Usaa

[HillBillE]

Well, just over a year ago, I asked folks here on MJ what they thought about USAA.

Big thread HERE (http://www.militaryjeepers.com/community/showthread.php?21866-Who-uses-USAA&highlight=usaa)

The positive responses were overwhelming, so we switched over. Vehicles, homeowners, bank accounts, etc.

Glad we did! As many of you know, our garage burnt down, with the truck inside.:mad:

USAA's response has been awesome so far! They make sure we understand everything, they are quick, and do follow up calls.

I really love the phone app they have too! I'm able to take pics with my phone, and upload them directly to the claim.

In my case, it's 2 claims, one for the garage/shed/house damage and contents, and one for the truck.

Waiting to see how the rest plays out, but if it continues like this, the HH6 and I will be happy campers!

I've never had to deal with an insurance company for fire damage, but have for vehicle claims/accidents.

Never had the kind of excellent service we are getting now.:flag:

[HillBillE]

Just found out that my homeowners ins. will cover my M416 trailer damage!!

I wasn't sure what would happen there, since it wasn't hooked up to one of the rigs, it was just spotted next to the garage.

It didn't have it's own policy. But since it's considered a 'Utility Trailer', it's covered under homeowners. Cool!

Doesn't need a lot, new paint job, new lid, new wiring harness and lights, and a new battery box on the tongue.

Structurally, it's sound.

[BucketOKarma]

That is AWESOME news to follow the terrible news of the fire.

We have been with USAA for four years, and already had to use them three times, each time they were polite, helpful, and really amazing claims service. I don't care if someone can save me $200 in a year (nobody has come close to beating USAA's policy prices yet for us, but IF...) for a policy, we are not leaving USAA because their service is worth just as much as their services to us.

Glad to hear you're not getting raked over the coals with some cut-rate insurance company.

[mavdog32]

Thats awesome man, I think I had chimed in on the other thread that the one time I have had to use them it was a phenominal process. I have gotten lower quotes from other companies but like many I would rather pay a bit more for great service. My only complaint is that I wish they insured motorcycles and boats, instead they refer you over to a USAA partner agent at progressive. I just wish I could pay one bill instead of two.

[Irish_Assassin]

Good for you guys!

[HillBillE]

Well, the structure adjuster was here today, then the 'Origin Investigator' was here (basically the insurance companies fire investigator)

USAA gave me permission to knock the remains down, once the Origin Investigator was done.

I was afraid it would fall over on the neighbors fence and hot tub.

So they gave me the OK to drag the truck out, and knock it over.

Used the winch on the TJ :beer:

[jet noise]

I have nothing but great things to say about USAA. When Wells Fargo bank let me down fur the last time, I reminded them that they had competitors and moved my backing to USAA. I couldn't be happier. Now I can deposit check just by taking a picture of it! Ha ha. I'm glad to hear you are receiving the same excellent service.

[HillBillE]

Claim is done on the truck, it will be towed tomorrow or Friday. Waiting to see what they valued it at, but I know it's worth more than I owed on it.

USAA cut a $5K check today, as an advance so we can start cleanup and put up a temp fence to keep the dogs in the yard.

Our fence went to the garage on the west side, and then a gate between the east side of the garage and the neighbors fence.

Nice to get the advance, means no 'out of pocket' expense to get stuff done.

Plus, even though I'm getting estimates for clean up/debris removal, USAA said I can do it, rent the dumpster and equipment, and pay myself if I want!

My dad has a dump truck with a contractors box on it (8' wide x 18' long-low sides so it's easy to dump from a skidsteer) and my buddy 'Jeeperwilly' has a skidsteer with a bucket and 'clamp' I can rent 'very reasonably' :beer:

USAA has been awesome through this, even calling once just to see if we had any questions, needed anything, and to see how we were doing in general.

Thumbs up so far!

[wranglerchik00]

Super happy with USAA. Glad they treat you as well as they do others!

[troll46]

I have been with USAA for 44 years. Never a problem.

[Cole]

So far so good for me with them from when my jeep first got broken into back in NOV. They reimbursed me for the tool boxes, and I'm waiting on a statement of charges for the military gear that was taken. No problems. I had a few pictures of the tool boxes with some of the contents visible, and I sent them a comprehensive list of everything in there. They didn't charge me any depretiation on the tools (awesome), and they added 7% for sales tax. So even after my deductable I can afford to replace most of it.

WOrking on a claim for the YJs soft top for the second break in at this time. Also, someone broke in and tried to jimmy the ignition in the TJ last night. had a chunk of screwdriver in the ignition. Fortunately, a neighbor called the cops, and they showed up in time for their lights to scare him off. Shame they didn't catch him! I figure he'll be back. Gotta at least get a club to put on the wheel before I go home for the night.

I guess that's one good thing about the YJ not cranking...

[HillBillE]

. Gotta at least get a club to put on the wheel before I go home for the night.

I guess that's one good thing about the YJ not cranking...

The guy I bought my CJ from, when we went to the field or NTC, he would pull the steering wheel and store it in the shop. :p

I have used my Master Python cable lock, and ran it through the steering wheel and around the seat base.

Not fool proof, but very time consuming.

[HillBillE]

Wife got home from work, and the truck was gone! I had to go out and watch my mom.

They wanted the keys, even though there were no door locks, or ignition left.

I wired them up to the bolts that used to hole the visor in. :p

It did have a locking tailgate, guess the key is good for that still.

[Dragline]

USAA has been really good to me too, got to luv the Master Python cable lock as I use mine to secure my trailer lid and works like a charm.

[HillBillE]

Things are moving, a bit slowly because of the weather, but it's moving!

We have to get the house fixed first:

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n274/hillbillecj7/garage%20truck%20fire/IMG_20120103_161524.jpg

The fire broke the kitchen window, and we're having the back door replaced as well. It's original to the house, I believe, 104 years old!

After that, it's garage time! Putting about 1/2 of what we got for contents toward the new 'Man Cave', and just replace the tools and camping gear as we go.

We should be able to swing a 24x 28 shop, and I'm hoping for 12' walls (should be doable, but we might need to get the "OK" from the neighbors)

If we can go with 12' walls, then I'll be getting a 2 post lift for the garage! :beer:

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n274/hillbillecj7/01lift.jpg

I have found them for $1500 new.

Already have a contractor for the house, getting estimates on for the garage during next week.

[Dragline]

Are u using the USAA recommended contractors? We did and it was nice to know they were USAA endorsed. Hopefully your house will be good as new shortley.

[HillBillE]

Are u using the USAA recommended contractors? We did and it was nice to know they were USAA endorsed. Hopefully your house will be good as new shortley.

No, don't think they even have any up here. (not sure though)

Everyone who has come out for USAA (adjusters, origin investigator, tow truck service) has been from the Twin Cities- 150 miles south of me.

I'm using local contractors, ones with really good reputations. Some I have even worked with on jobsites, back when I was in the trades.

The guy doing our house repair, also does work for my old landlord. I've seen his work, and it's top notch.

He built 64 garages over 18 months for my old landlord, all on just a handshake!

Seeing as how when my back first went out, our landlord let us stay put, even though we were living on $344 a month, while going through the process with the VA and SS.

We ended up being over $17K behind in rent all told. Landlord said "You take care of your family first-then worry about me. I know you'll pay me when you can"


No singing of 'Promise to Pay', no threats of being evicted, etc. Our landlords were (are) awesome people, and still good friends today.

So, if this guy is the type who can do work for my old landlord on just a handshake, he's good enough for me!

He also has a great reputation, and I've seen a lot of his work.

*ETA: Naturally, since this is insurance work, I'll have a contract with him.

Luckily, my dad and I both worked the building trades here in town, and know who the reputable contractors are, and who to stay away from.

[Dragline]

You are lucky, living in the city we did not have the option of knowing who was who in the contractor world, that is where USAA stepped in and provided us with their approved contractors list. Good to know their are still good folks out there that can be trusted and not trying to get over on anyone.

[HillBillE]

You are lucky, living in the city we did not have the option of knowing who was who in the contractor world, that is where USAA stepped in and provided us with their approved contractors list. Good to know their are still good folks out there that can be trusted and not trying to get over on anyone.

Yeah, our city is about 80K population, and my dad has lived here his whole life, as I did other than when in the Service (or on the road for work)

But it's great to know that they have that service! Been with them just over a year, and I learn about new services they offer all the time.

[HillBillE]

Well, another Kudo's to USAA.

My M416 trailer was parked next to the garage, and was damaged. Luckily, the Roff Top Tent was in storage, and not on it!

But, the lid was burnt, tire melted (but serviceable) lights, wiring, battery box all melted, paint burnt off.

Well, I was only able to find one shop in town to do an estimate.

Sent that in (it was around $2100 for material and labor)

Well, USAA has a max of $1500 for 'utility trailers' , and utility trailers don't need their own insurance, and it was covered under the 'structure' (garage) insurance.

They went to the max, and are sending out $1500 for the trailer!

They also went over the contenets stuff, there were some omissions and errors, we sent them the corrections, and they fixed the report, and are sending the extra for that also!

ie: I had 3 Sceptor Military grade water jugs in the garage, they originally wrote up and paid for '5 gallon collapsable' water jugs at $4 each.

Sent them a pic of a Sceptor jug, and what they were going for (hard to find now, Sceptor quit selling to the civilian market)

USAA fixed that, and valued them at $50 each.

Everything is GTG now, as far as the contents and trailer.

Once we are finished, looks like we'll get back most of the depreciation value also!


Different story, but related:

Went to the local home improvement store and got the epoxy flooring and stuff.

Well, the debit card didn't work the first time, ended up swiping it 5 times.

They ended up charging my account Twice! for the same transaction. GRRRR!

One call to USAA banking, explained it, and BAM! Problem fixed, account credited!

USAA has just been awesome through this entire ordeal, so glad we joined with them!

[JaceP]

Not too long after I got my newest TJ, I was driving home from work, and I saw a cloud of white smoke behind me. I pulled over, and started losing power. I crawled into a parking space, killed the engine, and hopped out to spy the damage. My transmission case cracked, spewing out guts and fluid everywhere. It was worse than I thought! Had it towed to a Transmission shop, and got an estimate. I forget the amount, but it was over $2000 to replace and rebuild.

Called USAA, and they sent someone out to inspect it. I knew they wouldn't cover the regular failure of components. They ended up writing it off as though a rock or road hazard had hit the transmission case, and cracked it! $500 later, and I had a new transmission!