USAA Review

Thursday, January 23rd

2025 Roadside Assistance Company Reviews

USAA

• Free for those with USAA auto insurance
• Other customers pay-per-service
• Towing, battery help, locksmith services, and fuel delivery
• Coverage across the US, Canada, and Mexico

Founded in 1922 in San Antonio, USAA started when 25 Army officers collaborated to provide insurance coverage for each other's automobiles. Fast forward to 2022, and USAA proudly marks its 100th year serving its members and fulfilling its mission.

Military focus

Over the years, the company has strengthened its commitment by partnering with military-affiliated groups and expanding its support network to better serve its member community. This stands out as one of the primary options if you are in the military or have previously served. The only downside? USAA is similar to other insurance providers where the roadside assistance is bundled with existing insurance.

Coverage in the US, Canada, Mexico, and more

USAA offers coverage that spans the United States, Canada, and Mexico (within 75 miles of the U.S. and Mexico border), along with U.S. territories. On top of those locations, USAA also offers some services internationally. Details about coverage in specific countries can be found on the International Motor Insurance Card (Green Card) or by reaching out to our International Claims department.

For those with and without insurance

For most customers, coverage for roadside assistance is bundled with USAA's existing insurance. While this limits the usage a bit for customers who don't have USAA's auto insurance, there are two bonuses to choosing USAA over other insurance providers that also have roadside assistance.

• First, if you are a member of USAA already, roadside assistance is included in the cost of your regular insurance. You don't have to pay anything extra to get access to roadside assistance.
• Now, if you're not a member, you can still use USAA's services (unlike some other insurance competitors). When you need assistance, USAA will send a service provider to your location, and you can settle the payment directly with them upon arrival. And if you're worried about costs, USAA has arranged special rates for these services that are often more cost-effective than if you were to contact a tow driver independently.

No special discounts

When it comes to discounts, USAA's roadside assistance plan doesn't have its own special discounts or bonuses like some other services in our review. Instead, the perks are focused on the actual assistance you receive, so you get the help you need when you need it. For example, you can expect assistance (on average) within 60-90 minutes.

One package available for service

Here's what you can expect. If you are a current policyholder (or plan to join USAA soon), here are all the services you'll get for free:

• Taking your vehicle to the nearest repair shop in most areas
• Winching if vehicle gets stuck
• Battery jump-start
• Fuel delivery
• Locksmith services
• Flat tire assistance (spare tire required)

Just keep in mind that for any service not covered, you'll be billed at USAA's standard rate. However, on the website, there aren't any specifics on what the "standard rate” actually looks like.

Reimbursement program if you join USAA

If you're not a current policyholder for USAA, you won't need to worry about cancellation policies or refunds. Though, if you do join USAA after paying for a service, they offer a reimbursement program. Otherwise, if you want to look into cancellation, you'll have to contact USAA regarding their cancellation policies for the insurance that you have. You can't cancel the roadside assistance as it is bundled with your insurance plan directly.

Concerning NR rating

Unfortunately, despite the flexible options for policyholders and those who don't have insurance, USAA doesn't have a stellar reputation. The company has a disappointing "NR” rating from the Better Business Bureau and only a 3.3-star average from third-party review sites. This is particularly disappointing as this company focuses on serving members of the military or former servicemen, which seems unfair to those customers (and customers who aren't military members too) to be stuck with something mid-tier.

USAA misses the mark

While USAA has a rich history, the company's roadside assistance is typically bundled with existing insurance, making it less accessible to customers who aren't policyholders with USAA. You can get services if you don't have a policy, but you have to pay out of pocket. The lack of special discounts and the "NR" rating from the Better Business Bureau might be a concern for some customers too. It's got a unique option for policyholders and those who aren't with USAA, but in the end, their reputation doesn't impress enough for us to highly recommend the service.