USAA SafePilot Review (2024)
USAA SafePilot is a telematics program that can save drivers up to 30% on auto insurance. However, this USAA safe driver app has some downsides, and other telematics programs offer similar benefits. Below, our USAA SafePilot review explains how to maximize your USAA SafePilot discount.
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Laura D. Adams
Insurance & Finance Analyst
Laura Adams is one of the nation’s leading finance, insurance, and small business authorities. As an award-winning author, spokesperson, and host of the top-rated Money Girl podcast since 2008, millions of readers and listeners benefit from her practical advice. Her mission is to empower consumers to live healthy and rich lives by planning for the future and making smart money decisions. She rec...
Insurance & Finance Analyst
UPDATED: Aug 5, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Aug 5, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
Drivers looking to save on their auto insurance could benefit from USAA SafePilot, a telematics program that tracks driving behaviors and rewards safe driving. Users get a 10% discount for simply enrolling in the program, and a USAA safe driver could earn up to 30%.
The USAA driving app tracks hard braking, acceleration, speed, time of day, and more. The company considers these factors and sets your discount accordingly.
However, USAA SafePilot isn’t for everyone, particularly those who don’t want their insurer to track their data. Also, there are only 37 USAA SafePilot states where the program is offered.
USAA vs. Competitors: Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Coverage Level & Provider
| Insurance Company | Minimum Coverage | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| 21st Century | $45 | $111 |
| Allstate | $61 | $160 |
| American Family | $44 | $117 |
| Farmers | $53 | $139 |
| Geico | $30 | $80 |
| Liberty Mutual | $67 | $174 |
| Nationwide | $44 | $115 |
| Progressive | $39 | $105 |
| State Farm | $33 | $86 |
| Travelers | $38 | $99 |
| USAA | $22 | $59 |
| U.S. Average | $45 | $119 |
If you think a USAA car insurance policy could be right for you, read our USAA insurance review and keep reading this USAA SafePilot review to learn more.
- Drivers with SafePilot USAA, a usage-based insurance program, can save on their car insurance if they practice safe driving habits
- You can earn a USAA safe driver discount of up to 30% with the program
- The USAA SafePilot app monitors acceleration, time of day, phone use, speed, and more
USAA SafePilot Pros and Cons
Every usage-based auto insurance program (UBI) has its pros and cons, including the USAA SafePilot program. Some of the program’s pros include:
USAA SafePilot: Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| USAA driving score discount of up to 30% on top of lower-than-average rates | Only available in 37 states |
| Incentivizes teen drivers to practice safe driving | Limited USAA eligibility |
| Ability to bundle with other discounts | Penalizes hands-free phone usage |
Before committing to UBI, you should always consider the pros and cons to see if the program works for you. Keep reading to find out the answer to, “What is USAA Safe Pilot?”
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What is USAA Safe Pilot?
USAA SafePilot is a usage-based insurance program that utilizes a tracking device to see how well you drive. If the device shows you drive safely, USAA rewards you with auto insurance discounts.
Participants receive a 10% discount simply for signing up, with the chance to earn up to 30% off their rates if they practice safe driving habits.
Since insurers recalculate discounts each renewal, you may experience fluctuating rates if your driving habits change.
So, does USAA have a safe driving app for the SafePilot program?
To participate in the USAA Safe Pilot program, drivers with a car insurance policy should first download the free USAA Safe Pilot app, available on the App Store and Google Play Store. Once enrolled, USAA applies the initial sign-up discount to your policy — though the amount varies by state, it’s usually 10%.
The first 14 days of USAA SafePilot is a trial period, where the program assesses your driving habits and provides feedback. Fortunately, any driving done during this period won’t affect your USAA driving score or discount.
Once the trial period ends, SafePilot begins scoring your behavior, which lasts for your policy’s duration. Your score reflects the discount you’ll get after policy renewal. Though some telematics programs only track driving for one policy period, SafePilot monitors your driving constantly and bases your discount on each term’s performance.
USAA says poor driving won’t raise rates, but you may find your auto insurance rates going up for other reasons.
What behaviors does USAA SafePilot track?
What does USAA SafePilot track? USAA monitors various unsafe driving behaviors and subtracts points from the USAA Safe Pilot score for your discount if you engage in any of them. For example, you can get dinged for USAA Safe Pilot hands free calling.
USAA SafePilot tracks the following behaviors:
- Phone use while driving
- Hands free calling
- Hard braking
The program also looks at the following, but not all of these behaviors affect your score:
- Location
- Speed
- Time of day
- Whether you’re the driver or passenger
- Acceleration
- Swerving
- Cornering
- Distances driven
- Hours driven annually
Since the mobile apps follow the driver, it knows your location at all times and may share any data collected with third parties to maintain your policy and improve the program. If you don’t want to share your data with USAA, consider a telematics program with a plug-in device or one that lets you disable location services when not driving.
Also, SafePilot’s terms and conditions say USAA can analyze collisions with your data. So if you get in an accident, the company may use the data to determine the fault. You can still occasionally find cheap auto insurance after an accident.
USAA Safe Pilot Reviews From Customers
Is USAA SafePilot worth it? Reddit USAA SafePilot reviews show many customers are frustrated with their USAA safe driving app because it dinged them for events they didn’t do. USAA Safe Pilot Reddit reviews also complain of a low Safe Pilot discount amount despite excellent driving.
Check out more Safe Pilot program reviews online before enrolling.
Read More: 10 Best Auto Insurance Companies According to Reddit
Where can I get USAA SafePilot?
You can enroll in USAA SafePilot in 37 U.S. states. However, while USAA sells auto insurance policies to military members in all states, you can only participate in USAA SafePilot in the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
If you’re a safe driver in any of the states above and qualify for coverage, the USAA Pilot program could be for you. You should also check your insurance claims history report to make sure you’re not forgetting about any recent claims. Keep reading our USAA Safe Pilot program review to learn about other ways to save on coverage.
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What other coverage discounts does USAA offer?
While the USAA SafePilot program offers drivers a way to save on coverage, the company also offers various other discounts to lower premiums. Certain vehicle characteristics can save you money, and your personal driving profile could also earn you discounts.
Some of USAA’s other discounts include:
USAA Insurance Coverage Discounts
| Discounts | Description |
|---|---|
| Anti-theft device discount | You could get a discount with USAA if your vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft device. However, the discount doesn’t apply in all states and may require annual certification, so talk to a USAA representative for more details. |
| Defensive driver discount | If you pass an approved USAA defensive driving course, you could qualify for a defensive driving discount with USAA. Defensive driving is the practice of anticipating potential road hazards and avoiding them. |
| Deployment discount | You could get a 60% rate reduction if you’re deployed or store your insured car for any other reason. However, the car must not be driven. |
| Driver training course discount | Drivers under 21 can earn a driver training course discount with USAA if they complete an approved driver’s education course. |
| Garaging car on a military installation | USAA gives a garaging/storing discount on your comprehensive auto insurance rates if you garage your car on a military base. However, in California, you get a collision discount as well. This discount is unavailable in New York. |
| Good grades discount | USAA offers auto insurance discounts for good students between 16 and 25 who maintain a “B” average or higher. However, the discount is unavailable in Hawaii and North Carolina. |
| Loyalty discount | You could save up to 10% if your parents have a USAA policy and you continue your own policy. |
| Multi-car discount | Policyholders insuring more than one car can earn a multi-car discount from USAA. It may be cheaper to add a second vehicle to insurance. |
| Multi-policy discount | USAA is one of the auto insurance companies that bundle home auto boat and personal liability insurance. So if you bundle your auto insurance policy with a home insurance policy, you could earn more savings. |
| Safe driver discount | Some auto insurance companies offer cash back for safe drivers. Drivers with USAA can receive a safe driver discount if they maintain a clean driving record for five years — this includes remaining free from accidents and moving violations. |
Discounts offer policyholders ways to save based on their unique driving profile. Speak with a USAA representative to see if you’re eligible for any of the above discounts.
Is USAA SafePilot worth it?
Other UBI programs offer equal or larger discounts and won’t ding policyholders for using a hands-free phone. So, the program may not be for every driver.
While the average USAA safe driving app review on the App Store and Google Play Store have improved, customers still complain of harsh penalties for sudden braking. The app also has difficulty determining if the user is a passenger or driver.
However, not all telematics programs operate the same. For example, Allstate, Liberty Mutual, and Nationwide don’t factor in phone usage, whereas Geico and Progressive could hike rates for poor driving.
Look at the table below to see how USAA SafePilot holds up to other major competitors:
USAA SafePilot vs. Competitors: Telematics Program
Telematics program Discount amount Can premiums go up? Device Review period length
Allstate Drivewise® Save up to 40% by driving safe No Mobile app Each policy period (keeps 12 months of rolling data)
Geico DriveEasy Varies Yes Mobile app Each policy period
Liberty Mutual RightTrack® 30% maximum discount No Plug-in device 90 days
Nationwide SmartRide® Sign up discount of 10% Maximum of 40% based on driving performance No Mobile app or plug-in device 4 to 6 months
Progressive Snapshot® Save an average of $156 per year Average discount of $47 for signing up Yes Mobile app or plug-in device First policy period
USAA SafePilot 10% for signing up Maximum of 30% based on driving performance No Mobile app Each policy period
Some telematics programs, like Geico DriveEasy, raise your rates if you exhibit poor driving behaviors. Read our Geico DriveEasy review to see if the program is a good fit for you.
However, while USAA’s telematics program may not be the best out there, it offers the cheapest rates of any national insurance company. An average full coverage policy with USAA costs about $63 monthly, nearly $75 less per month than the national average.
If you qualify for USAA and are willing to deal with the program’s downfalls, the SafePilot app could be worth it and save you money on coverage.
USAA SafePilot: The Bottom Line
USAA SafePilot tracks driving habits, like hard braking, phone use, and speed, through your smartphone. Our USAA Safe Pilot review found that policyholders can save up to 30% if they practice safe driving habits, but the program is only available in 37 states and often penalizes drivers for handheld phone calls.
In addition, USAA offers various discount options to give drivers even more opportunities to lower their premiums.
However, only military members, veterans, and their families are eligible for USAA auto insurance coverage. So, eligible drivers looking for cheap auto insurance for military and veterans should consider USAA’s lower-than-average rates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is USAA?
Founded in 1922, the United Services Automobile Association (USAA) consists of several companies offering various financial services to U.S. military members, veterans, and their families.
Some of USAA’s most popular insurance products include auto, home, life, and small business. The company is known for its affordable insurance rates and excellent customer service.
How does USAA Safe Pilot work?
Safe Pilot, a USAA telematics program, uses your smartphone to track certain driving behaviors and awards a discount based on how you drive. USAA looks at hard braking, phone use, and hands-free calls when determining your discount.
If you score poorly with USAA SafePilot, your rates won’t increase. However, other insurers, like Geico or Progressive, may raise your rates if you exhibit risky driving behavior while enrolled in their usage-based program.
How much can you save with USAA SafePilot?
The highest discount you can earn with USAA’s SafePilot program is 30%, depending on how you drive, along with a 10% participation discount. However, the number of listed drivers you have and your location can impact your discount.
All drivers must participate in the USAA SafePilot program to get the full discount. For example, if four drivers are on the policy but only two enroll in the program, the discount drops by half.
Is USAA SafePilot good for teen drivers?
The USAA SafePilot program could give teen drivers a reason to drive safer, but if they don’t do so, it could affect their rates. Teen drivers often pay higher rates for coverage since they’re inexperienced and riskier to insure. However, USAA SafePilot offers teen drivers a way to save.
Remember that your SafePilot discount depends on the number of insured drivers participating in the program, so you won’t get the full discount if all drivers aren’t participating.
Is participation in USAA SafePilot mandatory?
Participation in USAA SafePilot is voluntary. It is an optional program offered by USAA, and you can choose whether or not to participate based on your preferences.
How is my driving behavior monitored in USAA SafePilot?
USAA SafePilot monitors your driving behavior through a mobile app or a plug-in device that collects data about your driving habits. The data collected typically includes information on acceleration, braking, speed, and time of day. This data is used to assess your driving patterns and determine your eligibility for potential discounts.
Can USAA SafePilot raise your insurance rates?
A top question readers ask is, “Can USAA SafePilot increase your insurance rates?”
Generally, participating in USAA SafePilot should not result in an increase in your insurance rates. The program is designed to reward safe driving behavior with potential discounts on your auto insurance premiums. However, it’s important to review the terms and conditions of the program and check with USAA to ensure you understand how your participation may impact your rates.
What do drivers say about the app for USAA SafePilot on Reddit?
Our USAA Safe Pilot Review found Reddit users expressed dissatisfaction with their mobile app.
For instance, one USAA Safe Pilot app review said the app sometimes displays the incorrect discount you’re getting. Another review of the USAA Safe Pilot app on Reddit says that they didn’t receive a significant USAA Safe Pilot discount, despite excellent driving.
So, SafePilot USAA on Reddit has mostly poor reviews. However, you should do your own research of reviews for the Safe Pilot program with USAA.
Is USAA SafePilot known by other names?
No, while some people mistakenly refer to the program as “USAA Smart Pilot” or “USAA Auto Pilot,” the program is called USAA SafePilot.
Does USAA SafePilot track speed?
You may wonder, “Does USAA Safe Pilot track speed?” Yes, the program does track speed, and exceeding the speed limit can negatively impact your driving score.
What does USAA Safe Pilot monitor?
USAA SafePilot monitors location, speed, time of day, acceleration, hard braking, phone use, and more.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Laura D. Adams
Insurance & Finance Analyst
Laura Adams is one of the nation’s leading finance, insurance, and small business authorities. As an award-winning author, spokesperson, and host of the top-rated Money Girl podcast since 2008, millions of readers and listeners benefit from her practical advice. Her mission is to empower consumers to live healthy and rich lives by planning for the future and making smart money decisions. She rec...
Insurance & Finance Analyst
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
