Costco Car Insurance vs. Geico: Which Is Better?

When it comes to car insurance, Geico and Costco Connect are two big names to consider. But how do they compare when looking at cost, coverage, and customer service?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare Costco vs. Geico auto insurance to see which provider comes out on top.

Costco Car Insurance Overview

Costco auto insurance is offered through a partnership between the warehouse club and Connect by American Family Insurance.

To get Costco insurance, you must be a current Costco member. Policies are sold through local Connect agents as well as online.

Here are some key facts about Costco car insurance:

• Sold in select states through Connect by American Family
• Requires an active Costco membership
• Policies sold through local agents or online
• AM Best rating of A (Excellent)

Costco insurance aims to provide low rates and quality service to Costco members. You also get access to features like a 24/7 claims center and vehicle replacement coverage.

Geico Car Insurance Overview

Founded in 1936, Geico is one of the largest auto insurers in the U.S. They promote low rates paired with around-the-clock customer service.

Here’s an overview of Geico auto insurance:

• Nationwide availability in all 50 states
• Policies sold direct online or over phone
• AM Best rating of A++ (Superior)
• Over 18 million policies in force
• Part of Berkshire Hathaway group

Geico provides standard coverage plus options like mechanical breakdown insurance and rideshare coverage. You also get access to a massive network of local agents if needed.

Cost Comparison: Geico vs. Costco

When it comes to cost, Geico is more transparent about its average rates compared to Costco Connect. Here’s how they stack up:

• Geico average full coverage costs: $1,353 per year
• Geico average minimum coverage costs: $373 per year
• Costco average rates: Not publicly disclosed

Geico offers competitive pricing across all driver profiles. In general, they tend to have lower premiums than the national averages for drivers of different ages, credit scores, and risk profiles.

Our verdict: While exact Costco average rates are unknown, Geico provides competitive pricing across the board, making them likely the more affordable option.

Discounts Offered

Both Costco and Geico offer a range of car insurance discounts to help lower your premiums. Here are some key discounts offered by each:

Costco discounts:

• Costco member discount – for being a current Costco member
• Premier safety discount – for a clean driving record
• Garaging discount – for keeping your car in a garage

Geico discounts:

• Good driver discount – for a clean driving history
• Federal employee discount – for current government employees
• Military discount – for active duty and retired military members
• Anti-theft device discount – for installing qualifying devices

Our verdict: Geico offers more discounts overall, including some like the federal employee and military discount that are unique. Costco has fewer discount opportunities.

Coverage Options Comparison

Geico and Costco Connect both provide standard auto insurance coverages like:

• Liability insurance
• Collision and comprehensive coverage
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist protection
• Medical payments coverage

However, when it comes to additional coverages and extras, Geico has the edge:

• Rideshare insurance
• Roadside assistance coverage
• Mechanical breakdown insurance
• Custom parts/equipment value coverage

Costco offers only standard coverages with no extras available.

Our verdict: Geico provides more coverage variety like rideshare and roadside assistance insurance that Costco lacks.

Customer Service Experience

When comparing Geico vs. Costco car insurance for customer service and claims satisfaction, here’s how the carriers measure up:

• Geico customer rating – 4/5 stars on Trustpilot based on over 15,000 reviews
• Costco customer rating – No major customer ratings available
• J.D. Power claims rating – Geico 874/1,000; Costco not rated

Our verdict: Geico maintains positive customer feedback scores. Costco Connect lacks significant customer service ratings.

Availability Comparison

Geico has the