Auto Insurance · Head-to-head
Progressive vs USAA: Which auto insurance wins?
Side-by-side comparison of Progressive and USAA auto insurance — average premiums, coverage strength, claims & support, and editorial verdict.
Progressive
Industry-leading underwriting for high-risk profiles — DUI, multiple accidents, lapsed coverage. The Snapshot telematics program rewards safe driving with 10–30% discounts after 6 months. Premiums for clean records are middling but the high-risk niche is best-in-class.
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.
Editor's verdict
USAA wins on every dimension — if you qualify.
USAA's $1,065/year national average is $568 cheaper than Progressive's $1,633 — and USAA outscores Progressive on every J.D. Power metric measured. The only reason this comparison exists at all is eligibility: USAA membership is restricted to military-affiliated households. For non-eligible drivers needing non-standard underwriting (DUI, SR-22, at-fault claims), Progressive is the best civilian alternative. Verdict: military → USAA. High-risk civilian → Progressive.
- USAA is $568/year cheaper on average (Quadrant 2024) — but eligibility is restricted.
- USAA ranks #1 on J.D. Power; Progressive ranks #16.
- USAA is AM Best A++; Progressive is A+ — small edge to USAA.
- Progressive is the largest U.S. non-standard auto insurer (DUI, SR-22, multiple at-faults).
- Both offer aggressive telematics: USAA's SafePilot caps at 30%, Progressive's Snapshot at 30%.
Side-by-side breakdown
| Feature | Progressive | USAA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg full-coverage premium | $1,633/yr | $1,065/yr |
| Avg liability-only premium | $632/yr | $420/yr |
| A.M. Best financial strength | — | — |
| Best for | high risk · dui | military · good credit |
| Overall rating | 4.4/5 | 4.9/5 |
| Price & savings score (40%) | 4.3 | 4.9 |
| Coverage strength score (25%) | 4.5 | 4.8 |
| Quote & buy experience (20%) | 4.4 | 4.8 |
| Claims & support score (15%) | 4.3 | 4.9 |
Avg full-coverage premium
Progressive
$1,633/yr
USAA
$1,065/yr
Avg liability-only premium
Progressive
$632/yr
USAA
$420/yr
A.M. Best financial strength
Progressive
—
USAA
—
Best for
Progressive
high risk · dui
USAA
military · good credit
Overall rating
Progressive
4.4/5
USAA
4.9/5
Price & savings score (40%)
Progressive
4.3
USAA
4.9
Coverage strength score (25%)
Progressive
4.5
USAA
4.8
Quote & buy experience (20%)
Progressive
4.4
USAA
4.8
Claims & support score (15%)
Progressive
4.3
USAA
4.9
Editor verdicts
Why we rate Progressive 4.4/5
Industry-leading underwriting for high-risk profiles — DUI, multiple accidents, lapsed coverage. The Snapshot telematics program rewards safe driving with 10–30% discounts after 6 months. Premiums for clean records are middling but the high-risk niche is best-in-class.
Read the full Progressive 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 Progressive if…
- Your driver profile leans high risk — Progressive's underwriting is best-in-class there.
Pick USAA if…
- You want the lowest annual premium — USAA averages $1,065/yr for full coverage, $568 less than Progressive.
- You value claims responsiveness — USAA scores higher on claims & support.
- You want a smooth quote-and-buy flow with minimal phone follow-up.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the most-searched questions about Progressive vs USAA.