USAA vs. Progressive
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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 was founded in 1922 and is based in San Antonio, Texas. USAA is the eight largest insurance company in the U.S., with just over 3% of the total market share. While the company is known for its insurance coverage options and highly ranked customer service, USAA is unique in that it only offers insurance to its members, and membership is limited to active military members, veterans, and their qualifying family members. Civilians are not eligible for coverage through USAA unless they have specific ties to the military.
Progressive was established in 1937 and is headquartered in Mayfield, Ohio. Progressive is the third-biggest insurance company in the U.S., with about 6% of the total market share, and is available to drivers in nearly every market in the nation. While Progressive is well known for its auto insurance policies, the company also sells many types of insurance as well.
| USAA | Progressive | |
|---|---|---|
| Bankrate score | 4.3 | 4.2 |
| Tier 1 | 4.3 | 3.7 |
| Tier 2 | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Tier 3 | 4.6 | 4.4 |
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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. Progressive comparison
USAA and Progressive are two of the best car insurance companies on the market, and each one offers unique benefits to drivers who are looking for car insurance. However, each company has its potential downsides to consider as well. The possible pros and cons for each company include:
USAA pros and cons
Pros:
- Highly rated for overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction
- Numerous discount opportunities for potential savings
- A++ financial strength rating
Cons:
- Only available to military members, veterans and qualifying family members
- Limited add-on coverage options
Progressive pros and cons
Pros:
- Large number of discounts available
- Helpful online tools and resources
- Add-on coverage options allow customers to customize their policies
Cons:
- Rated lower than average for customer satisfaction in every region by J.D. Power
- Rated below average for claims satisfaction
Is USAA cheaper than Progressive?
Based on our analysis of rate data from Quadrant, USAA offers cheaper rates on average compared to Progressive. Our data shows that USAA offers average rates that are lower on minimum coverage and full coverage car insurance.
| Car insurance company | Average annual premium for full coverage | Average annual premium for minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $1,361 | $371 |
| Progressive | $1,642 | $553 |
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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.
USAA is generally cheaper for drivers with poor credit
Credit score is used as an insurance rating factor in every state except California, Hawaii, Maryland, Michigan and Massachusetts. Drivers with poor credit generally pay higher car insurance rates than drivers with good credit in the states where credit-based insurance scores can be used to calculate rates. However, USAA’s average rates are cheaper for drivers with poor credit.
| Credit Score | USAA | Progressive |
|---|---|---|
| Poor | $2,625 | $2,968 |
| Average | $1,476 | $1,836 |
| Good | $1,361 | $1,642 |
| Excellent | $1,204 | $1,270 |
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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
Car insurance premiums are generally the highest for young drivers who lack experience behind the wheel, as they are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents. In turn, car insurance companies charge higher average rates to younger drivers to compensate for the risk. After comparing premium data for each company, our insurance editorial team found that USAA offers cheaper average rates for young drivers who are added to a parent’s policy.
| USAA | Progressive | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 16 | $3,402 | $3,473 |
| Age 17 | $2,698 | $3,509 |
| Age 18 | $2,294 | $3,163 |
| Age 19 | $1,924 | $2,885 |
| Age 20 | $1,798 | $2,600 |
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The rates displayed reflect the total cost of a 16- through 20-year-old driver added to their parents’ policy. Age is not a contributing rating factor in Hawaii and Massachusetts due to state regulations.
USAA is generally cheaper for adult drivers
Age is one of the car insurance rating factors that can impact your rate the most in nearly every state. Because of the increased risk, average premiums tend to be the most expensive for drivers under 18, but rates typically decrease as drivers get older and gain more experience behind the wheel. By comparing the premium data for each company, we found that USAA offers cheaper average rates for adult drivers on their own policy.
| USAA | Progressive | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 18 | $3,674 | $7,088 |
| Age 25 | $1,765 | $2,070 |
| Age 30 | $1,506 | $1,779 |
| Age 40 | $1,361 | $1,771 |
| Age 60 | $1,253 | $1,460 |
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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
Drivers with a clean record often pay the lowest average rates for car insurance. Having convictions for certain driving violations on your record, like a speeding ticket, will generally cause your rate to increase.
Based on our comparison, USAA offers cheaper average rates than Progressive for drivers with a speeding ticket conviction or an at-fault accident. However, we found that Progressive has cheaper average car insurance premiums for drivers who have been convicted of a DUI.
Keep in mind that not all car insurance companies will underwrite a policy for drivers with a DUI on their record. Although the average rates for high-risk drivers are below for each company, there is no guarantee that USAA or Progressive will insure you after a DUI conviction.
| USAA | Progressive | |
|---|---|---|
| Clean driving record | $1,361 | $1,642 |
| Speeding ticket conviction | $1,652 | $2,140 |
| At-fault accident | $1,971 | $2,638 |
| DUI conviction | $2,620 | $2,156 |
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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. Progressive: Discounts
USAA and Progressive both offer auto insurance discounts that may help you save money on your car insurance. Here are some of the discounts available from each company.
USAA
- Bundling discount: Buying your car insurance along with your home or renters insurance through USAA could save you up to 10% on your policy.
- Vehicle storage discount: If you are deployed and store your vehicle while you are serving overseas, you may receive up to 60% off your premiums.
- Family discount: Young adults may get up to 10% off their car insurance premium if their parent(s) are insured with USAA.
Progressive
- Good student discount: Full-time students who have a B grade point average (GPA) or better might qualify for a discount of 10% off.
- Homeowner discount: Owning your home could qualify you for 10% off your auto policy, even if the property is insured with a different carrier.
- Sign online discount: If you handle all your paperwork digitally, you could receive savings of up to 9%.
Usage-based insurance comparison: USAA vs Progressive
Progressive and USAA both offer usage-based insurance programs to drivers. These programs track your driving behavior through telematics and provide rewards if you consistently demonstrate safe driving habits. Here’s a look at the programs available from these insurers.
| Progressive Snapshot | USAA SafePilot | |
|---|---|---|
| Device | Mobile app or plug-in device | Mobile app |
| Rate impact | Can increase or decrease | Can only decrease |
| Availability | Not available in CA | Not available in CA, DE, or NJ |
| Potential discount | Average savings of $156/year | Up to 10% for enrolling and up to 30% for safe driving |
| What is tracked | Braking, acceleration, phone usage, time of day, trip length | Trip frequency, braking, acceleration, phone handling, potential accidents, location |
USAA vs. Progressive: customer experience comparison
When it comes to customer experience, USAA was rated higher than Progressive on the 2022 J.D. Power Auto Claims Satisfaction study. However, USAA and Progressive both offer a suite of digital tools to customers, which can enhance customer experience.
Both companies allow you to manage your insurance policies online or through a mobile app. You can use these digital tools to make payments, file claims, get new quotes, and view your insurance ID cards on the go. When it comes to mobile apps, this is how USAA and Progressive stack up against each other:
USAA
- Apple store (4.8/5): The USAA app has over 1.6 million reviews. You can view your ID card, report a claim or request roadside assistance from the app and view any USAA banking services that you have.
- Google Play (4.1/5): Nearly 200,000 users awarded the Android version of the USAA mobile app its current score. Although the app has the same features as the iOS version, users do occasionally report connectivity issues.
Progressive
- Apple store (4.8/5): The Progressive app has only been reviewed by roughly 111,000 users, but you can do quite a bit with it, such as receiving quotes, taking photos for a claim or making changes to your policy. However, users do mention that integration between various policy types could be better.
- Google Play (4.7/5): With a score of 4.7 out of 5 from about 83,400 users, the Android version of Progressive’s mobile app seems to function more seamlessly than Apple’s. However, users report that there are still occasionally glitches.
| USAA | Progressive | |
|---|---|---|
| Apple store | 4.8 out of 5 | 4.8 out of 5 |
| Google play | 4.1 out of 5 | 4.7 out of 5 |
| J.D. Power | 890 / 1,000 | 861 / 1,000 |
Frequently asked questions
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Yes, USAA and Progressive both offer homeowners insurance. Additionally, both companies offer a bundling discount if you purchase an auto insurance and home insurance policy together.
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To get car insurance through USAA, you will need to become a member. USAA membership is free and available to current and former members of the Armed Forces, veterans and qualified family members.
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Bankrate’s comparison of average rate data shows that USAA offers cheaper average rates on car insurance compared to Progressive. However, it’s important to remember that car insurance premiums are based on a variety of personal factors and will vary depending on your location, age, credit score, claim history, driving record, and more.
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The national average cost of car insurance is $2,014 per year for full coverage. Minimum coverage car insurance is about $622 per year, based on our analysis of 2023 rate data. Because car insurance rates are calculated based on a number of factors, and each car insurance company weighs these factors differently, your actual rate could be higher or lower than average.
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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. 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.
Credit-based insurance scores: 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.
Incidents: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the following incidents applied: clean record (base), at-fault accident, single speeding ticket, single DUI conviction and lapse in coverage.
Life stage: Rates were evaluated based on the following marital/family status: single (base), married, 40 year married man and woman with a 16-year-old teen driver. Marital status is not a rating factor in HI and MI. Age is not a factor in HI and MA.
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Bankrate Scores primarily reflect a weighted rank of industry-standard ratings for financial strength and customer experience in addition to analysis of quoted annual premiums from Quadrant Information Services, spanning all 50 states and Washington, D.C. We know it is important for drivers to be confident their financial protection covers the likeliest risks, is priced competitively and is provided by a financially-sound company with a history of positive customer support.
To determine how well the best car insurance companies satisfy these priorities, third-party agency ratings from J.D. Power, AM Best, S&P, NAIC, and Moody’s had the most impact on the companies’ Bankrate Scores. As price is a common consideration for drivers, we analyzed quoted premiums based on 40-year-old male and female drivers with a 2020 Toyota Camry. This profile, assessed across thousands of ZIP codes in the U.S., provided a basis on which drivers may compare each provider.
While coverage options, insurer availability, affordability and customer experience are often the top priorities, Bankrate also analyzed each insurer’s online and mobile resources for policy management and claims handling. Insurance is rapidly evolving to keep pace with our digital world, so these aspects also carried weight in determining Bankrate Scores.
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