Insurance discounts are one of the many perks of being affiliated with the military.
If you’re looking for affordable home insurance, a military-based discount can help you reduce your premium without sacrificing coverage. Plus, each of the companies on our list below has something unique to offer when it comes to discounts and military-specific needs.
Home Insurance Companies for Military Members and Veterans
Military members and veterans have a few different ways to find affordable home insurance.
One option is to go through a company that only works with military-affiliated individuals. These companies tend to offer military-specific features and endorsements — meaning added coverage options — built around the special needs of service members.
Another option is to find an insurer that works with the general public, but provides discounts to members of the military.
Whichever way you go, make sure you don’t look just at the price but also compare coverage amounts, before choosing a plan. Here are some of your best options:
USAA
The United Services Automobile Association (USAA) is a bank that provides insurance policies.
You’ll have to become a bank member in order to purchase homeowner’s insurance with USAA, but membership is open to all U.S. military members and veterans, their spouses and children, and pre-commissioned officers.
Unlike most insurers, USAA covers your personal belongings even if they’re damaged during active duty. They’ll also cover you for the full replacement cost of the loss of stolen or damaged items, rather than just reimbursing you for the original price (which might be much lower) or the current value.
Some features to note:
- Every policy includes up to $5,000 in identity theft protection (except in New Jersey)
- Military equipment and uniforms are covered, with no deductible during active or reserve duty.
- Several discounts are available, including one for 10% for bundling auto insurance
- Coverage is not available in all U.S. states
- Membership is required to purchase insurance
Armed Forces Insurance
Armed Forces Insurance (AFI) is an insurance marketplace that specializes in working with the military.
With AFI, you can get quotes from several different insurers. After you submit a few details about your home and choose your preferred coverage limits, an AFI agent will review your options and reach out to you.
It may take up to a day to receive quotes, but you can speed up the process by calling 800-495-8234.
Because you get to choose from different insurers, you’ll find a variety of customizable coverage options through AFI. Here are some of the other main features to consider:
- Lots of discounts and endorsements are available.
- An agent will review your quotes and provide customer service.
- Plans are available in all U.S. states.
- Customer support is not available via chat or mobile app.
- Membership is required.
AFI membership is open to a wide list of people affiliated with the military, including active duty and retired personnel and their family members.
Geico
Geico is an online insurance broker service that anyone can use, but multiple discounts are available to people affiliated with the military.
Like AFI, you can enter information online about your home and get rate quotes, but unlike AFI, Geico gives you several quotes with customizable coverage options, all within just a few minutes.
Here are some unique features to consider before going with Geico:
- Up to 15% premium discount is available for active duty, military retirees and members of the National Guard or Reserves.
- Discounts are available for members of certain military organizations, and for emergency deployment.
- Chat support is available 24/7, online or through the mobile app.
- Insurance claims have to be submitted to your policy provider, not Geico.
Farmers Insurance
Farmers Insurance offers coverage for vehicles and homes. Policies are available to everyone, and lots of discounts are available, but the insurer offers a special discount for people involved with the military and with certain military organizations.
You can start the process to receive a home insurance quote on the Farmers Insurance website, but you’ll have to speak to a representative in order to complete the process , which you can do by calling 844-549-1744.
Here’s what you should consider before going through Farmers Insurance:
- Military members may be eligible for home insurance and auto insurance discounts.
- Home insurance claims are submitted over the phone, and phone hours are limited.
- Coverage and features vary by state.
What Happens to Home Insurance If You Are Deployed?
Most home insurance policies have an Occupancy Clause, and they won’t cover your home if you’re away for 30 to 60 days or more. Additionally, insurers won’t usually cover personal items that are damaged in a war zone.
Fortunately, some policies for military members work differently. When you’re shopping around, check and see what coverage is available for your home and belongings during deployment. Alternatively, depending on the policy, you may have to purchase add-on coverage for the time you’re away.
Does the VA Offer Home Insurance?
The VA offers home loans, but it does not offer home insurance.
Borrowers who go through the VA for a mortgage will, however, be required to purchase homeowner’s insurance, including the following coverage:
- Hazard insurance: Must be obtained prior to loan closing.
- Flood insurance: If the home is in a FEMA-designated special flood hazard area (SFHA).
Insurance Companies with Military Discounts
A practically endless number of companies offer military discounts for their products and services.
We’ve reviewed some of the most well-known insurance companies that have competitive rates for military and veterans, but there are a few more that offer military-affiliated discounts on home insurance, including Liberty Mutual, which has discounts for members of the Navy Federal Credit Union.
You can also find auto insurance discounts for military and veterans through USAA, Farmers, Geico, Kemper and more, or bundle their home and auto plans for additional savings.
Sources:
- N.A. (ND) How insuring with AFI works. Retrieved from https://www.afi.org/quote-hub/startquote?CoverageType=Homeowners
- N.A. (ND) Navy Federal members could save hundreds on home insurance. Retrieved from https://www.trustage.com/property-insurance/home
- N.A. (2022, April) VA Home Loan Guaranty Buyer’s Guide. Retrieved from https://www.benefits.va.gov/HOMELOANS/documents/docs/VA_Buyers_Guide.pdf
- N.A. (2012, April) VA Pamphlet 26-7, Revised. Retrieved from https://www.benefits.va.gov/WARMS/docs/admin26/pamphlet/pam26_7/Chap_9_April_2012_with_info_mapping.pdf