Just like everyone else, police officers require good car insurance. Car insurance for police officers may be different from that for the rest. Officers may have different car insurance requirements than other drivers. They also might be eligible for additional discounts. Understanding your options for car insurance can help police officers make informed decisions when buying policies.
Police officers need car insurance
When it comes to car insurance, police officers typically have two levels of protection. One is coverage while on the job with their squad cars and another for when they are away from duty with their vehicles.
Police vehicles can be covered by auto insurance
The insurance policy for police squad cars is different from a standard car insurance policy. You are unlikely to own a squad car if you do not have it. You cannot buy insurance for the vehicle because you don’t have any financial interest.
Police cars are usually insured by the county, state or city they belong to. They may also be covered under a group policy or be self-insured. Police officers are not allowed to decide what car insurance they have while on duty.
Police officers can get auto insurance for their personal vehicles
You will need car insurance when you’re not on duty or using your personal vehicle. It must meet or exceed the minimum requirements of your state, just as any other driver.
Although there are no insurance companies that specifically sell insurance for off-duty police officers, there are many companies that offer discounts to law enforcement officers. Insurance companies might ask you for your occupation when you request a quote. Because police officers are trained and knowledgeable about driving, they may be considered safer drivers. This may make officers less likely to cause an accident or file a claim when they are not on duty.
Ask companies about discounts for law enforcement when you shop for insurance. Being a police officer can help you save money.
Police officers need car insurance
Police officers know that accidents can happen at any moment. Car insurance is there to protect you financially in the event of an accident.
You don’t have the option to choose which coverages you want for your squad car. However, you do have the ability to select the coverages that you would like for your personal vehicles. Consider these options as a police officer:
- Collision coverage – This coverage covers damages to your vehicle that are caused by collisions. The collision with another vehicle is the most common cause of damage, but it could also be caused by a stationary object such as a pole, tree or building.
- Comprehensive coverage: This option is often called “other-than-collision” coverage and pays for damage caused by a variety of scenarios, including theft, vandalism, storm damage, damage caused by hitting an animal and glass damage.
- Underinsured motorist coverage: These coverages can help if you’re hit by a driver without insurance or who doesn’t have enough insurance to pay for your damages. Some states require minimum coverage.
- Personal injury protection (PIP),, and medical payments coverage: Your policy limits will cover your medical expenses, as well as any passengers, for all injuries. Similar to PIP, it also covers lost wages and can help you pay for household services if you are unable to do so due to injuries. You may be able to choose between PIP or medical payments coverage depending on where you live. You may need to purchase a minimum amount of PIP or medical payment coverage depending on where you live.
- Gap coverage If you own a vehicle that is older than the loan amount, you might want to consider gap insurance. If your vehicle is totaled, this option will pay the difference between your loan amount and the actual cash value.
There are many options for car insurance, and each company offers different endorsements. Talking to an agent can help you clarify your concerns regarding specific types of coverage.
Insurance discounts for law enforcement
Some companies offer discounts to law enforcement officers. These companies include:
- Geico – Geico offers a discount for federal employees that may be available to you as a police officer.
- Liberty Mutual – If you are a member or the Fraternal Order Of Police (FOP), then you might be eligible for special savings at Liberty Mutual.
- Country Financial – Police officers can receive a discount on their occupation at Country Financial.
- Farmers – Farmers offers an occupation discount in some states. Talk to a local agent if this discount is available in your region.
Comparing quotes from different providers is a great way to compare coverages and prices. You may find the coverage that you are looking for at a lower price. While discounts may be listed online by some companies, not all savings options may be available. It might be a good idea to speak to representatives from each company to discover companies that offer discounts for law enforcement on insurance.
Questions frequently asked
Which insurance company is best for police officers?
Just like everyone else, police officers have different needs and wants when it comes to auto insurance. The best company will therefore be different for each person. It might be helpful to create a list of all the policy features, discounts, and coverages you want, and then to shop around for the best company to meet your needs. It might be worthwhile to check out financial strength scores provided by companies such as AM Best or customer satisfaction scores from J.D. Power.
Will my employer’s insurance protect me if I respond to a situation that occurs while I am off-duty?
Employers are likely to handle this situation differently. Discuss this with your employer and find out how your company’s insurance policy would react. Check with your personal insurer. Your company might deny coverage if you respond in your personal vehicle to a situation.
What is the cost of car insurance for police officers
The average cost for car insurance to police officers is different than the rest of society. Car insurance rates are determined by a variety of factors including your age, state, ZIP code, gender, driving record, type of car, coverages you select, and any discounts you are eligible for. It is the best way of finding out how much your car insurance will be.
