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If you're eligible for USAA, its renters policy is hard to beat. It covers belongings at replacement cost with no depreciation, protects your things worldwide including in storage, waives the deductible on military uniforms and equipment, and offers up to 28% off for living on base. NerdWallet's sample averaged about $160 a year, and USAA advertises policies from about $10 a month. It scored 731 in J.D. Power's 2026 renters study, higher than first-ranked State Farm's 702, though USAA isn't rank eligible.
Your options
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USAA This review Service members, veterans, cadets and military families who rent, especially anyone living on base, at an academy or moving often.
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Assurant Alternative Apartment renters whose community offers Assurant and who want quick, no-credit-check coverage or a cheap policy that meets a lease requirement.
- Price
- As little as $10 a month, per USAA; about $160 a year in NerdWallet's sample ($30,000 belongings, $100,000 liability, $500 deductible)1
- Belongings
- Replacement cost with no depreciation, covered worldwide, including in storage and while traveling1
- Flood and earthquake
- The policy may cover belongings for flood and earthquake damage; depending on where you live, you may need to buy this coverage separately1
- Military coverage
- No deductible on covered losses to uniforms and military equipment, such as insignia, flight cases, headsets and body armor, while on active or reserve duty3
- Discounts
- Up to 20% claims-free (3+ years), up to 10% with USAA auto, up to 5% for protective devices, up to 28% on base, up to 45% at a service academy, up to 20% at a senior military college2
- Who's covered
- You and family members who live with you; roommates need their own policy1
- Insurer
- Underwritten by USAA and its property and casualty affiliates in San Antonio; AM Best A++ (Superior), affirmed July 20255
Pros
- Replacement cost on belongings with no depreciation
- No deductible for military uniforms and gear
- Up to 28% off on base and up to 45% at a service academy
- Worldwide coverage, including storage
- Top J.D. Power renters score and A++ financial strength
Cons
- Only for USAA-eligible military families
- Flood and earthquake must be bought separately in some locations
- Advertised $10 price is for a very low $2,500 belongings limit
- Electronics accident coverage costs extra
- Roommates need their own policy
Best for: Service members, veterans, cadets and military families who rent, especially anyone living on base, at an academy or moving often.
Skip it if: You aren't eligible for USAA, or you want to meet with a local agent.
USAA vs. competitors
| Company | Advertised or sample price | J.D. Power 2026 renters score | How you buy | Next step |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USAA | From about $10 a month; about $160 a year (NerdWallet sample) | 731 (not rank eligible) | Direct, military families only | Visit site |
| State Farm | $135 a year (NerdWallet sample) | 702 (1st) | Agents, online, phone | Visit site |
| Lemonade | From $5 a month; about $16 a month average | 674 (6th) | App and online only | Visit site |
| Allstate | From $5 a month | 667 (tied 8th) | Online, phone, local agents | Visit site |
Renters insurance we reviewed
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USAA This review BestGuide rating: 4.4 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: Service members, veterans, cadets and military families who rent, especially anyone living on base, at an academy or moving often. -
State Farm BestGuide rating: 4.6 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. -
Allstate BestGuide rating: 4.6 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: Drivers and homeowners who want a local agent, plan to bundle several policies and are willing to pay more for that service. -
GEICO BestGuide rating: 4.6 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: Good drivers, drivers with poor credit, and military or federal employees who are comfortable buying and managing a policy online. -
Lemonade This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating: 4.3 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: Owners of young, healthy dogs or cats who want a low base price, app-based claims and the option to add only the extras they need. -
Assurant BestGuide rating: 3.9 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: Apartment renters whose community offers Assurant and who want quick, no-credit-check coverage or a cheap policy that meets a lease requirement. -
Liberty Mutual BestGuide rating: 4.2 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: Drivers who want many coverage options and discounts from a large national insurer, and who will compare quotes at each renewal. -
Progressive BestGuide rating: 4.5 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: Drivers with a DUI or other mark on their record, and shoppers who want to compare several prices online or buy through an independent agent.
USAA pricing at a glance
USAA renters insurance price and discounts, as listed October 20261
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Advertised starting price | As little as $10 a month (about 33 cents a day) |
| NerdWallet sample average | About $160 a year ($13 a month) |
| Claims-free, 3+ years | Up to 20% off |
| Bundle with USAA auto | Up to 10% off |
| Monitored alarm, security system or sprinklers | Up to 5% off |
| Living on base | Up to 28% off |
| Service academy / senior military college | Up to 45% / up to 20% off |
| Valuable Personal Property add-on | From about $2 a month, no deductible |
USAA's starting price is a countrywide average for policies with $2,500 personal property, $100,000 liability and $5,000 medical payments as of January 2026, based on the minimum premium. Most renters need more belongings coverage, so expect to pay more.
USAA, step by step
Confirm membership
You need to be a USAA member through military service or a parent or spouse who is one.
Get a quote
Choose belongings and liability limits and a deductible online; check whether flood and earthquake are included where you live.
Add extras
Consider Valuable Personal Property for jewelry or guns and electronics coverage for accidental damage.
Update when you move
Change your address before a PCS or move; belongings shipped by a professional mover under a bill of lading can be covered.
File claims online
Report and track claims on usaa.com or the app; keep receipts and photos of what you own.
Is USAA renters insurance good?
Yes, for those who can get it. Policies are underwritten by USAA and its property and casualty affiliates, which AM Best rates A++ (Superior). USAA scored 731 in J.D. Power’s 2026 renters segment, well above the 682 average and State Farm’s first-place 702; it isn’t officially ranked because membership is restricted. NerdWallet’s review of state regulator data found fewer complaints than expected for USAA’s size.
How much USAA renters insurance costs
USAA advertises renters insurance from about $10 a month, but that’s the countrywide average for a minimal policy with $2,500 of belongings coverage. NerdWallet’s sample with $30,000 of belongings, $100,000 liability and a $500 deductible averaged about $160 a year. Discounts can cut that: up to 20% if you’ve gone three years without a claim, up to 10% with USAA auto, up to 5% for protective devices, and up to 28% if you live on base. Service academy cadets can save up to 45%.
What USAA renters insurance covers
The policy covers your belongings for theft, vandalism, fire, smoke and most weather, at Replacement cost. A claim payout based on the cost of a new item, without subtracting depreciation. Compare renters insurance after your deductible. It includes liability if you injure someone or damage their property, and extra living costs if you can’t stay in your home after a covered loss. Belongings are covered worldwide and in storage. USAA says the policy may also cover flood and earthquake damage to your things, but in some locations you’ll need to add that coverage. Electronics coverage for accidents and Valuable Personal Property for jewelry or guns are optional.
What customers say about USAA
Recurring themes across the review sites and complaint records listed above, not individual quotes.
Common praise
- Low cost for broad coverage
- Replacement cost on belongings
- Coverage that follows you on PCS moves and deployments
- Quick, fair small claims
Common complaints
- Long phone waits for a live agent
- Renewal price increases
- Claim delays or denials
- Confusion over what flood or earthquake coverage includes
Military benefits
- No deductible for covered losses to military uniforms and gear, including insignia, flight cases, headsets and body armor, while on active or reserve duty.
- Up to 28% off if you live in barracks or other on-base housing.
- Up to 45% off at a U.S. service academy and up to 20% at a senior military college.
- Coverage for belongings in storage or shipped by a professional mover under a bill of lading during a PCS, excluding breaking, marring and scratching.
Complaints and how to avoid problems
USAA as a whole logged 3,389 BBB complaints in three years and averages 1.3 out of 5 on Trustpilot, mostly about phone waits, claims and price increases across all its products. For renters, the common snag is assuming flood or earthquake is covered when it isn’t in your area. Read your declarations page, keep a home inventory with photos and receipts, and file claims quickly. If a dispute stalls, contact your state insurance department.
Who should skip USAA renters insurance
Anyone who isn’t eligible for USAA membership. Eligible renters who want an in-person agent may prefer State Farm or Allstate, and anyone who already has car insurance elsewhere should compare a bundled renters quote from that insurer.
Alternatives to USAA
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Ranked first in J.D. Power's 2026 renters study and sold through local agents, for renters who can't join USAA.
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A low advertised price and fully app-based buying and claims.
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Sold in all 50 states from $5 a month, with local agents.
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Your landlord's or car insurer's plan
Adding renters to your existing auto policy can earn a bundle discount; compare it with USAA's price.
Next steps
USAA reviews
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Frequently asked questions
How much is USAA renters insurance?
USAA advertises it from about $10 a month for a basic $2,500 belongings policy. NerdWallet's sample with $30,000 of coverage averaged about $160 a year.
Does USAA renters insurance cover floods?
USAA says the policy may cover your belongings for flood damage, but depending on where you live you may need to buy that coverage separately. Check your quote and declarations page.
Does USAA renters insurance cover earthquakes?
It may, depending on your location; in some places earthquake coverage for belongings has to be added.
Who can get USAA renters insurance?
USAA members: active duty, Guard and Reserve, honorably discharged veterans, cadets and midshipmen, officer candidates, and spouses and children of members.
Does USAA renters insurance cover military gear?
Yes. There's no deductible on covered losses to uniforms and military equipment, such as insignia, flight cases, headsets and body armor, while you're on active or reserve duty.
What discounts does USAA offer on renters insurance?
Up to 20% claims-free, up to 10% with USAA auto, up to 5% for protective devices, up to 28% on base, up to 45% at a service academy and up to 20% at a senior military college.
Does USAA renters insurance cover my roommate?
No. It covers you and family members who live with you, such as a spouse and children. Roommates need their own policy.
Does USAA renters insurance cover items in storage?
Yes, up to your policy limit, in the U.S. or overseas, though damage from mildew, rodents or insects isn't covered.
Is USAA renters insurance replacement cost?
Yes. Belongings are covered at replacement cost with no depreciation, after your deductible.
Does USAA renters insurance cover moving?
It can cover belongings lost by a professional mover when shipped under a bill of lading, but not breaking, marring or scratching caused by the mover.
Sources (8)
Facts on this page come from company websites, government agencies and regulators, checked on the dates shown. Editorial standards
- USAA: Renters insurance (accessed October 13, 2026)
- USAA: Renters insurance discounts (accessed October 13, 2026)
- USAA: Renters insurance coverage (accessed October 13, 2026)
- NerdWallet: USAA renters insurance review (September 23, 2026) (accessed October 13, 2026)
- Business Wire: AM Best affirms credit ratings of United Services Automobile Association (July 2025) (accessed October 12, 2026)
- BBB: USAA business profile (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Trustpilot: USAA reviews (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Business Wire: J.D. Power 2026 U.S. Home Insurance Study, homeowners and renters rankings (Sept 15, 2026) (accessed October 13, 2026)
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