AAA (CSAA Insurance Group) vs GEICO

Verdict

GEICO and AAA (CSAA Insurance Group) appeal to different instincts. GEICO, a Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary, is the third-largest U.S. auto insurer, with $42.91 billion of private passenger auto premium in 2025 (11.55%). It sells direct online, by phone and in its app to anyone in all 50 states and D.C. CSAA, which issues policies through CSAA Insurance Exchange and isn't publicly traded, wrote $5.07 billion (1.37%). It sells only to AAA members of the clubs it underwrites for: whole states such as Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, Nevada, Oregon and Utah, plus parts of California and 10 other states, and D.C.

GEICO has the stronger financial rating: A++ (Superior) from AM Best, affirmed April 2026, against CSAA's A (Excellent), reaffirmed July 2026. CSAA scores better with customers. It ranked sixth of 20 in the J.D. Power 2025 claims study with 720, while GEICO scored 697 (tied 13th). In the 2026 U.S. Auto Insurance Study CSAA ranked highest in the Southwest and third in the Mid-Atlantic. GEICO beat the regional average in seven of 11 regions but fell below it in both of those. CSAA's other draw is the AAA membership itself, with roadside service and repair discounts alongside the policy. You do have to pay for it.

If you already belong to a CSAA-served AAA club, the comparison is worth making. Get quotes from both, including the membership cost.

Choose AAA (CSAA) if

• You are, or would happily become, a AAA member in a club CSAA underwrites for (see AAA car insurance: how the clubs and their insurers work).
• You live in the Southwest or Mid-Atlantic, where CSAA ranked first and third in J.D. Power's 2026 study and GEICO was below average.
• Claims service is a priority. CSAA was 6th of 20 in 2025.
• You want roadside service, repair discounts and insurance from one organization.
• You want New Car Added Protection where your club offers it.

Choose GEICO if

• You live outside CSAA's territory, or don't want to pay for AAA membership.
• You want the top AM Best rating (A++) and a usage-based option (DriveEasy).
• You qualify for military, federal employee or group affinity discounts.
• You want mechanical breakdown insurance for a new car.
• You prefer handling everything online or in an app.

Key differences

CSAA's coverages and discounts vary by club and state, so a quote in one place may not resemble another. Add the cost of AAA membership to its premium before comparing. Use the car insurance quote comparison worksheet to line up identical coverage.