I have to agree with handymantim - USAA used to be the very best. They've gone downhill over the past few years for some reason. They used to accept only military officers, now they take all military personnel. I guess the risks and costs with taking that many more people - and younger ones, too? - have caused them to have to raise the rates.

Used to be no one could get anywhere near my insurance rates, and I checked every couple of years. Now, several companies are right at the same rates and the what keeps me there now is their customer service. If/when they become just like any other company and charge higher rates, I'll move. I've been with them for 16+ years for auto and home.

I also agree that their loan division is horrible. I've checked with every vehicle I've purchased and their rates are at least 3% higher and usually 5% more than my credit union. Same with mortgages - always 3-4% higher than what I was getting locally. Here's an example of their lending philosphy: They issue their own credit cards (or used to, at least). When I was a new Ensign, I applied for their MasterCard. I had no credit card debt, a good history, a modest car payment and a mortgage. I was over their ratio by a couple of points. The rep on the phone suggested I sell my truck (not a Ram at that time) to get my ratio the right way. Sell my truck! I asked the guy how he expected me to get to work to pay for the charges I would make on the card. No answer. I've never held a card or taken any type of loan from them and won't, either.

Their customer service so far has been top notch. My latest homeowners policy cut a bunch of coverage - for my benefit to keep costs low - and raised the rate slightly. Yeah.... I'm pretty sure I'll be cashing in my subscriber savings account pretty soon. I don't see them reversing this trend anytime soon.