usaa roadside assistance review
As an insurance agent with Blake Insurance Group, I’ve seen my fair share of roadside mishaps and heard countless stories from clients about their experiences with various roadside assistance programs. I want to share my thoughts on USAA’s roadside assistance offering today. Whether cruising through the bustling streets of New York City or navigating the wide-open highways of Texas, having reliable roadside help can make all the difference when you’re in a pinch.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to review USAA’s roadside assistance program for clients across multiple states, including Arizona, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Ohio, Texas, and Virginia. Each region presents its unique challenges for drivers, from the scorching heat of the Southwest to the unpredictable winter weather in the Northeast.
In this review, I’ll break down the key aspects of USAA’s roadside assistance, sharing insights that could help you decide if it’s the right choice for your needs. Remember, while I aim to provide a comprehensive overview, your individual circumstances might influence how valuable this service could be for you. So, let’s dive in and take a closer look at what USAA has to offer to keep you moving on the road.
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What Does USAA Roadside Assistance Cover?
Comprehensive Emergency Services
USAA’s roadside assistance program offers services designed to get you back on the road quickly when unexpected issues arise.
Towing Services
If your vehicle breaks down and can’t be fixed immediately, USAA will cover towing to the nearest qualified repair facility. This can be a real lifesaver, especially if you’re stranded in an unfamiliar area. However, it’s important to note that the tow typically has a mileage limit of about 50 miles. For my clients in more rural parts of states like Texas or New Mexico, this is something to keep in mind.
Battery Jump-Starts
A dead battery can happen to anyone, and it always seems to occur at the most inconvenient times. USAA’s service includes battery jump-starts, which can get you moving again without needing a costly tow.
Flat Tire Assistance
Getting a flat tire is never fun, but USAA’s coverage includes changing it with your spare. Remember, you need a usable spare tire in your vehicle. I always remind my clients to check their spare regularly to ensure it’s in good condition.
Lockout Services
We’ve all panicked when we realize we’ve locked our keys in the car. USAA’s roadside assistance includes locksmith services to help you regain access to your vehicle. This service alone can save you a significant amount of money and stress.
Fuel Delivery
Running out of gas is more common than you might think. USAA will deliver fuel to your location if you are stranded with an empty tank. While the delivery service is covered, you’ll typically need to pay for the actual fuel.
Winching
If your vehicle is stuck in mud, snow, or sand, USAA’s service includes winching to get you back on solid ground. This can be particularly useful for my clients in states with varied terrains, such as Arizona or North Carolina.
Limitations and Considerations
While USAA’s roadside assistance is comprehensive, there are a few things to keep in mind:
The coverage is typically limited to $75-$100 per incident for most services.
Towing is usually limited to the nearest qualified repair facility.
The cost of parts or supplies (like fuel or a new battery) isn’t covered, just the service to deliver or install them.
Value for Money
At around $12 to $20 per year, USAA’s roadside assistance is quite affordable compared to standalone services. It provides great peace of mind for many of my clients, especially those who frequently travel or have older vehicles.
Remember, the specific coverage details can vary, so it’s always a good idea to review your policy or speak with a USAA representative for the most up-to-date information. As your agent, I’m always here to help you understand your coverage and ensure it meets your needs.
Who Qualifies for USAA Roadside Assistance?
USAA is unique because it primarily serves those who have served our country. Their roadside assistance program is no exception. Here’s who can typically enroll:
Active Military Personnel
You’re eligible if you’re currently serving in any military branch. This includes those in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force.
Veterans
Those honorably served our country can also take advantage of USAA’s services. I’ve helped many veterans in states like Texas and Virginia sign up for this coverage.
National Guard and Reservists
Members of the National Guard and Reserve components are also eligible, which is great news for many of my clients in states like Georgia and North Carolina.
Family Members
USAA extends eligibility to immediate family members of military personnel and veterans. This typically includes:
– Spouses
– Children (including adopted and stepchildren)
Other Eligible Groups
USAA also offers coverage to:
– Cadets and midshipmen at U.S. service academies
– Officer candidates within 24 months of commissioning
Confirming Eligibility
Now, if you’re in one of our service states like New Mexico, New York, or Oklahoma, and you’re wondering how to confirm your eligibility, here’s what you need to do:
Gather your military documentation. This could be your military ID, discharge papers, or other proof of service.
Contact USAA directly. They have a straightforward verification process. You can do this online or by phone.
Be prepared to provide information about your military service, including your branch, rank, and dates of service.
For family members, you’ll also need to provide information about your military sponsor (the service member you’re related to).
State-Specific Considerations
While USAA’s eligibility criteria are generally consistent across states, there can be some nuances:
– I’ve noticed that USAA is particularly popular among military retirees in Florida and Georgia.
– For clients in Ohio and North Carolina, where we have large military bases, active duty personnel often find the process very smooth.
– With its large veteran population in Texas, USAA has a strong presence and often streamlines the eligibility verification process.
Comparing USAA Roadside Assistance with Other Providers
Pricing:
USAA’s roadside assistance costs $12 to $24 per year, which is quite affordable compared to many other options. For instance, AAA’s plans range from $64.99 to $124.99 per year, making USAA significantly more budget-friendly.
AAA: AAA’s roadside assistance plans start at $52.50 annually, significantly higher than USAA’s rates.
Other Insurers: Other insurance companies like Progressive and Geico offer roadside assistance plans starting at $14 and $16 per year, respectively, but these plans may not offer the same level of coverage as USAA
Coverage Options:
USAA provides comprehensive coverage including towing, fuel delivery, tire changes, battery jump-starts, and lockout assistance. This is comparable to what other major providers offer. However, some providers like AAA and Allstate offer additional benefits such as trip interruption coverage, which USAA doesn’t include in its basic plan.
Response Times:
The table indicates that USAA’s response times are typically 30-45 minutes or longer in some conditions. This is fairly standard in the industry, though it’s worth noting that response times can vary greatly depending on location and circumstances.
Availability:
USAA’s service is available nationwide, which is on par with other major providers like AAA, Allstate, and Geico. However, it’s important to note that USAA’s services are only available to USAA members, which primarily includes military personnel, veterans, and their families. This is a significant limitation compared to other providers that are open to the general public.
Additional Benefits:
While USAA’s plan is straightforward and covers the basics, some other providers offer extra perks. For example, Better World Club provides discounts for hybrid and electric vehicle owners, and Good Sam offers specialized coverage for RVs.
Customer Service:
USAA is generally known for its excellent customer service, which could be a significant advantage when you’re in a stressful roadside situation. However, specific customer service ratings for roadside assistance weren’t provided in the search results.
Roadside Assistance Comparison Table
| Provider | Pricing (Annual) | Towing | Battery Jump-Start | Lockout Services | Fuel Delivery | Flat Tire Assistance | Response Time | Eligibility | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USAA | $12-$20 | Up to 50 miles | Included | Included | Included | Included | Typically within 60 mins | Military members and families | Exclusive military discounts |
| Progressive | $16-$30 | 15 miles or nearest facility | Included | Included | Included | Included | Varying (usually 30 mins to hours) | Policyholders | Bundling discounts |
| AAA | $52.50-$116.50 | Varies by plan (up to 200 miles) | Included | Included | Included | Included | Usually within an hour | Open to the public | Travel planning & discounts |
| Allstate | $25-$89 | Up to 100 miles | Included | Included | Included | Included | About 30 mins | Policyholders | 24/7 customer service |
| Geico | $14 | To nearest facility | Included | Included | Included | Included | Typically within 60 mins | Policyholders | Mobile app for claims |
| Farmers | Varies | Varies | Included | Included | Included | Included | Varies | Varies | Varies |
How to Request Assistance with USAA: A Step-by-Step Guide
Requesting assistance with USAA is straightforward and can be done through multiple channels. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get the help you need:
**Calling Directly**
**Dial 800-531-8555**: This is the direct line to USAA’s roadside assistance program. You can call this number 24/7 to request help.
**Speak with a Representative**: Once you call, you’ll be connected with a representative who will guide you through the process and dispatch a service provider to your location.
**Using the Mobile App**
**Download the USAA App**: The USAA app is available for iOS and Android devices. Download it to have easy access to roadside assistance services.
**Log In**: Open the app and log in with your USAA account credentials.
**Request Assistance**: Navigate to the roadside assistance section and follow the prompts to request help. The app will guide you through the process and provide updates on the status of your request.
**Filing a Request Online**
**Visit the USAA Website**: Go to the USAA website and log in to your account.
**Navigate to Roadside Assistance**: Find the roadside assistance section and click on it to start the request process.
**Fill Out the Request Form**: Follow the prompts to provide the necessary information, such as your location and the type of assistance needed.
**Submit Your Request**: Once you’ve completed the form, submit it to initiate the assistance process.
**International Assistance**
If you’re outside the U.S. or in a U.S. territory, you can request assistance by selecting an international contact number from the list provided on the USAA website or app.
To add roadside assistance with USAA, you can follow these steps:
Online Account:
Log in to your USAA online account.
Navigate to your policy details.
Review and edit your existing coverages to add roadside assistance.
Phone:
Call the USAA roadside assistance phone number at 800-531-8722 to speak with an insurance agent who can help you add the service to your policy.
Mobile App:
Download and open the USAA mobile app.
Log in to your account.
Navigate to the roadside assistance section to add the service.
USAA’s Customer Satisfaction and Roadside Assistance Response Times
USAA’s customer satisfaction and roadside assistance response times are mixed, with positive and negative customer feedback. Here’s a breakdown of the general customer feedback and satisfaction levels for USAA’s roadside services, especially in the regions we serve:
Customer Satisfaction
– **Positive Feedback**: Many customers have reported positive experiences with USAA’s roadside assistance, praising the company’s customer service and response times. For example, some customers have reported quick response times and helpful service providers.
– **Negative Feedback**: However, some customers have reported negative experiences, including long wait times, unhelpful service providers, and difficulty getting assistance in rural areas.
Response Times
– **Urban Areas**: USAA’s response times are generally quicker in urban areas, with some customers reporting wait times of 30-60 minutes.
– **Rural Areas**: Response times can be longer in rural areas, with some customers reporting wait times of 2-4 hours or more.
Regional Variations
– **Regional Differences**: Customer satisfaction and response times can vary significantly depending on the region. For example, some upstate New York and Virginia customers have reported positive experiences. In contrast, others in Oregon and other rural areas have reported longer wait times and more difficulty getting assistance.
Data on Response Times
– **Average Response Time**: According to USAA’s website, the average response time for roadside assistance is 60-90 minutes.
– **Response Time Variations**: However, response times can vary significantly depending on the location and time of day. Some customers have reported 2-4 hours or more wait times in rural areas.
Overall, while some customers have given USAA’s roadside assistance positive feedback, others have reported negative experiences, particularly in rural areas. These factors must be considered when evaluating USAA’s roadside assistance services.
FAQs about USAA Roadside Assistance
Blake Insurance Group
Phone: (888) 387-3687
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sat-Sun: Closed
Blake Nwosu
Owner & Principal Agent