Best Auto Insurance Options For Active Military Personnel

Military car insurance is any auto policy purchased by an active military member or veteran. It offers the same basic coverages as traditional policies, like liability, comprehensive and collision. However, it also includes special privileges, programs and discounts suited to military members and their eligible family members. Many auto insurance companies offer discounts for active-duty military personnel, veterans and members of the National Guard. For example, Geico offers a 15% discount to members of the military and veterans, while USAA is exclusively for military members, veterans and their immediate family members, and has the cheapest rates.

Discounts for deployment and storing your car on a base

If you're in the military and are being deployed, you may want to consider storing your car, especially if you're going to be away for a long time. Self-storage facilities can be a great option for this, as they provide a safe place to keep your vehicle while you're gone. Many storage facilities offer discounts for military members, so be sure to ask about any available discounts when you call.

When choosing a storage facility for your car, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the location. It may be more convenient to store your car near your base, but if you know you'll be moving after your deployment, you might want to choose a facility near your new location. This way, you won't have to worry about transporting your car while you're settling into your new home.

Climate control is another important factor to consider, especially if you're deploying for an extended period. Fluctuating temperatures and humidity can damage your vehicle over time, so choosing a climate-controlled unit can help keep your car in good condition.

Security is also a key concern when storing your car. Look for a facility with robust security measures such as gated access, video surveillance, and alarmed units. This will give you peace of mind and help protect your vehicle from theft or vandalism.

In terms of insurance, it's important to maintain your car insurance policy even while you're deployed. Cancelling your policy could result in a "lapse of coverage," which can make it difficult and expensive to secure insurance again when you return. Instead, consider reducing your coverage to the bare minimum or switching to comprehensive-only insurance, also known as car-storage insurance.

Some insurance companies offer deployment discounts for military members who store their vehicles while they're away. For example, USAA offers a discount of up to 15% for garaging cars on military installations during deployment. Geico also provides an emergency deployment discount for those deployed to imminent danger areas.

To take advantage of these discounts, be sure to notify your insurance company of your deployment plans. They may require proof of deployment or other documentation, so be prepared to provide the necessary information. By taking advantage of these discounts and carefully considering your storage options, you can keep your car safe and secure while you're serving your country.

Best insurance for active-duty military

If you're in the military, you can get some of the best car insurance rates around. Here are some of the top options for active-duty military personnel:

USAA

USAA is a highly recommended option for active-duty military, veterans, and their families. It offers the cheapest rates on average and is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. USAA also provides unique discounts for service members and veterans, such as a discount for those who store their cars on base. It consistently receives high scores for customer satisfaction and is known for its world-class app and claims-filing tools.

Geico

Geico is a close runner-up for the best auto insurance for active-duty military and veterans. It offers a 15% discount for military personnel and government workers and extra savings for drivers who are deployed. Geico is also available in all 50 states and has a robust website and mobile app. However, it does not offer gap insurance and has a limited network of local agents.

Arbella

Arbella is a smaller insurance company that offers a 10% discount for customers deployed on active duty at least 100 miles away from their car. It is only available in Massachusetts but has fewer complaints than expected and ranks well for customer satisfaction.

Armed Forces Insurance

Armed Forces Insurance provides auto insurance for veterans, active-duty personnel, their families, and active or retired Department of Defense employees. While there are no specific discounts listed online, they can provide quotes from multiple insurers within their network.

Farmers

Farmers Insurance offers a 10% discount for former and current military personnel. They sell car insurance in every state except Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. They also offer various other discounts, such as for going paperless, paying on time, and installing anti-theft features.

Auto-Owners

Auto-Owners Insurance is a good option for those prioritizing excellent customer service. They offer high customer satisfaction ratings and have far fewer complaints than their competitors. They provide various add-ons, including gap insurance and additional expense coverage, but are only available in 26 states.

Nationwide

Nationwide is a good choice for infrequent drivers, offering a pay-per-mile program that can save low-mileage drivers up to 20%. They are available in 46 states and Washington, D.C., and offer low rates for various groups, including seniors and parents of teen drivers. However, they have lower-than-average customer satisfaction scores.

Best insurance for affordability

When it comes to affordability, Geico is a great option for active military personnel. Geico offers a 15% discount for military personnel and government workers, as well as extra savings for drivers who are deployed. It also has a robust website and mobile app, and is available in every state.

Geico is a popular and often affordable choice for car insurance, with a wide range of discounts and nationwide availability. It is also only \$12 more expensive each month than USAA, which is the cheapest option overall.

Another option for active military personnel is Farmers, which offers a 10% discount for former and current military members. Farmers also has a range of other discounts, including for going paperless, paying on time, being a homeowner, and installing anti-theft features.

It is worth noting that while USAA is the cheapest option overall, it is only available to military personnel, veterans, and their families.

Best insurance for rate shopping

Shopping around for the best rates is a good idea for anyone looking for car insurance, but it's especially important for military personnel and their families, who may be eligible for some of the best car insurance rates around.

USAA is the only major insurance company that caters exclusively to former and current service members and their families, but other providers offer special discounts and services for members of the military.

Armed Forces Insurance is a good option for rate shopping. It's a reciprocal insurance exchange owned by its members and founded in 1887. It offers a variety of insurance products to veterans, active-duty service members and their families, as well as employees of the Department of Defense, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the U.S. Public Health Service. Armed Forces Insurance received an A+ from the Better Business Bureau but, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, has a higher-than-average volume of complaints.

Another option for rate shopping is GEICO, which offers a 15% discount to members of the military and veterans, government employees, and members of military-related affinity groups. GEICO also offers special coverage for those who are deployed.

Best insurance for discounts

When it comes to the best auto insurance for active military personnel, there are several options that offer discounts and other benefits. Here are some of the top choices:

USAA

USAA is consistently ranked as one of the best options for auto insurance for active military members and veterans. USAA offers exclusive coverage to military personnel, veterans, and their families, and it has the lowest rates among major insurance companies. They provide a wide range of discounts, including a 15% discount for military members who store their cars on military bases and up to a 60% discount for those who store their vehicles during deployment. USAA also receives high ratings for its customer service and is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Geico

Geico is a popular choice for auto insurance and offers a 15% discount for military personnel, veterans, and government workers. They also provide additional savings for drivers who are deployed, with a 25% emergency deployment discount for those assigned to "imminent danger pay areas." Geico has a robust website and mobile app, and their policies are available nationwide.

Farmers

Farmers Insurance offers a 10% discount for former and current military personnel. They provide auto insurance in 42 states and have a wide range of other discounts, including discounts for paperless billing, timely payments, being a homeowner, and installing anti-theft features. Bundling home and auto insurance with Farmers can result in savings of up to 20%.

Armed Forces Insurance (AFI)

AFI is an agency that provides auto insurance quotes from multiple insurers within its network. They cater to veterans, active-duty personnel, their families, and employees of the Department of Defense and other specific government agencies. While they don't advertise specific discounts, they offer a range of coverage options and additional benefits like identity theft resolution services and resources for permanent change of station (PCS).

Auto-Owners

Auto-Owners Insurance offers high customer satisfaction and has low complaint rates. They provide a variety of add-ons, such as gap insurance and additional expense coverage, and specialty coverage for classic cars and modified vehicles. Auto-Owners is available in 26 states and boasts high ratings from J.D. Power for customer satisfaction.

These companies offer competitive rates and unique discounts tailored to the needs of active military members and their families. It's always a good idea to compare quotes and explore the specific benefits and discounts offered by each provider to find the best match for your situation.

Frequently asked questions