4.8out of 3,000+ reviews
Updated August 5, 2022
American Family vs. USAA: A Summary
American Family and USAA are two of the nation’s leading car insurance companies by market share. While American Family is a midsize provider focusing on just 19 states, USAA concentrates on military members and their immediate families. Compare quotes from the two companies and more with the Insurify quote-comparison tool.
Insurance Company | Avg. Monthly Car Insurance Quote | Insurify Composite ScoreThe Insurify Composite Score is a proprietary rating calculated by a team of data scientists at Insurify, weighing multiple factors that reflect the quality, reliability, and health of an insurance company. Inputs to the score include financial strength ratings from A.M. Best, Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s, and Fitch; J.D. Power ratings; Consumer Reports customer satisfaction surveys and customer complaints; mobile app reviews; and user-generated company reviews. |
---|---|---|
American Family | $59 | 89 |
USAA | $43 | 96 |
ICS Score Explanation:
The Insurify Composite Score (ICS) is a proprietary rating calculated by a team of data scientists at Insurify, weighing multiple factors that reflect the quality, reliability, and health of an insurance company.
Inputs to the score include financial strength ratings from A.M. Best, Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s, and Fitch; J.D. Power ratings; Consumer Reports customer satisfaction surveys and customer complaints; mobile app reviews; and user-generated company reviews.
American Family
American Family Insurance (AmFam) lives up to its name by emphasizing insurance coverage for families. For example, it is one of the few companies that offer a generational discount. Aside from the many savings opportunities, policyholders also have access to gap insurance, new car replacement coverage, disappearing deductibles, accident forgiveness, and more.
Pros
Numerous discounts and ways to save on car insurance rates
Rideshare coverage for Uber and Lyft drivers
Affordable rates
Cons
Only available in 19 states
USAA
USAA customizes its insurance products for military personnel. Active duty, retired, and separated veterans and their wives and children are eligible for membership. USAA promises “legendary” customer service. And many families agree, opting for USAA for auto and home insurance and enjoying perks like a mobile app, rental reimbursement, and roadside assistance.
Pros
Affordable rates
Highest J.D. Power overall insurance claims process and customer satisfaction ratings
Coverage for the military community
Cons
Eligibility is limited to the military community
Rating Factor | American Family | USAA |
---|---|---|
Fitch | N/A | AA+ |
A.M. Best | A | A++ |
Moody’s | A1 | Aa1 |
S&P | A | AA+ |
J.D. Power | 899 | 902 |
The Best Car Insurance Companies in 2021
Rank | Company Name | Average Monthly Quote | Insurify Composite ScoreThe Insurify Composite Score is a proprietary rating calculated by a team of data scientists at Insurify, weighing multiple factors that reflect the quality, reliability, and health of an insurance company. Inputs to the score include financial strength ratings from A.M. Best, Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s, and Fitch; J.D. Power ratings; Consumer Reports customer satisfaction surveys and customer complaints; mobile app reviews; and user-generated company reviews. |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Clearcover Best Overall | $135 | 97 |
2 | Nationwide Best for Safe Drivers | $199 | 89 |
3 | American Family Best for Families with Teen Drivers | $234 | 89 |
4 | Safeco Best for Drivers with Poor Credit | $186 | 86 |
5 | Farmers Best for Rideshare Coverage | $239 | 85 |
6 | Foremost Best for Hassle-Free Claims | $159 | 82 |
7 | Liberty Mutual Best for Accident Forgiveness | $241 | 82 |
8 | Mercury Best for Face-to-Face Service | $232 | 81 |
9 | Progressive Best for Senior Drivers | $147 | 80 |
10 | Travelers Best for Young Drivers | $163 | 80 |
American Family ranked third on Insurify’s list of the best auto insurers of 2021 and is the company to pick if you have teen drivers. Notably, American Family has ridesharing coverage available for Uber and Lyft drivers. USAA failed to make the list, but it is still easily the best coverage option for military members and their families.
Compare American Family vs. USAA: Which Is Cheaper?
In every driver category, USAA has lower insurance premiums than American Family. American Family caters to all customers, not only military personnel, veterans, and their family members. Although USAA is cheaper, both companies are incredibly competitive. This is one match-up where decisions around add-ons are crucial, so checking out quotes from both is important.
The Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in 2021
Rank | Insurance Company | Average Cost Per Month | ICSThe Insurify Composite Score is a proprietary rating calculated by a team of data scientists at Insurify, weighing multiple factors that reflect the quality, reliability, and health of an insurance company. Inputs to the score include financial strength ratings from A.M. Best, Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s, and Fitch; J.D. Power ratings; Consumer Reports customer satisfaction surveys and customer complaints; mobile app reviews; and user-generated company reviews. |
---|---|---|---|
1 | USH&C | $44 | Not Rated |
2 | Metromile | $63 | Not Rated |
3 | Direct Auto | $64 | Not Rated |
4 | Travelers | $65 | 80 |
5 | Kemper | $71 | Not Rated |
6 | Progressive | $87 | Not Rated |
7 | Mile Auto | $91 | 85 |
8 | National General | $93 | 58 |
9 | Clearcover | $94 | 97 |
10 | GAINSCO | $94 | Not Rated |
Although both companies failed to make the list for cheapest car insurance companies in 2021, American Family and USAA contend with the cheapest auto insurance providers in the nation. In particular, AmFam’s average monthly premium is $59, and USAA’s is $43. Both are much lower than the national average, so pick the provider that meets your insurance needs.
Compare American Family vs. USAA Car Insurance by Age
Your age is an essential factor considered by auto insurance providers when determining insurance rates. Research from insurance companies has shown that experience driving correlates to safer driving, so it’s no surprise that drivers under 25 often pay more for state minimum coverage than older drivers pay for full coverage.
A glance at the prices for both companies reveals that premiums typically decrease until drivers reach their 60s. Both AmFam and USAA provide the cheapest rates to drivers in their 50s. As drivers near retirement, costs begin to rise again, but even those in their 80s can expect auto insurance quotes to be about half what teen drivers fork over.
Age Group | American Family | USAA |
---|---|---|
Teen | $156 | $100 |
20s | $56 | $42 |
30s | $59 | $44 |
40s | $54 | $34 |
50s | $50 | $34 |
60s | $50 | $36 |
70s | $66 | $46 |
80s | $75 | $57 |
Compare American Family vs. USAA Car Insurance by Gender
Gender influences how much you pay for vehicle insurance. In most circumstances, the variation in rates is minimal, but it may be substantial at specific insurers. Furthermore, until their mid-30s, males are statistically riskier drivers than women. Insurance providers charge young males a little extra because of the greater associated risk.
At American Family, women pay around $8 less per month than men. At USAA, women hand over $1 less per month than men. The yearly difference amounts to an average of $72 at American Family and $12 at USAA. Both companies outperform the national averages for both men and women.
Which is cheapest for men?
At an average of $43 per month, USAA coverage for men is $19 less per month than American Family. That said, both car insurance companies offer rates lower than the national average by significant percentages. Male policyholders at USAA save an average of $38 per month, or $456 per year, and customers at American Family save $19 per month, or $228 per year.
Gender | American Family | USAA | National Average |
---|---|---|---|
Men | $62 | $43 | $81 |
Which is cheapest for women?
Women solely concerned with finding an affordable rate might prefer USAA due to average rates of $42 per month, in comparison to an average monthly rate of $56 from American Family. Furthermore, both providers substantially undercut the national average. USAA offers coverage that is $36 less per month than the national average, and AmFam offers rates that cost $22 less per month.
Gender | American Family | USAA | National Average |
---|---|---|---|
Women | $56 | $42 | $78 |
Compare American Family vs. USAA Car Insurance by Mileage
Drivers who rack up lots of annual miles might pay more for auto insurance since insurers believe they are more likely to be involved in or cause an accident. Depending on the insurance provider, the price differences by annual mileage may be minimal for some and significant for others.
Regardless of how often you drive, your rates with American Family and USAA will be around the same. At all levels, American Family costs more than USAA, but both companies are much cheaper than the national average.
Which is cheapest for drivers with high mileage?
If you put a bunch of miles on the odometer every year, you don’t need to worry about either insurance provider hiking up your rates. That said, USAA is the more cost-effective option, with an average rate of $42 per month. Even AmFam’s $56 per month rate provides a more affordable option than the $78 per month national average.
Annual Mileage | American Family | USAA | National Average |
---|---|---|---|
15,000-20,000 | $56 | $42 | $78 |
Which is cheapest for drivers with low mileage?
Because the pricing remains pretty much the same regardless of the number of miles driven in a year, USAA is still the most affordable option for low-mileage drivers. AmFam costs $57 per month, and both insurers offer lower rates than the national average.
Annual Mileage | American Family | USAA | National Average |
---|---|---|---|
5,000 | $57 | $42 | $78 |
10,000 | $56 | $42 | $78 |
Compare American Family vs. USAA Car Insurance by Credit Score
Insurers look at credit score history because various studies have shown that creditworthiness is associated with safer driving. However, using credit scores to rate car insurance is limited or prohibited in California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Michigan. Whether your credit is impeccable or less than perfect, you can find reasonable auto insurance quotes at Insurify.
A glimpse at the numbers for AmFam and USAA reveals that both insurers deliver the cheapest rates to individuals with the best credit. Moreover, the national average follows the same pattern at all credit tiers. Earning cheaper auto insurance coverage is just one more reason to pay off debt and maintain a consistent payment history.
Which is cheapest for good credit?
USAA offers lower rates than American Family, with a slight difference in pricing per month for customers with excellent credit and good credit. In comparison to the average national rates, average premiums from USAA are lower by between $24 and $31 a month. Similarly, American Family rates are lower than the national average by between $15 and $19 per month.
Credit Tier | American Family | USAA | National Average |
---|---|---|---|
Excellent | $45 | $36 | $60 |
Good | $52 | $40 | $71 |
Which is cheapest for bad credit?
Either company offers affordable rates if you’re building up or repairing your credit, but USAA has the best rates. If you have average credit, USAA’s $42 per month rate is $15 cheaper than American Family and $36 cheaper than the national average. For those with poor credit, USAA’s $65 per month rate is $21 cheaper than AmFam and $55 cheaper than the national average.
Credit Tier | American Family | USAA | National Average |
---|---|---|---|
Average | $57 | $42 | $78 |
Poor | $86 | $65 | $120 |
Compare American Family vs. USAA Car Insurance by Driving Record
Driving records are the best predictor of future driving behaviors to insurance providers. Therefore, being a careful driver and avoiding citations and at-fault accidents increases your chances of receiving a low-cost premium. Drivers with a history of past violations often pay much more than they would with a clean record.
At-fault accidents, speeding violations, and DUIs all raise the cost of an auto insurance policy. The price hike is most relevant for those with one or more past DUI on their driving record. For example, the national average rate for drivers with a DUI is $77 more per month than the average rate for a driver with a clean record. AmFam and USAA follow a similar pattern.
Which is cheapest for good drivers?
Good drivers can pick either insurer, but USAA offers the better rate. The companies vary by $15 per month, but both companies trounce the $78 national average. With extra money saved with low premiums, responsible drivers may think about purchasing the added security of uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
Driver Type | American Family | USAA | National Average |
---|---|---|---|
Clean Record | $57 | $42 | $78 |
Which is cheapest after a speeding ticket?
Even with a speeding ticket in your driving history, USAA costs $26 less per month compared to AmFam and $53 less per month than the national average. AmFam is also cheaper than the national average by $27 per month on average, so both providers offer affordable rates.
Driver Type | American Family | USAA | National Average |
---|---|---|---|
Speeding Ticket | $77 | $51 | $104 |
Which is cheapest after an accident?
Even a minor collision could cause a rate increase. USAA is the logical pick if you’ve been in a car accident because average rates remain at an affordable $60 per month. Additionally, coverage from USAA saves drivers $35 per month in comparison to American Family. Both auto insurers are less costly than the $113 per month national average.
Driver Type | American Family | USAA | National Average |
---|---|---|---|
At-Fault Accident | $95 | $60 | $113 |
Which is cheapest after a DUI?
After a DUI, drivers face some of the most expensive insurance rates. Nonetheless, when measured against the national average, American Family and USAA both offer highly competitive affordable rates. Once again, USAA provides drivers with a lower average rate, but American Family is just $10 more each month.
Driver Type | American Family | USAA | National Average |
---|---|---|---|
DUI | $94 | $84 | $155 |
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American Family vs. USAA Car Insurance: What discounts does each offer?
American Family Discounts
Auto safety equipment
Away at school
Defensive driver training
Early bird
Generational
Good driving
Good student
KnowYourDrive
Low mileage
Loyalty
Multi-product (bundling your car insurance with other types of coverage like homeowners insurance, renters insurance, or life insurance)
Multi-vehicle
Steer Into Savings
Teen Safe Driver
Young volunteer
USAA Discounts
Anti-theft device
Defensive driving
Good driver
Good student
Loyalty
Multi-policy
Multi-vehicle
New car
SafePilot
Student away at school
Vehicle storage
Discount | American Family | USAA |
---|---|---|
Anti-theft device | ||
Auto safety equipment | ||
Away at school | ||
Defensive driver | ||
Early bird | ||
Generational | ||
Good driving | ||
Good student | ||
KnowYourDrive | ||
Low Mileage | ||
Loyalty | ||
Multi-policy/Multi-product | ||
Multi-vehicle | ||
New car | ||
SafePilot | ||
Steer Into Savings | ||
Teen driver/Teen Safe Driver | ||
Vehicle storage | ||
Young volunteer |
Our Methodology and How We Compared American Family and USAA
The car insurance quotes provided in Insurify’s insurance company comparison guides are based on the analysis of over 50 thousand insurance quotes from 500 ZIP codes nationwide. Insurify’s data science team performs a comprehensive analysis of factors car insurance providers weigh to calculate rates, including driver demographics, driving record, credit score, desired coverage level, and more to give representative samples.
Insurify’s analysis also incorporates the Insurify Composite Score (ICS) assigned to each insurance provider. The ICS is a proprietary rating calculated by weighing multiple factors that reflect the quality, reliability, and health of an insurance company.
Ratings used to calculate the ICS include Financial Strength Ratings from A.M. Best, Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s, and Fitch; J.D. Power ratings; Consumer Reports customer satisfaction surveys and customer complaints; mobile app reviews; and user-generated company reviews.
With the above insights and ranking methods, Insurify is able to offer car insurance shoppers a window into how insurance providers compare to one another in terms of both cost and quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
After a thorough insurance review, USAA consistently offers the cheapest coverage for every driver category. USAA’s average monthly car insurance rate is $43, and American Family Insurance’s is $59. Both companies offer rates lower than the national average, but your price will ultimately vary by your age, credit history, driving profile, location, and more.
According to the Insurify Composite Score—our internal rating system that factors in customer satisfaction, National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) reviews, and financial strength rankings—USAA is the better company. USAA is only available to military members and their immediate families, whereas AmFam is open to everyone.
The simplest and quickest way to evaluate coverage options from American Family and USAA is with a comprehensive quote-comparison tool like Insurify. In a matter of minutes, you can receive personalized quotes from leading auto insurance companies like American Family and USAA, as well as providers like Allstate, GEICO, Liberty Mutual, and State Farm.