We Rate AAA’s Auto Insurance 8.6 Out of 10.0 Based on Its Higher-Than-Average Costs, Its Available Coverages and AAA Insurance Reviews From Customers.
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Why You Can Trust the MarketWatch Guides Team
Here’s a breakdown of how we reviewed and rated the top auto insurance providers
130
Providers ReviewedOur team looked at over 100 of the top auto insurance providers in the U.S., from national providers like USAA, Travelers and State Farm to regional providers like Erie Insurance.
8,500
Data Points AnalyzedTo properly score each auto insurance provider, we looked at cost data, claims processes, customer review scores, industry standing, available discounts, coverages and add-ons.
800
Research HoursOur team put in the time so you don’t have to, evaluating cost data, reading customer reviews and researching companies to determine the most reliable options for coverage.
8,500
Customers SurveyedWe asked thousands of customers to describe their experience with their auto insurance provider to understand how real customers feel about their insurers.
Learn more about our methodology and editorial guidelines.
AAA Insurance Reviews
After conducting an in-depth AAA insurance review, we give the association’s auto coverage a rating of 8.6 out of 10.0.
AAA insurance is a good option for those who are already AAA members. However, not every regional auto club uses the same insurer, so the available auto insurance policies may differ from state to state. Based on our research, average rates for full-coverage AAA insurance are about 42% higher than the national average.
AAA Insurance Ratings
| Overall Rating | 8.6 |
|---|---|
| Reputation | 8.2 |
| Availability | 8.0 |
| Coverage | 9.8 |
| Cost | 7.5 |
| Customer Experience | 8.7 |
*Ratings are determined by our editorial review team. Learn more about our scoring methodology below.
Is AAA Insurance Good?
Here’s a brief overview of the advantages and disadvantages of AAA car insurance:
Pros and Cons of AAA Insurance
Pros
A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB)Many discount opportunitiesSame roadside assistance perks as a regular AAA membership
Cons
More expensive than the national averageAvailable coverage differs by region
AAA Insurance Review and Ratings
Founded: 1902
BBB rating: A+
AAA insurance isn’t provided by a single entity, but rather by many businesses under the AAA umbrella. AAA auto insurance companies exist in every state, and while each is self-contained, they all operate under the same guidelines. The differences are apparent when you compare coverage options by state.
Anyone with a AAA membership can purchase AAA car insurance. AAA offers the following types of auto coverage:
- Liability insurance
- Collision insurance
- Comprehensive insurance
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Medical coverage
AAA also provides insurance for vehicles such as the following:
- Recreational vehicles (RVs)
- Boats
- Travel trailers
- Snowmobiles
- All-terrain vehicles (ATVs)
AAA Insurance Customer Reviews
Because AAA insurance groups are operated as separate businesses, customers’ experiences may vary by region.
AAA Insurance Reviews: J.D. Power
AAA insurance providers scored above average in the California, Central and Florida regions in the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Auto Insurance Study℠. However, they got below-average marks in the Mid-Atlantic, North Central, Southwest and Texas regions.
In the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Insurance Shopping Study℠, Automobile Club of Southern California scored 859 out of 1,000 points, putting it four points above average for midsize insurers. Automobile Club Group and CSAA Insurance Group both scored below average, receiving scores of 852 and 830, respectively.
AAA Insurance Reviews: BBB
AAA is accredited by the BBB and holds an A+ rating from the organization. Customers on the BBB’s site give the company an average star rating of 1.0 out of 5.0, but this is based on only a few reviews for AAA’s roadside assistance.
Our review team reached out to AAA for a comment on its scores and ratings but did not receive a response.
AAA Insurance App
AAA has two mobile apps: one for its roadside assistance coverage and one for auto insurance. Auto Club, its mobile app for insurance, holds an average star rating of 4.6 out of 5.0 based on more than 16,200 reviews on Google Play. The app holds an average rating of 4.7 out of 5.0 stars on the App Store based on more than 20,200 reviews. It’s available to customers in 11 AAA clubs.
AAA Insurance Rates and Discounts
Our rate estimates show that a married 35-year-old with a clean driving record and good credit pays an average rate of $2,856 per year or $238per month for full-coverage car insurance through AAA. This is about 42% more expensive than the national average of $2,008 per year or $167 per month. Our estimate for AAA car insurance is based on combined averages from Auto Club Group, Auto Club Enterprises Insurance Group and CSAA Insurance Group.
Average AAA Insurance Costs by Age
One of the biggest factors that affects the cost of your car insurance is your age. Young and inexperienced drivers generally pay much more for coverage.
The table below shows average monthly and annual rates by age for full-coverage insurance. To find these estimates, we took averages from Auto Club Enterprises Insurance Group, Auto Club Group and CSAA Insurance Group.
| Age | Monthly Estimate | Annual Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | $899 | $10,789 |
| 25 | $269 | $3,228 |
| 35 | $238 | $2,856 |
| 45 | $228 | $2,739 |
| 55 | $464 | $5,565 |
AAA Insurance Discounts
If you’re looking for ways to save money, AAA suggests bundling homeowners or life insurance with your auto insurance coverage.
Because AAA has many auto clubs in various regions, AAA insurance discounts vary by region and club. Here are some of the discounts offered by the AAA Mountain West Group:
- AAA membership discount: If you’ve been a AAA member before purchasing AAA insurance, you can get a discount based on your years with the association.
- Good student: High school or full-time college students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher are eligible for discounts on AAA insurance.
- Advanced shopping: This discount is available if you have six months of continuous prior insurance coverage and initiate a AAA insurance quote at least seven days before the policy’s effective date.
- Auto insurance loyalty: This discount is applied if you or your spouse has had continuous AAA insurance for more than a year that has not lapsed more than 30 days.
- Multi-car: This discount is available to those who insure more than one car on their policies.
- Teen Smart: This discount is applied when a teen driver completes a qualified program by age 19.
To find out what discounts are available in your region, contact a local AAA agent.
What Factors Affect Car Insurance Rates?
Car insurance rates are influenced by several factors, some of which are in your control. Understanding which factors you can control can help ensure you receive the best rate possible.
Here are the most common factors that affect car insurance rates:
- Your location
- Vehicle make, model, age and mileage
- Driving record
- Credit score
- Your age, gender and marital status
Other Services Offered by AAA
Auto insurance is available to every member of AAA, but the services available depend on the automobile club in your region. They may include the following:
- Roadside assistance
- Rental car reimbursem*nt
- Discounts at hotels
- Travel planning
- Homeowners insurance
- Motorcycle, boat and RV insurance
- Business insurance
- Pet insurance
- Wedding insurance
Depending on the auto group in your region, you may also be eligible for accident forgiveness.
AAA Insurance Coverage
Like most other popular insurance providers, AAA offers full coverage for cars. Full coverage generally refers to a collection of coverages that completely protect you and your vehicle in the event of a car accident or other damage. Here’s what makes up AAA full coverage:
| Bodily injury liability (BI) | If you cause an accident, BI coverage pays for the other party’s medical bills. Most states require at least a 25/50 policy, which means the insurer will pay up to $25,000 per person and $50,000 per incident. |
| Property damage liability | Most states require you to have this coverage, which pays for the other party’s car repairs if a car accident is your fault. |
| Medical payments coverage (MedPay) and personal injury protection (PIP insurance) | Your state may require one of these types of medical coverage. MedPay covers medical expenses for you and your passengers after an accident. PIP insurance is required in all no-fault states and covers medical expenses, lost wages and death benefits for you and your passengers. |
| Collision | Collision insurance covers the cost of your car repairs when you get into an accident, no matter who is at fault. |
| Comprehensive | Comprehensive insurance coverage pays for damage to your car due to environmental factors like floods, fires and fallen tree branches. It also covers damage to your car due to vandalism and helps cover costs if your car is stolen. |
| Uninsured/underinsured motorist | If you’re in an accident with an uninsured motorist or a motorist with too little coverage, UM/UIM covers the cost of repairs. In some states, UM/UIM covers you if you’re involved in a hit-and-run accident. |
AAA Car Insurance Policy Options
Depending on the AAA club in your area, the following coverages may be available to you:
- Gap insurance: Guaranteed asset protection, or gap insurance, covers the difference between the actual cash value of your vehicle and what you still owe your auto lender in the event of a total loss.
- Accidental death benefits (ADB): ADB may be able to cover end-of-life expenses if you’re involved in a fatal car wreck and don’t have life insurance.
- New car added protection: If your car is totaled in a covered loss, this option may cover a replacement vehicle.
AAA is known for its roadside assistance, which you’ll have access to if you carry AAA insurance. All AAA roadside assistance plans include these benefits:
- Towing
- Locksmith services
- Tire changes
- Jump-starts
- Fuel delivery
AAA Insurance Quote
Because AAA is the umbrella association for many providers, the quote process for AAA insurance differs by region. For example, the AAA Mountain West Group (Alaska, Arizona, Montana, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming and Northern California) allows you to start a quote online. AAA Tidewater Virginia requires you to call to receive a quote.
AAA Auto Insurance: The Bottom Line
Based on our research, we give AAA auto insurance a rating of 8.6 out of 10.0. While coverage is widely available, service can vary, and average rates for full coverage tend to be higher than the national average.
AAA Alternatives
Every driver has specific needs when it comes to car insurance, so the coverage that makes the most sense for someone else may not be the best choice for you. When you’re looking for the right insurance provider, we recommend that you compare car insurance quotes to get an accurate sense of what insurer fits both your needs and budget.
Geico: Best for Budget-Conscious Drivers
Geico is the second most popular insurance provider in the country, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). It has a strong reputation in the industry, holding an A+ rating from the BBB as well as an A++ financial strength rating from AM Best.
In addition to auto insurance, Geico offers homeowners insurance, renters insurance, identity theft coverage and more. According to our rate estimates, full-coverage car insurance from Geico averages around 26% less than the national average.
Read more: Geico insurance review
USAA: Best for Military Members
USAA is a great auto insurance option if you’re a veteran, an active-duty member of the military or one of their immediate relatives. The provider is known for its affordable rates and many discount opportunities.
USAA gets consistently high ratings in industry studies and holds an A++ financial strength rating from AM Best. In our 2022 car insurance survey that polled nearly 7,000 consumers, USAA policyholders rated the insurer 4.3 out of 5.0 stars overall.
Read more: USAA insurance review
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AAA Car Insurance: FAQ
Below are frequently asked questions about AAA car insurance.
AAA insurance premiums tend to be more expensive than the national average because AAA doesn’t write its own policies. Each regional club operates independently and sells insurance policies underwritten by different agencies.
AAA and Progressive are not the same. Both are widely known companies in the auto industry. AAA is largely known for its roadside assistance and travel discounts, while Progressive is known for its insurance products. Different AAA auto groups in various regions of North America also offer auto insurance.
AAA insurance premiums are generally more expensive than Progressive’s premiums.
According to the NAIC, State Farm is the largest auto insurance company in the country. The insurer held nearly 16% of the market in 2021.
Our Methodology
Because consumers rely on us to provide objective and accurate information, we created a comprehensive rating system to formulate our rankings of the best car insurance companies. We collected data on dozens of auto insurance providers to grade the companies on a wide range of ranking factors. The end result was an overall rating for each provider, with the insurers that scored the most points topping the list.
Here are the factors our ratings take into account:
- Cost: Auto insurance rate estimates generated by Quadrant Information Services and discount opportunities were both taken into consideration.
- Coverage: Companies that offer a variety of choices for insurance coverage are more likely to meet consumer needs.
- Reputation and experience: Our research team considered market share, ratings from industry experts and years in business when giving this score.
- Availability: Auto insurance companies with greater state availability and few eligibility requirements scored highest in this category.
- Customer experience: This score is based on volume of complaints reported by the NAIC and customer satisfaction ratings reported by J.D. Power. We also considered the responsiveness, friendliness and helpfulness of each insurance company’s customer service team based on our own shopper analysis.
Our credentials:
- 800 hours researched
- 45 companies reviewed
- 8,500+ consumers surveyed
*Data accurate at time of publication.
If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team ateditors@marketwatchguides.com.
