Auto Insurance
BestMilitaryCar InsuranceBest Car Insurance for Military Families and Veterans
Compare Rates and Save on Car Insurance
By , Content Director
Fact Checked
By , Director, Corporate Communications, Insurance Information Institute
Updated: Oct 31, 2023
The best overall car insurance for military members is from USAA. Other than USAA, GEICO has the best military discounts — up to 15% of the total premium for eligible military members. State Farm is the best runner-up, scoring the second-highest after USAA nationwide.
BestMilitaryCar InsuranceBest Car Insurance for Military in 2023
Key Takeaways
USAA offers the best car insurance for military members, veterans and their families in 44 states.
Some insurance companies offer specialized discounts or coverages for military members, including deployment and car storage discounts.
If you’re planning to store your car while deployed, review your coverage to ensure you're paying for appropriate protection while you’re not using your vehicle.
Best Car Insurance for Military Members and Veterans
USAA consistently offers the best car insurance for the military community, whether for full coverage or state-minimum policies.
- USAA: MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100 ($679 per year, $57 per month)
USAA is often considered the gold standard for auto insurance — and for those in the military, it’s frequently the best for customer service and affordability.
Best for Military: USAA
pros
Caters to the unique needs of individuals and family members with active or past military employment
Consistently offers cheap premiums and scores highly in customer service
Has various discounts and policies that can help policyholders lower their insurance costs
cons
May not offer some add-on or unique coverage options that other providers offer
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
USAA is the best car insurance option for military members, veterans and their families. The company is uniquely attuned to this group's specific challenges, such as deployment-related storage and military base parking. It offers tailored policies that simplify the insurance process and a generous 60% discount for those facing deployment.
In addition to basic coverage, USAA provides value-added services like accident forgiveness and roadside assistance. These features ensure that you're getting standard coverage and a dependable and comprehensive insurance package that suits diverse needs.
Savings opportunities with USAA are abundant. Members have various ways to reduce costs, from bundling services and insuring multiple vehicles to unique offerings like legacy and mileage discounts. Plus, USAA Perks offers additional discounts on car maintenance, travel and online shopping, making it a well-rounded choice for insurance.
MoneyGeek found the best car insurance for military families by comparing rates and coverage options from various insurers. Providers were also scored based on affordability, specialized coverage and customer service. Note that the rates mentioned have no discounts added, meaning you may get lower rates if you qualify for discounts.
Runner-Up Car Insurance for Military and Veterans: State Farm
State Farm earns an honorable mention as a runner-up for the best auto insurance provider for military drivers in the U.S.
- State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 88 out of 100 ($883 per year, $74 per month)
Although USAA and GEICO are our top picks for military families, State Farm also offers affordable rates and a variety of discounts to reduce costs.
Runner-Up for Military: State Farm
pros
Allows you to suspend your car insurance policy
Offers a wide variety of both common and unique discounts
Serves all states
cons
No specific discounts for military members, veterans or their families
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
State Farm is a top pick for military drivers. It offers various discounts to help policyholders lower costs, although none specifically tailored to military members.
Most of its customer service can be done online or over the phone, a big plus for members managing insurance from afar. State Farm also lets you suspend your policy if you're deployed and need to store your car for more than 30 days.
With affordable rates, excellent service and military-friendly features, State Farm stands out for those in the military community.
Best Car Insurance With Military Discount: GEICO
At GEICO, eligible military drivers can get a discount of up to 15% on their total premium.
- GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 88 out of 100 ($936 per year, $78 per month)
Few car insurance providers beyond USAA and GEICO consistently offer special discounts to military members and veterans. Companies like State Farm and Progressive generally offer a 25% discount to military drivers in Louisiana, largely due to regional legal requirements.
GEICO
GEICO has a long-standing commitment to serving military members, veterans and their families. Since its inception, the company has offered tailored discounts and services to meet the unique needs of military drivers. Whether you're on active duty, a veteran or a member of the National Guard or Reserves, you're eligible for GEICO's military discount. Additionally, GEICO offers an emergency deployment discount and special rates for members of military-affiliated organizations like the Association of the United States Army (AUSA).
The company's transparency about its military discounts makes it a top choice for service members. While other insurance providers may also offer military discounts, these vary by state and availability. With GEICO, you can count on consistent, reliable savings and services designed specifically for the military community.
Best Car Insurance for Military Drivers by State
USAA stands out as the leading choice for military drivers, earning the highest MoneyGeek score in an impressive 44 states. Erie, Auto-Owners and American National each earned the best MoneyGeek score in three states.
MoneyGeek has already done the heavy lifting, analyzing the top insurance options in your region. Simply browse the table below to pinpoint the best insurer in your state.
The average cost of car insurance differs greatly between states. For example, in Iowa, the average annual premium for a full coverage policy is $794. In contrast, Florida drivers pay an average of $1,627 for similar coverage.
Choosing the best insurance provider involves considering factors like your location, driving profile and history. While each company has unique discounts, they're not available in every state. Notably, USAA and GEICO offer military discounts across the U.S. Meanwhile, even without specific military discounts, State Farm could provide more economical rates in your region
When picking a provider, look for the most competitive rates first. Then, explore any extra discounts they might offer to further save on costs.
SPECIAL DISCOUNT IN LOUISIANA
In Louisiana, there's a unique advantage for members of the Louisiana Air National Guard and the Louisiana Army National Guard. State law mandates that car insurance companies offer a 25% premium discount to these service members.
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Companies Offering Military Discounts
Active-duty personnel stationed over 100 miles from their vehicle's location may qualify for a specific distance-based discount, while some providers give reductions of up to 15% on total premiums. Additionally, taking approved military driving courses or garaging vehicles on base can also lead to discounted rates.
Company | Discounts |
|---|---|
AFI | If you are eligible for a membership with the Armed Forces Insurance, you may be able to benefit from its specialized car insurance coverage and get competitive premiums. |
ALFA | Active military personnel in Alabama, Mississippi or Georgia can benefit from Alfa’s discounts on car insurance for military members. |
Active-duty military members deployed more than 100 miles from their car's garaging address may qualify for Arbella’s 10% discount on car insurance. | |
Direct Auto | Eligible military members can get a discount of up to 25% on key coverages, such as liability, comprehensive, collision and uninsured motorist coverage. Only available in Alabama, Florida and Louisiana. |
Get a military discount at Direct General if you are an active service member and can provide acceptable documentation verifying your status. | |
Esurance does not offer a discount on car insurance for military members, but it does allow active-duty members to cancel their insurance without penalty while they are away. This can help active members save significantly on premiums. | |
Farm Bureau (Kentucky) | Military members who take a military driving course approved by the U.S. Armed Forces may qualify for a discount, so long as a certificate showing completion is submitted. |
Farmers offers discounts to active duty, active reserves, retired and honorably discharged military veterans. | |
Current or former members of the U.S. Armed Forces can get a discount on their car insurance with Freeway. | |
Military drivers can get a discount of up to 15% on their total premium with GEICO. Those on emergency deployment or who are part of military associations can get discounts as well. | |
Eligible active-duty military and National Guard members may be able to save with Kemper’s military auto insurance discount. | |
Active, retired or reserved members of the U.S. Armed Forces can qualify for a military discount at Liberty Mutual. | |
Military personnel based in Louisiana, along with their spouses and children, are eligible for car insurance premium discounts. | |
If you’re based in Louisiana, you may qualify for a military discount of up to 25%. | |
If you garage your vehicle on base, you may qualify for a discount. | |
Wawanesa | At Wawanesa, military members can qualify for discounts whether they are active, retired or reserve. |
Esurance may not have military discounts, but it does offer a program that can help active-duty members save significantly on car insurance. Active-duty members can cancel their car insurance with Esurance without penalty while they're away, and reinstate it once they return. This is not commonly offered by other providers.
Difference Between Military and Civilian Car Insurance
Car insurance is fundamentally the same for military members, veterans and civilians. State minimum car insurance requirements remain consistent for everyone, regardless of their military status. However, specific providers recognize the unique circumstances of active-duty service members and offer specialized discounts or coverages.
For instance, GEICO provides emergency deployment discounts for those deployed in imminent danger zones, ensuring they don't pay high premiums while their car isn't in use. USAA offers up to a 60% discount for those who store their undriven vehicles during deployment. Furthermore, vehicles garaged on military bases might be eligible for up to 15% savings on comprehensive coverage.
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What to Consider When Storing a Car During Deployment
If you're planning on storing your car away while deployed, you should take advantage of all available discounts offered by your insurer. But you should also hold as little coverage as you need to keep your car safe while lowering your monthly bill. For instance, you can opt for liability-only car insurance by removing comprehensive and collision coverage. You can even get rid of liability insurance if you're willing to register your car again after returning from deployment.
Determining the right car insurance coverage and needs before you're deployed will ensure you get the best coverage at a good rate.
Insurance Option | Description |
|---|---|
Your state legally requires liability insurance. It might make sense to forego this protection if you want maximum savings. To suspend it, you’ll have to store your car so nobody else can drive it. If you suspend liability insurance, you must register your car again when you return from deployment. If you don’t suspend liability insurance, you can still lower your coverage to only meet the state-required minimums to save on premiums. | |
This insurance protects you against the cost of damage to your car from incidents on and off the road. It makes sense to maintain comprehensive coverage since it will financially protect you against the cost of unlikely damages to your car while it's in storage. If you aren't using your car, it could make sense to drop collision insurance. However, if you financed your car purchase or are leasing your car, your lender may not let you drop this coverage. |
How Military Members and Veterans Can Save on Car Insurance
To save on car insurance, compare quotes from different companies, ask about special discounts — especially if you're a military member or veteran — and consider bundling your insurance policies. Regularly review your coverage, especially after major life events, to ensure you're getting the best deal.
Shop for Quotes
To get the best available car insurance rates, you should compare quotes from at least three different auto insurance companies. Get the same coverage limits and deductibles so you can compare apples to apples with what you have now.
Ask About Discounts
Ask about any discounts for which you may be eligible to get the cheapest rates with the best car insurance company. As a military member or veteran, you may qualify for special discounts.
Insure More With One Company
One particular discount you may be eligible for is the multi-policy discount. If you insure your home and car with the same provider, you can save up to 25%. Some insurance companies refer to this as a "bundling" discount.
Along with homeowners insurance, other policies you can consider for discounts include:
- Life Insurance
- Motorcycle Insurance
- RV Insurance
- Boat Insurance
Review Your Coverages
Life events should trigger a coverage review for your auto insurance. You may have gotten married, had a baby or moved to another state. Maybe you paid off your car or bought a new one and need affordable full coverage protection. These changes can impact your car insurance needs, so it’s best to review your coverages and discounts to know you’re getting the cheapest rates.
Use a Checklist
As you’re collecting quotes to find the best car insurance for your needs, use a checklist that lists all your insurance requirements and be sure to use the same criteria for each company’s quotes. Using a checklist can also help ensure that you get all the discounts for which you’re eligible.
Pay in Full
While some insurers offer a no down payment car insurance to avail the lowest upfront payment, you can ultimately save by paying for your policy upfront and in full.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you're an active-duty, veteran or reserve member of the military, you may qualify for exclusive discounts. Find out more about military discounts by reading our answers to the most frequently asked questions.
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sources
- GEICO. "Military Discounts." Accessed August 13, 2020.
- Louisiana State Legislature. "HLS 23RS-470." Accessed September 21, 2023.