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Compare car insurance for military members
Find the cheapest car insurance for active and retired military members.
If you’re a member of the US armed forces or reserves, many retailers and insurance providers are willing to reward you for your service with discounts for you and your family — for life. It’s no surprise that those savings extend to special rates on car insurance for active service members and veterans.
Our top pick: Progressive
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Compare car insurance for military members and veterans
Car insurance discounts and perks for military members
Most standard providers offer a discount for drivers who serve in the military, meaning you can compare offerings from both military-specific providers and multiline providers. To find an option that fits your priorities and needs, shop around and compare your options for the best value you’re eligible for.
- Military or former military discount. Active duty, retired and military members are eligible for premium discounts of up to 15%.
- Emergency deployment. If you’re part of an emergency deployment, you could be eligible for a deployment discount of about 25% off comprehensive coverage.
- Flexible policy management. Deployed troops could enjoy flexibility in suspending, canceling and reinstating auto insurance.
- Flexible payment schedule. Many insures 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 more than 30 days, with car purchase discounts and delivery to duty stations.
Can I get car 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 make sure it’s still covered against theft, weather damage and vandalism — plus you won’t have to worry about a lapse in coverage. By only having comprehensive coverage, you can also drastically reduce your premium.
- Temporary car insurance. Get coverage only for when you’re actually driving your car. Check in with your insurer to avoid a lapse in coverage, especially if your deployment is at risk of extension. Temporary car insurance can also be more expensive than storage insurance.
- Borrowed car insurance. Add yourself to someone else’s policy when you share or borrow their car.
Should I cancel my insurance while deployed?
Canceling your coverage completely can leave your vehicle vulnerable, require some extra legwork once you’re back and may end up costing you more over time than keeping the bare minimum of coverage.
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
In order to drop your coverage down to just 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 insurer or the DMV to find out if the affidavit is required in your state.
Your state may also have specific resources for military members. Be sure to contact your local DMV to find out if there are specific programs available to help keep your registration current while you’re deployed.
Which car insurance companies offer a military discount?
While Geico and USAA tend to have the best rates and perks for military members, check out a few other alternatives for military discounts.
| Insurer | Military discount |
|---|---|
| Allstate | Yes |
| Arbella | Yes, up to 10% |
| Direct | Yes, up to 25% |
| Farmers | Yes |
| Geico | Yes |
| Liberty Mutual | Yes |
| Progressive | Yes |
| The General | Yes |
| Titan | Yes |
| USAA | Yes |
Who has the best insurance for the military, USAA or Geico?
Both USAA and Geico offer benefits to military members, veterans and their family. For even more comparisons check out our full Geico versus USAA break down.
Geico
- Known for the cheapest rates
- 15% discount for active or retired military
- 25% discount for deployed military members with some restrictions
USAA
- 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
Bottom line
While USAA’s strong commitment to members of the military make it a strong choice among competitors, consider shopping around for car insurance before deciding on a provider.
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