The Hartford vs USAA: Homeowners Insurance Coverage Comparison
A coverage-first, independent comparison of The Hartford and USAA — based on public policy forms and carrier disclosures, not premiums or marketing. Coverage details vary by state and change frequently; confirm at bind.
Information reflects public sources as of January 2025.
At-a-glance comparison
| Coverage feature | The Hartford | USAA |
|---|---|---|
| Carrier structure | Stock | Reciprocal |
| Distribution | Hybrid (multiple channels) | Direct-to-consumer |
| AM Best rating | A+ | A++ |
| States written | All 50 states | Eligibility is restricted to active and former military members and their eligible family. |
| Policy form | Proprietary form | Proprietary form |
| Roof settlement (default) | Varies by state | Varies by state |
| Wind/hail deductible | Varies by state | Varies by state |
| Water backup | Available as endorsement | Available as endorsement |
| Ordinance or law | Included (standard) | Included (standard) |
| Service line | Available as endorsement | Available as endorsement |
| Equipment breakdown | Available as endorsement | Available as endorsement |
| Extended replacement cost | Available as endorsement | Available as endorsement |
| Guaranteed replacement cost | Not offered | Not offered |
| Online quote | ||
| Mobile claims app |
Get a personalized recommendation: The Hartford or USAA?
Answer 8 quick questions about your home, roof, and state — we'll tell you which carrier's defaults actually match your risk, and which deductible structure will hurt you most at claim time. No upload, no phone call.
- ~60 seconds
- Free, no quote required
- Private — no email needed
Coverage breakdown
Policy form
The Hartford: The Hartford's AARP Home Program uses a proprietary homeowners form distributed in partnership with AARP.
USAA: Proprietary form
Why it matters: the policy form is the contract. Two carriers can both call a product "homeowners insurance" and have meaningfully different definitions of "covered peril," "actual cash value," and how losses are settled.
Roof settlement
The Hartford: Roof settlement varies by state and program. RCV is common on newer roofs; ACV or payment schedules may apply to older roofs in some states. Confirm at bind.
USAA: USAA's standard homeowners policies historically settle roof losses on a replacement-cost basis subject to policy terms; settlement basis varies by state and endorsement. Confirm at bind.
Why it matters: on a 15-year-old asphalt roof, an ACV or schedule-by-age settlement can leave the homeowner with five-figure out-of-pocket costs after a hailstorm. Read more about RCV vs ACV.
Wind / hail deductible
The Hartford: Percentage wind/hail deductibles apply in coastal and hail-prone states.
USAA: Varies by state and program.
Why it matters: percentage deductibles (1%–5% of Coverage A) are common in hail- and hurricane-prone states. On a $500,000 dwelling, a 2% wind/hail deductible is $10,000 — the first $10,000 of any wind or hail loss.
Water backup
The Hartford: Available as endorsement
USAA: Backup of sewers, drains, and sump pumps is offered as an endorsement.
Ordinance or law
The Hartford: Typically included at 10% of Coverage A; higher limits available.
USAA: Typically included at 10% of Coverage A; higher limits available.
Which policy fits which homeowner
We don't rank carriers. The right choice depends on your home, your roof, your state, and the specific endorsements you add. A few coverage-driven considerations:
- If you have a roof over 10 years old, the roof settlement basis matters more than the premium difference.
- If you live in a hail- or hurricane-prone state, check the wind/hail deductible structure on both quotes.
- If your home was built before 1990, default 10% ordinance or law coverage is often insufficient — ask about higher limits.
- If you have a finished basement, sump pump, or septic, water backup coverage is worth pricing on both quotes.
See what either carrier would actually pay
The coverage differences above are abstract until you put real dollars against them. Three calculators that translate the policy form into out-of-pocket exposure on your home.
Prefer one number? Get your free Coverage Score — six dimensions, one grade, no email required.
Already with The Hartford or USAA?
Defaults vary by state. Upload your declarations page — we'll show you, in plain English, which gaps in this comparison your actual policy has.
Scan my policy freeShopping both carriers?
A licensed independent advisor can quote both — plus 20+ others — and write up the coverage trade-offs side by side. No hard sell.
Talk to an advisorFAQs
Is The Hartford or USAA better for homeowners insurance?
Neither carrier is universally "better." The right policy depends on your home's age, your roof, your state, and the specific endorsements you add. The Hartford uses proprietary form; USAA uses proprietary form. Compare them on roof settlement basis, wind/hail deductible, water backup, and ordinance or law — not just premium.
What's the main coverage difference between The Hartford and USAA?
The biggest practical differences are usually (1) how roof losses are settled (replacement cost vs actual cash value vs payment schedule by age), (2) whether wind/hail uses a flat or percentage deductible, and (3) which endorsements are included by default vs sold as add-ons. The Hartford offers as an endorsement water backup; USAA offers as an endorsement it.
Does The Hartford or USAA cover roof replacement?
Both carriers cover roof damage from covered perils, but the settlement basis varies by state and program. Roof settlement varies by state and program. RCV is common on newer roofs; ACV or payment schedules may apply to older roofs in some states. Confirm at bind. USAA's standard homeowners policies historically settle roof losses on a replacement-cost basis subject to policy terms; settlement basis varies by state and endorsement. Confirm at bind.
Is The Hartford or USAA cheaper?
We don't quote premiums on this page because they vary dramatically by state, home characteristics, prior claims, and credit. The more useful question is which policy actually pays out the way you expect after a claim — which is what coverage form differences determine.
Is The Hartford a good company?
The Hartford holds an AM Best rating of A+ and writes in all 50 states. Financial strength matters, but coverage quality and claims experience matter more at claim time. Read the actual policy form and endorsement list before binding.
Sources & methodology
Coverage details above are drawn from the carriers' public-facing product disclosures and policy summaries. Policy forms, endorsements, and roof settlement schedules vary by state and change frequently. The summaries here are not policy advice and are not a substitute for reading the actual policy you are offered.
Hartford Fire Insurance Company and United Services Automobile Association are trademarks of their respective owners. RateMyPolicy is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by either carrier listed on this page. This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute insurance advice. Coverage terms are governed by the actual policy issued.