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Got my new six month premium from GEICO today......just a very small $20 increase for the same coverage. Last time, and the time before that, there was no increase at all. Before that, though, there were a few sharp increases in a row. With a couple of exceptions over the years (such as a few significant increases in 2022-2023) I have been VERY pleased with this company over the years...dating back all the way to the early 1980s. Still, even today, for good coverage for all the basics, I pay only between $1000 and $1100 a year....a little over $500 every 6 months.
Of course, I also get a lot of discounts that not all drivers get.....including Good Driver Discount, Driving-Experience, and Financial Responsibility, plus (for some odd reason?) things that all newer vehicles already have today.....Anti-Theft, Restraint, ABS, and Seat-Belt-use discounts.
Now, I won't say that GEICO is for everyone They are a tough company to get into, and generally don't like risky drivers....but those policies (no pun intended) pay off for those who do get in, and help keep rates down.
Last edited by mmarshall; May 11, 2026 at 08:35 PM.
I'm glad you're happy with Geico, but I would expect someone your age with your clean driving record to be paying much less than that. Just as a counter-example, my 18-year-old's policy is renewing next month. The new premium is $513.02, for $500k coverage across the board with a $500 deductible. He doesn't have any tickets or accidents, and completed the insurer's safety education program. But he is still a teenage boy with a limited driving record in an 11-second BMW.
I'm glad you're happy with Geico, but I would expect someone your age with your clean driving record to be paying much less than that. Just as a counter-example, my 18-year-old's policy is renewing next month. The new premium is $513.02, for $500k coverage across the board with a $500 deductible. He doesn't have any tickets or accidents, and completed the insurer's safety education program. But he is still a teenage boy with a limited driving record in an 11-second BMW.
I live in a high-cost area, with an enormous amount of traffic. That, of course, increases the likelihood of an accident just from the sheer numbers, even if you are a good driver...this area is (arguably) second only to Los Angeles/SoCal in traffic-density. Body shops are also rather high-priced in this area. All of this, and more, has to be taken into consideration when policy premiums are set. I've done some checking, and have yet to see a major company undercut GEICO pricing for my needs. USAA might (?) be able to undercut it, but they are only open to active-duty and retired military.
Got my new six month premium from GEICO today......just a very small $20 increase for the same coverage. Last time, and the time before that, there was no increase at all. Before that, though, there were a few sharp increases in a row. With a couple of exceptions over the years (such as a few significant increases in 2022-2023) I have been VERY pleased with this company over the years...dating back all the way to the early 1980s. Still, even today, for good coverage for all the basics, I pay only between $1000 and $1100 a year....a little over $500 every 6 months.
Of course, I also get a lot of discounts that not all drivers get.....including Good Driver Discount, Driving-Experience, and Financial Responsibility, plus (for some odd reason?) things that all newer vehicles already have today.....Anti-Theft, Restraint, ABS, and Seat-Belt-use discounts.
Now, I won't say that GEICO is for everyone They are a tough company to get into, and generally don't like risky drivers....but those policies (no pun intended) pay off for those who do get in, and help keep rates down.
...and family members. I have USAA because my dad was in the military in the 1960s. And now my son uses USAA for auto and renters.
May your Dad be thanked for his service. . My dad was also in the military for almost 30 years...Army Intelligence. He passed away long ago, though...and, by then, I was already with GEICO.
I live in a high-cost area, with an enormous amount of traffic. That, of course, increases the likelihood of an accident just from the sheer numbers, even if you are a good driver...this area is (arguably) second only to Los Angeles/SoCal in traffic-density. Body shops are also rather high-priced in this area. All of this, and more, has to be taken into consideration when policy premiums are set.
It all is taken into account. And yet Virginia insurance rates are still significantly below the national average (-12%), while Illinois is slightly above average (+6%). This remains true in busier, more expensive, DC-adjacent cities like Arlington and Alexandria. Rates in Richmond and Virginia Beach are roughly double what they are in the DC suburbs of VA. Source
I've had Geico for the past several years but it's time to shop again as my premiums keep increasing with each policy renewal. I'm now at double what they were charging me just a few years ago.
I am currently with State Farm and is looking to switch. I don't think they are working to keep my business.
Anyway, I have a very clean driving record and is a veteran and is trying to decide between GEICO or USAA? What are your thoughts? Thanks.
Being non-military, I have never been with USAA, so I cannot comment directly from experience. But I have heard and read a lot of good things about them from those who do qualify. So, I'd say, see if they will accept you, since you are a veteran, and sell you a policy. If not, then give GEICO a call. IMO, they are a good alternative choice, if you can meet their somewhat picky requirements.
Oh.....and, like with tex2670's Dad, Thank YOU for YOUR military service.
Last edited by mmarshall; May 12, 2026 at 10:35 AM.
I am currently with State Farm and is looking to switch. I don't think they are working to keep my business.
Anyway, I have a very clean driving record and is a veteran and is trying to decide between GEICO or USAA? What are your thoughts? Thanks.
I don't have Geico, but most of the complaints I see relate to the claims process. USAA is typically excellent with claims, and that has been my experience for the most party.
There was a tornado that came thru our town a few years ago, and the home of family friends was hit (they were ok). USAA paid them for a total loss within weeks, before a lot of other insurance companies had even been out to survey other damaged homes.
You get the discount for promising to write internet forum posts about getting another pleasant surprise from GEICO 😉
No...it has nothing to do with writing posts. According to GEICO, I get it because I was a Federal Employee and am now retired. But, I'll agree that GEICO does not do a good job of explaining just how or why that is so.
There was a tornado that came thru our town a few years ago, and the home of family friends was hit (they were ok). USAA paid them for a total loss within weeks, before a lot of other insurance companies had even been out to survey other damaged homes.
Yes, that's remarkable...particularly for something as expensive as a home that can run anywhere from six to seven figures. FEMA, for example, (where applicable) can keep you waiting forever.
Did USAA also help pay for their temporary room-and-board expenses while the new home is being built? That's another important consideration.
Yes, that's remarkable...particularly for something as expensive as a home that can run anywhere from six to seven figures. FEMA, for example, (where applicable) can keep you waiting forever.
FEMA isn't an insurance company, so that's totally irrelevant.
Originally Posted by mmarshall
Did USAA also help pay for their temporary room-and-board expenses while the new home is being built? That's another important consideration.
They had 1 year of temporary housing coverage; but if they were in a hotel, I think that was limited to 60 days.
Got Another Pleasant Surprise from GEICO
pay off for those who do get in, and help keep rates down.
. My dad was also in the military for almost 30 years...Army Intelligence. He passed away long ago, though...and, by then, I was already with GEICO.
That's another important consideration.