Military Vehicles: Insured?

Military vehicles are outside the mainstream of normal vehicle insurance. Military vehicles are unique and it can be challenging to find an affordable insurance policy for them. Military vehicle insurance is a type of insurance designed specifically for military personnel, covering all vehicles used by them, including personal cars and specialised military vehicles. This type of insurance is suited to the unique needs, risks, and challenges faced by military personnel in their line of duty, such as deployment to war zones, long-term overseas assignments, and frequent relocations.

There are several companies that specialise in military vehicle insurance, and some even offer discounts and special benefits to military personnel as a way of saying 'thank you' for their service.

Military vehicles are outside the mainstream of normal vehicle insurance

Military vehicles can range from personal cars used for daily commuting to specialised vehicles such as tanks and armoured cars. The insurance requirements for these vehicles differ significantly from those of civilian vehicles. Military vehicle insurance is designed to address the distinct circumstances of military service, including deployment to war zones, long-term overseas assignments, and frequent relocations.

One key difference is that military vehicles are often subject to vehicle licensing regulations that restrict their use. For example, many historic military vehicles are restricted to non-commercial use and, in some cases, purely for pleasure use. This is an important consideration for insurance providers. Obtaining insurance for these vehicles may require membership in recognised military vehicle clubs, such as the Military Vehicle Trust (MVT) or Invicta Military Vehicle Preservation Society (IMPS). These clubs provide assistance with vehicle registration and validation of the year of manufacture, which can impact road tax and exemptions from certain testing requirements.

Additionally, the value of military vehicles, especially older ones, can be difficult to determine. Insurance companies may only provide the scrap value in their "Blue Book," failing to account for restoration work and new parts. Owners of such vehicles may need to specify a higher insured value and pay a correspondingly higher premium. The intended use of the vehicle also plays a significant role in determining the insurance premium, with higher-risk activities resulting in higher premiums.

Furthermore, military vehicles are often associated with unique risks that standard insurance policies may not cover. For instance, damages caused by war, riots, and civil unrest are typically not included in standard car insurance policies. Military vehicle insurance also recognises the contributions and sacrifices of armed forces personnel, with many insurers offering discounts and special benefits as a token of appreciation for their service.

Overall, the insurance requirements for military vehicles are distinct from those of civilian vehicles, necessitating a specialised approach that takes into account the unique challenges and circumstances of military service.

Specialist military vehicle insurance companies exist

Military vehicles are outside the mainstream of normal vehicle insurance. Specialist military vehicle insurance companies exist to provide cover for vehicles ranging from personal cars used for daily commuting to specialised military vehicles such as tanks and armoured personnel carriers.

The Military Vehicle Trust (MVT) and Invicta Military Vehicle Preservation Society (IMPS) are two recognised military vehicle clubs that provide services to help military vehicle enthusiasts register their vehicles and validate the year of manufacture. Some specialist insurers require membership of one of these clubs.

When it comes to insuring military vehicles, it's important to be aware of the unique challenges and risks associated with military life, such as deployment to war zones and long-term overseas assignments. Military vehicle insurance is designed to address these specific needs and challenges.

In the UK, there are several insurance brokers who specialise in military vehicles, such as Lancaster Insurance Services, which offers a range of benefits including show and rally cover, cover for vehicles not registered with the DVLA, and multi-vehicle policies.

When dealing with insurance providers, it's advisable to keep non-essential information to yourself and only provide the essential details, such as the value of the vehicle and how it will be used. It's also important to be truthful, as providing misleading information could result in the insurance company refusing to pay in the event of a crash.

Some companies that specialise in antique or classic military vehicles include Condon & Skelly Collectible Vehicle Insurance, Continental Western Group, Hagerty Collector Car Insurance, and J.C. Taylor Antique Auto Insurance Agency Inc. Obtaining insurance for these vehicles may involve lower rates and simpler processes, as insurance companies expect them to be rarely driven and used only for limited, antique-oriented purposes.

Military vehicle insurance covers personal and specialised vehicles

Military vehicle insurance is designed to meet the unique needs of military personnel, covering all vehicles used, from personal cars to specialised military vehicles. This includes ex-military vehicles such as Land Rovers, Jeeps, tanks, lorries, transporters, armoured cars, and armoured personnel carriers.

Personal vehicles used by military personnel for daily commuting require insurance suited to the specific challenges and risks of military life, such as deployment to war zones, long-term overseas assignments, and frequent relocations. For example, a standard cover insurance policy may not cover a vehicle stored in the UK while its owner is deployed overseas. Military vehicle insurance also often provides coverage for damages caused by war, riots, and civil unrest, which is not typically included in standard car insurance policies.

Specialised military vehicles also require a specialised insurance approach. Historic military vehicles, for example, often have restrictions on their use due to vehicle licensing regulations, and are usually restricted to non-commercial use, and sometimes purely for pleasure use. Some insurance providers require membership of a recognised military vehicle club, such as the Military Vehicle Trust or Invicta Military Vehicle Preservation Society, which can help with registering these vehicles and validating their year of manufacture, which may result in certain tax concessions.

Military vehicle insurance is also a way of recognising the sacrifices and contributions of armed forces members, with many insurance providers offering discounts and special benefits to military personnel.

Military vehicle insurance is more affordable than standard insurance

Several companies specialize in military vehicle insurance, and some even offer discounts for veterans and active-duty personnel. For example, USAA offers a 15% discount for active-duty military who store their vehicle on a military base, and a 60% discount for those who store their car while deployed overseas. GEICO also offers a 15% discount for all active-duty and retired military, as well as National Guard members and reserves.

Military vehicle insurance caters to the unique needs of military members and their families. For example, military car insurance offers worldwide coverage if service members take their vehicle with them when deployed. Military insurance also allows service members to maintain vehicle registration and insurance coverage through their home state, regardless of where they are stationed.

In addition to competitive rates, military vehicle insurance provides specialized coverage, incredible discounts, and outstanding customer service.

The US government does not insure military vehicles

Military vehicles are outside the mainstream of normal vehicle insurance. While there are companies that specialise in military vehicle insurance, the US government does not insure military vehicles. The government does not need insurance because it can easily cover the cost of fixing or replacing a military vehicle.

The US government has the financial means to cover losses without the need for insurance. This is known as "self-insurance," where an entity has sufficient funds to manage losses without relying on external insurance companies. The government's financial resources far exceed those of insurance providers, making it capable of absorbing the costs associated with military vehicle damage or loss.

Military vehicles present unique challenges when it comes to insurance due to their nature and usage. These vehicles are often exposed to risks that civilian vehicles typically do not encounter, such as deployment to war zones, long-term overseas assignments, and frequent relocations. As a result, specialised insurance providers cater to the unique needs, risks, and challenges faced by military personnel.

Military vehicle insurance is designed to address these specific considerations. It provides coverage for vehicles used by military personnel, ranging from personal cars for daily commuting to specialised military vehicles employed in the field. This type of insurance is tailored to recognise the sacrifices and contributions of armed forces members, offering discounts and benefits to show appreciation for their service.

However, the process of obtaining military vehicle insurance can be complex. Owners of such vehicles need to navigate the bureaucratic processes of insurance companies, which may not fully understand the unique nature of military vehicles. It is crucial for owners to provide truthful and relevant information while avoiding unnecessary details that could increase premiums or lead to insurance companies perceiving the vehicles as uninsurable risks.

Frequently asked questions