Homeowners insurance protects your dwelling, belongings, and liability, and lenders typically require hazard coverage when you use a VA-guaranteed mortgage. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs does not sell homeowners policies; instead, lenders must verify adequate hazard insurance at closing and flood insurance if the property lies in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area. See official guidance from the VA (VA Home Loans) and FEMA/NFIP rules for flood coverage minimums (NFIP Flood Insurance Manual).
The market has tightened in many states, with higher premiums and stricter underwriting. J.D. Power’s 2024 U.S. Home Insurance Study reports continued declines in customer satisfaction amid price pressure. For military families, two purpose-built options—USAA and Armed Forces Insurance (AFI)—remain top first quotes, and strong mainstream carriers (Amica, Travelers, etc.) are often competitive depending on your state. Because availability and pricing vary by location and catastrophe risk, plan on getting several quotes and confirming coverage details before closing or PCS.
Active-duty households face extra considerations. Standard homeowners insurance policies commonly limit or exclude certain perils if a home is vacant beyond the policy’s threshold (often around 60 days), and war-related losses are excluded across most personal lines. Before deployment, notify your insurer, confirm vacancy/occupancy requirements, and request any needed endorsements. See the Insurance Information Institute’s guidance on vacancy (Triple‑I) and the NAIC’s homeowners resources (NAIC).
Below are our research-backed picks for veterans and military families. We compared financial strength, coverage depth (including endorsements), account tools, discounts, and current customer-experience indicators (J.D. Power, NAIC complaint data where available). Military-first carriers like USAA and AFI offer deployment- and PCS-friendly guidance, while several national insurers provide competitive options and bundling with auto insurance. Always verify availability in your state and request written confirmation of any occupancy or deployment accommodations.
The 5 Top Homeowners Insurance Companies for Veterans
- Amica: Best for Deals and Discounts
- Allstate: Best for Mobile App Management
- USAA: Best Overall Military Insurance Provider
- Travelers: Best for Customizable Coverage
- Progressive: Best for Online Quote Tool
Comparison Chart
Compare Homeowners Insurance for Military Veterans
| Reviews.com Score Score is based on company’s customer experience, financial stability, and coverage options. | AM Best Financial Strength AM Best rates insurance providers creditworthiness. Ratings are based on the provider’s ability to follow through with a payout when a consumer files a claim. | J.D. Power J.D. Power scores are based on surveys for customer satisfaction and product quality. | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pin Amica | 4.25/5 | A+ | See 2024 study | |
| Pin Allstate | 4.5/5 | A+ | See 2024 study | |
| Pin USAA | 4/5 | A++ | See 2024 study | |
| Pin Travelers | 4.25/5 | A++ | See 2024 study | |
| Pin Armed Forces Insurance (AFI) | 5/5 | NR | N/A |
Amica
Amica is a mutual insurer known for claims service and policyholder dividends, making it a strong benchmark quote for service-focused military families. In a year when J.D. Power (2024) reported lower home-insurance satisfaction industrywide, Amica continues to be cited by independent editors for strong service, and qualifying homes may earn mitigation credits (for example, IBHS FORTIFIED incentives in participating states). Availability and pricing vary by state.
Best for Deals and Discounts
Why we chose it
Why we chose it
Pros
- Good number of discounts
- Financially strong company
- Great customer service
- Money-back dividend policy
Cons
- Fairly basic website
- Not available in Alaska or Hawaii
- Discounts not available in all states covered
Discounts available
- Loyalty discount for customers who have been with Amica for 2 years
- Claim-free discount
- Alarm and protective-device discounts; mitigation credits may apply for IBHS FORTIFIED roofs where recognized
Unique features
Amica’s dividend policy can return up to 20% of your annual premium, lowering net costs; good to compare alongside military-focused options.
*Based on the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Home Insurance Study (1,000-point scale); brand-level results vary by state/segment.
Further Reading on Amica:
Allstate
Allstate is a large national insurer with robust digital tools, but new-business availability can vary by state given current market conditions in catastrophe‑prone regions. Expect pricing and underwriting to differ by location; compare multiple quotes and verify state-specific discounts or restrictions. Industry context: home insurance satisfaction declined in 2024 as premiums rose, and availability has tightened in some areas, according to the Insurance Information Institute’s 2025 update (Triple‑I).
Best for Mobile App Management
Why we chose it
Why we chose it
Pros
- Great app to manage your policy all from your smartphone
- Does not use third-party underwriters
- Good number of discounts to suit most policyholders
Cons
- More customer complaints than average
- Discounts not available in every state
Available discounts
- Multi-policy discount, save up to 25% when bundling home and auto policies.
- Welcome and loyalty discounts – save up to 10%.
- Homebuyer discount for new homes or recent home purchases.
Unique features
Allstate’s intuitive mobile app is a great feature. The app features digital proof of insurance whenever you need it, options for paying bills, and a digital locker to make filing claims easier.
*Based on the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Home Insurance Study (1,000-point scale); availability varies by state.
Further Reading on Allstate:
USAA
USAA is built for military families and veterans, combining military-centric service with strong financial strength (AM Best A++/Superior; see USAA). Policies emphasize features useful to service members, such as coverage for uniforms/gear and worldwide personal property coverage (USAA Homeowners Insurance). In a challenging 2024 market per J.D. Power, USAA remains a first-quote recommendation for eligible households.
Best Overall Military Insurance Provider
Why we chose it
Why we chose it
Pros
- Affordable and competitive rates
- Covers full cost of replacing home
- Comprehensive coverage covers fire, theft, vandalism, and most weather-related events
Cons
- Limited number of discounts
- Not available to those not in the military
Discounts available
- Claims-free discount
- Protective-device and smart-home savings where available (USAA homeowners)
Unique features
Military-focused guidance for PCS and deployments, plus worldwide personal property coverage and uniforms/gear coverage.
*Based on the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Home Insurance Study (1,000-point scale); USAA often appears as a reference but may be ineligible for rank in some public reporting.
Further Reading on USAA:
Travelers
Travelers offers broad endorsements (e.g., water backup, valuables) that help tailor protection—useful for aligning coverage with lender requirements and local perils. As underwriting appetites shift by region, Travelers is a solid comparison quote for coverage depth and bundle pricing. Keep in mind the industry’s lower satisfaction trend in 2024 and verify state availability.
Best for Customizable Coverage
Why we chose it
Why we chose it
Pros
- Lots of different coverage options to customize your policy
- A good range of discounts
- Can be managed with Alexa
Cons
- Customer satisfaction is inconsistent — it’s positive on some sites and negative on others
- Surprise hidden fees is one of the top complaints
- Can’t fully complete policy online
Discounts available
- Multi-policy discount
- Homebuyer discount for new home purchases
- Green home discount
Unique features
Your Travelers policy can be managed with Amazon Alexa. For example, you can ask Alexa to mail ID cards, check when your next payment is due, and ask for your policy number.
*Based on the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Home Insurance Study (1,000-point scale).
Further Reading on Travelers:
Progressive
Progressive offers a fast online quoting experience and broad bundling options, with homeowners availability that varies by state and underwriting appetite. In today’s market, pricing spreads can be wide across carriers, so use Progressive’s tools as part of a multi-quote strategy and confirm any endorsements you’ll need for lender and deployment requirements.
Best for Online Quote Tool
Why we chose it
Why we chose it
Pros
- Good number of discounts available
- There is an easy to use, in-depth online quote tool
- Coverage can be customized according to your needs
Cons
- Customer satisfaction ratings are average
- Some policies are underwritten by third-party companies
- Prices and discount availability can vary across states.
Discounts available
- Multi-policy discount for bundling home and auto coverage.
- Home security discount for installing alarm systems
- Paperless billing discount
Unique features
Progressive offers wide coverage, including temporary living expenses if you are unable to live in your home due to damage or destruction.
*Based on the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Home Insurance Study (1,000-point scale).
Further Reading on Progressive:
- Progressive Homeowners Insurance Review
- Progressive Renters Insurance Review
- Progressive Auto Insurance Review
Methodology
We evaluated companies on customer experience, financial strength, coverage breadth, and discount/value. Our scoring emphasized:
- Customer Ratings – We referenced the latest J.D. Power U.S. Home Insurance Study (2024) for current satisfaction trends and insurer performance on a 1,000-point scale.
- Coverage – We compared core coverages and key endorsements (e.g., extended/replacement cost, ordinance or law, water backup) relevant to VA lender expectations and regional perils.
- Confidence – We prioritized insurers with strong AM Best ratings (A-/Excellent or better) and verified USAA’s A++/Superior (USAA).
- Customer Experience – We considered the NAIC Consumer Complaint Index as a proxy for service and claims friction, and used the ACSI Finance & Insurance benchmarks for industry-level sentiment (0–100 scale).
How to Buy Homeowners Insurance for Military Veterans
For VA-guaranteed loans, your lender must confirm adequate hazard insurance at closing and for the life of the loan; the VA does not set a nationwide dollar amount. Flood insurance is mandatory if the home is in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area. See VA Home Loans and the NFIP Flood Insurance Manual for minimum flood coverage rules. Your policy should include dwelling and personal liability coverage and protection against common perils such as fire and wind; lenders and local risk often dictate additional endorsements (e.g., wind/hurricane or earthquake where applicable).
When assessing your application, homeowners insurance providers will weigh property risk, claims history, and state-specific underwriting. If you’re eligible, start with USAA and AFI, then add 3–5 quotes from strong non-military carriers (Amica, Travelers, regional mutuals). Verify financial strength (AM Best) and review NAIC complaint indices for each company.
- If using a VA loan, ensure your binder lists the correct mortgagee clause and is effective by closing (VA).
- Confirm flood insurance requirements if any part of the structure is in an SFHA; lenders may accept qualifying private flood policies (NFIP Manual).
- Ask about mitigation credits (e.g., IBHS FORTIFIED roof discounts) and protective-device/smart-home savings where available.
Military households should also plan for deployment-related nuances and occupancy status. Insurers may require endorsements if a home will be unoccupied for extended periods; proactively disclose plans and get written confirmation.
Occupancy Clause for Active Military
Standard policies reduce or exclude certain perils after a defined vacancy period (often around 60 days), commonly affecting vandalism, theft, and some water damage if the home is left empty. Before deployment, notify your insurer, ask about a vacancy permit/endorsement, and clarify whether a house sitter or family occupant satisfies the policy’s definition of “occupied.” See the Insurance Information Institute’s overview (Triple‑I) and NAIC consumer guidance (NAIC).
War Zone Exemption
Personal lines policies typically exclude losses caused by war or acts of war; deployment does not void a homeowners policy, but war-related events aren’t covered and vacancy limitations still apply while you’re away. For travel and trip protection, war and civil disorder are also standard exclusions; optional CFAR coverage can add flexibility but does not make war a covered peril (NAIC Travel Insurance; Allianz). Note that federal SGLI life insurance covers service members worldwide, including combat zones (SGLI), which is different from homeowners coverage.
VA Home Loans
VA loans help eligible borrowers purchase homes with favorable terms. Lenders must ensure adequate hazard insurance is maintained, list the proper mortgagee clause, and require flood insurance when the structure is in an SFHA. Condo buyers should confirm the association’s master policy and obtain unit-owner coverage (HO‑6) as needed. See the VA Lender’s Handbook and program pages (VA Home Loans), plus NFIP rules for flood coverage minima (NFIP Manual).
Homeowners insurance for VA loans must cover hazard insurance coverage that pays for the cost to rebuild your home if it’s destroyed or damaged. The insurance policy must also cover the common perils in an HO-1 form, including:
- Dwelling coverage.
- Liability coverage.
- Weather-related damage.
- Vandalism.
- Fire and smoke.
- Theft.
FAQ
Do VA loans offer home insurance?
No. The VA guarantees loans but does not sell homeowners insurance. Your lender will require a private policy that meets its hazard coverage standards, and flood insurance if the property is in an SFHA. See VA Home Loans and the NFIP Manual for details.
Do you need homeowners insurance with a VA loan?
Yes. Lenders must verify adequate hazard insurance is in force at closing and thereafter, and separate flood insurance is required when the structure is in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area. Check your lender’s written guidelines for coverage form and deductibles. Source: VA Home Loans; NFIP Manual.
What should military members watch out for with home insurance policies?
Confirm vacancy/unoccupancy limits (often around 60 days), freezing/water-damage conditions for unattended homes, and required policy changes if you rent the home during deployment (landlord forms or home-sharing endorsements). War/acts of war are generally excluded in personal lines; travel policies also exclude war unless specialized coverage applies. Review NAIC and Triple‑I guidance and notify your insurer before deployment. Sources: Triple‑I; NAIC; NAIC Travel Insurance.
