Auto Insurance: Understanding First Responder Coverage

First responders put their lives on the line to save others, and some auto insurance companies recognize this by offering discounted rates. First responders include firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMTs, and paramedics. These professionals may be eligible for car insurance discounts of up to 25% from companies like Liberty Mutual, Nationwide, and Travelers. The availability of discounts and the amount of savings vary by company and state. For example, GEICO offers discounts of up to 25% for firefighters, while Country Financial offers a 5% to 10% discount for full-time first responders. First responders can also save on auto insurance by bundling discounts, increasing deductibles, and shopping around for the best rates.

Discounts for firefighters

Firefighters put their lives on the line every day, and some companies offer discounts as a token of appreciation for their service. These discounts can help firefighters save on their auto insurance, which is already lower than the national average. Compared to the national average of $1,548, firefighters saved 3% on their premiums — they paid $1,510 per year or $125 a month.

Companies Offering Discounts for Firefighters

• Liberty Mutual Insurance: IAFF members can save 10% on several types of insurance policies, including auto, motorcycle, home, condo, and renter's insurance.
• Farmers Insurance: Offers an occupational discount in some states to firefighters.
• Union Plus: Offers special savings on auto insurance to first responders through SnapQuote offered by MetLife. IAFF, IUPA, and other first responder union members qualify.
• California Casualty: Provides car insurance benefits to firefighters, including $500 of coverage for non-electronic personal property damaged in a collision or stolen from your vehicle. It also offers a reduced deductible if your vehicle is hit or vandalized while parked on or within 500 feet of the fire station where you are employed.
• Country Financial Insurance: Military and first responders may qualify for an auto insurance discount of up to 5%.
• GEICO: GEICO offers the second-cheapest premium if you do not qualify for USAA coverage.
• AAA: AAA offers multiple discounts for members and superior financial strength ratings.
• The Hartford: The Hartford offers exclusive discounts for retired firefighters and additional discounts for death benefits, medical coverage, and more.
• USAA: Offers the cheapest auto insurance for firefighters and first responders but coverage is only available to military members and their immediate families.
• Mercury: Firefighters and their spouses can save up to 8% on car insurance.
• Nationwide: Offers 3%-10% off auto insurance for firefighters with its occupational discount.
• Travelers: Firefighters can get an auto insurance discount if they’re an employee or member of a participating business, group, association, or credit union.

Other Ways to Save on Auto Insurance

• Paying in Full: Some insurance companies offer a discount if you pay your premium upfront.
• Bundling Policies: Combining multiple policies, such as home insurance or a renters policy, with the same company, can result in a multi-policy discount.
• Telematics or Usage-Based Insurance: Using an in-car device to track driving habits can lead to more accurate pricing and potential savings.
• Right Coverage: Consider the value of your vehicle and adjust your coverage accordingly. Determine the value using resources like Kelley Blue Book and NADA guide, then compare the difference in premium with full coverage versus liability coverage only.

Discounts for police officers

Police officers are often offered discounts on car insurance, with companies like GEICO, State Farm, and Progressive offering savings of up to 25%. These discounts are offered because police officers are considered low-risk drivers, less likely to file a claim or receive a citation.

Companies Offering Discounts for Police Officers

• GEICO: GEICO offers a 15% police car insurance discount and other discounts that may be relevant to law enforcement officers, such as an emergency deployment discount and a federal employee discount.
• State Farm: State Farm offers a 25% discount for police officers.
• Progressive: Progressive offers a 10% discount for law enforcement.
• Allstate: Allstate offers a 25% law enforcement auto insurance discount.
• Liberty Mutual: Liberty Mutual offers a 12% discount to members of the Fraternal Order of Police.
• USAA: USAA offers coverage for military personnel and their families. If a police officer has previously served in the military, they may be eligible for USAA's discount for storing a vehicle on a military base.
• Farmers: Farmers offers a discount for police officers, though it is not available in all states.
• California Casualty: California Casualty offers a unique coverage option called the Fallen Officer/Fallen Hero Survivor Benefit, which waives premiums for the policyholder's surviving spouse or partner for the remainder of the year of their death and the following year. This benefit is not available in all states.
• Country Financial: Country Financial offers a 5-10% discount for full-time police officers.
• AAA: AAA offers a discount for police officers who are also AAA members.

Other Ways to Save on Car Insurance

Even if a company doesn't offer a specific discount for police officers, there are other ways to save on car insurance. These include:

• Bundling policies: Combining home or renters insurance with car insurance can save money on both policies.
• Paying upfront: Paying the premium in full rather than in monthly instalments can reduce processing fees.
• Payment method: Paying by electronic funds transfer (EFT) rather than by credit or debit card may result in savings.
• Telematics: Using an in-car device to track driving can lead to more accurate pricing.
• Safe driving: Avoiding violations like speeding or DUIs keeps insurance premiums lower.
• Coverage level: Opting for liability coverage only (if the vehicle is paid off and has depreciated in value) can reduce costs.

Factors Affecting Auto Insurance Rates for Police Officers

While police officers generally benefit from discounted rates, the exact rate will depend on various factors, including:

• Age
• Gender
• Vehicle type
• Location
• Coverage level
• Driving record

Discounts for EMTs and paramedics

EMTs and paramedics are often eligible for auto insurance discounts. Many insurance companies view EMTs and paramedics as ideal insurance customers, as historical data shows they are less likely to file a claim or cause an accident.

However, it's important to note that insurance is state-regulated, so not every state will allow a discount based on occupation. The amount of the discount can also vary depending on location and insurer. Discounts for EMTs and paramedics typically range from 5% to 25% off the total premium.

• GEICO
• Progressive
• Allstate
• Nationwide
• Liberty Mutual
• Farmers Insurance
• AAA
• State Farm
• American Family

To qualify for an EMT or paramedic auto insurance discount, you must be actively employed in the field and provide proof of employment, such as a pay stub or letter from your employer.

In addition to auto insurance discounts, EMTs and paramedics may also be eligible for discounts in other areas, such as:

• Homeowner's insurance
• Mobile phone plans
• Car rentals
• Flights
• Electronics
• Fitness memberships
• Furniture
• Travel
• Apparel
• Entertainment

First responder car insurance cost by state

First responders include firefighters, volunteer firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and paramedics. Some insurance companies offer auto insurance discounts to first responders to thank them for their valuable work.

First responders pay an average of $151 per month for car insurance. They can save 5%-12% on their insurance, with an average monthly rate of $99 for liability coverage and $202 for full-coverage insurance.

Of the 22 states Insurify analyzed, first responders in North Carolina and Hawaii pay the least, with an average monthly rate of $105, while first responders in Michigan pay the most, with an average monthly rate of $348.

• Maintain a clean driving record: Drivers with a clean record can qualify for safe-driver discounts from many insurers and can save up to 22%.
• Choose a high deductible: Opting for a higher deductible can lower your monthly costs, but you will pay more out of pocket if you're in an accident.
• Bundle your policies: You can often get a discount by bundling your car insurance with homeowners, renters, or life insurance.
• Compare quotes: Comparing quotes from multiple insurers is the best way to find the cheapest car insurance.

Some companies that offer first responder car insurance discounts include:

• California Casualty Insurance
• Nationwide
• Country Financial
• Liberty Mutual
• Farmers
• GEICO
• Alfa

First responder discounts by company

First responders are eligible for various discounts across different companies. Here is a list of some of the companies that offer discounts to first responders:

Verizon

Verizon offers mobile plan and product discounts to active and retired first responders, including firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMT), emergency medical services (EMS), and law enforcement personnel. The specific discount depends on the number of unlimited plans and the time of signing up. For example, for 1 phone, there is a $10 discount per account, while for 4 or more phones, there is a $20 discount per account. They also offer a 15% discount on the monthly account access fee for most other advertised Verizon standard plans. In addition, first responders are eligible for a 25% discount on select accessories when ordered online and a 10% discount when purchased in-store.

Nike

Nike offers a 10% discount to first responders and medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and EMTs.

Reebok

Reebok provides a 50% discount on orders for nurses, medical workers, hospital workers, and first responders.

Samsung

Samsung offers a 30% discount to nurses, medical professionals, police, firefighters, and paramedics on smartphones, laptops, tablets, and more.

Adidas

Adidas provides a 30% online discount for nurses, first responders, and medical workers.

Asics

Asics offers a 50% discount on full-priced items for medical professionals and first responders.

Hotel Planner

Hotel Planner offers healthcare workers, including first responders, up to 65% off the best available rates for hotels, event spaces, car rentals, and group travel.

HomeChef

HomeChef offers a 50% discount on the first purchase and 10% off subsequent orders for doctors, nurses, hospital employees, and first responders.

Under Armour

Under Armour offers a 20% discount for healthcare workers.

Casper

Casper provides a 20% discount for healthcare professionals, first responders, and hospital employees.

ID.me

ID.me offers various exclusive discounts and cash-back deals for first responders, including up to 20% off for US and Canadian first responders, 10% off for first responders from Joe's New Balance Outlet, and exclusive cash back for first responders from Black Rifle Coffee Company LLC.

GM First Responder Appreciation

Although specific discounts are not mentioned, the GM First Responder Appreciation program offers "the best values on our vehicles" for first responders, including police officers, firefighters, and EMTs.

Frequently asked questions