Join Usaa Auto Insurance: Eligibility And Benefits

USAA, or the United Services Automobile Association, is an auto insurance company that was founded in 1922 by 25 Army officers who were unable to get car insurance. Today, it has over 13 million members and provides insurance and financial services exclusively to U.S. military members, veterans who have been honourably discharged, and their immediate family members. This includes spouses, children, step-children, and widows. USAA offers a range of insurance products, including auto insurance, as well as banking and investment services.

Who is eligible for USAA auto insurance?

USAA auto insurance is available to active, retired, and honorably discharged members of the U.S. military, including the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard, and Reserves. Pre-commissioned officers, such as cadets and midshipmen at U.S. service academies, are also eligible.

Family members of current USAA members and those who have served in the U.S. military are also eligible for USAA auto insurance. This includes spouses, widows, widowers, and un-remarried former spouses of USAA members. Children, including stepchildren, of USAA members are also eligible. Grandchildren can qualify if both their parents and grandparents are USAA members.

It is important to note that USAA membership cannot be passed on posthumously. If a parent who was eligible for USAA membership but not a member passes away, their children are no longer eligible. Additionally, while membership can be passed down to spouses and children, it cannot be passed to parents or siblings.

What documents do you need to sign up?

To sign up for USAA auto insurance, you will need to provide proof of your military status. This can include:

• A copy of your military documents
• A copy of your government-issued ID, such as a driver's license, passport, or state-issued ID card
• For active-duty military members, a current military ID or orders
• For veterans, a copy of the DD Form 214
• For pre-commissioned officers, proof of commissioning status, such as a statement from their commanding officer or current orders

In addition, you may need to provide financial information, such as proof of income or credit history, if you are applying for banking services. USAA may also require consent to perform credit or background checks as part of the application process for certain services.

For family members of military personnel, additional documentation is required to prove the familial relationship. Spouses need to present a marriage certificate, while children of USAA members must provide a birth certificate listing the name of the parent who is a USAA member. Widowed or divorced spouses may need to provide a marriage certificate, death certificate, or divorce decree that mentions USAA insurance coverage during the marriage.

How do you sign up?

Signing up for USAA auto insurance is a straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before starting the sign-up process, it's essential to confirm your eligibility for USAA auto insurance. USAA primarily serves military personnel and their families, so you'll need to meet specific criteria. The eligibility criteria include:

• Active-duty military members of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard, and Reserves.
• Retired or honorably discharged veterans from the U.S. military.
• Pre-commissioned officers, such as cadets and midshipmen at U.S. service academies or in advanced ROTC.
• Family members of current USAA members or those who have served in the U.S. military, including spouses, widows, widowers, and children.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

If you meet the eligibility criteria, you'll need to gather the necessary documents to support your application. The specific documents required depend on your situation:

• For active-duty military members: Provide your current military ID or orders.
• For veterans: Submit a copy of your DD Form 214, which shows your discharge or release from active duty.
• For pre-commissioned officers: Provide proof of your commissioning status, such as a statement from your commanding officer or your current orders.
• For family members: Spouses need to present a marriage certificate, while children of USAA members must provide a birth certificate listing the USAA member as a parent.

Step 3: Contact USAA

You can initiate the sign-up process by contacting USAA through their website, online chat feature, or phone. The dedicated phone number for membership inquiries is 800-531-8722. Their agents will ask you a few questions to determine your eligibility and provide you with the next steps.

Step 4: Provide Information and Documents

During the sign-up process, you'll need to provide personal information and upload, email, or mail copies of the required documents. This includes your Social Security number and a valid government-issued ID, such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Ensure that you have all the necessary documents ready to facilitate a smooth application process.

Step 5: Finalize Your Membership

Once USAA confirms your eligibility and receives all the required information and documents, they will alert you about your membership status. At this stage, you can set up your USAA membership account, activate your online account, and make your first payment.

It's important to note that USAA may also conduct credit or background checks as part of the application process for certain services. Therefore, be prepared to provide additional information or documentation if requested.

What are the benefits of USAA auto insurance?

USAA is an auto insurance company that serves members of the military, veterans, and their families. It is one of the highest-regarded insurance companies in the US, known for its low rates and high-quality customer service. Here are some of the benefits of USAA auto insurance:

Low Rates and Discounts

USAA offers some of the most affordable car insurance rates in the industry. Their full-coverage and minimum-coverage plans are hundreds of dollars cheaper than the national average. They also provide a wide range of discounts, including:

• Military installation discount: up to 15% for storing your vehicle at a military base
• Bundling home or renter’s insurance: up to 10%
• SafePilot enrollment: up to 10%
• Annual mileage discount
• Multi-vehicle discount
• Multi-policy discount
• Safe driver discount
• Defensive driving discount
• Driver training discount
• Length of membership discount
• Vehicle storage discount

High Customer Satisfaction

USAA consistently ranks highly in customer satisfaction reports and surveys. They are known for their responsive customer service and efficient claims handling. In J.D. Power's 2023 Claims Satisfaction Study, USAA scored 900 out of 1,000, which would have placed them third overall if they were eligible for award criteria.

Wide Range of Coverage Options

USAA offers all standard types of auto insurance coverage, including liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured/underinsured motorist, personal injury protection, and medical payments. They also provide additional coverage options, such as rental reimbursement, rideshare coverage, and roadside assistance.

Additional Features and Perks

USAA offers various additional features and perks tailored for military families. They provide banking, investment, and retirement services, allowing customers to combine their insurance with other financial products. They also offer special discounts and deals through their USAA Perks program, which includes savings on car care, entertainment, health, home, shopping, and travel.

SafePilot Telematics Program

USAA's SafePilot program is a usage-based insurance program that monitors driving behavior and offers discounts of up to 30% for safe driving. There is also a 10% discount just for enrolling in the program.

Can you get USAA auto insurance if your parents were in the military?

Yes, you can get USAA auto insurance if your parents were in the military and they were USAA members. However, it's important to note that you can only sign up for USAA insurance while your military parent is alive. If your parent was not a USAA member before their death, you cannot become a USAA member.

USAA was founded in 1922 by 25 Army officers who wanted to insure each other's vehicles. Over the years, it has expanded its membership criteria to include not just military members but also their families. Today, USAA offers insurance to active-duty members of the military, veterans, and their families, including spouses, children, step-children, and in some cases, parents and grandparents.

USAA has some of the lowest car insurance rates in the industry, and it consistently receives high scores for customer satisfaction. In addition to auto insurance, USAA offers a wide range of financial products and services, including banking, investment services, and various types of insurance.

If you think you may be eligible for USAA membership, you can contact their New Member Team at 800-531-8722 to discuss your specific situation.

Frequently asked questions