U.S. Auto Insurance: Who Qualifies For Usaa?

USAA auto insurance is only available to members of the military community and their families. This includes active, retired, and separated veterans who have been honourably discharged, as well as their spouses, children, step-children, and parents. USAA was founded by military officers to provide insurance and financial services to members of the US military and has some of the lowest auto insurance rates on the market.

Who is eligible for USAA auto insurance?

USAA is a financial services company that provides insurance and other financial products to members of the U.S. military and their families. The company was founded in 1922 by 25 Army officers who couldn't get car insurance and wanted to provide each other with coverage.

USAA offers insurance for active, retired, and separated veterans who have been honorably discharged, as well as their family members. Eligible family members include spouses, widows and widowers, former spouses who have not remarried, and children (including stepchildren) of USAA members. Grandchildren can also qualify if both their parents and grandparents are USAA members.

USAA also offers insurance to pre-commissioned officers, such as contracted cadets or midshipmen, and adult children of USAA members. If a member remarries, their new spouse's children are also eligible for membership.

It's important to note that siblings, parents, and in-laws of USAA members are not eligible for membership themselves. Additionally, if a family member who was not a USAA member passes away, their surviving relatives cannot become USAA members.

What are the requirements to join USAA?

To be eligible for USAA membership, you must be a current or retired member of the U.S. military or have a close family member who served. This includes active-duty, former military, cadets, widows, current or un-remarried spouses, and children.

USAA was established by military officers to provide insurance and other financial services to members of the U.S. military. The company offers competitively priced car insurance policies and has a reputation for excellent customer service.

• Active duty, guard, or reserve military members
• Honorably discharged military veterans
• Pre-commissioned officers, warrant officers, cadets, and midshipmen
• Spouses and children of military members and veterans
• Grandchildren (if both parents and grandparents are USAA members)
• Unremarried former spouses

Some people who are not eligible for USAA insurance include:

• Significant others that are non-spouses
• Siblings
• Parents of USAA members
• Grandchildren (if the parents are not USAA members)

USAA requires proof of military status when you sign up for coverage. For example, you may need to provide a copy of your military documents, a copy of your government-issued ID, or proof that a family member was in the military.

What is USAA's customer service like?

USAA has a reputation for offering excellent customer service. The company consistently achieves high customer satisfaction ratings and has been recognised for its superior customer service by J.D. Power and AM Best. USAA's customer service is available via phone, online chat, and in-app assistant. The company also provides 24/7 roadside assistance and easy online claims handling.

USAA's customer service extends beyond car insurance, as the company offers a wide range of insurance products and financial services exclusively to its members. These include homeowners insurance, renters insurance, life insurance, health insurance, and various types of vehicle insurance, such as motorcycle, RV, and boat insurance.

In addition to its insurance offerings, USAA provides banking and investment services, as well as exclusive resources for its military-only customers. USAA also offers several discounts and perks to its members, including ADT discounts, car rental discounts, shopping rewards, and travel discounts.

While USAA excels in customer satisfaction and financial strength, it has received a relatively high number of consumer complaints, as reflected by its NAIC rating. However, USAA's customer service is highly regarded within the industry and among its customers.

What types of insurance does USAA offer?

USAA offers a wide range of insurance products and financial services exclusively to its members. These include:

Homeowners Insurance

USAA offers homeowners insurance to protect your home and its contents from damage, theft, and other perils. It also provides additional coverage options such as flood insurance, windstorm insurance, and valuable personal property insurance.

Renters Insurance

For those who rent their homes, USAA offers renters insurance to protect their personal belongings and provide liability coverage.

Life Insurance

USAA offers life insurance policies to provide financial protection to your loved ones in the event of your death.

Health Insurance

USAA offers health insurance plans, including individual and family insurance, Medicare, dental, vision, accidental injury, and long-term care insurance.

Vehicle Insurance

USAA provides comprehensive auto insurance, including liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. They also offer insurance for motorcycles, RVs, boats, classic cars, and other specialty vehicles. In addition, USAA provides roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, and rideshare insurance.

Business Insurance

USAA offers business insurance to protect small businesses and professionals from financial losses due to property damage, liability claims, and other risks.

Assorted Insurance

USAA also provides a range of specialty insurance products, such as pet insurance, travel insurance, cyber insurance, mobile phone insurance, and aviation protection.

How do I get a quote from USAA?

To get a quote from USAA, you must be a member of the military, or a family member, to benefit from its services. USAA was established in 1922 to cater to the military community and continues to do so today.

Step 1: Explore the USAA Site

Take some time to explore the USAA website and read about their coverage options. There are several benefits to a USAA auto insurance policy, including rental reimbursement, accident forgiveness, and global coverage, no matter where you're stationed.

Step 2: Sign Up or Log In

If you are a new customer, register for a USAA account. If you are already a member, log in to your existing account. For pre-existing members, the quote process will be easier as your information is already in the system and will be automatically imported.

Step 3: Learn about USAA's Offerings

Before starting the quote process, USAA will guide you through their offerings, advantages, and provide helpful tips on buying a new car insurance policy. Returning customers will see a welcome screen with their current policy's benefits and coverages.

Step 4: Enter/Update Personal Information

For new customers, follow the prompts on the screen and enter the requested information. Pre-existing members can review and update their information as needed. If you need to add an additional driver, such as a spouse, you can do so by clicking "Add Driver". Provide the same personal details for each driver, including their date of birth, contact information, and social security number.

Step 5: Answer Questions, Save Money

You will be asked questions about each driver, such as their driving history and whether they own a house. These factors can influence your car insurance rates and may qualify you for discounts.

Step 6: Get Help if You Need It

On the USAA website, you will find a phone number and business hours for the USAA Contact Center. If you have any questions or need assistance with the quote process, a live representative can help.

Step 7: Add Vehicle Details

Enter the year, make, and model of your vehicle, or enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). If you have already added a vehicle but have recently purchased a new one, update the information with your new car's specifications.

Step 8: Review Your Car Usage and Features

USAA will ask about your car's safety features, which may qualify you for additional discounts. You will also need to specify how you use your vehicle and approximate your annual mileage.

Step 9: Review Your Coverage Needs

USAA's quote system includes an optional walkthrough to help you identify the best limits and coverages for your policy. This walkthrough will ask you questions and provide simple explanations to help you understand your coverage needs and personalize your quote.

Step 10: Check Out Discounts

USAA offers various discounts, such as Safe Driver, Defensive Driving, and Good Student discounts. These discounts can help lower your insurance premiums. Any discounts you qualify for will be automatically deducted from your quote.

Step 11: Get Your Quote

Finally, you will receive a personalized quote with a breakdown of each coverage included. Review the limits of your custom rate and compare it to similar coverage options. It is important to get multiple quotes from different providers to ensure you are getting the best deal.

Frequently asked questions