04 Oct Cheap Auto Insurance Companies Offering Military Discounts
In the United States, auto insurance is required, but policies with adequate coverage are expensive. Knowing your options and shopping around is crucial for drivers to save money on their policy. For instance, veterans and current service members have access to a variety of auto insurance choices.
Auto insurance military discounts vary depending on the company and type of coverage. Some organizations, such as USAA, specialize in serving military people and their families. Other companies, on the other hand, will simply provide you with a discount for your services.
In this article, we’ll assist veterans and anyone with military affiliation in finding the best auto insurance. It discusses the best auto insurance companies for military personnel and veterans and car insurance military discounts. We’ll also discuss other ways to potentially save money on automobile insurance, purchasing, ownership, and financing.
Who Offers Auto Insurance With Military Discounts?
According to usa.gov, military members are eligible for a variety of discounts and privileges across the country. Different statistical risk indicators are used to compute car insurance prices.
You may have noticed that, for drivers with reliable driving records, vehicle insurance premiums naturally decline as they get older. The reason? These drivers are thought to be less likely to cause a collision.
Military personnel and veterans are treated the same way due to their service. For this reason and others, military personnel often qualify for discounted insurance rates.
The problem is that not all vehicle insurance providers provide veteran and military discounts. If you’re looking for a car insurance military discount, check out the following options.
How to Choose the Best Auto Insurance Company
Depending on your needs, you can find various products tailored to military members on active duty. However, the nature of your deployment in terms of storage and registration may make your policy more complicated. It is the responsibility of your auto insurance company to assist you in navigating these issues.
Your priorities will determine which auto insurance policy is best for you. If you want to save money, go with the insurer who offers you the lowest quote. If you want peace of mind that your insurer will pay your claims promptly and efficiently, choose the one with the most exemplary customer service reputation in your area.
We believe everyone can have the best of both worlds, though—a low-cost provider with excellent service and the coverage they need. By following these simple steps, you can choose the best auto insurance company for you.
Step 1: Find Out How Customers Rate Their Service
Look at claims and user satisfaction ratings to get a sense of how policyholders feel about a company. You can also check the website of your state’s insurance department to research how many complaints a company has received.
Step 2: Compare Actual Quotes From the Best Auto Insurance Companies
After you’ve reduced down a list of organizations that provide good service, you should contact them for a quote. Our list below of Cheap Auto Insurance Companies could indicate which companies are the most affordable with ample coverage. However, the cheapest auto insurance for you may differ due to your specific driving record and applicable discounts.
Step 3: Make Sure Any Company You Choose Has the Coverage You Need
Almost every insurance company will provide you with basic auto insurance coverage, such as liability, comprehensive, and collision. If you want extra coverage like roadside assistance or accident forgiveness, speak up to ensure it’s included in your quote.
Step 4: Be Sure to Double-Check Financial Stability Ratings
If you’re a risk-averse person, you should look into an insurer’s financial strength rating. If an insurer goes bankrupt, it may not be able to pay your claim. A.M. Best is the industry standard for financial strength ratings. The most secure companies have an A+ or A++ rating from A.M. Best.
Company | Details of the Military Discount |
USAA | When parking a car for at least 30 days (except in HI, NC, and VA), you can save up to 60%, and in other states, you can save up to 15% on comprehensive insurance. When drivers park on base in California, they get a 5% discount on comprehensive and collision coverage. |
Geico | Up to 15% discount across the country. Each state has its own set of rules regarding eligibility. |
Arbella | 10% discount available only in Massachusetts. |
Farmers | Depending on the state, the percentage ranges from 2% to 5%. Not every state is eligible. |
Liberty Mutual | The amount varies depending on the state and regulation. Not every state is eligible. |
What Makes a Good Auto Insurance Company?
On the surface, getting good auto insurance seems easy. You obtain a few quotes and select the auto insurance policy with the most coverage for the lowest price.
But, it’s completely necessary to do a bit of homework and research auto insurance companies before making your decision. Here are a few qualities you should consider before choosing a good auto insurance company.
- Customer Service – Excellent customer service is, without a doubt, an essential characteristic of a good auto insurance company.
- Financial Stability – Good insurance companies have sufficient reserve funds to pay claims, especially when a disaster or many lawsuits are filed simultaneously.
- Customer Satisfaction – A good auto insurance company will also have high customer satisfaction ratings.
- Claims Processing – A reputable auto insurance company will process claims quickly, especially if the damage is minor. The majority of car insurance claims are handled online by larger companies with fully automated claims processes.
- Price – Although low-cost vehicle insurance may be appealing, it is critical to consider all aspects of your auto insurance needs when making purchase decisions. You can expect good car insurance companies to offer discounts as part of the policy pricing structure.
- Personalized Service – Auto insurance is not a “one size fits all” proposition. When looking for a reputable auto insurance provider, consider how their service is tailored to your needs.
Tips When Shopping for Car Insurance With Military Discounts
The auto insurance market has made applying online more accessible in recent years. However, obtaining discount car insurance for veterans can still be a time-consuming process.
This section explains the best ways to purchase car insurance, as well as some helpful hints for ensuring you get the best possible premium for your vehicle. Let’s get started.
Gather the Necessary Information
Gather the following information before beginning your vehicle insurance search:
- Every driver’s basic information, such as their name, address, and date of birth.
- License information for all policyholders.
- Detail about the car such as model, manufacturer, VIN number, safety features, and odometer reading.
- All drivers’ driving records, including any accidents, tickets, or other infractions.
- Name and amount of coverage you have with your current insurer, if applicable.
Evaluate Your Coverage Needs
Make sure you’re getting the same amount of coverage from each company when comparing quotes from different insurers. Although each state has its own set of minimum auto insurance requirements, you may want to consider purchasing additional coverage for your vehicle.
Some of the most commons types of coverage are included in the table below.
Type of Coverage | Its Purpose |
Comprehensive coverage | Covers your vehicle against physical damages beyond your control, such as weather, hitting an animal while driving, theft, and vandalism. |
Bodily injury and property damage liability | Compensation for death, injury, and property damage caused by your negligence. |
Medical payments coverage | In the event of an accident with a driver with insufficient insurance or no insurance at all, medical and property damage expenses will be incurred. |
Personal injury protection (PIP) insurance | While not every state mandates this coverage, it covers medical expenses, lost wages, child care, funeral costs, and other losses resulting from accidents, regardless of fault. |
Collision coverage | Repair costs incurred as a result of traffic-related accidents, regardless of who is to blame. |
Determine the Method of Your Car Insurance Shopping
There are a few options for getting car insurance for your new vehicle. You determine which method of vehicle insurance shopping is ideal for your personal preferences.
There are several ways to obtain auto insurance, such as:
- Direct auto insurance from the provider.
- A captive agent can provide car insurance.
- Car insurance via a broker or an individual agent.
- Getting car insurance from a specialty agency.
Consider Cost-Saving Measures
You might be able to get even further reduced vehicle insurance premiums by taking a few extra steps, including the below.
- Raise your deductible – It’s simple math here: a greater deductible equals less expensive payments. That’s because you’re taking on additional risk in the event of a claim.
- Install an anti-theft device – Having a car security system can reduce the risk of your car being stolen and ease the burden on your auto insurance company.
- Keep your credit score high – Insurance companies view a good credit history as a sign of responsibility, resulting in a lower premium.
- Bundling your insurance policies – Many companies offer drivers the option of bundling their auto insurance with renters’ or homeowners’ insurance.
- Pay your premium at one time – Paying your entire premium upfront can save you money.
- Ask about discounts – Several companies offer different types of car insurance discounts. Some examples include discounts for members of professional firms, deals for safe drivers, good grades discounts, active duty discounts, veteran discounts, and multi-vehicle discounts.
Average Cost of Auto Insurance
The national average cost of full coverage auto insurance in the United States is $1,674 per year or $139.50 per month. The following chart from Bankrate illustrates the different annual and monthly costs for auto insurance by company.
Each insurance business assesses personal aspects in its own way, and its techniques are kept as secret as possible. As a result, we can’t tell you which company places a premium on quality. The rates displayed here are only for comparison purposes and should not be regarded as “average” rates offered by particular insurers. Your vehicle insurance rates will differ from the rates given here because they are based on individual circumstances.
Due to a lack of publicly available information, a few auto insurance companies are excluded from our analysis.
Best Car Insurance Companies Offering Military Discounts
Since it can be difficult to collect all the research about the cheapest auto insurance companies, we did the work for you! Below you’ll find a side-by-side comparison of the best auto insurance companies for veterans and active military offering discounts.
Best Overall Auto Insurance Company for Military Discounts
Although USAA does not always provide discounts to service members, it remains the most popular auto insurance for veterans and military families. The rates of USAA are generally lower than those of other companies, including discounts offered to military personnel.
Best for Customizable Premium
Farmers is the country’s largest insurer, offering more discounts and customization options than many other insurers.
Liberty Mutual and State Farm are alternatives that provide a range of customizable discounts with generous coverage.
Best for Usage-Based Coverage
Pay-per-mile, pay-as-you-go, and pay-as-you-drive insurance are all words that allude to telematics, and they all refer to usage-based insurance. Telematics tracks driving habits like speed, distance traveled, and harsh braking.
The insurance companies keep track of the outcomes with an embedded gadget and offer discounts on auto insurance to low-mileage drivers or safe drivers.
The following are some of the best usage-based auto insurers:
- DriveEasy from Geico
- SmartRide from Nationwide
- Drivewise from Allstate
Best for Drivers With Poor Credit
In most areas in the United States, insurance companies consider a driver’s credit score when determining rates. By moving up one credit category, you can save an average of $32 per month.
Nationwide and GEICO are good options for drivers with poor credit.
Best for Military Families
USAA is a great place to start if you’re looking for the best auto insurance for the military and veterans. On average, among the military car insurers on the market, it offers the lowest prices.
AFI, Arbella and GEICO are few other options available in the market.
Best for Low Rates
While auto insurance costs are determined mainly by personal criteria such as your age, driving record, residence, credit score, and the make and model of the vehicle you drive, some firms are more reasonable than others.
GEICO is one of the most well-known insurance companies, and its extensive range of discounts and consistently low prices are two of the reasons why so many people pick it.
GEICO
Third-Party Ratings
- D. Power: 871/1,000 points
- AM Best: A++ (Superior) financial strength rating
Pros of Geico
- The company has a low complaint rate and high customer satisfaction rate for auto insurance.
- A robust mobile application and website.
- There are numerous discounts available.
Cons of Geico
- Certain coverage types are only available through partners.
- The company does not offer gap insurance.
- There is a small network of local agents.
- Children of military personnel are not eligible for discounts.
Overview
Geico provides auto insurance in all 50 states as well as Washington, D.C., and has regional offices in over ten major cities. Military and government employees can save up to 10% on vehicle insurance rates or individual coverages by taking advantage of the company’s exceptional discounts.
Policyholders can use Geico’s mobile app to get mobile ID cards, roadside assistance, vehicle service history, vehicle damage estimates, safety recall updates, and more.
USAA
Third-Party Ratings
- D. Power: 890/1,000 points
- AM Best: A++ (Superior) financial strength rating
Pros of USAA
- Premiums are low.
- Resources for excellent customer service.
- Members of the military who are currently serving are eligible for additional perks.
- Insurance, banking, and investment goods are all available in one place.
Cons of USAA
- If you’re not a member of the military, you won’t be able to use it.
- There are few possibilities for customizing auto policies.
- There are numerous limitations.
Overview
USAA is the most well-known source of car insurance for military personnel. Active current and retired military personnel make up the company’s customers (as well as adult children or surviving spouses of USAA members).
In J.D. Power’s most recent industry assessment, USAA was ranked first in customer satisfaction. USAA offers a variety of discounts that are available nationwide. USAA provides a 15% discount on insurance charges if you park your car on a secure military post.
Additionally, if you’re currently deployed and keep your vehicle in a safe area, you might save up to 90% on your insurance.
Arbella
Third-Party Ratings
- D. Power: 815/1,000 points
- AM Best: A (Excellent) financial strength rating
Pros of Arbella
- Provides 24/7 claims reporting and customer service.
- App and web tools that are easy to use.
- Payment options are flexible.
- There are a variety of discounts available.
Cons of Arbella
- Massachusetts and Connecticut are the only states where it is offered.
- Connecticut drivers can only get a few discounts.
Overview
Arbella Insurance is a small insurance firm that serves the people of Massachusetts and Connecticut with home and auto insurance. It has low prices and up to a 10% discount for active-duty military personnel who are deployed more than 100 miles from home.
There’s a strong chance you’ll find one that applies to you among Arbella’s many different auto insurance discounts.
The General
Third-Party Ratings
- D. Power: NA
- AM Best: A (Excellent) financial strength rating
Pros of The General
- Insurance for high-risk drivers who would not be able to get it elsewhere.
- For drivers who need it, an SR-22 form can be filed.
Cons of The General
- Premiums for those with good driving records are expensive.
- Customer service hours are limited.
- A minimum legal policy may not provide enough coverage to protect you.
Overview
The General is a less well-known auto insurance company, although its commercials are famous. Despite being acquired by American Family Insurance in 2012, the General vehicle insurance brand exists as an independent entity.
The General had previously been renowned for insuring “high risk” drivers, who may face higher monthly premiums due to their prior driving history.
Armed Forces Insurance (AFI)
Third-Party Ratings
- D. Power: NA
- AM Best: B++ (Very Good) financial strength rating
Pros of Armed Forces Insurance
- Long-term competitive coverage.
- Civilians who work for the military are covered.
- All 50 states are covered.
Cons of Armed Forces Insurance
- Non-specified discounts.
Overview
Armed Forces Insurance is a military-centric insurance company, similar to USAA. It provides auto, house, and renters insurance to military personnel stationed domestically and overseas. So, while their rates and services are highly competitive, there are a few critical differences. AFI is a much smaller corporation with a lower rating than USAA insurance for veterans.
Unlike USAA, if you’re a current or past officer of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or the US Public Health Service, you can acquire insurance via AFI.
State Farm
Third-Party Ratings
- D. Power: 881/1,000 points
- AM Best: A++ (Superior) financial strength rating
Pros of State Farm
- An extensive network of local agents are available.
- Financial stability is outstanding.
- After an accident, the rates typically stay low.
Cons of State Farm
- High-risk drivers may not be eligible.
- The National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ (NAIC) compliance index score is higher than average.
Overview
State Farm is the largest private passenger auto insurance provider in the United States, based on market share. The company gives discounts for safe driving or being accident-free, and lower average rates for drivers who have been in an accident.
With over 19,000 agents across the United States, you may feel comfortable discussing your insurance needs with a local agent familiar with your area.
Allstate
Third-Party Ratings
- D. Power: 876/1,000 points
- AM Best: A+ (Superior) financial strength rating
Pros of Allstate
- A one-of-a-kind incentive system based on points.
- Benefits and coverage options are available.
- There aren’t many complaints from customers.
- The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) allows homeowners to add flood insurance to their homes.
Cons of Allstate
- Rates are higher than competing insurance providers.
- Teen drivers, as well as those with recent tickets or accidents, face high insurance prices.
- Customer satisfaction varies by area.
Overview
For current military personnel, Allstate, one of the largest insurance firms in the United States offers auto insurance military discounts. The rates, however, differ according to city/state, driving record, and many other factors.
Because rates and policy discounts fluctuate regularly, it’s best to contact your local agent about military discounts for active-duty and veterans.
Farmers
Third-Party Ratings
- D. Power: 872/1,000 points
- AM Best: A (Excellent) financial strength rating
Pros of Farmers
- Personalized insurance packages are available for both cars and houses.
- There are numerous auto insurance discounts available.
- Customer complaints are lower than average.
Cons of Farmers
- Premiums are higher than those offered by some of our competitors.
- Less than 40% of those surveyed were completely happy with the company’s driver tracking procedures.
Overview
Farmers Insurance Group is among the three most well-known auto insurance companies in America. Farmers Insurance is known for offering military discounts on auto insurance based on the location of the policyholder and other variables, like driving record.
It specializes in providing coverage for cars, houses, and small companies.
Nationwide
Third-Party Ratings
- D. Power: 876/1,000 points
- AM Best: A+ (Superior) financial strength rating
Pros of Nationwide
- Drivers can choose from two programs with highly personalized rates.
- The service is available in most states.
- A wide range of coverage and benefits are available.
- Offer affordable premiums.
Cons of Nationwide
- There is a wide variation between regions in terms of customer service.
- Auto insurance consumers have made a higher-than-average number of complaints.
Overview
Nationwide could be a good option for those searching for rates that are matched to their driving behavior. SmartRide and SmartMiles are two usage-based driving programs offered by the insurance company. Based on how safely you drive, the SmartRide program can save you up to 40%. Simply by signing up, you will receive a 10% discount.
Similarly, the SmartMiles service keeps track of your driving mileage and gives you customizable premiums based on how often you drive.
Liberty Mutual
Third-Party Ratings
- D. Power: 821/1,000 points
- AM Best: A (Excellent) financial strength rating
Pros of Liberty Mutual
- Add-ons to your car insurance policy that might help better protect you and your vehicle.
- Auto and house insurance discounts are plentiful.
- Telematics and usage-based insurance options are available.
Cons of Liberty Mutual
- Customer service is known to be subpar.
- Homeowners seeking more coverage or perks may be disappointed.
- Premiums for teen drivers are higher than the national average.
Overview
Liberty Mutual is the fourth-largest property and casualty insurance company in the United States and one of the country’s most popular insurance providers. The company offers coverage across the country through local Liberty Mutual agents and its website. They offer various auto, home, and other insurance products.
Liberty Mutual’s coverage options, discounts, and rates are comparable to those offered by other insurance firms of similar size and scope. However, a closer look at how the firm handles claims and customer service reveals that it isn’t the best. While its financial soundness is strong, Liberty Mutual’s customer satisfaction ratings and the number of complaints filed were below average.
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