If you’re a member of the US armed forces, the reserves or are a veteran, several insurance companies offer rewards for your service with discounts and perks — for life. But the best car insurance companies cater to the military with discounted rates, customizable payment plans, coverage options during deployment and customer support that’s versed in military members’ needs.
We reviewed the top military-friendly companies for their discount, payment plans and customer support, choosing insurers with perks for active and veteran military members.
USAA is our top choice because of its highly rated customer service and perks that cater to military members as well as its competitive rates. USAA also offers a separate support team dedicated to deployed members, and it doesn't consider your coverage lapsed if you cancel your policy during deployment.
Eligible military members include: Active, retired or honorably discharged members of the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, National Guard, Navy and Reserves.
Ranks No. 1 by J.D. Power for customer satisfaction
Offers some of the lowest rates available
60% discount for secure car storage
15% off for cars on base
Dedicated customer service team for deployed military
Family of military can become USAA members
Offers international car insurance in 15 countries
Geico offers one of the highest discounts for both active military and veterans, plus a discount for cadets in service academy. You'll also get a dedicated military support team manned by veterans as well as low rates competitive with USAA.
Eligible military members include: Active or retired members of the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, National Guard, Navy and Reserves.
Known for its competitive rates
15% discount for active military and veterans
25% off if you're deployed to imminent danger pay areas
Direct Auto's 25% military discount is one of the highest available, and it lets you opt for a higher first payment to lower your monthly cost. It also specializes in insuring drivers with an imperfect record — including if you're considered high risk because you canceled your policy while deployed.
Eligible military members include: Active members of the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, National Guard, Navy and Reserves.
25% discount for active military
Text-to-pay feature helps you pay easily — even if you're on base
400 offices for local support when you're in the States
Caters to drivers who are considered high risk
Military discount only available in Alabama, Florida or Louisiana
Military discount doesn't apply to veterans
May not be the cheapest for safe drivers
States served
Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia
Chubb offers car insurance to USAA members, helping those deployed in Japan meet the country's strict car insurance requirements. You also get access to a long list of English-speaking agents who can offer advice and answer your insurance questions.
Eligible military members include: Only USAA military members deployed in Japan.
Meets Japanese and US Forces car insurance requirements
Offers English-speaking agents both on and off base
Offers free roadside assistance and driver/passenger accident coverage
Only available to USAA members
Only available if you're deployed in Japan
Large vehicles excluded from add-ons like medical payments
States served
All 50 states
Roadside assistance
Optional
Pay schedule
12 months, 6 months
Claims methods
online
New car protection
No
Accident forgiveness
No
When choosing top insurance companies, we started with those that offer discounts and perks specifically for military personnel. Insurance companies with these offerings topped our best military car insurance choices: strong military discounts, extra savings for deployed service members, payment flexibility and good customer support ratings.
Military car insurance discounts and perks
While USAA and Geico tend to have the best rates and perks for military members, check out a few alternative companies that offer military discounts.
Company
Military discount
International car insurance
Storage insurance
Military payment plans
24/7 phone support
USAA
15% for cars on base
60% for car storage
Yes, in 15 countries
Yes
Yes
Yes, 877-233-7569
Geico
15% military discount
25% in danger zone pay areas
Yes. in Mexico and Europe
Yes, 30 days storage for members on military duty
Yes
Yes, 800-645-4827
Direct Auto
25% military discount in AL, FL and LA
No
No
No
No
Farmers
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
Liberty Mutual
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes, 800-225-8285
Progressive
No
Yes, in Canada and territories
Yes
No
Yes, 800-776-4737
The General
Yes, in LA
No
No
Yes
No
Different insurers have different requirements for their military discount. You may qualify if you’re on active duty, in the National Guard or Reserves or are a veteran.
How to compare car insurance as a military member
Buying car insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all, especially if you serve or have served in the military. Consider the coverage and options that best fit your needs:
1. Consider your current military role when choosing coverage.
Before you get quotes from different companies, decide whether you need basic or wide car insurance protection — your military role may play into your decision. So if you’re stationed on base in the US and don’t drive much, you might not want many car insurance add-ons, or you might choose a pay-per-mile policy to reward your low mileage.
2. Compare military-friendly companies to standard companies.
Get quotes from a variety of insurance companies, even if they don’t offer a military discount or other convenient features. Despite a company offering a military discount, you could find the coverage you need at a lower price with a standard car insurance company.
3. Look for perks designed for the military.
Consider whether you need features like customizable payment plans or overseas support. If you typically serve in the States, these features may not matter to you, while a local agent’s support might be essential if you’re deployed overseas.
Military discounts. Ask about discounts for active or past military service or garaging your car when getting quotes.
Emergency deployment. If you’re given last-minute deployment orders, you could qualify for a deployment discount for comprehensive coverage.
Flexible policy management. Deployed troops could see extra flexibility in suspending, canceling and reinstating auto insurance.
Flexible payment schedule. Many companies let you choose when to pay monthly premiums based on your pay schedule, which might not fall on a standard employer schedule.
Car buying support. Programs like USAA’s Overseas Vehicle Purchase Program help military members get a car if they’re stationed overseas for over 30 days, with car purchase discounts and delivery to duty stations.
Get car insurance quotes for military members
Compare coverage from a variety of insurance companies, whether you’re on active duty or a veteran. Then, select Get quotes to see your customized rates.
Should I cancel my insurance while deployed?
Canceling car insurance during deployment isn’t usually the best option since dropping all coverage leaves your car vulnerable to damage from weather, theft and animals.
Plus, canceling will show up on your insurance history as a lapse in car insurance coverage. Most insurers consider lapsed coverage a sign of a risky driver, though some may keep your rates low if you explain about your deployment.
If you drop coverage without filing the proper registration forms with your Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), you could get your registration suspended.
To drop coverage or cancel your policy, you may need to file an Affidavit of Non-Use or Planned Non-Operational Affidavit with your state’s DMV. Also, your local DMV may help you file special forms or find programs to keep your car registration while you’re deployed.
4 ways to save on car insurance while deployed
You have a few options to save if you’re not using your car while you’re on base or deployed.
1. Drop to the minimum coverage required.
Dropping to state-minimum car insurance is the easiest way to save money without filing extra paperwork to prove that you’re not driving while deployed. You’ll also avoid showing a gap in your car insurance coverage.
Most states require you to buy at least property damage and bodily injury liability coverage to pay for car damage or injuries that you cause to other drivers and passengers. Some states also require uninsured motorist to pay for damage caused by an uninsured driver or personal injury protection to pay for your own medical bills and lost income if you get injured.
2. Get storage insurance.
Some companies let you drop your coverage down to only comprehensive coverage while your car is sitting in a garage or on base. Comprehensive coverage keeps your car protected against theft, weather damage and vandalism, and you drastically reduce your premium.
Storage insurance also avoids a lapse in car insurance coverage, but you may have to send a copy of your military orders to qualify.
Storage insurance doesn’t meet your state’s insurance requirements, so you’ll need to raise your coverage before driving again.
3. Suspend or cancel your policy.
To suspend or cancel your policy, explain to your car insurance company that you’re getting deployed overseas. Your insurer may want proof of your military orders and canceled car registration before canceling since insurance is required to drive in most states.
4. Buy nonowner car insurance, if you’re selling your car.
If you’re selling your car because of deployment, look into nonowner insurance coverage to avoid showing a lapse in your car insurance history. This type of policy protects you against liability if you damage someone else’s car or injure others in an accident.
Bottom line
While USAA’s strong commitment to members of the military make it a strong choice among competitors, consider comparing car insurance companies before deciding on the best fit for you.
Sarah George is a writer at Finder who unravels complicated topics about insurance, business and finance. She's been wordsmithing for nearly five years, after earning an English education degree. Her insurance know-how has been featured on CarInsurance.com. You can usually find Sarah sipping hot tea and talking through movie plots in her downtime.
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