Compare Car Insurance Rates for Veterans [2023]

Auto insurance is vital for any driver wishing to have protection on the road. For veterans and active duty military members, discounts and specialized military auto insurance options are available. 

Often military members or veterans need specialized insurance. For example, deployment, moving to a different base, or becoming a veteran can all affect your rates. The good news is that many companies tailor policies for these situations, like USAA and Geico.

Always ask about military discounts on car insurance before you buy a policy, and compare quotes to figure out which company has the best price tag on the policy you need. Keep reading to compare the best car insurance for military members.

How does military car insurance work? 

You’ll need proof of your military status to obtain any military or veterans auto insurance. The verification process for military insurance and military discounts typically includes valid identification and military documentation. The documents required may include any of the following:

• Academy-appointed letter or ROTC contract
• Active duty military orders
• DD-214
• Discharge certificate
• Leave and earnings statement
• NGB-22

You’ll also need a driver’s license, state ID card, or passport. These act as your state-issued photo ID options.

Some car insurance companies offer solutions when deployment changes your coverage needs. For example, you can pause your car insurance for your deployment’s duration to prevent a coverage lapse, which could lead to higher insurance rates.

All you must do is inform your insurance company of your deployment, provide the necessary paperwork, and let them know when you return.

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What are the average car insurance rates for military members and veterans? 

Car insurance rates vary depending on the companies you research. We recommend you compare at least three to ensure you’re getting the best price. 

Your rates also depend on the coverage type you choose. For example, a full coverage car insurance policy will be more expensive than parked car insurance, which you may want if you’re getting deployed and no one uses your vehicle.

On average, if you’re a military member, you will pay around $41 a month for minimum coverage, which would be $500 each year. As mentioned above, what you pay will depend heavily on the type of policy you want, as well as your military status.

A full coverage insurance policy will double what you pay in most cases, though the difference in status is only a few dollars. So if you’re looking for full coverage, expect to pay around $145 each month versus $41 for the minimum coverage required by most states.

Average Military Car Insurance Rates and Savings

Military Status	Monthly Full Coverage Rates	Average Military Discount	Average Monthly Savings
Military Officer (Air Force O-1)	$139.47	15%	$20.92
Military E-5 (Air Force)	$145.85	15%	$21.88
Military E-5 (Army)	$145.85	15%	$21.88
Military E-5 (Coast Guard)	$145.85	15%	$21.88
Military E-5 (Marines)	$145.85	15%	$21.88
Military E-5 (Navy)	$145.85	15%	$21.88
Military E-1 (Air Force)	$152.57	15%	$22.89
Military E-2 (Air Force)	$152.57	15%	$22.89
Military E-3 (Air Force)	$152.57	15%	$22.89
Military E-4 (Air Force)	$152.57	15%	$22.89

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It might seem surprising to learn that there isn’t too much of a gap between non-military drivers and active military or veterans. A non-military driver with full coverage pays about $139.50 each month, while minimum coverage costs around $47 per month. 

However, if you’re a military member or veteran looking to lower your rates, you may want to consider discounts and certain companies.

Which companies offer the best car insurance rates for veterans and military members?

Some of the best companies offering affordable car insurance for veterans and military personnel include Geico and American Family. However, if you want to look at companies that only offer coverage for the military, USAA and Armed Forces Insurance are at the top.

The following are the top three companies that sell auto insurance for veterans and military members.

• USAA
• Armed Forces Insurance
• Geico

These three companies offer the best coverage, discounts, and rank highest in customer satisfaction.

USAA Auto Insurance Coverage

USAA has offered car insurance to military members since 1922. USAA car insurance is only available to military members, veterans, and their families, making it the leading company for the best military auto insurance.

Since the company has been around for a while, it has built a reputation. USAA is also available nationwide, with discounts and excellent customer service. However, USAA only offers insurance to military members and their families, which some might see as a disadvantage.

USAA covers more than just the vehicles of current and former military members — the company also sells the following policies.

• Motorcycle insurance
• RV insurance
• Boat insurance
• Lyft/Uber driver insurance
• Homeowners insurance
• Renters insurance
• Life insurance
• Miscellaneous coverage, including pet insurance

Customers can also look into health insurance, making USAA the perfect insurance company if you want to bundle all of your insurance.

What discounts are offered by USAA?

USAA offers discounts geared toward current and previous military members. Double-check to see if you’re eligible for any of the following discounts:

• 15% discount if you’re an active member storing a vehicle on base
• 60% discount for storing a vehicle during an overseas deployment
• 10% discount for any children of USAA members

You can also receive a discount for several reasons unrelated to your military status. For example, USAA also offers good driver, new vehicle, bundling, and loyalty discounts.

USAA offers coverage in all 50 states and Washington D.C., but remember that only current or former military are eligible. However, coverage also extends to family members, including widows, children, and spouses.

How is USAA’s customer service? 

According to J.D. Power, USAA was ranked highest of any car insurance company in the 2021 Auto Insurance Study. USAA also has the highest rating from AM Best, with an A++ for financial strength. 

Customer satisfaction ratings are overall high, which is important for potential customers to review. Customer satisfaction often reflects in the number of drivers interested in buying coverage from said company.

Geico Auto Insurance Coverage

Geico car insurance makes it to the top three because of its attention to detail regarding current and former military members. In addition, you can get a 15% discount on your policy if you’re a military member or veteran. Geico is also available in 50 states, with extensive coverage options and opportunities to save money.

As with any company, there are also downsides when making comparisons. For example, Geico has fewer options than USAA regarding active duty members, and there are no discounts extended to children of military members. USAA offers this discount, but remember that the company is only for military, veterans, and their families, which is why they can extend such a savings net.

Geico provides coverage for just about any situation and isn’t limited to cars. You can purchase a policy for ATVs, RVs, boats, and motorcycles. Geico offers various coverage options, including:

• Bodily injury & property damage liability
• Collision & comprehensive coverage
• Emergency roadside assistance
• Mechanical breakdown coverage
• Personal injury protection
• Rental car reimbursement

While additional coverage is great, buying only what you need is important. For example, you may not want comprehensive coverage on your vehicle if it’s older, which can save you money. However, if you have a newer vehicle, you may opt for a full coverage policy, which costs more but protects you and your vehicle in various circumstances.

What discounts does Geico offer?

There are several ways to reduce your coverage rates if you’re looking for military car insurance. First, there’s a 15% discount for active military members and veterans, extending to the National Guard and the reserves.

You’re also eligible for a discount if you’re getting deployed and need to store your vehicle. If you’re retired or a federal employee, you can get a discount against your monthly rate.

Geico also offers other discounts alongside the ones about military status. Check to see if you’re eligible to receive any of the following discounts: 

• Safe driver discount. The safe driver discount considers your driving habits and driving record. If you keep a clean record, you can save money on your policy.
• Loyalty discount. You can receive a multi-vehicle or multi-policy coverage discount if you bundle your insurance with Geico.
• Safe vehicle discount. Various safety features in your vehicle, such as an anti-theft system, air bags, and daytime running lights, can earn you this discount.
• New vehicle discount. If you own a vehicle under three model years old, you can save up to 15% on your policy.
• Driver’s education discount. Taking a defensive driving course or a driver’s education course can help you save money.

There are over a dozen discounts currently available, so it’s always a good idea to stay current with the information you have on file if you already use Geico.

How is Geico’s customer service? 

Since Geico is available in all 50 states and Washington D.C., there are many ratings to consider, and most are positive. For example, according to J.D. Power, Geico received high marks for customer service satisfaction. Geico also has an A++ rating with A.M. Best regarding financial strength.

Treat customer reviews carefully, and ensure you’re reading several so you can form your own opinion of the company before making any decision.

Armed Forces Insurance Military and Veteran Coverage

Many people know that USAA is a military insurance company, but Armed Forces Insurance also falls under this category. Also known as AFI, this company has provided coverage to military members and their families since 1887. 

AFI has an established history and is available in all 50 states, including Washington, D.C. A major pro with AFI is that this company has advertised competitive rates and various policy options.

However, the downside is that there aren’t any discounts currently listed on the company website. While this doesn’t mean they don’t exist, customers prefer when you can easily find ways to save money.

The best car insurance for military members and veterans depends on each individual, but AFI has the following coverage options to choose from:

• Bodily injury & property damage liability
• Collision & comprehensive coverage
• Emergency roadside assistance
• Mechanical breakdown coverage
• Personal injury protection
• Rental car reimbursement

These choices are on par with what Geico offers. As with USAA, AFI provides car insurance alongside homeowners, renters, and recreational vehicle insurance. You can also get more specific coverage like fire and flood insurance. Bundled policies are a great way to keep everything together and save money.

What discounts does AFI offer? 

Currently, there are no discounts listed on the Armed Forces Insurance website. However, the company says it offers competitive rates and discounts based on your driving record. We suggest inquiring about available discounts before signing up for a policy.

How is AFI’s customer service? 

As mentioned above, you can purchase AFI coverage in all 50 states and Washington D.C., and it’s available to various military statuses. However, like USAA, AFI only offers coverage to active duty, retired, or honorably discharged military and their families.

AFI is a smaller company, meaning there aren’t as many ratings as with USAA. For example, AFI doesn’t appear in any J.D. Power studies, nor do they have a rating with A.M. Best for financial strength.

Why should you compare military car insurance companies?

Saving money is one reason why you should always compare insurance companies. While it may initially seem like USAA is the only company that tailors coverage to military personnel, Geico and AFI are also contenders. 

You’ll also want to compare which branches and family members are covered and the deployment requirements to receive discounts, as these vary by company. For example, some companies allow you to suspend your military car insurance while deployed overseas.

Car insurance companies can also choose what discounts to offer and to whom they apply. So, it’s important to ask which branches are covered and which family members’ coverage extends to.

Other companies also offer military discounts, including Farmers and Liberty Mutual. So if you already have a policy through one of these companies, you could stay with them and update your information if your status changes.

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The Bottom Line on the Best Veterans and Active Duty Military Car Insurance

If you’re a military member or veteran searching for car insurance, always compare companies to find the one offering the best rates. Keep your eyes peeled for available discounts and whether they stack.

You’ll also want to ensure you’re eligible, as eligibility varies based on military status. It also never hurts to look at customer reviews and the projected financial strength of a company to determine how well-established and stable it will be in the future.

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