USAA - is your parent a veteran?

[braumeister]

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Originally Posted by Richard8655 Premiums have skyrocketed over the last few years, especially home owner insurance.

That would be a very individual thing, depending on where you live.

My USAA homeowner's premium is actually less than it was seven years ago, for the same coverage.

[ExFlyBoy5]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard8655 38 year USAA member here. Premiums have skyrocketed over the last few years, especially home owner insurance. I don't like their recent heavy TV advertising I see all the time, as I think those costs conribute to premium increases. Nevertheless, glad to be a member and will stay due to outstanding customer service. Rated #1 in Consumer Reports.

I also experienced sky rocketing premiums through 2011. After being with them since 1996 and NEVER having a claim, I was getting tired of the rates going up every time they renewed. The last straw was when they had to "stretch" the increase over two renewal periods because Texas law wouldn't allow them to increase such a high percentage in one renewal term. Long story short...I fired them when I got comparable coverage from Amica for almost 50% LESS than I was paying USAA (back in 2011). Then there is the mortgage folks...oye. I don't have a mortgage but my wife (Realtor) hated dealing with anyone who had USAA for the loan...they rarely closed on time and the processors are idiots.

Anyway...that's all I have. I know...first post and all. I have been lurking for a while and haven't had too much to say; until now.

[BarbWire]

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Originally Posted by Nords "All who have served honorably, and their families".

OK, I know there is nothing that can be done about this, and it's not really part of a USAA discussion, but I'm about to rant about something that has been bothering me for a long time.

My father served in WWII in His Majesty's Royal Air Force. He subsequently emigrated to the US from the UK in 1949, and became a US citizen in 1956.

But emigration to the US also made him invisible as a veteran.

Here, in the US, he is not recognized as a "Veteran" because he wasn't in the US Military. I don't mean recognized by the US Military -- that of course makes sense -- but not recognized by the general public. For example, a few years ago the local schools were looking for Veterans to tell their stories to classes, and he volunteered to tell about his time in WWII. And he was turned down because he wasn't a "real Veteran."

In the US, Veteran's Day isn't for him. He would have to go back to the UK for anyone to pay him any honor as a veteran who put his life in danger for a common cause.

It makes me embarrassed -- and perhaps a bit ashamed -- that we (the US) regard the veterans of our Allies this way. It's not about military benefits: it's about recognizing that they all served honorably for a common purpose.

He's 90 and lives in a senior community now. And last November, the community staff said "we want to recognize all of our veterans." And he said, "No, they don't mean me. I don't matter."

That's just wrong.


And now I will end my rant.

[check6]

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Originally Posted by Richard8655 38 year USAA member here.

Got you beat, 47 year member (since 16). Never have had an automobile claim. They love me.

[Bestwifeever]

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Originally Posted by BarbWire OK, I know there is nothing that can be done about this, and it's not really part of a USAA discussion, but I'm about to rant about something that has been bothering me for a long time. My father served in WWII in His Majesty's Royal Air Force. He subsequently emigrated to the US from the UK in 1949, and became a US citizen in 1956. But emigration to the US also made him invisible as a veteran. Here, in the US, he is not recognized as a "Veteran" because he wasn't in the US Military. I don't mean recognized by the US Military -- that of course makes sense -- but not recognized by the general public. For example, a few years ago the local schools were looking for Veterans to tell their stories to classes, and he volunteered to tell about his time in WWII. And he was turned down because he wasn't a "real Veteran." In the US, Veteran's Day isn't for him. He would have to go back to the UK for anyone to pay him any honor as a veteran who put his life in danger for a common cause. It makes me embarrassed -- and perhaps a bit ashamed -- that we (the US) regard the veterans of our Allies this way. It's not about military benefits: it's about recognizing that they all served honorably for a common purpose. He's 90 and lives in a senior community now. And last November, the community staff said "we want to recognize all of our veterans." And he said, "No, they don't mean me. I don't matter." That's just wrong. And now I will end my rant.

I'm sorry your father felt he was an invisible veteran. I am sure the US veterans who served at the same time he did felt he served honorably just as they did.

Remember there were many years when all veterans were somewhat invisible in the US and did not receive the level of recognition and gratitude they receive today. Perhaps that is part of the reason your father feels he was ignored.

And maybe people in the US don't understand much about the British military?

My DH was drafted into the US Army for only two years in his early 20s and not in a combat zone, and he views those who enlisted and served longer and under harsher conditions as the "real" veterans. I know he would salute your father.

[JoeWras]

Dad is a veteran, combat WWII Europe theater, Purple Heart.

One of his best friends from age 30 and beyond is also a veteran... of the German Army, combat WWII.

They never talked much about it. They just both acknowledged the hell they went through.

---

I decided not to pursue USAA. We're happy with our insurance choices, and frankly, trying to force fit a new policy for Dad with USAA would just be a pain for those of us taking care of his finances. I guess we're just going to let this opportunity slip away.

[dtbach]

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Originally Posted by braumeister I've been a USAA member for 45 years, so I have a good feeling about them. A few auto accidents in my youth were handled very well, and I've never had a problem. The fact that the members own the company is pretty special. I paid about $1,500 last year for the house, two cars (both with comprehensive and collision), and umbrella coverage. My rebates last year amounted to well over $500, which kept my premiums low. You get a special extra rebate if you've been a member for over 40 years, but even the regular rebate is pretty good. Every few years, I give in to temptation and check with another company to see what their rates would be. And every time, as soon as I mention I'm with USAA, the response is always "Oh, we can't beat them. Thanks for considering XYZ Insurance."

+1 I've had several insurance companies try to match or beat USAA and none of them can do it. Plus I usually get a nice rebate check which makes it even cheaper. I have made 3 claims for auto and house and can not complain at all about the service. Prompt and very fair. I can't say enough about USAA.

[Malcolm2]

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Originally Posted by Bestwifeever I'm sorry your father felt he was an invisible veteran. I am sure the US veterans who served at the same time he did felt he served honorably just as they did. Remember there were many years when all veterans were somewhat invisible in the US and did not receive the level of recognition and gratitude they receive today. Perhaps that is part of the reason your father feels he was ignored. And maybe people in the US don't understand much about the British military? My DH was drafted into the US Army for only two years in his early 20s and not in a combat zone, and he views those who enlisted and served longer and under harsher conditions as the "real" veterans. I know he would salute your father.

Sad, yes but understandable. I don't think U.S. Veterans living in the UK expect to be treated as such there. It is no less honorable to serve your country, but once you leave it to emigrate you give up certain things.