The benefits explained
Great customer service. In addition to a 24-hour chat option, you can reach its customer service line six days a week.
Home sharing coverage. If you are renting a room or an entire house, USAA offers what they call home-sharing coverage. Those who are regular house hosts might be interested in jumping on this type of insurance. It’s not available everywhere, so check beforehand whether your area is covered and carefully review the fine print for any restrictions.
Disadvantages Explained
Must be in the military to become a member. While there are certainly some great benefits to having a homeowners insurance policy through the USAA, you must be in the military to qualify. Active, retired or “honourably separated” service members and eligible family members may join. Cadets and Midshipmen can also join.
No local agents. USAA does not have a network of local agents to explain the specifics of coverage types and rates in your area. Developing a policy that suits your needs and situation may take a little longer.
USAA Standard Home Insurance Coverage Plan
A typical USAA homeowners insurance policy can be expected to contain the following:
Housing coverage
The coverages cover the repair or rebuilding of your home from scratch if it is damaged or destroyed due to a covered peril. These perils generally include fires, windstorms and explosions, hail, or acts of vandalism or burglary. This typically includes structures that are attached to your home, such as an attached garage, fireplaces, or deck.
Personal belongings
If your personal effects are destroyed, damaged or stolen in a covered claim or incident, this type of insurance will cover the cost of replacement.
Personal property not in your home at the time of the event may also be covered – items in the trunk of your car or in your storage unit. However, collectibles, artwork and jewelry are not always covered and may require additional insurance.
Loss of use
If your home is damaged to the point that you can’t live in it temporarily, loss of use coverage will pay for the cost of staying at an Airbnb or hotel while your home is being repaired or rebuilt to its previous condition. . This type of coverage generally covers any other additional living expenses you incur due to the condition of your home. So if your kitchen is under repair and you can’t cook because of it, the loss of use can cover the cost of take-out meals.
Personal responsibility
If you, a family member, or a pet cause bodily injury or property damage to a third party, personal liability coverage may cover medical bills, damage costs, or legal fees. Typically, this type of insurance will foot the bill regardless of who was at fault.
Home Sharing Coverage
If you rent a room, home-sharing coverage pays for injuries to all guests. This might not be available in the state you live in. You’ll also want to comb through the fine print for restrictions.
Other constructions
This covers detached structures in your home – a garage, tool shed, fence, gazebo, guest house, mailboxes, etc.
Identity theft protection
When you purchase the USAA homeowners insurance policy, you automatically get $5,000 of identity theft coverage. However, if your home is in North Carolina, you’re out of luck, as identity theft protection isn’t available in that state.
USAA Home Insurance Discounts
You can reduce the cost of your policy with the following discounts:
Group insurance. Purchasing your home insurance with USAA auto insurance could save you up to 10% on your premiums.
Increase your deductible. Although not technically a discount, the higher your deductible, the lower your premium. This goes for all forms of insurance.
Security device. Deadbolts, home security systems, fire alarms, and security cameras can all reduce the amount you pay for home insurance.
Discount for a no-claims period. If you do not file a claim for at least five years, you are entitled to a discount of up to 10%.
USAA Home Insurance Availability
USAA home insurance is available to eligible military personnel, veterans, and their families.
USAA Customer Service
Home insurance policyholders can chat with a virtual agent at any time on the site’s chat function. If they wish to speak to a customer service agent over the phone, agents are available six days a week.
The hours are as follows:
- Monday – Friday: 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. CT
- Saturday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CT
- Sunday: Closed
According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), the USAA received a 0.38 complaint rate for home insurance in 2021, well below the 1.0 average. USAA has received a financial strength rating of “A++” from AM Best, a sign of superior financial strength.
How to file a home insurance claim with USAA
Members can file a home insurance claim on the USAA website or app. If a member has questions about their claim or wishes to report a claim by telephone, they may do so by speaking to a USAA Customer Service Representative at (800) 531-USAA.
USAA Home Insurance Cancellation Policy
The USAA does not provide information on its site regarding cancellation policies. To cancel, members must call a company representative.
Other insurance provided by USAA
These types of insurance are available to USAA members:
- Tenants
- Valuable personal property
- Collectibles
- Condominium
- Rental property insurance
- Mobile home
- Flood
- farm and ranch
- Motorcycle/ATV
- Boat
- VR
- Classic Car Insurance
- Aeronautical Insurance
- Life and health
- Long-term care
- Animals
- Travel
Get a USAA home insurance quote
Unfortunately, if you are not a member, you will not be able to see USAA insurance prices. Only USAA members can get a personalized home insurance quote online.
Verdict
USAA home insurance is an attractive option for military service members. Its policies and excellent customer service make USAA particularly attractive to those who must change coverage frequently.
Methodology
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