Key Factors To Consider When Vetting Auto Insurance

Auto insurance is a necessity for all drivers, but it can be a complicated process for veterans and military personnel. There are unique situations to consider, such as insuring stored vehicles or ensuring coverage during deployments. Fortunately, there are several companies that cater specifically to the insurance needs of veterans and active-duty military members, offering benefits and discounts tailored to their lifestyles. When choosing an auto insurance plan, it is important to consider not only the cost but also the coverage options, customer satisfaction, and the availability of military-specific discounts. By comparing quotes from different insurers and exploring the various discounts offered, veterans and military personnel can find the best auto insurance plan that suits their individual needs.

Discounts for veterans and military members

Auto insurance can be complicated, especially for veterans and military personnel, who often have unique situations and requirements. The good news is that many auto insurance companies offer special discounts for both veterans and active-duty service members. These discounts can save you hundreds of dollars each year.

Geico

Geico offers a discount of up to 15% for active-duty, retired, and reserve military personnel, as well as members of the National Guard and Reserves. They also have a dedicated customer service line for service members, staffed by veterans. In addition, Geico provides a discount of up to 25% for those deployed to imminent danger zones. They also offer discounts for members of military-focused associations, such as the Armed Forces Benefits Association (AFBA) and the Association of the United States Army (AUSA).

USAA

USAA is exclusively available to active-duty military, veterans, and their families. They offer some of the cheapest rates in the industry and provide discounts of up to 15% on optional comprehensive coverage for vehicles garaged on a military base. They also offer a discount of up to 60% for those who store their vehicles during deployment. USAA consistently earns high scores for customer satisfaction and has a strong financial strength rating.

Liberty Mutual

Liberty Mutual provides a discount for active-duty, veteran, or reserve military members. They also have a telematics program called RightTrack, which can save you up to 10% just for signing up. After 90 days of monitoring your driving habits, safe drivers can earn a discount of up to 30%.

Farmers

Farmers Insurance offers a 10% discount for former and current military members. They also provide a wide range of additional discounts, such as for going paperless, paying on time, being a homeowner, and installing anti-theft features. Bundling home and auto insurance with Farmers can save you up to 20%.

Armed Forces Insurance (AFI)

Armed Forces Insurance caters exclusively to the military community, offering competitive rates and comprehensive-only insurance. They also allow active-duty members to avoid penalties for lapses in coverage. AFI has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau but has received a higher-than-average volume of complaints.

In addition to these companies, it's worth noting that some states, such as Louisiana, have laws requiring insurers to offer larger discounts to military service members. It's always a good idea to compare quotes from multiple companies and ask about any available discounts to ensure you're getting the best rate.

Deployment discounts

Some companies offer a discount if you temporarily put your vehicle into storage while deployed. USAA, for example, offers a discount of up to 60% on insurance if you store your vehicle while deployed. Geico offers a similar discount, but only if your vehicle is in storage for more than 30 days. It's important to note that your vehicle must not be accessible to other drivers for this discount to apply.

In addition to these companies, Farmers, Liberty Mutual, Armed Forces Insurance, Progressive, Allstate, and Arbella also offer discounts for military members.

Low-mileage discounts

The definition of a low-mileage driver varies across insurance providers, but it generally refers to those who drive infrequently or under a certain mileage threshold. If you think you may be eligible for a low-mileage discount, it's worth contacting your insurance provider to find out.

Some insurance companies that offer low-mileage discounts include:

• USAA
• Safeco Insurance
• American Family Insurance
• Farm Bureau
• PEMCO
• Geico
• Nationwide

It's important to note that not all insurance companies offer low-mileage discounts, and the eligibility requirements may vary. For example, some companies may require you to have been a policyholder for a certain number of years or have hit a certain mileage level. Additionally, you may need to provide proof of your mileage, such as a photo of your odometer or service paperwork.

Insurance for stored vehicles

If you're putting a car in storage for a long time, you might be tempted to stop paying for car insurance altogether. However, there are a few reasons why you should keep your car insurance policy active. Firstly, you will want to avoid a lapse in coverage, which can affect your rates in the future. Secondly, your stored car is still at risk of damage or theft.

There is no specific "car storage insurance" policy. The term refers to the practice of minimizing your coverage while your car is stored away. You will need a minimum of comprehensive insurance to be covered against events that might happen to the car while it is in storage. Comprehensive coverage pays for damage caused by things that aren't a car accident, like flooding, theft, vandalism, fire, animal-related damage, and damage from falling objects.

If you are preparing for deployment, it may be important to make some changes to your car insurance policy. You may be able to pause your coverage, or put your vehicle into storage, rather than cancel your policy. Cancelling your auto insurance causes a lapse in coverage, which can have consequences, like higher rates when you eventually search for a new policy.

Some companies offer discounts for stored vehicles. For example, USAA offers a discount of up to 60% for storing your vehicle during deployment. GEICO offers a discount of up to 15% for eligible military personnel and veterans, and its emergency deployment discount may also help military members deployed into danger areas save on their policy if their vehicle is in storage.

Insurance for vehicles kept on a military base

When it comes to auto insurance for vehicles kept on a military base, there are a number of factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to understand the specific insurance needs of military personnel, which can include insuring stored vehicles or ensuring coverage during a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move. Some companies offer discounts for vehicles kept on military bases, so it is worth comparing rates from multiple providers.

One option for insurance is USAA, which offers exclusive coverage for active or retired military members and their families. USAA has some of the cheapest auto insurance rates and provides up to a 15% discount on comprehensive coverage for vehicles garaged on military bases. They also offer a telematics insurance program, USAA SafePilot®, which can save customers up to 30% on premiums.

Another option is Geico, which offers a discount of up to 15% for active-duty and former service members. Geico also provides an emergency deployment discount and additional discounts for members of military-focused associations. They have tools through their Military Deployment Center to assist service members and their families with deployment preparations.

Other insurance companies that offer military discounts include Farmers, Liberty Mutual, Armed Forces Insurance, Progressive, Allstate, and Arbella. It is worth noting that insurance rates can vary based on personal factors such as age, driving history, location, and vehicle type.

When choosing auto insurance, it is important to consider not only the cost but also the coverage options, customer service, and specific benefits tailored to military personnel. Additionally, understanding the insurance terms and planning ahead, especially before deployment, can help ensure that your vehicle is properly insured while kept on a military base.

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