AAA Auto Insurance Review: Top-Notch Customer Service and Cheap Rates for Some Drivers

This auto insurer is a good fit for: AAA members in markets with affordable premiums.

Monthly premium costs:

• 35-year-old female with clean driving record: $254.18
• 35-year-old male with clean driving record: $281.14
• 35-year-old female with one accident: $364.67
• 18-year-old-male with clean driving record: $730.86

Coverage options:

• Bodily injury liability
• Property damage
• Comprehensive
• Collision
• Rental car coverage
• Claim forgiveness
• Disappearing deductible
• Enhanced total loss replacement
• Enhanced exterior repair
• Transportation Network Company (rideshare insurance)

Top perks

Easy online quotes

Getting an auto insurance quote is simple and quick with AAA as the insurer uses publicly available information to pre-fill forms for users, which helps save time. And motorists don't have to provide a Social Security number or other personal identifying details just to shop around for a quote when looking for the best cheap auto insurance.

Affordable coverage options in some markets

AAA auto insurance is available from regional auto clubs across the U.S. In some markets, including our representative market, premiums were more expensive than what many competitors charge. However, in other parts of the country, AAA insurance is an extremely affordable option, beating out others known for low-cost premiums -- such as Progressive and Geico -- for both young and middle-aged drivers. AAA members, especially, can find affordable coverage in certain parts of the country, as membership affords them discounted rates.

Top-notch customer service

AAA earned top marks from customers in the Southwest region, coming in at No. 1 on the J.D. Power U.S. Auto Insurance Study in years past. The study evaluated five different metrics to identify the best car insurance companies in terms of customer satisfaction, including policy offerings, price, customer interaction, billing, and claims handling.

What could be improved

Regional price variation

Due to regional price variation, insurance in some markets is much more expensive than in others. For example, when looking for the best car insurance in Florida, AAA's premiums for drivers of all ages and driving histories were well above what competitors including Geico and Progressive charge. More consistency across markets would make it easier for customers to trust that AAA truly is the most affordable option in their area. Coverage options also vary from one market to the next.

Membership required

Drivers won't get the best rates with AAA auto insurance unless they're paying subscribers of AAA services.

Comprehensive rideshare insurance

AAA's rideshare insurance is designed to fill in gaps in the insurance that rideshare companies offer, while some competitors such as Geico offer more comprehensive insurance for motorists who work for rideshare services.

When looking for an auto insurer who offers more consistency: Unlike AAA, which offers insurance through a series of regional auto clubs, Geico provides insurance nationwide. This provides more uniformity in both coverage options and pricing. Keep in mind, though, that AAA may be cheaper than Geico in some parts of the country, especially for AAA members.

AAA is much more expensive than competitors in our representative region, but AAA members and those in certain parts of the country -- particularly in the Southwest -- may find premiums are more affordable than those listed below.

Motorists can take advantage of a number of discounts to reduce their AAA premiums. These include:

• AAA membership discount
• Paperless statement discount
• Advance Purchase Discount (for drivers who buy their policy far in advance of their effective date)
• Pay-in-full discount
• Automatic payment deduction
• AAA safety inspection deduction (for vehicles that pass an AAA safety inspection)
• AAA drive discount (for drivers who use a smartphone app to track driving habits)
• Multi-vehicle discount savings
• New young driver discount
• Student discounts
• Vehicle safety discount
• Auto theft discount
• New car discount

AAA's list of discounts is fairly standard. However, the insurer also offers special savings for auto club members as well as for drivers whose vehicles pass an AAA safety inspection. Most competitors don't offer this type of savings, and motorists who are interested in AAA's other services or who are willing to get their car inspected may wish to take advantage of it.

Policy types

• Auto
• Motorcycles
• Off-road vehicles
• Boat
• Recreational vehicles
• Transportation Network Company (rideshare)

AAA offers most types of insurance, but the company's rideshare option is less comprehensive than most. It's intended not as a standalone policy for rideshare drivers but to fill gaps in the coverage that rideshare companies offer.

Policy types and coverage options can also vary from one auto club to another, so it's important to check what's available in your area.

Coverage types

• Bodily injury liability
• Property damage
• Comprehensive
• Collision
• Rental car coverage
• Claim forgiveness
• Enhanced total loss replacement
• Gap insurance
• Enhanced exterior repair option

AAA offers more claim forgiveness options than many competitors. For example, policy premiums don't go up due to small claims that are under $250. Drivers also earn forgiveness if they're accident free for at least five years before an incident and can opt to buy Claim Forgiveness Ultimate to get additional forgiveness options immediately upon buying coverage.

Motorists who stay claim free each policy term can also earn either a cash reward or renewal credit valued at up to 3% of premiums or a maximum of $50.

Love AAA? See The Ascent's AAA credit card review to see more of the company's offerings.

Because AAA auto insurance is provided by different automobile clubs across the country, there is variation in customer service quality and standards. AAA Insurance in Tulsa, for example, received an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau while AAA in Lewisville, TX received a C- BBB rating. If you're considering this insurer, consider the ratings from your local provider.

AAA auto insurance can be a good fit for drivers who:

• Live in the Southwest, or in another market where AAA receives high marks for customer service
• Live in a market where AAA's premiums are more affordable than competitors
• Are interested in claims forgiveness options

But motorists may want to consider Geico if they live in Florida or need more comprehensive rideshare insurance coverage. Progressive may also be a cheaper option in other regions.