#1 Consumer Suggestion
AUTHOR: Danielle - Champaign (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, March 05, 2007
POSTED: Monday, March 05, 2007
Funny that they won't deem you eligible.
My mother divorced my father (retired U.S. Army Captain) in 1995. After the divorce, my mother sought insurance elsewhere. My father passed away in 1999 and she is STILL eligible for USAA. In fact, USAA told her that my sisters boyfriend is eligible just because he lives with her.
I would continue looking into this...something just isn't right.
#2 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Sherri - Piedmont (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, March 05, 2007
POSTED: Monday, March 05, 2007
I actually joined USAA a couple of years ago, but being that I was separated from the military totally since 1994, I was eligible for only the banking services. That was fine with me, and I could not possibly be happier, as their banking service is second to none (especially now with the Deposit@home).
Comes July and I get a call from them to update my information. As of the end of June, they no longer allowed new members who were not eligible for insurance and other services, but I would have been able to continue banking with them since I joined before the requirements changed. The rep who called me was trying to find a way to make me eligible for all. We chatted and I told her that my father was in the military and MAY be a member. She checked and he was a member, through my stepmother (who was eligible through her father, an Air Force Colonel). That made me eligible through her as well. I am thrilled to death with their insurance and investment services, but even happier with the way they go out of their way to help. That is why I am kind of blown away by Amy's report, as that does not sound like my USAA at all. They have bent over backwards for me, and have heard the same from other members.
I hope you get this resolved.
#3 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Sarah - Fort Leavenworth (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, March 12, 2007
POSTED: Monday, March 12, 2007
I think the problems here are with rule changes, and employees trying to keep up with them. My husband and I have both been USAA members for over a decade. You are smart to try to get their insurance. My teenage brother (our dependent)could've had a normal collision policy for the rate of what many insurance companies for the bare minimum liability. Not to mention, when he locked his keys in the car, key places wanted him to pay anywhere from $25 to $75 to get in. Before he committed I suggested he call USAA, and they sent someone over for free.
However, when he was getting older, my husband and I wanted him to have his own policy. We were told he could not have his own policy because he wasn't a service member. Closer to the time we were going to remove him from our policy we called back and were told he could have his own policy. As you can imagine, my brother was ecstatic.
I wholeheartedly agree with Sherri. In my experience USAA has been tremendous (I could go on and on with what they have done for us, both big and small stuff-over a decade's worth of great experiences, but I have a feeling Amy already knows this, or else she wouldn't be trying to get USAA membership).
Amy, keep trying. USAA services are worth it, especially in light of how other companies seem to treat their customers. (On the bank side of the house- I can't even imagine of having to pay ATM fees- USAA even repays the fees that the ATM machines charge, up to $15 per month)
#4 Employee
AUTHOR: Irwin - Tampa (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, April 29, 2007
POSTED: Sunday, April 29, 2007
In response to the eligibility, USAA has guidelines that are spelled out when you become a member. You were sent an eligibility form that you signed and returned to USAA otherwise you would have not been given a policy. This form you signed gave you the by-laws on eligibility. USAA trusts that when you "sign-up" that you are telling the truth and do not check into what you are telling USAA. USAA will only take action to remove you from being a member when evidence supports this. You didn't mention if you had remarried before you requested membership. Once an ex-spouse remarries after being eligible without establishing a policy on their own they lose the eligibility.
Please reread that paragraph that states USAA will take action on your policy because it is less than one year...All that means is in your state the policy term is 6-months.
#5 Update By Author
AUTHOR: Amy - Houston (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, April 29, 2007
POSTED: Sunday, April 29, 2007
Irwin - I was not, and am not remarried. I am still single. Absolutely NOTHING about me has changed since I "joined" USAA. That is why I don't understand why your company is revoking my eligibility. I told USAA EVERYTHING they asked for, truthfully, when I joined. Also, no "bylaws" were ever sent to me, and I have made SEVERAL requests to have a copy sent to me, to NO avail. I was actually told, repeatedly, that the provision that excluded me from membership was NOT IN WRITING. I am at the point where I will either send certified mail requests to the executive officers of the company requesting this information, or I will simply move on to another insurance company who is not actively trying to deny a disabled veteran the benefits she is eligable for.
#6 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Mary - Valley Village (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, May 15, 2007
POSTED: Tuesday, May 15, 2007
My family has been with USAA for 3 generations, we were eligible through an AAF-AF COLONEL who joined USAA nearly 60 years ago. He was a Fighter-Pilot squadron leader in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Back then Only Commissioned Officers and their families were eligible to join USAA. I can remember when that was still the case.
I became a USAA member 22 years ago, at age 18.
Following USAA's Age requirements of between 18-25 for new Legacy-eligible members, I purchased
My Own USAA-CIC P&C Primary-Insured Policy.
I received My Own ID CARD and My Own MEMBER ID NUMBER. I was on my way to No Longer being a
'Former Dependant' of My Mother's USAA membership.
Amy, since being one of many disabled Veterans in no way qualifies you for USAA membership, and your many misrepresentations have been exposed, You blew your only chances you had for USAA insurance, which is the best in the world:
1) You didn't join while you were enlisted.
(Even though USAA now accepts enlisted personnel)
2) You didn't join by year's end after you left. (It's not USAA's fault you didn't read what is clearly posted on their website)
3) Your then-husband didn't activate a policy.
(Divorced and no kids = No Former Dependents)
This is a HIGHLY-RESTRICTED Policy you had the undeserved priviledge of being signed up to.
You don't even live with one of the three eligibles mentioned below:
"In order to be eligible for Property and Casualty insurance, a person must be a military officer, an enlisted member of the armed forces, or a former dependent of a USAA member."
Your very first policy with them reflects a less-than-stellar payment history for very stellar service. Who else is going to give you proof of a 6-12 month policy and allow 2 months for the first payment to be made before you incur late fees?
You have 3 payment options on your 6 month policy.
No extended-payment fees apply
1) paid in full 100% up-front
2) 4 consecutive monthly payments.
3) 6 consecutive monthly payments
Your policy was effective August 28, 2006
as of 29 January 2007 with only one month left,
you STILL owe them $200.00? WHY SO MUCH?
An ENTIRE 6 month policy should cost $300.00
You are either an atrocious credit risk not worth having, or you just refuse to mail your payments from Houston to San Antonio in a timely manner.
Good thing they didn't give you a 1 year policy,
You are bad for dividends.
As well as making your payments, this is how not to abuse your rights to USAA Auto insurance:
My fiance's car was insured with USAA for a few years through me. This was allowed only because we were living together, and I had my car insured at the same address as his. He was issued an auto policy number but never a USAA member number. When I moved out and took my car insurance with me to a new address, he was no longer eligible for a policy renewal. Since honesty is the right policy, we voluntarily cancelled his coverage. Because, once again, in order for him to be covered, he and I have to have my primary and his secondary policy at the same address for the duration of the policy.
#7 Update By Author
AUTHOR: Amy - Houston (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, May 16, 2007
POSTED: Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Mary - I can't believe you actually wrote those things. What is wrong with you? Obviously you did not read anything that I wrote, as I clearly stated that I told USAA the truth about everything (including my marital status) when I signed up. I NEVER told USAA anything untrue, so I really don't know where you're getting this from. ***I got a USAA card with my own USAA member number also.***
As far as being a former dependent - I was considered a dependent during my marriage by both the United States Navy and TriCare health insurance, and USAA's website states that former dependents are eligible. Correct me if I'm wrong, but a person who was formerly a dependent would be a "former dependent", right?
My payment history has been spotless, I have no clue where you got it into your head that I had either missed or been late on a payment. My payments are due at the end of the month. I chose to make 6 monthly payments, which DOES add a significant cost to the premium, but I chose that option because I didn't have savings up front to pay the policy as a whole (I'm not irresponsible, I simply prefer to save my savings for things like health emergencies or in this case, to pay my divorce lawyer). My car is newer and costs more to insure because it has a higher value.
Also, I DID get a speeding ticket a couple years back. (It was on the freeway and it was for less than 10MPH over the legal limit, so nobody has to assume something crazy about it). I'm glad that YOU pay $300 for a 6 month policy, but mine is approximately twice that. I don't MAIL payments late, I don't mail them at all. I pay online, which I also stated above....oops, I forgot. You didn't pay attention to anything I wrote up there.
Oh, and as far as being a "credit risk"; my credit history is just fine. At least, I'm pretty sure that's what having a score of over 700 with all 3 bureaus means...
In my honest opinion Mary, I believe that a disabled veteran (regardless of the fact that I AM a former dependent of a USAA member) DOES deserve a policy with USAA....certainly just as much, if not more, than the grand-daughter of a veteran.
For anyone who might have something HELPFUL to say, or anyone who can comment without making ludicrous assumptions about my credit or payment history and ACTUALLY read what my situation is before jumping in with self-righteous entitled stories about their family or multiple put-downs towards me....Thank you.
#8 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Eldridgemomma - Rockville (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, July 19, 2007
POSTED: Thursday, July 19, 2007
Hi Amy. I think the problem is that there is a lack of communication or "understanding" if you will. I believe that the policy is not stated clearly enough, and the reps are not explaining it clearly enough either.
In order to become eligible for USAA insurance, you have to be a member of USAA. although all members aren't eligible for insurance. Your husband didn't have to have an active insurance policy with you on it while you were married in order for you to be eligible. He needed to set you up as a USAA member while you were still married in order for you to be considered a USAA member.
If you were not set up as a member while you were still married, this is where the problem lies. I think by saying "a former spouse of a member", they are simply implying that if you were previously a member under a former spouse, you are still a member. Just because you are no longer married, doesn't mean you loose your membership status.
Once you're a member of USAA, you are always a member of USAA unless you choose not to be. If your husband didn't set you up as a member while you were married, then technically, you are not a member, and it appears that you were allowed to get the policy by mistake. I hope this helps.
#9 Update By Author
AUTHOR: Amy - Houston (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, July 19, 2007
POSTED: Thursday, July 19, 2007
Thank you for your input, I appreciate the effort.
On another note, the supervisor who was supposed to contact me just did so last night and was able to provide some clarification. He advised me that in order to be considered a "member" one must a:be issued a member number, b:obtain an insurance policy, and c:make payment on said policy. He informed me that as my ex-husband was not a "member", I was not a "former spouse of a USAA member".
I know for a fact that my ex had a member number and a policy, so it stands to reason that the idiot never paid them. That is extremely possible based on what occured with his finances when I knew him, and seems to be a very reasonable cause for them to not insure me. I'm still a bit confused as to how I was able to obtain my policy. Also, just a thought - since I have my own member number, a policy, and have paid for it, wouldn't that officially make me a "member"? :-)
I did get a much better response from USAA following my complaint with the Texas Department of Insurance, however, and would highly recommend that anyone else with similar problems do so as well. Also, I was able to get USAA to remove the page from their website that contained the "eligibility guidelines" for now, and I'm assuming they are re-working them to be more accurate. I am still pushing for something in writing that cites the specific reason they are not insuring me, some kind of bylaws or something, and I know that they most certainly ARE attempting to limit their number of policies (I was able to confirm this with the eligibility supervisor I spoke with last night).
That's it so far, I will post again when everything is said and done. Thanks to anybody who contributed something useful!
#10 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Gino - Pasadena (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, December 14, 2007
POSTED: Friday, December 14, 2007
"I know for a fact that my ex had a member number and a policy,"
If you know for a "FACT" that your EX had a member policy, could you get a hold of him to verify this?
"so it stands to reason that the idiot never paid them. That is extremely possible based on what occurred with his finances when I knew him, and seems to be a "very reasonable cause" for them to not insure me."
I guess you answered your own question there Amy.
"I'm still a bit confused as to how I was able to obtain my policy."
Dont be confused...as per Eldridgemomma, you were allowed to have a policy by mistake.
"Also, just a thought - since I have my own member number, a policy, and have paid for it, wouldn't that officially make me a 'member'? :-)"
And that member number should really be null and void since USAA made a mistake of allowing you as a member.
Go back to your "I'm still confused..." part Amy. You were given a policy by mistake in the VERY FIRST place. Your membership was not official because you did not meet the eligibility requirement claim as a dependent. Hence, your membership has been revoked. I just don't get where are you getting confused.
I'm pretty sure I read the entirety of your posts. If I made some wrong assumptions, I'll come back and correct myself.
Regards,
*USAA member since 2004 auto-insurance, property insurance, auto-loan, CC, and banking.*
Even Mercury Insurance cant beat USAA Auto insurance. For $40 less than what I pay for 15/30 property damage, I get 100,000/300,000 coverage from USAA.
#11 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Emrobin - Tucson (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, December 16, 2007
POSTED: Monday, December 17, 2007
Do you deem USAA products so unique that you can't get them elsewhere. I am still on active duty and have known several people who have had problems with USAA's insurance branch. I have someone in my shop now who just joined and is overpaying for his car insurance. If you're looking for a good rate, you can usually find a better policy from GEICO or State Farm. USAA couldn't even come close to the rate State Farm charges me. I've been with State Farm since before I entered the Air Force, over 19 years ago.
My neighbor had his truck broken into and it took USAA several weeks to cut the check for the repairs. I've never had that problem with State Farm. I also had a former co-worker who had USAA insurance and they wouldn't pay for his repairs when it was hit and run sitting in front of his apartment. I've heard too many USAA horror stories from Active Duty service members. Avoid them at all costs. There are far too many companies out there that can deliver better service without all the hassle you're going through now.
Best of luck to you.
#12 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Christmas Gift Gone Wrong - Coraopolis (Canada)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, January 02, 2008
POSTED: Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Amy,
Please continue to check into the status if everything you are saying is correct. I have had USAA auto insurance for 6 years and I get top of the line coverage for what bottom barrel coverage would cost me somewhere else. They are always on top of stuff (espc.) when you have an accident. The fought with other companies for us. They are really a great company.
#13 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: George - Ladson (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, January 29, 2008
POSTED: Tuesday, January 29, 2008
We have had nothing but problems with USAA Insurance specifically Auto insurance. They screwed up our claim, did not offer us the preferred repair then hung us, had to fight to get continued rental but this was because they (USAA) would not help us we were told basically buy the adjuster (DOUG RAY) here in SC it does not matter if your brakes do not work just pick up the car. Yeah they rock alright, bunch of Crackheads.
Funny though how when you tell them you are recording the telephone call they hang up, why would you hang up if you are truly doing your job? Got me. After this accident they decided to own their own put my wife on as a primary driver for the most expensive car when she has not been the primary driver of this for 2 years? Is that integrity? search on the internet for USAA outsourcing.......it might change your view of the company as well. and all in all with our complaint to the BBB USAA had the nerve to say they handled this to their best ability. Rose who is one of the personnel for the member relations......would never respond to our 9 page letter of problems from this claim.....nor form the voice mails.
On the banking side I would say USAA is a 10.........Auto Insurance gotta be about a 3.
Want to hear something intelligent about their home finance. Of course the mortgage is due on the first. Now in 8 years this never happened until the month of Nov. they received a payment 1 nov for the month of nov and a payment 30 Nov for Dec since 1 Dec was a Saturday.....the morons put the 30 Nov payment as a principle payment vice a Dec payment.......so we get late fees for Dec and Jan I called to see what was going on and she say well the 30 Nov was a principle payment right, lol......DUH
now is that smart.
Anyhow back to the subject the car insurance side sucks.......you only find out how well an insurance company is when you file a claim.
#14 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: Radar1 - Sharpsburg (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, December 28, 2008
POSTED: Sunday, December 28, 2008
Amy,
USAA does have strict guidelines for becoming a member. USAA did not offer membership to the enlisted ranks while I served, and I retired with 24 years service (and also draw a disability) and was not eligible, but I accepted that because that was their policy.
I finally gained eligibility and purchased my first USAA policy by becoming an employee, which also then gave my children eligibility because they were my dependents. Once I left USAA employment (got a job offer I couldn't refuse), my membership dropped to the lower "CIC" level rather than full premium USAA membership, even though by that time they were allowing active duty enlisted to become members, and were also offering membership to retired enlisted that fell within a particular window of opportunity.
USAA recently started accepting all retired enlisted ranks for membership so I'm glad to say I'm a full member again which entitles me to the lowest rates and reimbursements during good years.
There were some comments by other people about poor coverage and lack of coverage by USAA; I can only speculate that any delayed payments were based on not providing USAA with the requested information in a timely manner, or for not having the required coverage to cover the claim. One person mentioned they didn't cover a hit and run accident, but that would only be the case if the person did not have collision insurance. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people that never bother to review there policy to see what's covered and what's not covered. When I was a claims rep with USAA our goal was to finalize the claim and get the check out the same day we got the information we needed.
Why file a report here? Ripoff Report is a permanent record! Other complaint sites copy our content then remove reports for money.
