Who Qualifies for USAA Home Insurance? A Complete Guide

USAA home insurance eligibility isn't available to everyone. Only members who meet specific military-related criteria can get it. USAA is a financial services company founded in 1922 that primarily serves current and former U.S. military personnel and their families. Today, it serves over 13 million members with insurance, banking, and investment services. But before you can get home insurance through USAA, you need to qualify for membership first.

What is USAA Membership?

USAA membership is the key to accessing their home insurance and other products. You can't buy USAA home insurance without being a member. Membership requires a connection to the U.S. military. This means you must either be in the military yourself or have a close family member who is. USAA started as a group of Army officers who wanted to insure each other's cars. Today, it's grown into a major financial institution, but it still focuses on serving military communities.

Being a USAA member isn't just about getting insurance. It gives you access to banking services, investment options, and discounts. But the first step is meeting the membership requirements. Without that, you're locked out of everything USAA offers, including their home insurance.

Who Qualifies for USAA Membership?

USAA membership eligibility is based on military service and family ties. Here's who can join:

• Active duty service members: Anyone currently serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or Space Force. This includes reservists and National Guard members on active duty orders.
• Retired military personnel: Those who completed at least 20 years of service or were medically retired. Retirees from all branches qualify.
• Veterans: Anyone who served on active duty and received an honorable discharge. This includes those who served for a short time but were discharged honorably.
• Spouses: Married to someone who meets the above criteria. This applies even if the spouse is no longer alive (surviving spouses qualify).
• Dependents: Unmarried children under 21 (or up to 23 if full-time students). Adopted children also qualify.

USAA also allows eligibility for individuals who were once eligible but lost their status due to divorce or death. For example, if a service member dies, their spouse and children can still join USAA. Similarly, a divorced spouse may retain eligibility if they were married to a member for at least one year before the divorce.

How Membership Affects Home Insurance Eligibility

Once you're a USAA member, you can apply for home insurance. But there's more to it. USAA home insurance isn't automatic just because you're a member. You still need to meet standard homeowners insurance requirements. This includes:

• Having a property that meets USAA's underwriting standards (like certain home types or locations)
• Passing a credit check and having a clean claims history
• Providing accurate details about your home's condition and value

However, the biggest hurdle is membership. If you don't qualify for USAA membership, you can't get their home insurance. That's why understanding membership requirements is the first step. For example, if you're a civilian with no military connection, you won't qualify for USAA home insurance-no matter how much you want it.

Special Cases and Exceptions

USAA has some flexibility for certain situations. Here are a few examples:

• Surviving spouses: If your military spouse passed away, you can still join USAA and get home insurance. This also applies to children of deceased service members.
• Divorced spouses: If you were married to a USAA member for at least one year before the divorce, you may keep eligibility. However, this depends on the specific circumstances.
• Children of members: Even if you're not in the military, you can qualify for USAA membership if your parent was a member. This includes adult children who are now serving in the military themselves.

USAA also offers special programs for military families who relocate frequently. They understand that military life means moving often, so their home insurance policies are designed to handle these transitions smoothly. But again, the first step is membership.

How to Verify Your Eligibility

Not sure if you qualify? Here's how to check:

1. Visit USAA's website and use their eligibility tool. It asks simple questions about your military service or family connections.
2. Call USAA's customer service at 1-800-531-8722. Representatives can verify your eligibility over the phone.
3. Check your military status. If you're active duty, a veteran, or a spouse, you likely qualify. If you're unsure, USAA can confirm based on your service records.

USAA doesn't require proof of military service upfront. They'll ask for documentation later if you apply for insurance. But the initial eligibility check is straightforward. Just know that if you don't have a military connection, USAA home insurance isn't an option for you.

What If You Don't Qualify?

If you don't meet USAA's membership requirements, you'll need to look elsewhere for home insurance. Many other insurers offer competitive rates for military families. For example:

• State Farm: Offers military discounts and specializes in home insurance. They have a dedicated military division with claims adjusters familiar with military life.
• Allstate: Has specific programs for veterans and active duty personnel. Their "Military Discount" can save you up to 15% on home insurance.
• Geico: Provides home insurance with military discounts for eligible members. They also offer flexible payment plans for deployed service members.

These companies don't have the same membership restrictions as USAA. They serve the general public but often have special rates for military families. Always compare quotes to find the best coverage for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions