U.S. Auto Insurance: Multiple Addresses, One Policy

USAA offers car insurance to current and former members of the military and their families. The company provides competitively priced policies and has a reputation for excellent customer service. However, it is important to note that USAA insurance is only available to those with a military connection. While USAA allows individuals to have multiple addresses, it is essential to keep your auto insurance address up to date to avoid legal, financial, and coverage-related consequences.

USAA auto insurance is only available to military members and their families

USAA is a member-owned insurance and financial services company that serves military members and their families. It was founded in 1922 by 25 Army officers who wanted to insure each other's vehicles. Today, USAA has over 13 million members and offers a wide range of insurance and financial products, including auto insurance.

USAA auto insurance is available to current and former members of the military, as well as their families. This includes active-duty military members, retired military members, and honorably discharged veterans. The family members who are eligible for USAA auto insurance include spouses, children, stepchildren, and widows or widowers of USAA members. Grandchildren can also qualify if both their parents and grandparents are USAA members.

USAA is known for its affordable rates, excellent customer service, and wide range of benefits and discounts. These include rental car and travel discounts, no ATM fees, and special rates for deployed personnel. USAA also offers accident forgiveness and a variety of insurance discounts, such as good student, safe driver, and multi-vehicle discounts.

To become a USAA member, individuals must provide proof of military service or their relationship to a military member. This can include a Social Security number, government-issued ID, military ID, or DD Form 214.

Using a false address for cheaper rates is insurance fraud

Using a false address to obtain cheaper insurance rates is a form of insurance fraud and is, therefore, illegal. While it may be tempting to do so, as location is a significant factor in determining insurance rates, there are several reasons why insurance companies consider your location when setting rates.

Firstly, insurers want to know where you plan to store your vehicle when it's not in use. Vehicles kept in secured garages have a lower risk of sustaining damage from falling objects, weather events, other vehicles, or criminal activity, and therefore have lower rates. Cars parked on the street are subject to more dangers and are usually insured at a higher rate.

Secondly, insurers consider the crime and accident rates in your location. Higher rates of theft, vandalism, and car accidents will increase your insurance rates. Environmental factors, such as the region's susceptibility to flooding, hail storms, or heavy winds, also play a role in determining rates.

Consequences of Using a False Address

If you use a false address on your insurance application, you may face several costly consequences, including:

• Non-receipt of insurance documents: This is a minor issue, as most people can access their policies from mobile devices. However, there is a risk that your personal information could fall into the wrong hands.
• Policy cancellation: Your insurance company can cancel your policy at any time without notice if they discover your address is false. Other insurers may refuse to cover you as well.
• Claim denial: If your insurer finds out you falsified your address after you file a claim, they can terminate the contract and refuse to pay.
• Potential lawsuit: If your insurer pays out a claim before discovering your false address, they may demand repayment of the benefits. If you refuse or are unable to repay, they may sue you.
• Criminal charges: While rare, you could face criminal charges of insurance fraud, which carries hefty fines and possibly jail time.

There are legal ways to save on car insurance, such as maintaining a clean driving record, increasing deductibles, bundling policies, taking defensive driving courses, and shopping around for quotes. It's not worth risking the serious repercussions of insurance fraud to obtain cheaper rates.

You can use a different address if you're a college student or have two homes

It is important to note that using a different address on your car insurance from where you live is considered fraud and can result in penalties such as fines, a suspension of your driver's license, and even jail time. However, there are certain situations in which using a different address is allowed.

College students who attend school in a different state than their home address are one such example. The laws regarding car insurance for out-of-state college students vary depending on the state. For instance, in Idaho, students are permitted to maintain out-of-state registration, while in Connecticut, they are not. In Massachusetts, out-of-state students can keep their primary registration but must notify the local police department of the vehicle. It is important to check the laws of the state in which you will be studying to understand the requirements for car insurance and registration.

Another situation in which a different address may be used is for individuals with two homes. If you split your time between multiple residences, you generally need to register and insure your car in the state where you are considered a resident. The definition of residency varies by state, but typically, if you live in a state for more than a few months or live and work there full-time, you are considered a resident. Some states also require you to register your vehicle even if you are only residing there temporarily. For example, in Georgia, if you stay for more than 30 days, you must register your car with the Georgia DMV, even if you are not a resident.

In summary, while it is generally not permitted to use a different address on your car insurance, there are exceptions for college students and individuals with two homes. It is important to check the specific laws and requirements of the state(s) in which you will be residing to ensure that you are in compliance with car insurance and registration regulations.

USAA offers 12 car insurance discounts for its members

USAA, or the United Services Automobile Association, offers 12 car insurance discounts for its members. The company was founded in 1922 by 25 Army officers to provide car insurance for each other. Today, it offers several financial products to various military community members.

• Safe driver discount: Also known as the Premier Driver Discount, this requires a clean driving record for at least five years.
• Defensive driving discount: This discount is for those who take an approved defensive driving course.
• Driver training discount: Drivers under 21 can take a basic driver training course for a discount.
• Good student discount: College students and teenagers who are enrolled full-time and maintain at least a "B" average are eligible for this discount.
• New vehicle discount: This discount applies to vehicles less than three years old.
• Multi-vehicle discount: This discount is for those who have policies on two or more vehicles.
• Annual mileage discount: Drivers aged 29 or older can get a discount based on their annual mileage.
• Family discount: Former dependents under 25 with a clean driving record can get up to a 10% discount if they had coverage on their parents' policy for at least three years.
• Military installation discount: Up to a 15% discount on comprehensive and collision coverage when the vehicle is kept on a military base.
• Stored-vehicle discount: Up to a 60% discount if the vehicle is stored for at least 30 consecutive days while the policyholder is deployed.
• Length of membership discount: Members can save more the longer they stay with USAA.
• Multi-policy discount: Buying multiple types of insurance from USAA can result in a discount.

USAA is known for its low rates and impressive customer service. It is worth noting that USAA's services are only available to military families, including those currently serving, those honorably discharged, and their family members.

USAA has a reputation for excellent customer service

The United Services Automobile Association (USAA) is a Fortune 500 diversified financial services group of companies, providing insurance and financial services to members of the military community. It was founded in 1922 by 25 Army officers to provide car insurance for each other and has since expanded to offer several financial products to various military community members.

USAA offers customer service through various channels, including phone, online chat, and email. Its customer service phone number is available 24/7 and works with most carriers. The virtual agent on the USAA website is also available 24/7 and can help with general inquiries, account-related questions, and more.

According to a USAA car insurance review by U.S. News, 60% of survey respondents were completely satisfied with the customer service provided, and 64% were completely satisfied with the ease of contacting USAA's customer service. The review also highlights USAA's high scores for claims handling, with more than 65% of survey respondents completely satisfied with the ease of filing a claim and how their claim was resolved.

USAA's customer service extends beyond just insurance, as the company also offers banking and investment services. USAA provides an in-app assistant that can help with customer support or transfer users to a representative. The USAA mobile app allows users to easily access their insurance card, deposit cheques, pay bills, send money, and receive support for claims and roadside assistance.

USAA's commitment to customer service is evident in its mission and values, which emphasise service, loyalty, honesty, and integrity. The company's employees continue the legacy of serving those in the military community with dedication and excellence.

Frequently asked questions