Bicycle owners looking to purchase USAA bicycle insurance may be disappointed to learn that this insurance company does not offer this coverage. As with other personal property, your bicycle will most often be covered under your homeowner’s or renter’s policy.
It simply entails that if your bike is stolen or damaged in a covered peril, USAA homeowners insurance may help with repair costs or reimburse you for the value of your bike minus your deductible. Established in 1922, USAA is renowned as one of the best insurance companies with a long-standing reputation in the insurance industry.
Have it in mind that every homeowner policy issued through USAA is underwritten by the United Services Automobile Association, USAA Casualty Insurance Company, USAA General Indemnity Company, or Garrison Property and Casualty Insurance Company.
The company also issues policies in all 50 states. They have an A++ (Superior) rating and this indicates that the company is in a superior financial position and can pay out its insurance obligations irrespective of unforeseen changes in the market.
However, since USAA is not available to the general public, the company was not ranked in the 2021 J.D. Power U.S. home insurance study. But, USAA was still analyzed and given a score of 882 out of a possible 1,000 — a higher score than most top-ranked insurance companies.
Coupled with homeowners insurance, USAA’s portfolio includes insurance for renters, life, health, autos, small businesses, pets, and personal property. USAA Bank also makes available a full line of checking and savings accounts, loan services, and access to ATMs nationwide.
Its services also include investment advice, retirement planning, and other financial products. They boast of over 36,000 employees worldwide and more than 13 million members but only serve veterans and their spouses.
Although many insurance companies allow consumers to obtain quotes online, USAA only allows consumers that are eligible for memberships (and have an account with the company) to obtain insurance quotes. If you aren’t yet a member, note that you can’t obtain a quote until your membership application is finalized. According to reports, the average premium for homeowners insurance is $1,396 per year or $116 per month.
Is USAA Good or Bad for Bicycle Insurance?
USAA insurance products are only available to United States military members and their families. Note that USAA policies provide replacement costs for damaged personal property, and are highly ranked by third-party organizations and credit rating agencies.
You need to understand that USAA policies are only available to qualifying members, therefore individuals without a connection to the military will not qualify for homeowners insurance or any other USAA other products. Nonetheless, here are the pros and cons of working with USAA;
Pros
- Admirable reputation for customer service
- Replacement costs are very well included
- Digital claims tools are available through an app
Cons
- Only serves U.S. military member or veteran, or a relative of one
- No local agents or insurance brokers
- When compared with other companies, they offer fewer discounts
How Do You Apply for USAA Insurance?
Just as it was noted above, to obtain USAA insurance you are expected to be a military service member, a veteran, or related to one. Before you begin the process, ensure you understand how much coverage you need by evaluating the amount it would cost to replace the properties you intend to cover. Here are steps to follow when looking to purchase insurance from USAA:
- Apply for membership on the USAA website or by calling. To contact customer service, call 210-531-8722 or 800-531-8722. The phone lines are open Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. CT, and on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. CT.
- You will be asked to provide details about your or your family member’s military service. Membership is free.
- Complete the necessary forms and register for digital access to your USAA membership account on its website.
- Ask for a quote for the insurance you intend to purchase online or by calling. Ensure to have the necessary details, including your insurance history ready to give the agent.
What Services Do They Offer Bicycle Owners
USAA does not offer standalone bicycle insurance, but if you are looking to purchase USAA homeowners insurance to protect your belongings and accessories, here are the services and features to expect from USAA.
Replacement Cost Coverage
If your bicycles or other covered properties are stolen or damaged, USAA will indeed reimburse the cost to replace them with new ones, rather than the depreciated value. Have it in mind that this insurance company includes this coverage in all states aside from North Carolina, rather than charging extra for it, as many other insurance companies do. Also note that USAA will pay either to replace an item or to restore or repair it, whichever costs less.
Valuable Personal Property Insurance
According to the USAA website, this insurance provides additional coverage for jewelry, bicycles, firearms, art, and other items with values of $100 or more.
Website
You can benefit from the advice section on the USAA website where you can read up on topics like what your insurance won’t protect and how to avoid certain related issues. The company also has a chatbot that is always available to answer quick questions. You can also leverage USAA’s user portal to sort your bill, manage your policies, file and track a claim, set up an autopsy, or reach out to a live representative.
Easy to Use Mobile App
USAA also offers a very reliable app to customers, and you can leverage this mobile app to handle bills and file and track claims. Also note that other USAA services such as checking, savings, and credit card accounts are available via the app, which is available on both iOS and Android.
Discounts
According to reports, packaging your homeowners’ insurance policy with auto insurance or another type of policy can save you up to 10% on premiums with USAA.
In addition, if you have gone five years or longer with no claims on a homeowners or renters insurance policy, you may be eligible to save up to 10% on premiums. Residents of locations prone to wildfires and living in communities that have taken the necessary steps to lessen that risk may be eligible for a discount.
Membership Loyalty
Have it in mind that USAA offers lower rates for members who have been with the company for a particular period. Also, note that customers who regularly pay their bills on time can also get better rates with USAA.
Conclusion
Although USAA does not offer standalone bicycle insurance, they offer a wide range of insurance and financial products for members of the U.S. armed forces and reserves of any rank, coupled with veterans and their families. Only individuals eligible for USAA membership can purchase USAA homeowners insurance.
As a member, you can be eligible for USAA products, such as its insurance policies and banking services, coupled with its many special discounts on car rentals, home security systems, and travel accommodations.