Special savings for active duty military members
Insurance is expensive, yet active duty members and veterans receive discounted premiums and benefits that most civilians do not. Insurers value the special pressures of military life, such as deployments and frequent moves, and offer special savings. Military families, veterans, and active duty members can qualify for significant savings on premiums.
Geico: best for affordability
Geico is also a longtime favorite among military drivers. It offers up to a 15% discount to active and retired members. If you are deploying into an area of some hostilities, you might save up to 25%. Geico even permits active-duty members to cancel or suspend coverage during deployment, which is highly convenient. With coverage of all 50 states, roadside assistance, and accident forgiveness, Geico is highly affordable to military families.
USAA: Active-duty military’s best bet
USAA generally is the best bet when it comes to military families’ service. While it’s only available to current and retired servicemembers and their families, it is always among the lowest of the group. USAA has some of the lowest rates—up to 60% lower if you leave your car behind when you are deployed and 15% lower if you store it in the base parking lot. USAA also offers special benefits, such as car replacement insurance that will pay up to 120% of your car’s value if it is wrecked. With the highest customer satisfaction ratings, USAA is difficult to surpass.
Armed forces insurance: Best for rate shopping
Armed Forces Insurance (AFI) has been around since 1887, covering military families. Unlike most firms, AFI can provide quotes from more than one carrier, and it is simple to compare and determine who offers the most value. AFI welcomes accepting veterans, active military, Department of Defense personnel, and even spouses. Although customer service is only available on weekdays, being able to shop at the best price is a big plus.
Farmers: Biggest discounts
Farmers Insurance is not always the cheapest, but it compensates with almost two dozen various discounts. Active military and veterans qualify for up to 10% off, and drivers can pile that with discounts on purchasing several policies, payment punctuality, or eliminating paper waste. Farmers is in every state and scores well in claims and customer satisfaction.
Auto-owners: Highest customer satisfaction
If customer service is your top priority, Auto-Owners Insurance is the choice. Although it’s only in 26 states, the company ranks high on customer satisfaction surveys year after year. No military discounts are available; however, other benefits, such as accident forgiveness, gap coverage, and classic car insurance, make it a top choice for those who need reliability and quick service.
Nationwide: Ideal for occasional drivers
For retirees or low-mileage drivers, Nationwide’s SmartMiles program is ideal. Its pay-per-mile coverage can earn you up to 20% savings compared to conventional protection. Nationwide offers 46 states of coverage and offers low premiums for families, seniors, and high-risk drivers. Even if it doesn’t have special military discounts, the pay-per-mile element can be a great choice for customers who want to benefit from flex in their policy.
Other ways of saving
Apart from provider-reduced rates, other ways whereby service members and veterans can save money overall are:
- Deployment savings: Insurers such as USAA and Geico provide massive discounts or exclusions should your vehicle be in storage while deployed.
- Parking on base: Parking on base can earn you up to 15% off comprehensive coverage.
- Bundling policies: Bundling auto with homeowners or renters insurance usually provides extra savings.
- Safe driving rewards: Some insurers lower premiums for clean driving records or telematics app use that tracks good driving habits.
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Who’s eligible?
Most military discounts are limited to active and retired members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Space Force, National Guard, and Reserves. Some other companies extend eligibility to Department of Defense civilians, cadets, and ROTC students.
