Homeowners insurance requirements for veterans: Key info to know

by Bill and Aby Brooks, REALTORS® 07/31/2022

While VA loans come with numerous benefits, they share many of the same requirements as conventional loans. For veterans seeking a VA loan to purchase a home, it's often required to purchase a homeowners insurance policy. Here is the basic info about homeowners insurance requirements:

Is homeowners insurance required for a VA loan?

Just like most conventional mortgages, loans offered through the VA require the buyer to have a homeowners insurance policy. The minimum policy amount can vary depending on where you live and the amount of the loan. However, the policy needs to cover common hazards to your property such as fire, smoke, vandalism, hail and other weather events. If you live in an officially-designated flood zone, you may also need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy.

Military-specific policies and discounts

While the VA doesn't offer homeowners insurance to veterans directly, there are some military-specific policies and discounts available through other providers. You can also opt for a policy through the United Services Automobile Association (USAA) which specializes in providing coverage for military personnel and their families.

If you have another insurance policy through a provider, it's worth inquiring about military or veteran discounts they may offer. Most insurance providers have competitive discounts for clients who purchase multiple policies, so your current provider is an excellent place to begin your search.

Eligibility

There is a wide range of qualifications for homeowners insurance discounts available to veterans, but there are specifics to consider. Some criteria that can affect your eligibility include current deployment, non-deployed active duty, Reserves or National Guard enlistment and status, length of service and the type of discharge you received. You may also qualify for a policy or discount as the spouse or direct family member of a military serviceperson.

Homeowners Insurance

Policies

Veterans

About the Author

Bill and Aby Brooks, REALTORS®

Aby’s understanding of excellent customer service stems from her extensive professional background. Prior to earning her real estate license in 2005, along with her college degree that focuses on business and engineering, Aby was the head of purchasing, inventory and quality assurance for an OEM medical and aerospace manufacturing company. Known by her clients and fellow realtors for her tenacity, honesty, integrity, and attention to detail, as a full-time realtor, she is also appreciated for her quick response to her client’s needs. Aby has been an avid horse rider and owner since the age of eight, with her husband Billas a local firefighter/EMT they are very active within the community. Bill served as a US Army Airborne Ranger in 75th Ranger Regiment, he is a combat-wounded veteran who was awarded a Purple Heart. Bill's background as facility Manager for an International metals company and as a firefighter/EMT gives him the experience, attention to detail and the desire to go above and beyond to serve his customers. The Brooks' serve on the board of a local non-profit (501c3) that gives back to the veterans, first responders and their families. The Brooks family resides on their small ranch in Manatee County. Aby& Bill excel in all types of real estate and their passion is helping people. “We genuinely like people, growing up in Sarasota and Manatee counties and now raising our own family here, it is an absolute pleasure to share our growing area with newcomers and reminisce with longtime residents. Our area has so much to offer and it is our business to help folks buy and sell their own piece of paradise.”