Best auto insurance for military families

If you're in the military, reviews say you've got the best auto insurance option anywhere: The United Services Automobile Association (USAA) tops just about every auto insurance ratings chart there is. It's financially strong, earning the highest possible scores at all four ratings services (Moody's, Standard & Poor's, A.M. Best and TheStreet.com). Customers say USAA reps are extremely helpful, and most report no problems with claims, although a few claimants say they've gotten a runaround from USAA. Reviews praise USAA's low prices, but it's also a favorite among wealthy military and former military clients. However, only current or former military personnel are eligible, as are the children of policyholders.

J.D. Power and Associates provides the most thorough analysis of USAA, ranking it against two dozen other insurers based on 17 criteria (including price and overall claims experience) from thousands of owner surveys. Consumer Reports does similar rankings, but its report is only available in a back issue of the magazine. The New York State Insurance Department ranks USAA against 39 other auto insurers based on customer complaints filed there. TheStreet.com Ratings lists USAA among the top auto insurers based on its financial strength. Epinions.com has lots of consumer reviews for USAA, positive and negative.