CarInsurance.com Insights
- USAA offers the lowest average rates for military members nationwide ($1,465 per year), but membership is restricted to active-duty, veterans and their families.
- GEICO provides a 9% military discount plus additional savings during emergency deployment, making it competitive in many states.
- USAA perks include deployment flexibility, storage and on-base garaging discounts, accident forgiveness and loyalty rewards.
- GEICO advantages include nationwide availability, strong digital tools and affinity group discounts.
- USAA scores higher in satisfaction studies, while GEICO has broader accessibility and a lower complaint index.
As a military member, you have access to a wide range of car insurance options, but two names in particular stand out: USAA and GEICO. Both companies offer discounts, military-specific benefits and affordable rates.
Our guide compares USAA vs. GEICO in terms of cost, benefits, eligibility and customer service so you can make the best choice for your family.
Who can get USAA and GEICO military car insurance?
Before deciding between GEICO and USAA, you must know whether USAA is an option. Not everyone is eligible for USAA insurance. USAA is members-only, while GEICO is open to all but still competitive for military members.
USAA eligibility
USAA membership is offered to:
- Active-duty military members
- Members of the National Guard and Reserve
- Veterans with an honorable discharge
- Employees of certain federal agencies
- Military spouses
- Children of USAA members
- Cadets and midshipmen
- Pre-commissioned officers
- Service academy appointees
Civilians are not eligible for USAA membership (unless they are the spouse or child of a member).
GEICO eligibility
Although it began as a company for government employees and military officers, today GEICO is available to anyone. However, the insurer does offer military-specific discounts to active-duty military members, veterans, National Guard members and Reservists.
USAA vs GEICO: Average annual premiums for military members
Insurance rates vary from person to person based on unique factors such as age, location, driving history and even credit score. However, it helps to see the average annual premium for each insurer.
USAA average premiums
The average annual premium for USAA full coverage car insurance is $1,572, or $131 monthly. USAA often has the lowest average premiums nationwide, but only USAA members are eligible for the savings.
However, military members receive a 7% discount, so their annual rate is $1,465.
GEICO average premiums
The average annual full coverage premium for GEICO is $2,148 or $179 per month. However, military members get an average 9% discount, a discounted rate of $1,951 per year, plus additional discounts during emergency deployment.
GEICO also offers insurance discounts to members of certain affinity groups like the Navy League of the United States (NLUS).
You can compare rates for civilians and military members in the table below.
| Company | Average annual premium | Average annual premium for military members | Key savings for military members |
|---|---|---|---|
| USAA | $1,572 | $1,465 | Often the lowest cost nationwide; 7% average discount; exclusive discounts for active-duty members and veterans |
| GEICO | $2,148 | $1,951 | 9% military discount, plus additional savings during emergency deployment |
Which is cheaper for your situation, USAA or GEICO?
Your age, military status or household circumstances could make one company a better pick.
- Young service members: USAA offers slightly cheaper average rates for 25-year-old drivers than GEICO.
- Families with teen drivers: USAA offers the lowest average rates for teen drivers and a 10% discount for students with good grades.
- Veterans: Both offer low rates for veterans, and USAA also offers coverage for service members’ widows and spouses.
Wise Words
- USAA generally wins on cost, but Geico can be cheaper in some states or situations.
Discounts and deployment benefits
USAA offers more built-in benefits for military members, while Geico provides easy-to-access discounts.
USAA discounts
With USAA insurance, perks for military members include:
- Deployment flexibility
- Storage discounts
- On-base garaging discounts
- Accident forgiveness
- Loyalty perks
GEICO discounts
With a GEICO policy, military members could be eligible for:
- 15% military discount
- Emergency deployment discount
- Garaging/storage savings
USAA vs Geico: Military discounts and deployment benefits
| Feature / Benefit | USAA | GEICO |
|---|---|---|
| Military Discount | Exclusive pricing for active duty, veterans and families; 7% discount | 9% discount for active duty, veterans, Guard and Reserve |
| Deployment Benefits | Flexible options to reduce or suspend coverage while deployed | Emergency deployment discount for qualifying orders |
| Storage/Garaging Discount | Discount for storing a vehicle on base or off-road | Savings when a vehicle is stored during deployment |
| Accident Forgiveness | Included after 5 years accident-free (varies by state) | Optional add-on, not military specific |
| Loyalty Rewards | Discounts for long-term members and multi-policy bundles | Multi-policy and multi-vehicle savings |
| Eligibility | Only military members, veterans, spouses and children | Available to everyone with military discount eligibility |
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Service, availability and customer experience
An important factor in choosing a car insurance company is how well it takes care of you when something goes wrong.
USAA customer service
In the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Auto Insurance Study, USAA received 748 points out of 1,000 for customer satisfaction, far above the study average of 631. However, the insurer was not ranked as a member-exclusive organization because it does not meet the study criteria.
Tailored for military service, USAA is known for high customer satisfaction. However, its complaint index of 1.31 from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) for private passenger auto is slightly above average.
GEICO customer service
Meanwhile, GEICO ranked third in the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Auto Insurance Study. The insurer received 644 points out of 1,000, scoring above the study average.
GEICO is known for nationwide availability, strong tech tools (including its convenient, easy-to-use mobile app) and a broad service network.
Though it may not match USAA’s personalized military focus, GEICO’s NAIC complaint index is much lower, at .53, which is a much better score.
USAA vs GEICO: Which is better for you?
You’ll need to request quotes from both companies to compare coverage and rates for your situation and location.
“There are a lot of factors that go into this; it’s not a one-size-fits-all,” says Michael Silverman, president and CEO at Silver Lining Insurance Agency. “That’s why it’s best to talk to a licensed insurance agent about what makes the most sense for you and your family.”
Some members praised GEICO’s low premiums in a Reddit forum dedicated to military finance topics, even with a teen driver in their household.
Others preferred the rate, coverage and service they received with USAA.
Choose USAA if:
- You qualify for membership. USAA membership is designed for veterans, military members and their families.
- You want the lowest average rates and tailored military perks. USAA consistently offers the lowest average rates in CarInsurance.com’s extensive rate data.
Choose GEICO if:
- You want broad availability and simple access to discounts. GEICO is available in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. It offers military-specific discounts as well as other types of discounts.
- You prefer to bundle it with non-military coverage. Bundling GEICO policies like renters or homeowners insurance can save you money.
Expert tip
Many families compare both since rates vary by state, driver history and deployment status.
Frequently Asked Questions: USAA vs. GEICO
Is USAA the cheapest car insurance for military members?
USAA offers the cheapest average annual premiums for military members, even when accounting for GEICO’s 9% military discount. However, insurance varies by person, so request a quote from each to see what your costs would be.
Does GEICO offer deployment discounts?
Yes, you can get deployment discounts with GEICO. The insurer offers emergency deployment discounts for those deployed to imminent danger pay areas designated by the Department of Defense.
Can veterans get USAA and GEICO military discounts?
Veterans who served honorably are eligible for USAA insurance, although the insurer doesn’t offer a specific “veterans discount.” At GEICO, veterans may qualify for a discount of up to 15%.
Which company has better customer service for military families?
Both USAA and GEICO are known for offering military-specific services. However, USAA scored higher in a J.D. Power study of car insurance satisfaction.
Do spouses and dependents qualify for USAA and GEICO discounts?
Military spouses and children can qualify for membership to receive USAA’s low rates on car insurance. A military member’s spouse or family can join their policy with GEICO insurance. That way, they might be eligible for further discounts, such as for safe driving or good grades.
Final thoughts on GEICO vs. USAA
Both GEICO and USAA offer affordable car insurance for military members. USAA usually offers the cheapest rates and has the strongest military focus, considering membership is exclusive to military members, veterans and their families. However, GEICO is a close competitor, with nationwide access and substantial discounts.
Sources
- J.D. Power. “J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Auto Insurance Study.” Accessed October 2025.
- NAIC. “Results by Complaint Index.”Accessed October 2025.
Methodology
CarInsurance.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services to get car insurance rates. The rates are based on the sample profiles of 40-year-old male and female drivers carrying full coverage policies with limits of 100/300/100 and $500 collision and comprehensive deductibles. Read the detailed methodology for more information.
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