Who Qualifies For Usaa Insurance And How To Join?

Founded in 1922 by 25 Army officers who sought to insure one another's vehicles, the United Services Automobile Association (USAA) has grown to serve over 13 million members, providing benefits to U.S. military personnel and their families. USAA offers insurance for current and former military members, including retired and honorably discharged veterans, as well as National Guard and Reserve members. In addition, family members such as spouses, children, stepchildren, and widows are also eligible for USAA insurance coverage. However, it is important to note that a military connection is required, and not all family members may qualify. To become a USAA member, individuals must provide proof of military service or affiliation and meet certain eligibility criteria.

Eligibility for spouses and children of current and former military members

Spouses and children of current and former military members are eligible for USAA membership. This includes stepchildren and adult children.

If the military member is deceased, their spouse and children are only eligible for USAA membership if the military member was a USAA member before they died.

Spouses of USAA members need to present a marriage certificate to prove their eligibility. Children of USAA members must provide a birth certificate that lists the name of the parent who is a USAA member.

Eligibility for adult children of USAA members

If these conditions are met, the adult child of a USAA member can retain their membership and pass it on to their own spouse and children.

It is worth noting that USAA membership eligibility is not solely restricted to those with military affiliations. For example, USAA health insurance plans are available to anyone, regardless of military status.

To establish membership, individuals must provide proof of identity and military service, such as a Social Security number, a valid government-issued ID, and military orders or discharge certificates.

USAA offers a diverse range of insurance and financial products, including auto, homeowner's, life, and renter's insurance, as well as checking and savings accounts, credit cards, mortgages, and investment services.

Eligibility for widows and widowers of USAA members

Widows, widowers, and un-remarried former spouses of USAA members who had USAA auto or property insurance while married are eligible for USAA membership. However, if the USAA member passed away without signing up for USAA, their spouse is not eligible for membership.

To sign up for USAA, eligible widows and widowers will need to provide some personal and military verification documents. This includes a Social Security number, a valid government-issued ID, and proof of military service.

It's important to note that USAA membership eligibility cannot be passed on posthumously if the deceased spouse was eligible but not a member. Additionally, membership can only be passed down to children and not upwards to parents or across to siblings.

Eligibility for grandchildren of USAA members

Grandchildren of USAA members can be eligible for USAA insurance, but only if their parents are also USAA members. This is because USAA membership can only be passed down the family tree, not up. In other words, a grandparent cannot pass eligibility to their grandchildren if their own child (the grandchild's parent) is not a USAA member.

If a grandchild is eligible, they will need to provide USAA with proof of their military relative's service through their parent. They may also need to provide the following information:

• Social Security number
• USAA number of the family member/spouse

It's important to note that USAA membership cannot be passed on posthumously. So, if a USAA-eligible grandparent passes away without signing up for USAA, their grandchildren will not be eligible for membership.

If you are unsure about your eligibility, you can contact the USAA New Member Team to outline your personal situation.

Proof of military service

Active-duty military members are typically asked for their current military ID or orders, while veterans might need to submit a copy of their DD Form 214. If they are within 24 months of commissioning, pre-commissioned officers can provide proof of commissioning status, such as a statement from their commanding officer or current orders.

If you are a cadet in the Civil Air Patrol, you may be eligible for USAA membership, but you will need to contact the USAA customer service department to clarify.

If you are a Canadian military veteran, you may not be eligible for USAA membership as the eligibility page references service in the U.S. military.

Frequently asked questions