USAA vs Progressive: Which is Better for You?
Read on to see which company is best for you.
USAA or Progressive: Which company is best for you?
USAA and Progressive are among the most popular insurance companies in the United States. However, insurance shoppers will find that the companies are quite different. For one, 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. Progressive, meanwhile, has been increasing its market share in recent years and is now among the top three carriers in the nation.
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
As a hugely popular option for 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 banking services. In general, USAA receives stellar ratings from customers and third-party rating agencies alike, including the best score for car insurers according to our Customer Satisfaction Survey.
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Progressive car insurance
With wide-ranging coverage and plentiful discounts, Progressive is often considered a great choice for car insurance. The company has a strong track record for service and offers affordable rates on the whole. Progressive also has a number of other coverage types that customers can pair with auto policies which could lead to potential savings. It is also one of the top companies for commercial auto insurance coverage.
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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 Progressive to be a good option.Â
USAA vs. Progressive: 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 (at least in most states). Both USAA and Progressive 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 Progressive 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.
Progressive and USAA are both affordable options, coming in at $104 and $106 per month respectively.
USAA vs. Progressive: pricing by credit score
For those with very poor credit, USAA is a better option than Progressive. Typically, USAA offers far more affordable rates for drivers with credit scores lower than 580, coming in at nearly $1,000 cheaper per year. Insurance shoppers with exceptional credit — a score of 800 or better — should likewise consider USAA, which typically beats Progressive's average rates by around $500 annually. Below you'll find average insurance rates by credit level for both Progressive and USAA below.
RATES BY CREDIT LEVEL: PROGRESSIVE VS. USAA
| Credit level | USAA avg. annual premium | Progressive avg. annual premium |
| Very Poor (300-579) | $2,682 | $3,602 |
| Fair (580-669) | $1,247 | $2,127 |
| Good (670-739) | $1,057 | $1,708 |
| Very Good (740-799) | $910 | $1,453 |
| Exceptional (800-850) | $840 | $1,320 |
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.
USAA vs. Progressive: rates for high-risk drivers
If you have an at-fault accident, speeding violation, reckless driving violation or DUI on your driving record, USAA is probably a choice than Progressive. Remember that all car insurance companies handle driving offenses differently, so don't be afraid to shop around and get quotes to find an insurance company that suits you.
RATES BY CITATION: PROGRESSIVE VS. USAA
| Citation | USAA avg. annual premium | Progressive avg. annual premium |
| At-fault accident (damage < $1,000) | $1,304 | $2,720 |
| At-fault accident (damage > $1,000) | $947 | $2,245 |
| DUI/DWI | $1,952 | $2,201 |
| Reckless driving | $1,472 | $2,457 |
| Speeding ticket | $1,124 | $2,091 |
USAA vs. Progressive: rates by age
Insurance companies use age as an estimator of risk when underwriting policies. In almost all cases, auto insurance policies will be most expensive for teen drivers. This comes down mostly to their inexperience behind the wheel. Rates often become more affordable for drivers aged 25 or older. Because every insurance company rates ages in a different way, it's wise to shop around and find the perfect policy for you.
In general, teen drivers should choose USAA over Progressive. In fact, drivers across all age groups often find insurance rates cheaper with USAA.Â
RATES BY AGE: Progressive VS. USAA
| Age bracket | USAA avg. annual premium | Progressive avg. annual premium |
| Teens | $2,864 | $8,248 |
| 20s | $1,261 | $2,287 |
| 30s | $963 | $1,646 |
| 40s | $957 | $1,644 |
| 50s | $889 | $1,542 |
| 60s | $845 | $1,403 |
Affordability aside, USAA and Progressive each carry pros and cons, including their discounts, add-ons, customer satisfaction ratings and financial stability. Be sure to shop around and compare rates before purchasing a policy.
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Ratings comparison: USAA vs. Progressive
Along with being very popular, both USAA and Progressive are among the highest-rated car insurance companies. 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.
| Ratings comparison | USAA | Progressive |
|---|---|---|
| Financial strength (A.M. Best) | Superior | Superior |
| JD Power (claims satisfaction) | Excellent | Below Average |
| JD Power (customer satisfaction) | Excellent | Below Average |
| NAIC rating | Excellent | Good |
| The Zebra's editorial review score | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey | 4.6 | 4.3/5 |
Which company scores best?
USAA
As one of the top-rated insurance companies in America, it's no surprise that USAA scores better than Progressive in nearly every category. However, Progressive still maintains a high level of customer satisfaction in general.
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
Progressive car insurance placed among the top five companies overall with a score of 4.3, signifying that customers are generally pleased with the level of service they receive from the company. The company place in the top three for online satisfaction, indicating that Progressive's website and app selection are considered quite valuable by its customers.
- Top five overall for auto insurance
- Number three for online satisfaction
- Among the top five companies for bundling home and auto
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. Progressive: discount comparison
Discounts can be a good way for eligible drivers to save money on their premiums. See each company's available discount selections below.
Telematics options: USAA vs. Progressive
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 Progressive offer telematics options. Have a look at the options available from both carriers 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.
Snapshot is Progressive's telematics option. The app tracks drivers' behavior like hard braking and speeding to assess your level of risk. If you are a safe driver, Progressive states that you could save an average of $145 on your premium.
Zebra Tip: Explore telematics offerings from each company if you are a safe driver
Both USAA's SafePilot and Progressive Snapshot are good options overall. In fact, the two companies scored second and third place respectively for best online experience in The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey, indicating good app and website experiences from users.
Roadside assistance: USAA vs. Progressive
For those who find themselves on the side of the road after a breakdown, a roadside assistance program can be a blessing. Below you can find a quick rundown of the roadside assistance options offered by both USAA and Progressive.
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.
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Progressive
Progressive partners with a company called Agero to provide roadside assistance. These services can be used for your car, boat, motorcycle or RV. When added to your policy, Progressive's roadside assistance program offers the following:
- Fuel delivery
- Flat-tire changes
- Battery jump-start
- Battery recharge for EVs
- Lock-out services
- On-scene labor
- Winching services
USAA vs. Progressive: home insurance
As with auto coverage, both USAA and Progressive have home insurance options that are similarly popular. Below, we take a look at how the two companies compare.
USAA homeowners insurance review
Similar to USAA's car insurance, customer eligibility is limited to those in the armed forces and their families. Still, the company's coverage remains highly rated and quite popular. Most customers will find the coverage suitable to their needs, with a good number of add-ons and discounts available.
- 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.
Progressive homeowners review
Progressive offers homeowners insurance in all 50 states plus Washington D.C. While it provides basic coverage options, homeowners looking for more robust policies might find Progressive's options lacking.Â
- The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey – 4.1/5: While a rating above 4 stars is sufficient, Progressive home ranked last overall among the 15 carriers surveyed.
- J.D. Power Rating – Below average: J.D. Power rates Progressive as below-average in overall customer satisfaction.Â
- Financial Strength – Superior: A "Superior" financial strength rating from AM Best shows Progressive has a solid ability to pay out claims.
- NAIC Rating– Poor: The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) received significantly more customer complaints than average regarding Progressive homeowners insurance in 2020.
Which company comes out on top?
USAA
USAA has a strong reputation for taking care of its customers. This, paired with affordable rates and a wide selection of coverage options, makes USAA a great homeowners insurance choice for eligible customers.
USAA vs. Progressive: home insurance rate comparison
USAA's average homeowners insurance rate is around $127 per month while Progressive comes in slightly cheaper at about $113 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.
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 comparing quotes from several home insurers when looking for home insurance policies.
Progressive has cheaper rates than USAA on average, coming in at around $113 per month to USAA's average of $127 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.
USAA vs. Progressive: 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 Progressive stack up below.
| Discount comparison | USAA | Progressive |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Other insurance products and bundling options
USAA and Progressive both offer multiple lines of insurance. Oftentimes, these separate insurance lines can be bundled together, streamlining 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 Progressive. Take a look at the additional coverage types available from each company below.
| Other products | USAA | Progressive |
|---|---|---|
| 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.