Homeowners insurance is an essential part of protecting your home, assets, and family from unexpected events like fire, theft, and natural disasters. For members of the military and their families, USAA (United Services Automobile Association) offers one of the most highly regarded homeowners insurance policies in the industry. USAA is known for its competitive rates, exceptional customer service, and comprehensive coverage options tailored to meet the unique needs of military families.
This article provides an in-depth look at USAA homeowners insurance, including coverage options, benefits, costs, and how it compares to other insurers. We will also cover how to file a claim, the discounts available, and why USAA is often regarded as one of the best providers for military families.
Table of Contents
- What is USAA Homeowners Insurance?
- Who is Eligible for USAA Homeowners Insurance?
- Types of Coverage Offered by USAA Homeowners Insurance
- 1. Dwelling Coverage
- 2. Personal Property Coverage
- 3. Liability Protection
- 4. Loss of Use Coverage
- 5. Medical Payments Coverage
- Additional Coverage Options
- 1. Flood Insurance
- 2. Earthquake Insurance
- 3. Identity Theft Protection
- 4. Umbrella Insurance
- USAA Homeowners Insurance Discounts
- How Much Does USAA Homeowners Insurance Cost?
- How to Get a Quote for USAA Homeowners Insurance
- Filing a Claim with USAA Homeowners Insurance
- Pros and Cons of USAA Homeowners Insurance
- How USAA Compares to Other Homeowners Insurance Providers
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion: Is USAA Homeowners Insurance Right for You?
What is USAA Homeowners Insurance?
USAA Homeowners Insurance is a specialized insurance product designed to protect the homes and belongings of members of the military and their families. USAA is renowned for offering policies that provide financial protection against damages caused by natural disasters, accidents, theft, and other unforeseen events. The company has built a reputation for excellent customer service and competitive rates for military families.
USAA stands out in the insurance industry by providing tailored services for its members, which includes access to personalized coverage options and support for unique circumstances like deployments or moving frequently due to military assignments.
Who is Eligible for USAA Homeowners Insurance?
USAA’s homeowners insurance is available to individuals who meet specific eligibility criteria. To qualify for USAA homeowners insurance, you must be:
- Active Duty Military: Members of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard, including Reserve and National Guard.
- Veterans: Those who have honorably served in the U.S. military.
- Immediate Family Members: Spouses, children, and sometimes parents of military members and veterans are also eligible.
USAA has built a niche within the military community, offering special products that are crafted with the specific needs of military families in mind. Members of the military often move frequently or live in unique situations, so USAA’s offerings aim to accommodate these challenges.
Types of Coverage Offered by USAA Homeowners Insurance

USAA’s homeowners insurance provides a wide range of coverage options that protect your property and personal belongings. Here’s a breakdown of the standard coverage offered:
1. Dwelling Coverage
Dwelling coverage (also known as Coverage A) protects the physical structure of your home, including the walls, roof, foundation, and any attached structures (like a garage or deck). If your home is damaged or destroyed due to covered events such as fire, vandalism, or wind, USAA will help cover the cost of repairs or reconstruction.
Dwelling Coverage | Protection Against |
---|---|
Fire | Damage from a fire inside or outside your home |
Theft | Loss due to burglary or theft |
Windstorm | Damage caused by hurricanes, tornadoes, or high winds |
Vandalism | Costs associated with vandalism or malicious mischief |
Lightning | Damage caused by lightning strikes to your home or property |
2. Personal Property Coverage
This coverage protects your personal belongings, including furniture, clothing, electronics, jewelry, and other valuables, against loss or damage caused by fire, theft, or vandalism. Personal property coverage usually covers items both inside and outside of your home, such as in your car or while traveling.
3. Liability Protection
Liability coverage is essential if someone is injured on your property and decides to sue. USAA’s liability protection covers legal expenses and medical costs in case you are found responsible for the injury. It also provides coverage if you damage someone else’s property or cause harm accidentally, both inside and outside of your home.
Liability Coverage | Protection Against |
---|---|
Injury on your property | Medical expenses and legal fees if someone is injured at your home |
Damage to others’ property | Repairs to someone else’s property that you unintentionally damage |
Legal defense | Covers attorney fees and court costs for lawsuits related to incidents |
4. Loss of Use Coverage
If your home is made uninhabitable due to a covered event, such as a fire or severe storm, loss of use coverage (also known as Additional Living Expenses or ALE) will help pay for temporary living expenses. This includes hotel bills, meals, and transportation costs while your home is being repaired or rebuilt.
5. Medical Payments Coverage
Medical payments coverage is designed to cover medical expenses for injuries sustained by others on your property, regardless of who is at fault. If a guest is injured in your home or on your property, USAA will help cover the medical costs up to a specified limit.
Additional Coverage Options
While the basic homeowners policy provides essential coverage, USAA also offers a variety of optional add-ons that can further protect you from potential risks.
1. Flood Insurance
Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flooding. USAA offers flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). This type of coverage is essential for homeowners in areas prone to heavy rain, rising rivers, or coastal flooding.
2. Earthquake Insurance
For residents in earthquake-prone areas, USAA provides earthquake insurance, which helps cover damages caused by seismic activity. Earthquakes can cause significant structural damage, and this coverage is critical for homeowners in states like California, Alaska, and others along the Pacific Ring of Fire.
3. Identity Theft Protection
USAA offers identity theft protection as an add-on service. This covers the costs associated with restoring your identity if you become a victim of identity theft. This may include legal fees, lost wages, and expenses related to repairing your credit report.
4. Umbrella Insurance
Umbrella insurance provides additional liability coverage beyond the limits of your homeowners policy. It is particularly valuable if you have significant assets to protect. USAA’s umbrella insurance helps safeguard you from large claims and lawsuits that could exceed your basic homeowners policy coverage.
USAA Homeowners Insurance Discounts
USAA offers several discounts to help make homeowners insurance more affordable. These include:
- Bundling Discounts: If you have multiple insurance policies with USAA (like auto and home), you can receive a significant discount on your homeowners insurance premium.
- Claims-Free Discount: USAA rewards customers who have been claims-free for a certain period with reduced rates.
- Protective Devices Discount: If your home is equipped with security systems, smoke alarms, or sprinkler systems, you may be eligible for discounts.
- New Home Discount: If you’ve recently purchased a new home or renovated your current home, USAA may offer a discount.
- Veteran Discounts: USAA offers discounts to veterans or military members who have served honorably.
How Much Does USAA Homeowners Insurance Cost?
The cost of homeowners insurance from USAA varies based on several factors, including:
- Location: The cost of homeowners insurance can differ depending on where you live, with areas that are more prone to natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, or hurricanes often costing more.
- Home Value: The size, value, and age of your home play a significant role in determining your premiums. Newer homes or homes with updated materials may cost less to insure.
- Coverage Limits: The amount of coverage you select, including dwelling and personal property coverage, will affect your premium.
- Deductibles: The higher your deductible, the lower your monthly premium is likely to be.
- Discounts: As mentioned, USAA provides various discounts that can help reduce the overall cost of your homeowners insurance policy.
While exact pricing will vary, many USAA customers report competitive premiums compared to other providers, especially when taking into account the excellent customer service and military-focused policies.
How to Get a Quote for USAA Homeowners Insurance

Getting a quote for USAA homeowners insurance is a straightforward process. Here’s how to get started:
- Visit USAA’s Website: Go to the official USAA website and navigate to the homeowners insurance section.
- Provide Personal and Property Information: You will need to provide details about your home, including its size, location, and condition, as well as your personal information.
- Review Coverage Options: Based on the information you provide, USAA will recommend coverage limits and options tailored to your needs.
- Get a Quote: After reviewing, you will receive a personalized quote. You can adjust coverage limits and add optional endorsements to fit your budget.
- Finalize and Purchase: Once you’re satisfied with the quote, you can purchase your policy directly online or by calling a USAA representative.
Filing a Claim with USAA Homeowners Insurance
Filing a claim with USAA is simple, and the company prides itself on efficient claims processing. Here’s how to file:
- Contact USAA: Call USAA’s claims department or file a claim online or via the mobile app.
- Provide Details: Provide necessary information, including your policy number, the type of claim (fire, theft, etc.), and any supporting documentation (e.g., photos, police reports).
- Assessment: USAA will assess the damages and send an adjuster if necessary.
- Claim Settlement: Once the claim is approved, USAA will issue payment based on your coverage and policy terms.
Pros and Cons of USAA Homeowners Insurance
Pros:
- Excellent Customer Service: USAA is known for its outstanding customer service and military-focused support.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Offers extensive coverage options, including earthquake, flood, and umbrella insurance.
- Competitive Rates: Often offers lower rates compared to competitors, especially for military families.
- Discounts: Multiple discounts available for bundling policies, security systems, and claims-free history.
Cons:
- Eligibility: Only available to military families and their immediate relatives.
- Limited Availability: Coverage may not be available in all states or for all types of homes.
- No Physical Branches: USAA operates mainly online, so you won’t find a physical branch for in-person assistance.
How USAA Compares to Other Homeowners Insurance Providers
Provider | Rating | Discounts | Coverage Options | Customer Service |
---|---|---|---|---|
USAA | Excellent | Bundling, claims-free, new home, etc. | Extensive (flood, earthquake, identity theft) | High customer satisfaction |
State Farm | Good | Multi-policy, claims-free | Standard (no flood or earthquake) | Good customer service |
Allstate | Good | New home, multi-policy | Standard coverage | Solid customer service |
Progressive | Fair | Bundling, claims-free | Standard (no flood or earthquake) | Average customer service |
USAA stands out as the preferred choice for military families due to its tailored services and discounts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Does USAA offer flood insurance?
Yes, USAA offers flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Q: Can I get homeowners insurance with USAA if I’m not active duty but am a veteran?
Yes, USAA provides homeowners insurance for veterans, as well as their families.
Q: How do I file a claim with USAA?
You can file a claim through USAA’s website, mobile app, or by calling their claims department.
Conclusion: Is USAA Homeowners Insurance Right for You?
If you’re eligible for it’s undoubtedly one of the best options available, especially if you’re a member of the military or a veteran. With its competitive rates, comprehensive coverage options, and excellent customer service, USAA stands out as a leader in the industry. Whether you’re looking for basic coverage or more specialized protection (like flood or earthquake insurance), USAA’s policies are designed to meet the unique needs of military families and their homes.
Before purchasing, make sure to review all your options, consider the coverage limits you need, and take advantage of the available discounts to get the best possible rate.