Serving in our nation's military is among the most honorable callings. Military life carries its own set of rewards and frustrations. Whether you serve by air, land, or sea, you and your family need affordable car insurance that fits your unique situation.
Car insurance military discounts differ from company to company. Learn how to navigate this often-confusing world, with an eye toward finding the best auto insurance companies and military car insurance discounts for you.
Understanding Military Insurance Needs
Military personnel have specific considerations regarding insurance coverage compared to their civilian counterparts. In particular, if you're an active-duty military member, you must consider how deployment could affect your insurance premiums and coverage. Moving from place to place may mean switching insurance providers to ensure you comply with your new state's minimum coverage requirements.
A Few Top Providers
Luckily, certain insurance providers understand the unique coverage needs of military personnel. In particular, these three companies offer competitive military car insurance discounts, tailored customer service, and coverage plans that recognize the reality of military life.
USAA: Leading the Pack in Military Discounts
USAA is the clear leader when it comes to military discounts on car insurance. Members saved an average of $725 on their annual premiums by switching to USAA. You can earn discounts by completing basic or defensive driving courses. Similarly, the SafePilot program offers up to 30% for safe drivers in eligible states.
Finally, USAA offers up to 15% off if you garage your vehicle on a military base, and if you're deployed, you may be able to get a discount of as much as 60% of your annual premium. Put simply, USAA leads the way in discount military car insurance.
Amica Mutual: High Satisfaction and Valuable Discounts
While Amica Mutual is not tailored to military members specifically, many of their offerings and discounts make it an attractive option. While coverage isn't available in Louisiana or Hawaii, J.D. Power named Amica Mutual the best for customer satisfaction in New England.
The company offers a wide variety of discounts for military members and their families. Safe driving programs, student driver training, and loyalty discounts combine to make Amica a competitive option for military members.
Armed Forces Insurance: Tailored Coverage Solutions
Armed Forces Insurance (AFI) offers attractive car insurance for veterans and active duty personnel, with a tailor-made approach to insurance for military people. When you sign up with AFI, you'll be partnered with a qualified insurance agent in your area, who will help design a policy specific to your family's needs.
Factors Affecting Military Car Insurance Rates
Car insurance can be affected by your age, driving history, and the make and model of your vehicle. As a member of the military, additional factors may impact your premiums.
Deployment and PCS Moves
If you are active duty, deployment, and permanent change of station (PCS) moves will likely affect your car insurance rates. Will you store your car on base while you're deployed? Will a prospective provider offer coverage in your new stomping grounds?
Benefits of Telematics Programs
A good option for many military members, telematic systems allow your insurance company to track your driving habits, opening the door to significant discounts if you don't drive much. Still, you'll have to weigh the possibility of discounts against the forfeiting of some privacy.
Leveraging the Service Members Civil Relief Act (SCRA)
The SCRA was designed to reduce the financial stress on soldiers who are serving on active duty. This law allows you to cancel without penalty certain consumer contracts, such as your cell phone bill or gym membership. Critically, this law also prevents your policy from being canceled for non-payment if deployed, and allows you to drop collision coverage as well.
Tips for Lowering Car Insurance Costs
Discover the most essential components to lower your car insurance costs. Continuity and comparison are key.
Importance of Maintaining Continuous Coverage
Maintaining continuous coverage helps lower your insurance payments over time. Many companies offer loyalty discounts for renewing customers, and some even have additional discounts for multi-generational families. Plus, if you drive safely, you may trigger your insurance provider's safe driver discount program, but this usually takes time. Hopping between companies makes earning these rewards difficult.
Regular Policy Reviews for Optimal Protection
When your situation changes, make sure you take a look at your insurance policy as well. When you update your policy following a move or purchase of a new vehicle, peruse the discounts to ensure you're receiving every one you can. Likewise, review your insurance needs and make sure the coverage is still sufficient to cover your liabilities.
Comparing Coverage Options and Discounts
If you take the first car quote you request, you may be leaving money on the table. That's why it's so important to shop around. Compare coverage options and discounts, so you can see who truly has the best deal for you.
Compare Quotes and Choose the Right Provider
Whether you're a first-tour private or a high-ranking officer, you owe it to yourself to find the best auto insurance. Comparing the military discount car insurance companies offer will help you find the best cheap car insurance to protect you and your family.
Luckily, you don't have to do this alone. EverQuote can help. If you're ready to find the best coverage for you, request a quote before lights out.
FAQs About Car Insurance Military Discounts
Of course, as anyone who's served knows, the military has a logic all its own. It's natural to have questions about the finer points of car insurance with military discounts.