You and your family can get special discounts on auto insurance if you’ve served in the U.S. Armed Forces. USAA is typically the most recommended provider for active and retired military personnel, offering excellent pricing and top customer satisfaction ratings. J.D. Power’s 2020 U.S. Auto Insurance Study, USAA received high customer satisfaction ratings and excellent pricing. In J.D. Power’s 2020 U.S. Auto Insurance Study USAA was rated highly by customers in all regions. There are many other options available for military and veterans who drive.
Geico is another major provider of military car insurance in the U.S. Geico offers discounts to active military personnel and those deployed on an emergency basis. You can also get discounts on military car insurance from several other insurers:
- Arbella
- The General
- Armed Forces Insurance
Each military auto insurance company has their own guidelines and provides different veteran car insurance discounts. To evaluate these companies, we looked at coverage options, discounts, customer service ratings and average premiums for each provider.
Military drivers pay more for car insurance
For veteran or military drivers shopping for car insurance, rate factors do not depend much on your specific military status. Auto insurance rates for active-duty, retired, and reserve military personnel are all about the same, with a few exceptions. Bankrate also found that rates are about the same for active and retired military, regardless of whether you choose minimum coverage or full coverage for your car insurance.
Based on status, average rates for military drivers
Average military premiums for minimal coverage car insurance are less than $515 per year. The average military driver will spend around $1,720 annually if they choose full coverage. It is interesting to note that non-military drivers pay slightly more for full coverage rates than military drivers. For non-military drivers, however, the minimum coverage is slightly more expensive.
Average national rates for non-military and military drivers
Military families face unique stresses and life impacts. That means military families also have special needs when it comes to their auto insurance, and even some of the best car insurance companies may not be the best fit for all drivers.
We found that certain auto insurance companies offer better discounts, lifestyle support, and coverage for military life’s unpredictable nature.
These are the best car insurance companies that military personnel and veterans can choose from
USAA
Specializing in products and services exclusively for retired and active-duty military personnel and their families, USAA auto insurance is the top value when you are shopping for the best military auto insurance discounts. Its website states that members can save on average $725 each year by switching to USAA.
USAA offers a 15% discount for optional comprehensive coverage for trucks or cars that are stored on military bases. You can get up to 60% off your car coverage while you’re deployed.
USAA offers discounts for safe driving, good students, having multiple vehicles insured, staying with the company for a longer period of time, bundling policies, and taking a approved defensive driving class. Drivers who have not been in an accident at fault within five years automatically receive accident forgiveness coverage.
USAA offers affordable car insurance policies. However, rates can vary by state and other personal factors. You can save even more money if you qualify for USAA discount. On its website, USAA explains how it calculates auto insurance rates.
In order to get a quote from USAA, you’ll need to verify your eligibility. You will need to provide information about your military service record, regardless of whether you apply online or by phone. Before you can submit a quote, your eligibility must be confirmed.
USAA Auto Insurance is an affordable option for all eligible. It also offers great customer service and perks such as flexible payment plans at no additional cost.
Geico
Geico stands for Government Employees Insurance Company. Military personnel and their families are eligible for discounts on auto insurance. Geico offers a 15% discount for veterans and military personnel. Active-duty military receive an additional 15% discount
You must be a member at least one of these organizations to qualify for Geico’s discounts on veterans auto insurance.
- Association of the U.S. Army
- Fleet Reserve Association (FRA).
- National Infantry Association (NIA).
Geico offers discounts to military members of several associations such as the Armed Forces Benefits Association, Navy League of the United States(NLUS), Navy Federal Credit Union NFCU and American Society of Military Controllers (ASMC). Customers who are deployed to an immediate danger zone as part of an emergency can receive a discount up to 25%
Geico offers many ways to save money on auto insurance premiums, including military discounts. Drivers may be eligible for a discount if they have certain vehicle safety features installed, take a defensive driving course and are a good driver. Bundling policies, insuring more vehicles, or being a student can also help.
You will need to request a quote from Geico to determine the cost of your Geico auto insurance. However, Geico is known for its cheap rates for all types of drivers. Geico may be less expensive than USAA depending on where you live. To claim the military discount, you must verify your military status by providing the appropriate documentation.
There are other insurance companies that offer discounts for military personnel
Arbella
Arbella, a small auto insurance company that covers Massachusetts and Connecticut residents who have been deployed over 100 miles from their vehicle, is available. Active-duty military personnel receive a 10% discount
The General
The General Automotive Insurance Services Inc. — a subsidiary of PGC Holdings Corp. — offers auto insurance to everyone, regardless of their military status. The company does offer a military discount for active-duty Louisianans. The General, unlike other providers on the list, is a great option for those with low credit scores and/or a poor driving record.
Armed Forces Insurance Exchange
Armed Forces Insurance Exchange, (AFI), is an insurance company that focuses on military needs. It’s similar to USAA. The prices and services offered by both military auto insurance companies are very comparable.
AFI auto insurance differs from USAA auto insurance in the following ways:
- AFI has a financial rating of B+ (Good) while USAA has a rating of A++ (Superior) from global credit rating agency AM Best.
- If you’re a retired or active-duty military personnel, or if a member of your family is, you can join the USAA. Ex-spouses are also eligible. Academy, ROTC, OCS/OTS Candidates are also eligible. AFI membership includes active and retired Department of Defense personnel.
Cancelling your car insurance in preparation for a future deployment
It is important to update your car insurance policy if you are about to deploy. It is better to suspend your coverage than to cancel your entire policy. Cancelling your auto insurance can cause a lapse of coverage which can lead to higher rates or even suspension of your driver’s license.
If you have car insurance through USAA, you can save up to 60% on your insurance if you store your vehicle while deployed. A driver’s mileage per year is also eligible for a discount. If you are a Geico customer, you can suspend or reduce your insurance coverage if you are deployed and store your car for more than 30 days.
How to get your car insurance reinstated
After returning from deployment, your auto insurance policy will need to be reinstated. This is easy and quick. If you have car insurance, you can simply notify your insurance agent to request reinstatement.
You might consider increasing your coverage if you have reduced your coverage in order to save money while deployed. Before you drive, you will need to reinstate your insurance. Driving without insurance or proof of financial responsibility is illegal, and it comes with heavy consequences if you get caught.
Questions frequently asked
Which car insurance company offers the best discounts for military personnel?
USAA offers the best discounts for veterans and active-duty military personnel. USAA offers car insurance at a significant discount. They also offer high customer satisfaction.
What are the factors that will affect my monthly car insurance premiums?
According to the Insurance Information Institute, your monthly or annual premium will depend on more than 12 factors, including your age and geographic location. Credit history, credit record, type of vehicle, occupation as well as miles driven each year. These factors are applicable to both military and civilian auto insurance.
How can I get my military discount for car insurance?
Depending on which insurance company you choose, you will need to be an active-duty or retired military member or close family member, such as a spouse or child, in order to qualify.
Who is eligible to receive USAA insurance?
According to USAA’s website, here is a list of who is eligible for auto insurance.
- Reserved, honored, active-duty, reserve, and reserved officers and enlisted personnel from the U.S. army
- Contracted cadets and midshipmen, or officer candidates in commissioning programmes (academy ROTC, OCS/OTS, OCS/OTS).
- USAA members with adult children (18+) who have had or previously had an USAA auto or property policy.
- Spouses, ex-spouses, widows, and widowers of USAA members who have had or had an earlier USAA property or auto insurance policy
There are other ways to save money on your car insurance.
Geico and USAA offer discounts that are not related to military service. Insuring a new car, multiple vehicles, bundling insurance policies, driving well, taking defensive driving courses, and being a good student can help you save money. Most insurance providers have a list of the discounts they offer on their website.
What evidence can I provide to prove I am eligible for military auto insurance coverage?
Each insurance company has a different verification process. However, you will most likely be required to provide a photo ID (driver’s license, state ID cards or passport) and one of these military documents:
- DD-214
- Discharge certificate
- Statement on Leave and Earnings (LES)
- If you are active-duty, military orders
- NGB-22
- ROTC contract or letter confirming appointment to Academy
