Auto Insurance · Head-to-head
Allstate vs USAA: Which auto insurance wins?
Side-by-side comparison of Allstate and USAA auto insurance — average premiums, coverage strength, claims & support, and editorial verdict.
Allstate
Premiums run 30-50% above the GEICO baseline for clean-record drivers — Allstate competes on coverage extras, not price. The Drivewise telematics program offers 10-25% off, and the Accident Forgiveness rider is genuinely first-accident-free (unlike Progressive's which expires after 3 years). Best for drivers who've had a claim in the last 36 months.
USAA
Cheapest national carrier across virtually every driver profile — but eligibility is restricted to active-duty military, veterans, and their immediate family members. Customer service consistently ranks #1 in J.D. Power surveys (2018-2025). If you qualify, USAA is almost always the right answer.
In plain English
USAA runs $1,043 less per year on average for full coverage ($1,065 vs $2,108/yr). Allstate can still be the better fit when accident forgiveness matter more — see the verdicts below.
Side-by-side breakdown
| Feature | Allstate | USAA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg full-coverage premium | $2,108/yr | $1,065/yr |
| Avg liability-only premium | $735/yr | $420/yr |
| A.M. Best financial strength | — | — |
| Best for | accident forgiveness · agent service | military · good credit |
| Overall rating | 4.1/5 | 4.9/5 |
| Price & savings score (40%) | 3.8 | 4.9 |
| Coverage strength score (25%) | 4.4 | 4.8 |
| Quote & buy experience (20%) | 4.2 | 4.8 |
| Claims & support score (15%) | 4.3 | 4.9 |
Avg full-coverage premium
Allstate
$2,108/yr
USAA
$1,065/yr
Avg liability-only premium
Allstate
$735/yr
USAA
$420/yr
A.M. Best financial strength
Allstate
—
USAA
—
Best for
Allstate
accident forgiveness · agent service
USAA
military · good credit
Overall rating
Allstate
4.1/5
USAA
4.9/5
Price & savings score (40%)
Allstate
3.8
USAA
4.9
Coverage strength score (25%)
Allstate
4.4
USAA
4.8
Quote & buy experience (20%)
Allstate
4.2
USAA
4.8
Claims & support score (15%)
Allstate
4.3
USAA
4.9
Editor verdicts
Why we rate Allstate 4.1/5
Premiums run 30-50% above the GEICO baseline for clean-record drivers — Allstate competes on coverage extras, not price. The Drivewise telematics program offers 10-25% off, and the Accident Forgiveness rider is genuinely first-accident-free (unlike Progressive's which expires after 3 years). Best for drivers who've had a claim in the last 36 months.
Read the full Allstate reviewWhy we rate USAA 4.9/5
Cheapest national carrier across virtually every driver profile — but eligibility is restricted to active-duty military, veterans, and their immediate family members. Customer service consistently ranks #1 in J.D. Power surveys (2018-2025). If you qualify, USAA is almost always the right answer.
Read the full USAA reviewWho should pick which?
Pick Allstate if…
- Your driver profile leans accident forgiveness — Allstate's underwriting is best-in-class there.
Pick USAA if…
- You want the lowest annual premium — USAA averages $1,065/yr for full coverage, $1,043 less than Allstate.
- You value claims responsiveness — USAA scores higher on claims & support.
- You want a smooth quote-and-buy flow with minimal phone follow-up.