Travelers vs USAA
Compare Travelers and USAA auto insurance side by side, including coverage options, telematics programs, new car protection, accident forgiveness, roadside assistance, rideshare protection, discounts and other important policy features.
“`Travelers vs USAA at a Glance
Travelers
TravelersTravelers offers personal auto insurance with standard coverages and optional protections including Premier New Car Replacement, Accident Forgiveness, rental coverage, roadside assistance and IntelliDrive telematics programs.
USAA
USAAUSAA offers customizable auto insurance to eligible members, with programs and features including SafePilot, SafePilot Miles, Car Replacement Assistance, roadside assistance, rideshare gap protection and multiple discounts.
USAA Eligibility: An Important Difference
USAA Auto Insurance Is Available to Eligible Members
Unlike a general-market insurer, USAA’s auto insurance is tied to membership eligibility. USAA identifies eligible groups including active-duty military members, National Guard and Reserve members, honorably served veterans, certain officer and warrant officer candidates, contracted ROTC cadets and midshipmen, service academy appointees, and eligible spouses and children of USAA members.
- Active-duty military members may qualify.
- National Guard and Reserve members may qualify.
- Honorably served veterans may qualify.
- Certain military cadets and officer candidates may qualify.
- Eligible spouses and children of USAA members may qualify.
- Specific membership and insurance eligibility rules apply.
Coverage Comparison
Travelers and USAA both provide the core types of auto insurance protection, while the exact coverage limits, endorsements and availability depend on state law and the policy selected.
| Coverage / Feature | Travelers | USAA |
|---|---|---|
| Liability Coverage | Available as standard auto insurance coverage. | Available as standard auto insurance coverage. |
| Collision Coverage | Available. | Available. |
| Comprehensive Coverage | Available. | Available. |
| Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist | Available subject to state requirements and policy terms. | Available subject to state requirements and policy terms. |
| Personal Injury Protection / Medical Payments | Available depending on state and policy. | Available depending on state and policy. |
| Rental Coverage | Rental coverage is available as an optional feature. | Rental reimbursement is available depending on the policy and state. |
| Roadside Assistance | 24-hour roadside assistance is available. | Roadside assistance is available as an optional coverage. |
| New Car Replacement | Premier New Car Replacement can replace a qualifying totaled new vehicle with a brand-new vehicle of the same make and model during the first five years. | USAA offers Car Replacement Assistance, which can provide 20% more than actual cash value for a qualifying totaled or stolen vehicle. |
| Gap Protection | Loan/lease gap coverage is included in eligible Premier New Car Replacement packages. | Available vehicle protection options depend on the policy and state. |
| Accident Forgiveness | Available through eligible Travelers plans. | Accident Forgiveness protection is available for qualifying policies. |
| Rideshare | Limited ridesharing coverage is available in eligible situations and states. | Rideshare Gap Protection is available for qualifying Uber and Lyft drivers in applicable situations. |
Travelers IntelliDrive vs USAA SafePilot
Both companies offer behavior-based telematics programs. The way each program calculates driving information and applies discounts is different.
Travelers IntelliDrive
TravelersTravelers IntelliDrive uses a smartphone app to capture driving behavior during the program period. Travelers says the program can reward safer driving with savings, while riskier driving may affect the premium depending on the program and state.
- Measures braking and acceleration.
- Measures speed.
- Considers time of day.
- Considers phone-related distraction.
- IntelliDrive can provide savings of up to 30% in applicable programs.
- Some states have different savings limits.
- Driving data is used in rating the policy.
USAA SafePilot
USAAUSAA SafePilot uses the USAA DriveSafe app and smartphone sensors to evaluate driving behavior. USAA states that the program can provide an enrollment discount and an earned discount at renewal.
- Up to 15% participation discount when enrolling in eligible locations.
- Up to 30% earned discount at renewal for qualifying safe driving.
- Measures phone handling.
- Measures hand-held and hands-free calling.
- Measures harsh braking.
- Considers annualized hours driven.
- USAA states that the SafePilot driving score itself does not increase the overall premium.
Travelers IntelliDrive 365 vs USAA SafePilot Miles
Travelers IntelliDrive 365
IntelliDrive 365 is a continuous telematics program. Travelers says it can provide up to 35% savings at renewal for safer driving in applicable states, while riskier driving may result in a higher premium.
- Continuous driving monitoring.
- Captures driving behavior throughout the policy.
- Can provide up to 10% enrollment participation savings.
- Up to 35% renewal savings for safer driving in applicable programs.
- Additional renewal participation savings may apply.
- Available only in eligible states.
USAA SafePilot Miles
SafePilot Miles combines mileage-based pricing with safe-driving information. USAA says customers can receive up to 20% savings for lower mileage and potentially an additional safe-driving discount of up to 20% at renewal.
- Monthly bill is influenced by mileage.
- Designed around lower-mileage driving.
- USAA identifies 8,000 miles or less per year as a target profile for the program.
- Uses the DriveSafe app to track mileage and driving habits.
- Safe-driving discount can be applied at renewal.
New Car Protection and Vehicle Replacement
Travelers Premier New Car Replacement
Travelers Premier New Car Replacement is designed for qualifying new vehicles. If the covered vehicle is totaled during the first five years of ownership, the coverage can pay to replace it with a brand-new vehicle of the same make and model.
- First five years of ownership.
- Brand-new replacement vehicle.
- Same make and model.
- Original owner requirement applies.
- Comprehensive and collision coverage must be present.
- Eligible packages include loan/lease gap coverage.
USAA Car Replacement Assistance
USAA offers Car Replacement Assistance for qualifying policies. USAA states that the feature can provide 20% more than the vehicle’s actual cash value if a covered vehicle is totaled or stolen.
- Provides additional value above actual cash value.
- USAA states the amount is 20% above actual cash value.
- Applies to qualifying totaled or stolen vehicles.
- Subject to policy terms and eligibility.
Accident Forgiveness
Travelers Accident Forgiveness
Travelers offers Accident Forgiveness through eligible Responsible Driver Plan options. Availability depends on state and qualification.
Travelers also offers additional responsible-driver features, including a decreasing deductible structure in eligible states.
USAA Accident Forgiveness
USAA offers Accident Forgiveness protection in qualifying circumstances. The feature is intended to help prevent a premium increase following a qualifying accident.
Eligibility, state availability and policy conditions apply.
Roadside Assistance and Vehicle Support
| Feature | Travelers | USAA |
|---|---|---|
| 24-Hour Roadside Assistance | Available and can include towing, flat-tire service, jump-starts and fuel delivery. | Available as optional roadside assistance for qualifying policies. |
| Mobile Assistance | Travelers provides online roadside request options. | Roadside assistance can be requested through the USAA Mobile App. |
| Crash Assistance | IntelliDrive can provide crash-detection functionality in applicable programs. | SafePilot can detect potential crashes and provide assistance with next steps. |
| Claims Management | Travelers provides claims services through its insurance and digital channels. | USAA allows members to file and track auto claims through its mobile app. |
Rideshare Coverage
Travelers
Travelers offers ridesharing-related coverage in eligible situations and states. The availability and exact protection depend on the applicable policy and state.
USAA Rideshare Gap Protection
USAA offers rideshare gap protection for qualifying drivers who use services such as Uber or Lyft. The feature is designed to address coverage gaps while a driver is waiting for a ride request.
Discounts and Savings Programs
| Potential Savings Area | Travelers | USAA |
|---|---|---|
| Telematics | IntelliDrive programs can reward safer driving with savings. | SafePilot can provide up to 15% participation savings and up to 30% earned savings at renewal in eligible locations. |
| Low Mileage | Travelers offers mileage-related savings opportunities in applicable programs. | SafePilot Miles can provide up to 20% savings for lower mileage, subject to program terms. |
| Multi-Policy | Travelers offers bundle-related savings for qualifying policies. | USAA offers bundle savings, including up to 10% when bundling auto and property policies in qualifying situations. |
| Multi-Vehicle | Multi-policy and household-related savings may be available. | USAA offers a multi-vehicle discount when two or more vehicles are on a policy. |
| Good Student | Good-student-related discounts may be available for qualifying drivers. | USAA offers a Good Student Discount for qualifying student drivers. |
| Military / Storage | Travelers does not use USAA’s military membership model. | USAA offers military-related savings and a storage discount for qualifying vehicles and circumstances. |
| Automatic Payments | Payment-related savings may be available depending on state and policy. | USAA lists automatic-payment savings of up to 3% in applicable circumstances. |
USAA Military and Vehicle Storage Features
Military On-Base Discount
USAA states that eligible customers may receive up to 15% off their auto premium when the vehicle is garaged on base.
Vehicle Storage Discount
USAA states that an eligible vehicle stored in a secure location and not driven for at least 30 consecutive days could qualify for a storage discount of up to 60%, subject to state and policy restrictions.
Which Features May Matter to Different Drivers?
| Driver Situation | Travelers Feature | USAA Feature |
|---|---|---|
| You want a behavior-based telematics program | IntelliDrive and IntelliDrive 365 are available in eligible states. | SafePilot is available in eligible locations and can provide participation and earned discounts. |
| You drive relatively few miles | IntelliDrivePlus has mileage-related pricing, but new enrollment is no longer available. | SafePilot Miles combines mileage-based pricing with safe-driving information. |
| You own a qualifying new vehicle | Premier New Car Replacement can provide a brand-new same-make/model replacement during the first five years. | Car Replacement Assistance can provide 20% above actual cash value for qualifying losses. |
| You use Uber or Lyft | Rideshare coverage may be available depending on state and policy. | Rideshare Gap Protection is available for qualifying situations. |
| You need roadside assistance | 24-hour roadside assistance is available. | Roadside assistance is available as an optional coverage. |
| You are stationed on a military base | Standard Travelers eligibility and discount rules apply. | USAA lists a military on-base discount for qualifying customers. |
| You store a vehicle for an extended period | Review applicable Travelers policy options. | USAA offers a storage discount for qualifying vehicles and circumstances. |
Travelers vs USAA: What About Price?
Auto insurance pricing is individualized. Travelers and USAA do not have one universal premium for every driver. Rates can depend on location, driving history, vehicle, annual mileage, claims history, coverage limits, deductibles and other rating factors.
For USAA specifically, the first question is whether the driver meets the company’s membership and insurance eligibility requirements.
How to Compare Travelers and USAA Quotes
Check USAA Eligibility
Before comparing prices, confirm that the driver is eligible for USAA membership and the applicable auto insurance products.
Match the Coverage
Use equivalent liability limits, deductibles, collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist and other major coverages.
Review the Optional Features
Compare telematics, accident forgiveness, vehicle replacement, roadside assistance, rental, rideshare and other optional protections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Travelers and USAA auto insurance?
Both companies offer standard auto insurance coverage and optional protections. Travelers offers IntelliDrive, IntelliDrive 365, Premier New Car Replacement, Accident Forgiveness and roadside assistance. USAA offers SafePilot, SafePilot Miles, Car Replacement Assistance, roadside assistance, rideshare gap protection and other features for eligible members.
Who is eligible for USAA auto insurance?
USAA identifies eligible groups including active-duty military members, National Guard and Reserve members, honorably served veterans, certain military cadets and officer candidates, service academy appointees, and eligible spouses and children of USAA members. Specific membership and insurance eligibility requirements apply.
Does Travelers offer a telematics program?
Yes. Travelers offers IntelliDrive and IntelliDrive 365 in eligible states. These programs use smartphone-based information to evaluate driving behaviors including braking, acceleration, speed, time of day and distraction.
Does USAA offer a telematics program?
Yes. USAA offers SafePilot and SafePilot Miles. SafePilot evaluates behaviors such as phone handling, calling, harsh braking and annualized hours driven. SafePilot Miles combines mileage-based pricing with safe-driving information.
Does Travelers offer new car replacement?
Yes. Travelers Premier New Car Replacement can replace a qualifying totaled new vehicle with a brand-new vehicle of the same make and model during the first five years of ownership, subject to applicable terms.
Does USAA offer car replacement assistance?
Yes. USAA states that Car Replacement Assistance can provide 20% more than the vehicle’s actual cash value if a qualifying vehicle is totaled or stolen.
Does USAA offer SafePilot Miles?
Yes. SafePilot Miles is a usage-based program that uses mileage and driving information. USAA states that customers can receive up to 20% savings for lower mileage and potentially up to an additional 20% at renewal for safe driving.
Does USAA offer accident forgiveness?
USAA offers Accident Forgiveness protection in qualifying circumstances. Availability and eligibility depend on the applicable state and policy.
Which company has cheaper auto insurance?
There is no universal premium comparison because insurance prices are personalized. Location, driving record, vehicle, mileage, coverage limits, deductibles and other rating factors can substantially change the premium. USAA eligibility must also be considered.
Are Travelers and USAA available to every driver?
Travelers is available through its applicable insurance channels and state offerings. USAA auto insurance is limited to people who meet applicable USAA membership and insurance eligibility requirements.
Explore the Full Company Pages
Review the dedicated Travelers and USAA pages on Newest Cars Insurance for additional company-specific auto insurance information.
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