Best Auto Insurance for Active Military & Veterans
If you or a loved one have served in a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, you and your family qualify for some of the best car insurance deals in the nation. Insurance companies want to express their appreciation for the men and women who have served our country—and they do so by offering affordable rates and discounts to military members of all status. Still, every insurance company has its own guidelines and provides different rates, discounts, and service—which means that even some of the best car insurance companies may not be the best fit for all military drivers.
Want to make sure you’re getting the most affordable rates and coverage that meets your needs? Stay with us as we cover the best car insurance companies for military members, veterans and their families.
Average Cost of Auto Insurance Rates for Military Drivers
If you’re a veteran or military driver shopping for car insurance, the amount you’ll pay each month does not depend much on your specific military status. Active-duty, retired, and reserve members all tend to pay about the same for car insurance. Plus, those rates are similar for active and retired military, regardless of a policy’s coverage amount. On average, a monthly car insurance premium for a military member costs less than $515 a year for minimum coverage and $1,720 for full coverage.
Best Auto Insurance Companies for Active Military and Veterans
The military life can be unpredictable—which is why service members also have special needs when it comes to their auto insurance. That makes it crucial to choose the right provider for your family, especially if you’re dealing with challenges such as deployment.
The best car insurance companies for military members, veterans and their families provide coverages that fit those needs along with cheap rates and great customer service. And we’re here to help you find the right one. Here are the auto insurers that provide the best discounts, lifestyle support, and policy coverage for military members and their families.
- USAA: Best for All Military Members—Especially Those Who Are Deployed
USAA is an insurance company that caters exclusively to retired and active-duty military and their families, making it a top choice for anyone who has served. They understand that being in the Armed Forces means you’ll often need to leave your car behind—and that you shouldn’t have to pay an arm and a leg for a vehicle you’ll be driving infrequently.
In most states, USAA offers a 15% discount on optional comprehensive coverage if you keep your vehicle garaged on a military base. This discount is lower in California, where drivers receive a 5% discount off comprehensive and collision insurance for a car stored on base.
If you plan on storing your car while deployed, USAA is the clear winner. Their discount will save you up to 60% off your car insurance for storing your vehicle in a safe location while you’re away. This discount is available in most states but is not eligible for residents living in Virginia, North Carolina, or Hawaii.
USAA also offers discounts to eligible members for the following:
- Safe driving
- Getting good grades
- Insuring multiple vehicles
- Staying with the company for an extended period of time
- Bundling insurance policies
- Completing an approved defensive driving course
As an added bonus, USAA-covered drivers who have not had an at-fault accident in five years will automatically get free accident forgiveness coverage on their policy.
Just like with any other insurer, USAA’s specific rates vary by state, as well as a number of personal factors. However, they are known for offering affordable car insurance policies. In fact, their premiums cost 30% less than the average monthly rate from other well-known insurers. According to its website, members save an average of $725 per year when switching to USAA.
In addition to being an affordable option, USAA Auto Insurance also excels when it comes to keeping their customers happy. A recent study shows USAA as the highest ranked for overall customer satisfaction throughout the country, thanks to smooth claims processing, helpful agents, and flexibility of policies offered by the company.
Since USAA’s services and discounts are specifically designed for people associated with the Armed forces, it’s no surprise that this is one of the best providers for veterans, military members and their families.
- Geico: Best for Veterans and Active-Duty Military Who Are Not Deployed
Unlike USAA, Geico offers insurance coverage to everyone, rather than only those who are affiliated with the military. However, Geico provides discounts for those who have served or are currently serving in the Armed Forces, offering up to 15% off normal rates, regardless of their active status.
In addition to the military discount, Geico also offers other ways for you to save on your monthly insurance premium. You can qualify for a price break for the following:
- Having certain vehicle safety features
- Taking a defensive driving course
- Being a good driver
- Bundling policies
- Insuring more than one vehicle
- Receiving good grades
Thanks to all these discounts, Geico customers are rewarded with some of the cheapest rates for military members. However, when compared with USAA, Geico falls short in the area of deployment. Although both providers offer a price break when you’re overseas and your car is in storage, Geico’s 25% discount is significantly smaller than USAA’s. Plus, the 25% decrease is only available if you are deployed to an “imminent danger pay” area, whereas USAA’s 65% discount applies for any deployment location.
If Geico is your preferred provider and you’re facing deployment, your best option is to pause your coverage, instead of canceling your policy altogether. Canceling your insurance causes a lapse in coverage, which can result in higher rates and even suspension of your driver’s license if left too long.
The good news is that Geico is consistently ranked among the best-rated insurance companies in America, and even came in third for customer satisfaction in a recent survey. They’re also well known for their affordable rates. Therefore, they may be the best option if 1) you’re not deployed or 2) you’re retired from the military.
Find Your Dependable Coverage and Affordable Rates Here
If you’re looking for the best auto insurance rates possible, we’re here to help. Thanks to our fast and affordable online insurance quotes, you can choose a plan and have the whole family safely insured in just minutes. Get your quote today to get the protection and the savings your family deserves.
