Are on-base residents losing renters insurance?

Capt Brandon Charters — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 14:35:50 -0500

Just read an article that discusses a possible change and removal of renters insurance for on-base families. Can anyone confirm this is actually happening or have you noted any change in your BAH totals? It looks like this will be implemented in March of this year, but curious if anyone has been briefed on it at all or knows a little more about it. Thanks in advance for your insight!

On-Base Residents Lose Renters Insurance Due to BAH Cuts

A change to how DoD calculates rates is impacting those who live off base as well as those who live on base in privatized housing.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Feb 12 at 2015 4:16 PM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 16:16:42 -0500

BAH was reduced by 1 % this year, and they are trying to bring it to 94% of the cost of housing - a pay cut for active duty troops; an outrageous idea brought to you by your leaders in the Puzzle Palace.

I seriously question the wisdom and dedication of the 4 stars and secretaries of the services right now - they just don't get it.

In any case, I always bought renter's insurance when living in quarters. I don't remember ever hearing that we were provided with it. Maybe that's something new since I retired.(2/01)

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Feb 12 at 2015 6:57 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 18:57:24 -0500

I haven't seen anything yet. Not saying it wont. Just that It hasn't yet.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Feb 12 at 2015 9:01 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 21:01:53 -0500

WOW! Housing never looked like that for me. This may have been my last government quarters. In truth, we were not allowed to even hang pictures up at Fort Campbell, KY because of all the lead paint (99-01). At Fort Carson, CO (2002) it was black mold. At Fort Irwin, CA (1992) it was asbestos. Some things do get better with time.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2015 11:30 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 23:30:12 -0500

I am on Ft Campbell, and yes, they no longer provide renters insurance. I was not aware they even offered it free of charge. I have paid for my own from USAA since I got here. Also, they took 1% from BAH, but it doesn't affect those living on post, as they take ALL of your BAH.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2015 12:58 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 00:58:23 -0500

Renter’s insurance, typically purchased to insure personal property, was eliminated from
the 2015 Basic Allowance for Housing rate computation. When I lived on base before it became privatized I had USAA's renters insurance. When it went privatized, they offered it to me but declined stated I already had it, gave them proof for my file and that was that.

The current renter's insurance policy depends on your locality and who runs the privatized housing for your area, this affects all service branches. 20k in personal property coverage with a $250.00 deductible and $100k in Liability coverage seems the standard but doesn't cover high dollar items, jewelry, silverware, and antiques. If you have high value items, it is recommended you acquire additional insurance.

One of the common misconceptions regarding BAH is that it is intended to cover all of a service member’s housing costs. The original BAH law stated that the allowance could cover no more than 80% of calculated housing costs. Accordingly, the average service member had at least 20% of out-of-pocket expenses subtracted from their allowance calculation. In 2000, the Secretary of Defense committed to reducing the planned average out-of-pocket expense for the median member to zero by 2005. In 2015, the planned out-of-pocket expense was reintroduced at a rate of 1% of national average costs per grade.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2015 7:53 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 07:53:29 -0500

Capt Brandon Charters Sir, I read the MILPER this week and is not just the insurance. Those living off-post should see a decrease in their BAH by 1% starting in March. This will affect people PCSing the most but I would say to check your LES ofently to see if there is any change. TSgt Joshua Copeland I don't know how it works in the AF but for my folks in the Army, I would say to ask their S1 shop for the most recent MILPER.