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Insurance companies: Travelers vs. USAA

Quick Verdict

Both Travelers and USAA are strong insurance providers with high financial ratings and a wide array of coverage options. Travelers may be a better choice for those seeking competitive car insurance rates and a broad range of insurance types, while USAA is particularly well-suited for military members, veterans, and their families, offering generally lower premiums and tailored services. Customer satisfaction is mixed for both, so it's important to weigh individual needs and preferences when making a decision.

Key features – Side-by-Side

AttributeTravelersUSAA
Financial Strength RatingA.M. Best: A++ (Superior), Fitch: AA (Very Strong), Moody's: Aa2 (High Quality), Standard & Poor's: AA (Very Strong)A.M. Best: A++ (Superior), Moody's Investors Service: Aa1 (Excellent), S&P Global Ratings: AA (Very Strong), lowered from AA+ in May 2025
Customer Satisfaction ScoreMixed, J.D. Power: 684 (below average), The Zebra: 8.62/10, Insure.com: 81.4% rate highlyThe Zebra: 4.6/5, Insure.com: 4.6 stars out of 5 (2025), Over 97% customer satisfaction, J.D. Power: 737/1,000 (2024 Home Insurance Study), 780/1000 (2024 Individual Annuity Study), Comparably: 31 (Overall Customer Satisfaction)
Claims Processing SpeedInitial response within a few business days, varies based on complexity and documentation7-10 business days (average), Varies based on complexity
Policy Coverage OptionsAuto, Home, Renters, Business, Condo, Boat & Yacht, Landlord, Umbrella, Jewelry, Wedding & Events, Pet, Motorcycle, FloodAuto, Home, Life, Motorcycle, RV, Boat, Classic Car, Umbrella, Pet, Travel, Special Events, Bicycle, Mobile Phone Protection
Premium CostCompetitive for car insurance (lower than national average), higher for homeowners insuranceFull Coverage Car Insurance: $1,670/year (average), $117/month ($1,407/year) (average), Minimum Coverage: $35/month ($417/year) (average), Liability-Only Coverage: $50/month (average)
Discounts OfferedMulti-car, Home and auto bundle, Safe driver, Good student, Affinity, Loyalty, Military, Hybrid vehicle, Pay-in-full, Early quote, Multi-policy, Homebuyer, Protective deviceMilitary-specific, SafePilot (up to 30%), Multi-vehicle, New vehicle, Defensive driving course, Good student, Bundling (auto and property)
Digital Accessibility (app/website)Mobile app for managing policies, payments, and claims; Chat available Monday-FridayWebsite, mobile app, Ranked 3rd for online satisfaction among large insurers
Availability of Local AgentsYesOffices and financial centers in multiple states
Types of Insurance Offered (Home, Auto, Life, etc.)Home, Auto, Renters, Business, Condo, Boat & Yacht, Landlord, Umbrella, Jewelry, Wedding & Events, Pet, Motorcycle, Flood, TravelHome, Auto, Life, Motorcycle, RV, Boat, Classic Car, Umbrella, Pet, Travel, Special Events, Bicycle, Mobile Phone Protection
Coverage Area (e.g., all 50 states)Most statesAll 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Rider Options and CustomizationGap insurance, New car replacement, Rental reimbursement, Roadside assistance, Identity fraud protection, Water backup endorsement, Rideshare coverageAccident forgiveness, Rideshare insurance, Car replacement assistance, Umbrella insurance
Complaint Ratio (NAIC Index)Overall: 0.17 (below average), Personal passenger vehicles: 3.95 (higher than expected)Fewer complaints than expected for a company of its size
EligibilityNot availableU.S. military members, veterans, and their immediate families

Overall Comparison

Travelers: A.M. Best A++, The Zebra 8.62/10, NAIC Complaint Ratio 0.17 (overall). USAA: A.M. Best A++, The Zebra 4.6/5, Full Coverage Car Insurance $1,670/year (average), J.D. Power 780/1000 (Annuity Study).

Pros and Cons

Travelers

Pros:
  • High financial strength ratings
  • Wide range of insurance products
  • Competitive pricing for car insurance
  • Variety of discounts offered
  • Mobile app for policy management
  • Availability of local agents
  • Flexible and customizable coverage options
  • Favorable complaint ratings overall
Cons:
  • Below-average customer satisfaction in some studies
  • Homeowners insurance rates can be higher than the national average
  • Complaint ratio for personal passenger vehicles is higher than expected
  • Claims processing time can vary

USAA

Pros:
  • High financial strength ratings
  • Generally lower premiums compared to other insurance companies
  • Wide range of coverage options, including military-specific options
  • Good customer service ratings
  • Strong digital accessibility (website and mobile app)
  • Fewer complaints than expected for its size
  • High customer recommendation rate (NPS of 54)
Cons:
  • S&P Global Ratings lowered financial strength rating in May 2025 due to issues with the banking business
  • Customer satisfaction scores vary across different sources
  • Claims processing time can vary depending on the complexity of the claim
  • Eligibility primarily limited to U.S. military members, veterans, and their immediate families

User Experiences and Feedback