Amica is even older, founded in 1907, and is the oldest mutual automobile insurance provider in the U.S. As a mutual company, Amica returns some dividends to policyholders, depending on the financial metrics of the year. Amica emphasizes customer satisfaction and continuously receives high marks among the J.D. Power overall customer satisfaction survey. If you are interested in getting a quote from Amica, you can visit its website at amica.com.
USAA | Amica | |
---|---|---|
Bankrate score | 4.3 | 4.4 |
Tier 1 | 4.5 | 3.8 |
Tier 2 | 4.0 | 5.0 |
Tier 3 | 4.7 | 4.8 |
Bankrate Score methodology
USAA vs. Amica comparison
USAA and Amica are both highly-rated car insurance companies that offer coverage in most states. However, USAA only offers insurance to its members, and membership is limited to military members, veterans and their qualifying family members, while Amica does not have membership restrictions and is therefore available to a wider demographic. Still, both companies offer a number of potential benefits and downsides to drivers, and it may be helpful to consider these pros and cons when determining the best fit for your insurance needs.
USAA pros and cons
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Unique policy options geared toward military members | Membership eligibility is limited |
High customer satisfaction ratings and J.D. Power score | Limited brick-and-mortar access |
Low average premiums on car insurance |
Amica pros and cons
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Live chat option for customer support and claims | No coverage offered in Hawaii |
Range of coverage options available | Does not offer ridesharing coverage |
Cheaper than average car insurance rates |
Is USAA cheaper than Amica?
USAA offers cheaper average annual car insurance premiums for full and minimum coverage when compared to Amica. Drivers who purchase a full coverage car insurance policy with USAA will pay $106 less per year on average compared to drivers who purchase full coverage from Amica.
Car insurance company | Average annual premium for full coverage | Average annual premium for minimum coverage |
---|---|---|
USAA | $1,361 | $371 |
Amica | $1,467 | $429 |
Car insurance rates methodology
Amica is generally cheaper for drivers with poor credit
Both car insurance carriers offer lower than average car insurance premiums if you have a good or excellent credit rating. While credit scores play an important role in determining auto insurance rates, a few states prohibit using these scores to calculate rates. This includes California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan.
Credit Score | USAA | Amica |
---|---|---|
Poor | $2,625 | $2,216 |
Average | $1,476 | $1,544 |
Good | $1,361 | $1,467 |
Excellent | $1,204 | $1,392 |
Rates by credit score methodology
USAA is generally cheaper for young drivers
When adding young drivers to a parents’ policy, car insurance rates typically increase significantly. That’s because car insurance companies consider young and teen drivers to be at higher risk to insure due to their lack of driving experience. In general, USAA offers cheaper average rates for young drivers. The table below shows the average annual premium rates for full coverage for young drivers added to a parents’ policy from both Amica and USAA:
USAA | Amica | |
---|---|---|
Age 16 | $3,402 | $3,682 |
Age 17 | $2,698 | $3,385 |
Age 18 | $2,294 | $3,123 |
Age 19 | $1,924 | $2,747 |
Age 20 | $1,798 | $2,603 |
Rates by age (young drivers) methodology
USAA is generally cheaper for adult drivers
Car insurance rates tend to become cheaper after a certain age, as the risk is statistically lower when insuring a driver with more experience behind the wheel. For example, average rates drop significantly after the age of 40. In general, however, USAA offers the cheaper average rates for adult drivers when compared to Amica. The table below outlines each company’s average annual premium for adult drivers:
USAA | Amica | |
---|---|---|
Age 18 | $3,674 | $5,423 |
Age 25 | $1,765 | $1,718 |
Age 30 | $1,506 | $1,515 |
Age 40 | $1,361 | $1,467 |
Age 60 | $1,253 | $1,434 |
Rates by age (adult drivers) methodology
USAA is generally cheaper for high-risk drivers
If you have a speeding ticket, accident or DUI conviction on your record, you can generally expect to pay more than drivers with a clean driving record. DUIs are one of the most serious driving infractions, and drivers can expect to pay significantly more with any insurance company if they have a DUI conviction on their record. However, USAA offers the cheapest average rates for high-risk drivers when compared with Amica. The table below includes average high-risk rate data for USAA and Amica, but there is no guarantee that either company will offer you a policy with a DUI on your record.
USAA | Amica | |
---|---|---|
Clean driving record | $1,361 | $1,467 |
Speeding ticket conviction | $1,652 | $1,789 |
At-fault accident | $1,971 | $1,742 |
DUI conviction | $2,620 | $3,934 |
Rates by driving record methodology
USAA vs Amica: discounts
Discounts are a simple way to save more on premiums. USAA and Amica both offer common discount opportunities to drivers, including bundling, multi-vehicle savings and good student discounts. There are also a few unique discounts each carrier offers, which may help you save more than you would through another insurance provider. For example, USAA offers military installation, SafePilot, and family discounts, while Amica offers accident-free, student away at school, and anti-theft installation discounts.
USAA unique discounts
- Good student discount: If you’re adding a driver under 25 to your policy, they may qualify for a discount if they’ve maintained a B average GPA or higher. This could be particularly advantageous for teen and young drivers.
- Family discount: If you were previously insured on your parents’ or guardians’ USAA policy, it could mean greater savings for you when getting your own policy. This discount is worth up to 10 percent savings off premiums.
- Military installation: If you store or garage your vehicle on base, you may save. USAA offers up to 15 percent savings on comprehensive coverage if you store your vehicle on base. (Not available in NY)
Amica unique discounts
- Homeownership: If you own a home, you may be eligible for a discount. The best part is, this discount is available even if your homeowners policy is not with Amica.
- Loyalty: If you have been a policyholder with the same insurer for at least two years, you may qualify for a loyalty discount. The discount is based on the number of years as a customer.
- Parent’s loyalty: If one of your parents has been an Amica policyholder, it may mean more savings for you when it’s time to get your own policy. Ask about this discount if your parents have been with Amica for at least five years.
USAA SafePilot | |
---|---|
Device | Mobile app |
Can it raise your premiums? | Yes |
Enrollment | In all states where coverage is provided |
Discount | Up to 30% |
What it monitors | Mileage, harsh braking, harsh turning, acceleration, speed and time of day you’re driving |
Who it’s for | Drivers who purchase insurance with USAA |
USAA vs Amica: customer experience comparison
Both USAA and Amica provide robust online and mobile app support for policyholders. Whether you want to file a claim, change your policy, check the status of a claim, call for roadside assistance or make a payment, both auto insurers offer online capabilities.
USAA
- Apple store (4.8/5) — The USAA iOS app is highly rated, with customers positively touting the ease of use and design. Using the app gives you access to EVA, a digital voice assistant available for USAA policyholders needing more assistance.
- Google Play (4.8/5) — The ratings for the Android USAA app are lower than the Apple version, although it has the same features. The biggest complaint appears to be the frequent updates and freezes.
Amica
- Apple store (4.8/5) — The Amica iOS app is also well-received and provides many policy-management functions. You can even add additional coverages to your policy through the app.
- Google Play (4.8/5) — The Android version has the same features and functions as the Apple version. The ratings are slightly lower than what USAA earns, but customers give positive reviews for an overall great customer experience.
USAA | Amica | |
---|---|---|
Apple store | 4 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 |
Google play | 4.1 out of 5 | 3.7 out of 5 |
J.D. Power | 890 / 1,000 | 903 / 1,000a |