USAA now open to Veterans

Sdiver · 11-06-2009, 20:56

Just thought I'd pass this along.

Got this from my little brother today. I've wanted to get in with USAA, but couldn't because I wasn't AD, but looks as if they are now opening it to ALL Vets.

Quote:

Dear Mr. Christensen:

I hope you agree that all men and women who have honorably served in the U.S. Armed Forces deserve to do business with a financial services company that understands their unique needs, appreciates their service and does the right thing because it is the right thing to do.

Your USAA Board of Directors believes so, and I am very pleased to let you know that USAA membership is now open to anyone who has honorably served in the U.S. military.

Starting with our first eligibility expansion in 1923, the USAA family has grown by embracing an ever-larger portion of America's active duty, retired and separated military members. Each time, we have been careful to ensure that USAA has the financial strength, the staff and the technology to maintain our high standards for exemplary member service, competitive pricing and value. Opening our doors today to all veterans who have honorably served, regardless of dates or length of service, fulfills our mission and leaves no one behind.

If you know veterans who honorably served but haven't become USAA members, please share this news with them by clicking on the "Share USAA" button so that they may know the value of USAA and, by joining, their spouses and children can enjoy the benefits of membership as well.

Sincerely,

Josue (Joe) Robles Jr.
Maj. General, USA (Ret.)
President and CEO

http://usaafs.m.delivery.net/w/webVi...N&sc=&k=1gZblx

doctom54 · 11-06-2009, 21:09

I've been a member since 1985 when I went on AD with the USAF. I think at that time you had to be an officer.
They have always been fair and easy to deal with.
YMMV

**The Reaper** · 11-06-2009, 21:16

They are a great company, but every time they have expanded eligibility, the rates went up as higher risk drivers joined.

TR

plato · 11-06-2009, 21:22

I've been with USAA since 68. (Damn I'm old

). They're very low overhead, no salesmen or local offices. Lots of insurance per dollar of your monthly payment.

In the day of the telemarketer, when insurance was offered over the phone with "we can beat your current policy", when I told them I was with USAA, the telemarketers politely said just "Goodbye".

And, hidden feature, being basically non-profit, at the end of their fiscal year, around Sept, I get a check back based on how much money they didn't have to pay out nationwide. Got about $300 last year.

They also establish a "subscribers savings account", which is their way of keeping money on hand for major disasters. If you terminate your insurance, or if the grim reaper terminates you, your designee gets a nice little lump.

So, the apparent monthly premium is less than it appears since a portion of it comes right back to you one way or another.

zuluzerosix · 11-10-2009, 12:05

Here is some G-2 from your finance guy on the inside about USAA and auto financing.

As a finance director at a car dealership, I can testify that their car loan rates are awsome. They are friendy to deal with if you are the buyer.

A car dealer with not tell you this but dealerships absolutely hate USAA. Their rates are super low and they do not let dealers participate in financing. That means a dealer can not mark up USAA's rates. The dealer will not even know the rate unless you tell them or show them your rate sheet. USAA will simply give you a check and instructions on cashing the check for the dealer.

For the veteran consumer, they are great. I encourage everyone to check out their services the next time you decide purchase a vehicle.

I have always welcomed USAA's customers. I have never let a consumer's financing choice stand in the way of a sale, because the bottom line was that we sell the vehicle. So I have had great sucess with them... As long as a dealer follows their instructions to the letter, they will have no problems with USAA either.

Utah Bob · 11-10-2009, 17:38

Very interesting. I checked and they have a much lower rate of complaints in Colorado than Hancock, my current company.
Bears looking into.

nmap · 11-10-2009, 17:42

Although I'm not a veteran I decided to give USAA a call - interesting results. While I cannot use their insurance services, they inform me that anyone can use their banking and investment services. My understanding is that their banking services are quite a good value.

So it appears there is hope, even for scruffy civilians such as I.

CloseDanger · 11-11-2009, 08:56

USAA is most truely a fine company. Me love em long time!

JJ_BPK · 11-11-2009, 09:32

USAA has insured everything I have owned. Started the week after I graduated from OCS in March 69. I purchased a 1967, SS 396 Camero from a used car lot just outside the gate at Ft Benning..

I have had claims:

one stolen car,, I received the check before I received a copy of the LEO report
one car totaled in hurricane Georges
one boat totaled in hurricane Wilma
two good and several small hurricanes with house damage,, always there, always top dollar
several small car bumps, no one hurt,, fast turn around on claims..

I think they are above average in service and below average in costs...

My $00.0002