Auto insurance review: USAA

OUTSTANDING PROVIDER:
I have been a USAA customer for a little over 10 years now and could not be happier. Their rates are very low, their coverage is excellent and their customer service is outstanding. As a matter of fact, Business Week recently ranked USAA's customer service as #1 among insurance companies.

EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE:

Being in the military I move frequently. At each new duty station, it only takes one phone call to update my address, and any applicable policy changes. Of course using USAA's banking services mean that this one phone call also takes care of my financial relocation needs at the same time.

PENNIES SAVED ARE EARNED:
Insurance savings can really add up. In a recent nationwide survey specific customers were found to save up to $600 per year with USAA. As everyone's coverage risk and needs vary it's extremely hard to make a fair comparison other than to say there are huge potential savings.

NO FREE LUNCH:
There is a catch. USAA membership is limited to those who have affiliation with current or past military members. Affiliation can be used up to extended family. Therefore, even those who have never served themselves may still be eligible.

EVEN LESS OF A FREE LUNCH:
The other catch is that USAA can afford to provide such low rates by making taking smart insurance risks. That is to say that those with a poor driving record may find themselves ineligible to receive the same good deal as those with much safer driving records. This is a classic case of not getting something for nothing.

UNEXPECTED BENEFITS:
Some other key advantages are USAA's accident forgiveness policy where your premiums will not increase for a single at fault accident for up to five years after purchasing their coverage. There is an extremely broad coverage network of over 2300 repair centers nationwide. Finally, the do it all on-line philosophy is extremely convent. Through their secure web site you can do everything from purchase coverage to printing ID cards at the touch of a button.

BOTTOM LINE:
USAA is a good deal for those who are eligible. They can afford to provide such a deal by being selective. USAA auto insurance is not for everyone, but if you have a military affiliation, are a safe driver, and enjoy saving money, they might just be the best deal for you.

Learn more about this author, Joe Symmes.
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