Homeowners Insurance for Veterans and Active-Duty Military

You may qualify for exclusive military discounts from providers like USAA and GEICO.
Coverage can be adapted to your lifestyle, including deployments
Military gear and uniforms may be covered, even if damaged or stolen away from home.

💡 Ready to see your options?
Compare quotes from companies that specialize in military-friendly home insurance.

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By Beth Swanson

Updated December 1, 2025

Reviewed By Susan Meyer

Edited By Renata Balasco

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Home insurance for veterans and active duty military

If you’re active-duty military or a veteran, you may qualify for special homeowners insurance benefits — including discounts and coverage tailored to your needs. Providers like USAA and Armed Forces Insurance (AFI) offer policies designed for military life, with features that support deployments, PCS (permanent change of station) moves, and more.

This guide breaks down what to look for, which companies to consider, and how to compare coverage options with your service in mind.

Many military branches may qualify for insurance savings

Service members from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Space Force, and National Guard or Reserves may be eligible for special rates or discounts on certain insurance products.

Which insurance companies are best for military members?

While most home insurance companies provide coverage for service members, a few go above and beyond to serve the unique needs of the military community. Two standouts are Armed Forces Insurance (AFI) and USAA. Both offer coverage exclusively to active-duty members, veterans, and their families.

Let’s take a closer look at what AFI and USAA bring to the table, including their coverage options and available discounts.

Armed Forces Insurance

Founded in 1887 by Army personnel, AFI offers home, auto, life, and flood insurance with standard coverage options like personal property, dwelling, and liability protection. They also handle plenty of extras, such as motorcycle, business or umbrella insurance.

All policyholders get Theft Advocacy Services (fraud support from CyberScout) and MyHomeWorks, a smart home tool.^[1]

While AFI doesn’t advertise military-specific discounts, its deep roots in the military community offer some peace of mind.

AFI membership qualifications

Active-duty
Reserves
Honorable discharge
Department of Defense employee (or retired DoD)
ROTC Cadet or Merchant Marine Service Academy
Former AFI member
Former spouse of AFI member
Family members of any of the above

Please refer to the AFI website for additional details about membership.

USAA

USAA is the best-known company for military members and their families. Like AFI, USAA offers an array of insurance options — including homeowners insurance. USAA also offers investment, financial, and mortgage solutions for its members and their families. They are also famous for being priced lower than many other insurance providers. Below are some of the military-specific coverage benefits that come with a USAA policy.

Guaranteed life insurance after military service
War zone coverage for your belongings: If your personal belongings are damaged due to war outside the US, you can be compensated up to $10,000.
Worldwide uniform and military gear coverage: If your uniform or personal belongings are damaged anywhere in the world, this coverage will apply
No war exclusion on life insurance

The following military affiliation is required to get a USAA policy:

Self
Spouse
Parent (parent, step-parent, or legal guardian)
Parent-in-law (parent, step-parent, or legal guardian)

Please refer to the USAA website for additional details about membership.

Are there military discounts from insurance companies?

Yes! Discounts vary by insurer, so it's always best to ask directly, but many insurance companies do offer discounts for military personnel. GEICO, for example, advertises a discount of up to 15% off, as well as an emergency deployment discount.^[2]

How military deployment can affect your home insurance

Deployment can affect your coverage in two key ways:

If your home is left unoccupied, some insurers may reduce or deny coverage after a certain period.
If your belongings are in a war zone, they may not be covered under standard policies.

Let’s take a closer look at how insurers handle each situation.

If your home is empty or vacant during deployment

Most insurers see vacant homes as high-risk, and may reduce or cancel coverage if a home is unoccupied for 30 to 60 days. That’s because empty properties are more vulnerable to issues like theft, vandalism, or undetected damage.

Military-friendly providers like USAA and AFI don’t spell out specific vacant home coverage, but they may offer protections tailored for deployed service members—so it’s worth checking your policy or speaking with an agent.

One simple way to avoid issues? Have a friend, family member, or tenant stay in the home while you're away.

War zone exemption

Most insurance policies exclude acts of war from coverage. That means if your personal items are damaged while deployed in a war zone, they likely won't be covered—unless you have a specific endorsement.

However, military-focused insurers like USAA and AFI may offer protection for this scenario, so it’s important to review your policy or speak with a representative before deployment.

Protecting property during a move

Look for military-friendly providers like USAA and AFI
Make sure your coverage flexes with deployments and PCS moves
Don’t forget renters insurance if you live on base
Using a VA loan? Confirm your policy meets lender requirements
Always update your coverage when you relocate

A little planning now can save you money — and protect what matters, wherever service takes you. Even within military-specific policies, coverage details vary. Take time to compare, ask about deployment clauses, and make sure your provider understands the unique challenges of military life.

💡What is a PCS move?

A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) is a required relocation for service members to a new duty station, often lasting months or years. It typically involves moving the entire household—sometimes across the country or overseas—with the military providing allowances to help cover costs.

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Learn the differences between homeowners and mortgage insurance. Homeowners protects home and belongings, while mortgage insurance protects lenders.

VA home loans and home insurance

Service members shopping for a home can also take advantage of VA home loans—a valuable benefit for many military families. VA loans help with home purchases, often come with lower interest rates through Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans (IRRRL), and may offer tax perks for qualifying veterans.

While VA loans don’t require mortgage insurance, homeowners insurance is still a must. Like any mortgage lender, the VA requires you to carry basic coverage, including dwelling, personal property, and liability protection.^[3]

Real help, right here.

Ready to find coverage that fits your service?

Compare quotes from military-friendly home insurance providers and see what benefits you qualify for. Simply enter your ZIP code below to get started, or give one of our knowledgeable agents a call.

Compare quotes and find the right coverage today.

Homeowners insurance for veterans and military: FAQs

Do veterans qualify for special home insurance discounts?

Some insurers, especially military-focused ones like USAA and AFI, offer exclusive benefits or discounts for veterans. It's best to ask directly, as these aren't always advertised.

What’s the best homeowners insurance for active-duty military?

USAA and AFI are often top choices due to their military-focused policies, flexible deployment support, and long-standing reputations. However, many standard insurers may still offer competitive rates so it's important to shop around and compare.

Does deployment affect my home insurance policy?

Yes—leaving a home vacant for more than 30–60 days can impact coverage. Some insurers may cancel or reduce coverage unless you arrange for someone to stay in the home or notify the company in advance.

Can I rent out my home while deployed?

Yes, but you may need to adjust your policy. Renting your home typically requires landlord or rental property insurance, not standard homeowners coverage.

Sources

Member Benefits. AFI
Military Discounts for Your Insurance Needs. GEICO
Eligibility for VA home loan programs. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Discounted Moving Assistance for Veterans. DAV
Celebrating Military-Connected Children, Youth and Teens. U.S. Department of Defense

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