Compare car insurance for the military

If you’re a member of the US armed forces, the reserves or are a veteran, many insurance companies offer rewards for your service with discounts and perks— for life. It’s no surprise that those savings extend some of the cheapest car insurance rates for families of military members too.

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.

Best car insurance for the military and veterans

Both USAA and Geico offer auto insurance benefits to military members, veterans and their families, including discounts and policy flexibility.

Best companies list

Finder Rating: 4 / 5

★★★★★

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Best cheap rates for service members: Geico

Optional
Roadside assistance

New car protection

Accident forgiveness

• Info
• Features
• Details

Geico has a long-standing reputation for low overall rates and deep discounts you can get — some military-related and others not. This company works well if you're insuring several vehicles or are looking for local help from insurance agents, as long as there's an agent in your area.

• Known for the cheapest rates
• 15% discount for active military or veterans
• 25% discount for deployed service members with some restrictions

States served	All 50 states
Roadside assistance	Optional
Pay schedule	12 months, 6 months, custom
Claims methods	Online, Phone, Agent
New car protection	Yes
Accident forgiveness	Yes

Finder Rating: 5 / 5

★★★★★

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Best military perks and customer service: USAA

Optional
Roadside assistance

New car protection

Accident forgiveness

• Info
• Features
• Details

This company consistently sees high marks from customer reviews and rating sites, and it gears its insurance to the military and veterans specifically. Its discounts, flexibility and support for military members overseas make it a top choice if you're in the military family.

• Known for low rates and high customer satisfaction
• Low rates for military members and family
• 60% discount for secure car storage while deployed
• 15% discount for keeping cars on base

States served	All 50 states
Roadside assistance	Optional
Pay schedule	12 months, 6 months, custom
Claims methods	Online, Phone
New car protection	No
Accident forgiveness	Yes

Finder Rating: 4 / 5

★★★★★

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Best for payment flexibility: Direct

Optional
Roadside assistance

New car protection

Accident forgiveness

• Info
• Features
• Details

This regional company doesn't cater just to service members, but Direct Auto's steep military discount and flexible payment options are hard to find. Along with your savings, you can access insurance reps by way of 400 local offices for in-person support.

• 25% discount for active military members
• Text to pay for extra convenience
• 400 local offices
• Offers emergency protection plans for medical bills

States served	Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia
Roadside assistance	Optional
Pay schedule	monthly, custom
Claims methods	phone
New car protection	No
Accident forgiveness	No

Compare military car insurance quotes

See which companies offer the best deal, whether you serve as active military or are a veteran.

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Name	Product	Roadside assistance	New car protection	Accident forgiveness	Safe driver discount	Available states
Progressive		Optional			30%	All 50 states	Discover coverage that’s broader than competitors, valuable discounts up to 30% off and perks like shrinking deductibles that reward no claims.	Get quotes More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
USAA		Optional			Yes	All 50 states	Affordable car insurance with highly rated customer service. Only available to military members and veterans and their family.	Get quotes More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Allstate					13%	All 50 states	Your dedicated agent can help you find the best savings with multiple discounts and rewards programs.	Get quotes More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
The AARP Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford		Optional			Yes	All 50 states	Enjoy low rates for mature drivers, plus freebies and AARP member perks like free replacement cost coverage. Only for drivers over age 50.	Get quotes More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Root					52%	Available in 30 states	Track your driving to receive a low rate that reflects your driving skills, and enjoy a fully app-based policy experience.	Get quotes More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Liberty Mutual		Optional			30%	All 50 states	Earn free accident forgiveness after five years claims-free and customize your policy anytime online at the tap of a button.	Get quotes More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Gabi		Optional	Optional		55%	All 50 states	Upload your current policy info and get quotes from 40+ companies. Switch and save an average of $961 a year.	Get quotes More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Motion Auto		Optional			No	AZ	Reap a myriad of rewards based on how safe you drive and car safety features, plus free accident forgiveness and diminishing deductible.	Get quotes More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Branch		Optional			No	AZ, MO, IL, OH and TX	Benefit from this online-based startup’s steep savings and convenient online quotes and claims.	Get quotes More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
AAA					Yes	AK, AZ, CA, MT, NV, UT and WY	Member benefits extend beyond car insurance to offer discounts, bike coverage and more. For drivers in AK, AZ, CA, MT, NV, UT and WY.	Get quotes More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Metromile		Optional			49%	AZ, CA, IL, NJ, OR, PA, VA, WA	Pay only for the miles you drive, plus enjoy app services you won’t find everywhere like claims and car health updates.	Get quotes More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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Auto insurance military discounts and perks to look for

Most standard insurers offer a discount for drivers who serve in the military, meaning that you can compare offerings from both military-specific and traditional insurance companies. Some of the perks to look for:

• Military or veteran discount. Active duty military and veterans are eligible for discounts up to 15% off your premium.
• 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.

Can I get insurance for a car I don’t use while deployed?

Yes, you have options for car insurance on a car you won’t use while you’re on base or deployed.

• Storage or laid-up coverage. Cover your car while it’s sitting in storage or on base. This type of insurance will keep your car protected against theft, weather damage and vandalism — plus you won’t have to worry about a coverage lapse. By only having comprehensive coverage, you drastically reduce your premium.
• Temporary car insurance. Get coverage for when you’re actually driving your car and no longer than that. Check with your insurance company to avoid a lapse in coverage, especially if your deployment could get extended. Temporary car insurance can cost more than storage insurance.
• Borrowed car insurance. You may need to add yourself to someone else’s car insurance policy if you borrow someone’s car.
• Nonowner car insurance. If you’re selling your car because of deployment and are planning to borrow someone’s car when you come back, you can look into nonowner insurance coverage. This type of policy protects you against liability if you damage someone else’s car or injure others in an accident.

Should I cancel my insurance while deployed?

Canceling your coverage completely leaves your car vulnerable and can lead to extra legwork once you’re back in the States. Canceling may end up costing you more over time than keeping minimal protection like liability or comprehensive coverage.

This lapse in coverage can make getting insured again once you’re back more expensive. And if you drop coverage without filing the proper forms with the DMV you may end up with a suspended registration.

Vehicle registration while deployed

To drop your coverage down to comprehensive with storage or laid-up insurance, you may need to file an Affidavit of Non-Use or Planned Non-Operational Affidavit with your state’s DMV. You can check with your insurance company or the DMV to find out if your state requires this affidavit.

Also, your state may have specific resources for military members. Your local DMV can help you find specific programs that help you keep your registration current while you’re deployed.

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.

Frequently asked questions about military car insurance

• If I’m in the reserves, can I still get car insurance discounts?

  That will depend on your insurer, but it’s likely that you can get at least a small break on your car insurance if you’re a member of the armed forces reserves. But some companies only offer significant discounts for military members when they’re deployed.

  To learn more about the conditions your insurance company has for a military discount, and whether or not you qualify, contact an agent or read the details of your existing policy.

• How much can I expect to save?

  This depends on which insurance company you go with, and the status of your service in the military.

  Veterans can expect a discount of around 10% from any major insurer; active service members can expect anything from 10-25% in discounts, with a few insurers offering massive breaks up to 90% if you’re sent on an emergency deployment or into an active war zone.

• Do I need car insurance while my car is in storage or on base?

  You may not be required to keep car insurance while your vehicle is in storage, but it could be a good idea anyway. Canceling coverage means putting yourself at risk of paying out of pocket for any damage that happens while you’re away, and can create a coverage gap that makes your future premiums more expensive.

  A stipulation of your loan may be that you carry insurance, even if the car is in storage. Check with your lender and your insurer to get a full picture of your options.