, they may qualify for a discount if they’ve maintained a B average GPA or higher. This could be particularly advantageous for teen and young drivers.
- Family discount: If you were previously insured on your parents’ or guardians’ USAA policy, it could mean greater savings for you when getting your own policy. This discount is worth up to 10 percent savings off premiums.
- Military installation: If you store or garage your vehicle on base, you may save. USAA offers up to 15 percent savings on comprehensive coverage if you store your vehicle on base. (Not available in NY)
Amica unique discounts
- Homeownership: If you own a home, you may be eligible for a discount. The best part is, this discount is available even if your homeowners policy is not with Amica.
- Loyalty: If you have been a policyholder with the same insurer for at least two years, you may qualify for a loyalty discount. The discount is based on the number of years as a customer.
- Parent’s loyalty: If one of your parents has been an Amica policyholder, it may mean more savings for you when it’s time to get your own policy. Ask about this discount if your parents have been with Amica for at least five years.
| USAA SafePilot | |
|---|---|
| Device | Mobile app |
| Can it raise your premiums? | Yes |
| Enrollment | In all states where coverage is provided |
| Discount | Up to 30% |
| What it monitors | Mileage, harsh braking, harsh turning, acceleration, speed and time of day you’re driving |
| Who it’s for | Drivers who purchase insurance with USAA |
USAA vs Amica: customer experience comparison
Both USAA and Amica provide robust online and mobile app support for policyholders. Whether you want to file a claim, change your policy, check the status of a claim, call for roadside assistance or make a payment, both auto insurers offer online capabilities.
USAA
- Apple store (4.8/5) — The USAA iOS app is highly rated, with customers positively touting the ease of use and design. Using the app gives you access to EVA, a digital voice assistant available for USAA policyholders needing more assistance.
- Google Play (4.8/5) — The ratings for the Android USAA app are lower than the Apple version, although it has the same features. The biggest complaint appears to be the frequent updates and freezes.
Amica
- Apple store (4.8/5) — The Amica iOS app is also well-received and provides many policy-management functions. You can even add additional coverages to your policy through the app.
- Google Play (4.8/5) — The Android version has the same features and functions as the Apple version. The ratings are slightly lower than what USAA earns, but customers give positive reviews for an overall great customer experience.
| USAA | Amica | |
|---|---|---|
| Apple store | 4 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 |
| Google play | 4.1 out of 5 | 3.7 out of 5 |
| J.D. Power | 890 / 1,000 | 903 / 1,000 |
Frequently asked questions
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Rates are dependent on a variety of personal factors, so your rates may be higher or lower. Bankrate uses Quadrant Information Services to examine average rates and found in many circumstances, USAA is less expensive than Amica. However, the best way to determine which carrier will be cheaper for you is to request car insurance quotes from both carriers if you’re eligible for USAA.
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The best car insurance company is different for every driver. Determining what the best car insurance company is for your unique circumstances will depend on your needs, budget and circumstances. It may be helpful to start by considering what types of features and services you’ll want, whether it’s access to a local agency or mobile app functionality that lets you manage your policies from your phone. It may also be useful to think about what kind of coverage options you want, and what options are available at each carrier, as well as the discounts you may qualify for to lower your premium.
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Most major insurers, such as USAA and Amica, offer numerous ways to obtain quotes. To get a quote with USAA, you have to establish eligibility first. From there, you can build a quote online or over the phone with both car insurance carriers. Amica also has offices throughout the country if you prefer to meet in person.
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USAA and Amica both offer homeowners insurance policies to customers who need this type of coverage. Both carriers offer an array of add-on coverage options, online quote access and other unique tools for homeowners searching for the right policy. In addition, both companies offer bundling discounts, which may help you save money on your coverage costs by purchasing both your homeowners insurance and car insurance with the same company.
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