Best Car Insurance for Military and Veterans

Serving in the military comes with many sacrifices, including time away from family and risking your life to protect our country. One thing that should provide comfort rather than stress is finding affordable car insurance that properly covers you and your family. This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know about getting the best car insurance rates and coverage as an active duty service member, veteran, or military family. Read on to learn insider tips to save hundreds or even thousands per year! Key Takeaways: Specialized providers like USAA and Armed Forces Insurance cater to military members and vets, offering exclusive discounts and benefits. Even mainstream insurers like Geico and Liberty Mutual offer military discounts, so shop around. Focus on customer service ratings, claims satisfaction, and repair/replacement policies when choosing a provider. Active deployment can earn you extra discounts with certain companies. Comparing quotes regularly ensures you get the lowest possible rate. What Makes Car Insurance Different for The Military? Serving our country comes with many perks, including exclusive access to military-focused car insurance companies and discounts from top providers. Here's a quick overview of what makes car insurance unique for military members: Access to Specialized Providers Companies like USAA and Armed Forces Insurance cater specifically to active and retired military members and their families. Eligibility is easier and rates are extremely competitive compared to mainstream insurers. Military Discounts Even big names like Geico and Liberty Mutual offer military members discounts up to 15% off. These add up to major savings, especially when combined with other discounts. Overseas and Deployment Coverage Policies from military-centric providers account for overseas deployment and storage, plus give discounts for high-risk deployment areas. Support and Special Services Top providers have dedicated agents and claim reps tailored to military needs. Some even offer free financial planning and discounted banking. Best Car Insurance for Military and Veterans With your service comes access to military-exclusive options most Americans can't get. Here are some top rated providers to consider: 1. USAA Overview: Open only to military members, vets, and their families, USAA is consistently rated #1. Average Premium: $1,209 per year ($562 less than the national average). Key Perks: High marks for financial strength, customer satisfaction, and claims handling. Gives deployment options and overseas coverage. Also offers banking, investing, and other services. Consider If: You're eligible and want top-notch service with the lowest rates. WEBSITE 2. Geico Overview: Popular mainstream insurers offer military members up to 15% off plus emergency deployment discounts. Average Premium: $1,297 per year ($474 less than the national average). Key Perks: discount, specialized military customer support line. Consider If: You want a large mainstream company with a military discount. WEBSITE 3. Armed Forces Insurance Overview: Focusing on military members since 1887, open to DoD civilians and families too. Average Premium: Not rated, but military-centric focus allows competitive pricing. Key Perks: Broader eligibility requirements than USAA. Consider If: You want a military-first company and can't get USAA. WEBSITE 4. Arbella Overview: Regional company offering up to 10% off for deployed New England-based military members. Average Premium: Not rated but provides military discount in MA and CT. Consider If: You want discount in New England and are deployed >100 miles from your vehicle. WEBSITE 5. Liberty Mutual Overview: Top 10 insurer nationwide provides discount for all military personnel. Average Premium: $1,813 per year (above national average but offers military plus other discounts). Consider If: You want large insurer with military and bulk discounts. How Much Does Military Car Insurance Cost? Car insurance rates vary widely based on your location, age, driving history, vehicle, and other factors. However, on average, military members pay substantially less than civilians for comparable policies. Here are some average full coverage costs: National Average for Civilians: $1,771 per year USAA Average for Military: $1,209 per year Geico Average for Military: $1,297 per year While costs differ across providers and individuals, military members can expect to save $500 per year or more over average civilian rates. This adds up to thousands in savings over the course of your policy! Ways to Save on Military Car Insurance Beyond access to military rates and discounts, there are other ways to minimize what you pay for coverage. Here are some smart tips: 1. Bundle Services - Most insurers offer a discount for bundling multiple policies, like your car and home or renters insurance. This provides around 10-15% off. 2. Increase Deductibles - Choosing a higher deductible before coverage kicks in brings down monthly premiums substantially. Only do this if you have ample emergency savings. 3. Maintain Good Credit - Insurers favor those with higher credit scores, offering significant discounts. Keep up on payments and bills to keep your score high. 4. Enroll in Defensive Driving - Many providers discount rates for those completing an approved safe driving course every few years. 5. Compare Quotes Regularly - Revisiting your options at renewal periods ensures you always benefit from the lowest rates. Finding the Best Value and Service Price shouldn't be the only consideration when choosing military car insurance. You also want great service, reliable claims handling, and quality when it comes to repairs or replacements. Look at these key factors when comparing providers: Customer Service Reputation - Check ratings and reviews from places like JD Power & Associates. Top insurers excel at member support. Satisfaction Ratings for Claims - If you do have to use your coverage, you want your claim settled promptly, fairly, and hassle-free. Ask friends or check online reviews. Repair Shop Options - For collision coverage, make sure your insurer offers quality local repair shops suited to your vehicle type. Financial Strength - Companies should be in solid financial standing to withstand claims. Look for A ratings from firms like A.M. Best. Answering Common Military Car Insurance Questions We know you likely have plenty of questions about finding the right coverage. Here we'll address some frequently asked ones: What Documents Do You Need to Get a Military Discount? Requirements vary slightly by insurer but expect to show one or more of the following: Armed forces ID DD Form 214 / discharge papers Military orders showing active status ROTC contract or academy appointment letter Proof of relation to military member if a family member Does Deployment Impact My Coverage or Rates? Often yes - in positive ways! Many insurers offer discounts or refunds for deployment overseas to hazardous areas. Some also cover your vehicle while stored during deployment. What If I'm Stationed Overseas - Can I Get US Coverage? Absolutely. Providers like USAA are very familiar with overseas military life. Make sure to inform them of your duty station and deployment status to get the best rates and options. Do I Need Extra Coverage If I Transport Weapons or Ammunition for Duty? Most standard policies do not cover transport of weapons, explosives, or other hazardous materials. Contact your provider about exclusions and any optional riders to cover this exposure. Finding the Best Fit for Your Situation Your individual needs should drive your military car insurance decision. Here are some final tips for selecting the right provider: If you want access to military-exclusive rates and benefits, USAA is hard to beat for both cost and service given its sole focus on the armed forces community. If you want a mix of military discounts plus broader coverage, a mass insurer like Geico gives you solid pricing with the breadth of a huge nationwide company. If you want a regional company with military discounts, explore options like Arbella for New England residents that provide military pricing. If you want maximum discounts applied to an existing policy, ask your current provider about any military, multi-policy, good driver or other savings. Regardless of the company you choose, the key is shopping around, comparing rates regularly, and taking advantage of every military-exclusive discount you've earned! By following the guidance above, you can keep more money in your pocket and gain peace of mind with comprehensive coverage.