They've consistently offered the best rates, and I've always had great luck with their customer service.
The claims process isn't nearly as satisfying. They're not there to help you, as they appear. Their allegiance becomes thin if it ever turns out with you needing them; they become a very thorough adversary at claims time.
When you file an auto claim, per SOP they run each of the VINs on your policy (looking for ANY record of unreported damage repair work), DMV records for everyone in your household (looking for unregistered drivers and recent tickets/warnings), and police records (looking for criminal, drug, or alcohol incidents). If you have a homeowner's claim, their adjusters will completely inspect your property and report ANYTHING found, regardless of the damage claim, to include unfinished construction, ANY apparent code violations, or anything that might indicate underinsured value or something their underwriters could find an opportunity to construe as an "uninsurable risk" (i.e., reason to drop your policy).
They share loss histories with other insurers based on the Personally Identifying Information they collect on your entire household (social security, DOB, credit, and driving records).
Anything they can find to detract from the value of your loss, or from the value of your other property - under-reported mileage, age and resale condition, etc. - will have adverse effects on your claim, and (if they don't drop you) your future premiums.
It's easy to pay them, but be careful about even asking them to consider paying you.
Strengths: Great rates for military in the tame, semi-rural US Midwest. Pleasant customer-facing people, all knowlegable and responsive.
Weaknesses: You (and your family) quietly become a sophisticated criminal fraud threat to their great and hallowed institution if ever you consider filing a significant claim.
Similar Products Used: None, yet.
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Rating Reviewed by: HOT OLIVE(Unregistered User)
Review Date November 8, 2008
Overall Rating 5 of 5
Value Rating 5 of 5
Used product for More than 1 year
Visitors rate this review 5.00 of 5,
1.00 votes
Review 2 of 209
Price Paid:
$0.00
from seaview chevrolet
Year / Model Reviewed: 2002 suburban
Summary: USAA hands down is the best all around financial company. Never had a problem with a claim. Always friendly and kind customer service staff. Been with them for 17 years now, and would not switch even if i have one bad dealing with them. Thats how good this company has been to me time and time again. I almost feel like i owe them something for the outstanding customer service and best pricing i have ever found. They are truly top notch!
Strengths: Customer service. Unbeatable pricing. Satisfaction, speed of settlements
Weaknesses: None. You may be able to find a tad bit lower price ocationally, but for how long? Most other company's just want to get you into the door and offer a good price to start.
Similar Products Used: Some banking products
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Summary: I have been with USAA only about a year and a half. My father who was a Major in the Army recommended them because I was paying about $1,300 for car insurance with Progressive. After getting a quote from USAA of $550 for even better auto insurance and lower deductibles I switched to USAA. I was worried I would receive poor service if I ever needed to file a claim because of the cheap price. Well sadly back in June my wife got in a accident, it was a not at fault accident on my wife's part but the other drivers insurance company refused to pay us anything or help us. I was forced to file a claim with USAA. USAA was SUPERB! They provided a loaner and towed my car to the repair shop the day I talked with them. They also waived my deductible so I did not have to pay a thing out of pocket because they knew it was not my wife’s fault. USAA fought hard for my wife and I and took Allstate to arbitration to settle the dispute and pay up. Because USAA has been so wonderful I now do even more business with them. I switched my bank accounts to them, I moved my investments and retirement accounts to them, I also use their life insurance, and home owners insurance. I use their low APR credit card, I even bought my wife’s engagement ring, and our wedding bands through them. They also provided and arranged all of our floral arrangements for our wedding, and they did not screw up a thing. I also have used USAA’s car buying service and have my auto loan with them. Anyways as you can tell I do a lot of business with them. They only reason I remain loyal to USAA is because they remain loyal to me. They have made a few small errors with some of the products I have used, but they were very quick to apologize, and very quick to correct any mistakes that occurred. They have wonderful follow through, and they stand behind their customers 100%.
Strengths: Wonderful service! All their call centers are located in the USA, everyone speaks english when you call. Cheap prices, and interest rates on all of their products. Their bank pays a very nice interest rate on the accounts, and is fee free. They refund all ATM cash advances. You can deposit your checks online. So much more! They are they only insurance company I have used that I do not feel cheated by.
Weaknesses: To be honest. Not one I can think of.
Similar Products Used: I was with Progressive and Geico before. They did well but prices were very high.
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Rating Reviewed by: Ashley(Unregistered User)
Review Date August 22, 2008
Overall Rating 5 of 5
Value Rating 5 of 5
Used product for More than 1 year
Visitors rate this review 5.00 of 5,
2.00 votes
Review 4 of 209
Price Paid:
$0.00
Summary: Ive Had USAA since I was 15 years old. I have them fore banking and car insurance. There customer service is amazing as well as handing my claims etc. AMAZING!
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Rating Reviewed by: Joe(Unregistered User)
Review Date August 13, 2008
Overall Rating 5 of 5
Value Rating 5 of 5
Used product for More than 1 year
Visitors rate this review 3.29 of 5,
7.00 votes
Review 5 of 209
Price Paid:
$0.00
Year / Model Reviewed: 2002 Jeep
Summary: I have been with usa for 5 years. I have files several claims under both my auto and renters policies. I have gotten my check deposited directly into my bank account within 2 days of filing the claim and giving them the appropriate information.
For all of you people that have written a bad review, at least half of you are foolish and the other half does not know what they are talking about. If you were half as informed about what insurance is, then you would understand what happens.
If you were to look at each state commissioner website you would find that the actual percentage of complaints that usaa recieves are a 10th of a percentage compaired to all other companies.
If you want to go to statefarm... please do. Looking at their financial statements they are close to insolvent and are a few "more" class action lawsuits away from being gone. there have been atlease 2 a year by the way.
The same can be said for allstate and progressive. Check the real insurance litigation information. Not this whining banter of people who think they should get 1000's of dollars for their POS rice burner. Wake up!!!
As for the money that is sent out... it is in the billions every year. average check back is 120 per member. for most people that is a month of premium.
For those who are foolish enough to complain about higher insurance becasue of an accident... COME ON!!! are you that dense. You hit someone or have bad driving habits like speeding... that is proof that you are a higher risk. OF COURSE YOU ARE GOING TO GET CHARGED MORE!!!! DUH!!! Bad driving... higher premiums.
The few hundred dollars you pay over the next 3 years does not even come close to the 1000's the company paid out becasue you were to dumb to pay attention. WAKE UP!!! and no... they are not recouping their losses. You cause 25000 in damage and even if you paid 500 a year more for the next 3 years, that is the time limit, you come out ahead.
GROW UP.
USAA was rated highest in customer service for 2 years for a reason. They have high financial strength for a reason. THEY ARE A BUSINESS AND THEY ARE GOOD AT IT! if you do not like your relationship with USAA think about this... in 100% of your bad relationships the only constant was you! Maybe it is you who needs changing.
Strengths: 24 hour service.
awesome representatives
quick service
easy service
fast response time
fair claims payments
Weaknesses: military only
Similar Products Used: statefarm
geico and progressive
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