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.

 
Our verdict
Both Amica and USAA offer unique perks and potential downsides to drivers searching for car insurance. With an array of add-on coverage options, discount opportunities and strong customer service scores, both companies may be worth considering for certain types of drivers, but when it comes to the average cost of car insurance, USAA tends to outshine Amica for most types of drivers. However, Amica earned a slightly higher Bankrate Score compared to USAA, and with USAA’s membership requirements, coverage from this company is not as widely accessible as Amica’s coverage is.
  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.
 
Usage-based insurance: USAA
USAA offers a telematics program called SafePilot that utilizes technology to monitor your driving and award discounts for safe practices behind the wheel. The SafePilot program provides USAA with information about a driver’s habits, ranging from phone usage to hours driven, and can result in cheaper car insurance via discounts.
  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