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Using your USAA Auto Insurance

Get proof of insurance and learn how to use your coverage, adjust your costs, get discounts and more.

Get proof of insurance.

Auto Insurance ID Card

Most states require you to carry a physical insurance ID card. You can print your own card or we can send it to you. You can also save a copy to the USAA Mobile APP.

Declarations Page

This gives a detailed summary of your policy. To find it, go to My Documents. Open the insurance folder, then open your Automobile Insurance Renewal file.

Proof of Coverage

Car dealers usually call this a binder. If you’re getting ready to buy or lease a vehicle, you can request this document for yourself, the dealer or lender.

How coverage helps protect you

Most states require minimum levels of liability coverage. You can choose amounts above the minimum based on your needs and what your state offers.

 

Read about the types of car insurance coverage.

Someone files a claim against you.

Liability coverage helps protect your money if you’re responsible for an accident. It can cover:

  • Injuries and deaths.
  • Damage to the other driver's car or other property.

You damage your car in an accident.

Collision coverage helps pay to fix or replace your vehicle if you’re responsible for an accident. It can cover:

  • Driving over a pothole or speed bump.
  • Hitting a vehicle, pole, fence or other object.

Something else damages your car.

Comprehensive coverage helps pay for things beyond your control that don’t involve another vehicle. It can cover:

  • Hail, flooding and falling trees.
  • Theft and vandalism.
  • Hitting an animal and windshield or glass breakage.

A driver with insufficient or no insurance hits you.

Uninsured and underinsured coverage helps protect you and your passengers. It can cover:

  • Injuries and deaths.
  • Damage to your car or other property.

Decide if you need to add other coverage.

Roadside Assistance

Get help if you run out of gas, get a flat tire, need a jump-start, get locked out or need a tow. Read about roadside assistance.

Rental Reimbursement

This could help pay for a rental car while yours is in the shop for covered repairs.

Car Replacement Assistance

If your vehicle is declared a total loss, this gives you an extra 20% of its actual cash value, which is what it’s worth after depreciation.

Do I have full coverage?

“Full coverage” doesn’t actually exist on your auto policy. But your lender may use that term when you buy your car.

They usually mean coverage for physical damage like comprehensive and collision in addition to the minimum liability required by your state.

That doesn’t mean you’re fully covered for every scenario.

If limits for liability coverage fall short of your net worth, then an umbrella policy can provide extra coverage.
 

When should you file an auto insurance claim?

Sometimes filing a claim is optional, like when there’s minimal damage to your own vehicle and the cost to repair is less than your deductible. Or you don’t want to fix your vehicle and it’s not owned by any other party, lease or finance company.

Examples of when you should file a claim:

  • Someone got injured.
  • There’s substantial damage to your vehicle.
  • You caused damage to someone else’s vehicle or property or to a municipality’s property.

 What should I do before my policy renews?

In most cases, we’ll automatically renew your policy. You’ll need to review it and make sure it still meets your needs. You may also want to check your discounts.

We understand things change. If you’re thinking about canceling, see how we can help.

What to know about choosing coverage limits

Coverage limits are the most your policy will pay for a covered event. You can adjust your limits for each coverage based on your needs, budget and the level of risk you can handle.

Liability

Got a new job? Bought a house? Your coverage needs can change with life changes like these. Consider a limit that helps protect your money.

Uninsured and Underinsured

Many states require this, but some let you choose. Consider a limit similar to what you have for liability coverage.

What to know about adjusting deductibles

A deductible is what you pay before your policy pays the rest for a covered claim. Lower deductibles usually means you pay less out of pocket for a claim but a higher premium. Consider the value of your vehicle when setting your deductibles.

Comprehensive Deductible 

Sometimes changing your comprehensive deductible may make a big difference. Read about choosing your comprehensive deductible.

Collision Deductible

Sometimes raising your collision deductible may help keep your monthly premiums manageable. And you’ll need to make sure you have money to cover the deductible. Read about choosing your collision deductible.

Reasons why premiums go up at renewal

If we raise rates, it could be due to higher costs for claims. Some cars and drivers cost more to insure for different reasons, but some things are out of your control.

Car Parts and Labor

It’s getting more expensive to repair vehicles.

Medical Costs

Things like ER visits and prescriptions cost more.

Legal Fees

The costs related to at-fault accidents are rising.

Find discounts and savings.

We offer several ways you can save. Here are a few:

  • Get up to 3% off when you set up automatic payments.‍ ‍ See note 1
  • Save up to 10% with our safe driving program, USAA SafePilot.‍ ‍ See note 2
  • Save up to 10% with the Good Student Discount.‍ ‍ See note 3
  • You may save when you bundle your USAA policies.

Using your auto insurance FAQ

In most states, your policy may provide coverage for rented vehicles. This coverage would go toward the cost of repairing or replacing a damaged vehicle.

You may also buy optional insurance coverage from the rental agency.

Also, if you use a credit card to pay for the rental, your credit card provider may include coverage.

For example, using a USAA credit card for a rental car gives you built-in auto rental coverage for physical damage or theft, towing and loss of use for up to 31 days around the world.

Contact your rental agency or credit card provider to find out more about their coverage options.

If you want to dig into more detail, you can read our advice about rental car insurance and coverage options.

International rental cars may not be covered.

If your policy is not based in the United States or you’ll be renting a vehicle outside the U.S., then your rental isn’t covered by your USAA Auto Insurance policy for liability and physical damage.

You can discuss your options by calling us at 800-531-USAA (8722).