Top Auto Insurance Providers for Veterans [2023]

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to auto insurance, but there are tons of different options when shopping for the best car insurance for military personnel. 

For example, military personnel have radically different auto insurance needs than drivers who commute to work. During their time in the military, veterans and their families frequently move to other bases or are sent abroad, and these changes don’t necessitate the same auto insurance coverage.

Keep reading to learn more about military auto insurance. This guide covers how to buy auto insurance from the top insurance providers and which companies offer the best car insurance military discounts.

Average Military Auto Insurance Rates by Status

When a veteran or active-duty motorist shops for auto insurance, it’s crucial to understand that car insurance rates don’t depend on a particular military status. Auto insurance costs are almost the same for active-duty, retired, and reserve military people.

Regardless of whether you choose basic or full coverage auto insurance, costs for both active-duty and retired military personnel are roughly the same.

However, auto insurance for veterans and active-duty drivers qualifies for multiple discounts, which means you can pay less for coverage than a standard driver.

For instance, military members pay $98 per month for full coverage with USAA, nearly half the national average cost for car insurance. USAA is a company that strictly sells policies to U.S. military personnel and their immediate families and offers exclusive discounts not available to civilian drivers.

However, veterans and active duty military might obtain lower auto insurance premiums by comparing quotes from multiple companies. Scroll through our military insurance company comparison below to learn more about different military car insurance providers.

Military Auto Insurance vs. Standard Policies

Although the fundamentals of auto insurance are the same for military personnel, coverage for those on active duty has certain unique restrictions.

For instance, several states permit service members to continue their automobile registration and insurance coverage via their home state, regardless of where they are stationed. However, each insurance carrier has distinct requirements when a service member deploys abroad.

Finally, some businesses only offer coverage to service members, so if you’re looking for military auto insurance, you might have more options than the typical client.

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Comparing the Best Auto Insurance Providers for Military Personnel

The top military auto insurance providers are USAA, Geico, and Armed Forces Insurance. Each offers unique discounts and coverage options that cater to military members on deployment, living on base, or retired.

Scroll through the sections below to learn more about each provider and compare military car insurance coverage options.

USAA: Top Provider for Active-Duty Military and Families

USAA offers exceptional customer service, pricing, and special coverage that is only available to military personnel and their families. Due to this, USAA takes first place in our ranking of the top military auto insurance companies.

Read our USAA auto insurance review to learn more about the company and compare rates.

Pros and Cons of USAA Insurance

Reasons why military members should buy USAA auto insurance:

• One-stop shop for all your banking and insurance needs with multi-policy discounts
• Available in all 50 states
• Unique discounts and savings not available with other companies
• High customer service rankings

USAA consistently scores well above the national average in the annual J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Study but isn’t officially ranked since it restricts access to coverage, which is one of the only drawbacks to the company.

Cons of USAA insurance include:

• Limited to military and their immediate family members
• Very few in-person locations and agents

Limiting coverage to only the U.S. military is how USAA keeps its rates low. However, young drivers on a family policy will be ineligible for coverage when they age up and move out.

USAA Auto Insurance Coverage

Similar to the majority of other auto insurance companies, USAA’s policies provide the following:

• Bodily injury and property damage liability insurance coverage
• Comprehensive and collision auto insurance coverage
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM)
• Personal injury protection (PIP) and Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)
• Rental car reimbursement
• Towing services and roadside assistance coverage
• Usage-based and pay-per-mile auto insurance coverage

USAA offers coverage for more than just automobiles — it covers boats, RVs, and motorcycles. In addition, USAA offers life insurance, homeowners and renters insurance, and rideshare protection for Uber and Lyft drivers.

Members of USAA can also choose to add pet insurance, additional health insurance benefits, and a variety of other unique coverage alternatives, making it one of the most competitive military auto insurance providers in the country.

USAA Auto Insurance Discounts

Military members are eligible for exclusive savings from USAA. To begin with, military personnel on active duty who park their car on base are eligible for a 15% discount. Furthermore, USAA provides a 60% discount if you store your vehicle while serving overseas.

Similar savings you’ll find at USAA and a majority of other insurance providers include:

• Discounts for multiple vehicles and policies
• Safe-driver incentives
• Discounts for new vehicles
• Loyalty rebates

Additionally, children of USAA members get a 10% automatic discount. USAA also offers auto insurance discounts depending on mileage, enabling military personnel who reside on base or find themselves deployed for a portion of the year to save money by not racking up miles on their car.

Availability of USAA Insurance

USAA sells coverage in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., but there are restrictions on who is eligible for military auto insurance.

Those who may enroll are:

• Presently serving in the Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard, Marines, or Navy
• Retirees or veterans who have been given an honorable discharge
• Those attending U.S. service academies, participating in advanced ROTC, receiving an ROTC scholarship, and officer candidates who will commission within 24 months
• Family members, including current spouses, widows, widowers, divorced ex-spouses who haven’t remarried, and children whose parents have or have had USAA insurance

If you do not meet any of these requirements, you will not be able to buy auto insurance from USAA.

USAA Customer Service Reviews

USAA provides excellent service and car insurance for military personnel and their families. As a result, it earns some of the greatest marks for customer satisfaction in the sector.

Additionally, USAA receives excellent scores for financial stability, with an A++ rating from AM Best.

Geico: Top Auto Insurance Military Discounts

Did you know that Geico stands for Government Employees Insurance Company? Given this information, it’s not surprising that Geico provides some of the finest military auto insurance discounts. 

Pros and Cons of Geico 

If you buy Geico military car insurance, you’ll enjoy the following:

• 15% off for all active-duty and retired military
• A wide range of discounts and coverage
• Coverage in all 50 states

Geico consistently offers the cheapest auto insurance quotes in every state, and military discounts can help you save even more on car insurance. However, since Geico is a national provider, it does not provide the same exclusive savings as USAA.

Other disadvantages to Geico insurance include:

• Fewer alternatives and special deals for active duty deployment
• Children of service members are not eligible for military discounts

Active-duty military members will likely be eligible for more savings with other companies, so compare Geico insurance quotes to other local providers before you buy to lock in the best rates.

Geico Auto Insurance Options

Some of the most comprehensive auto insurance coverage options are available from Geico. The many coverage options include:

• Liability insurance for bodily harm and property damage
• Collision and comprehensive coverage
• PIP or MedPay
• UM/UIM
• Insurance for mechanical failure
• Roadside assistance
• Rental car reimbursement
• Usage-based auto insurance

Geico usage-based insurance can help military members save money on car insurance if they don’t drive often. Read our Geico DriveEasy review to learn more and find out how to qualify.

Along with plans for cars, Geico also offers coverage for boats, RVs, motorcycles, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). The business also provides commercial vehicle insurance, vintage auto coverage, and Mexican trip insurance if you use your car for several purposes.

Geico Auto Insurance Discounts 

The savings possibilities are the best feature of Geico military auto insurance. There are no conditions tied to the 15% discount, which is extended to all active-duty, retired, National Guard, and reserve personnel. Individuals sent to places of “imminent danger” and stored their vehicle while on deployment will enjoy emergency deployment discounts.

Along with these military-specific reductions, you can earn close to 20 more discounts based on the kind of car you drive, your driving record and habits, and any necessary driver’s education. Geico also offers additional discounts for other federal employees and veterans working for the government.

Availability of Geico Insurance

Given that it provides coverage in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., Geico is a fantastic option almost everywhere in the nation. Additionally, many of its auto insurance and a vast range of discounts are open to everyone.

Geico Customer Service Reviews

Geico consistently receives some of the finest customer service scores in the sector. It has an AM Best financial strength rating of A++.

Furthermore, in its 2021 Insurance Shopping Study for the North Central, Northwest, and Southwest regions, J.D. Power gave Geico an above-average rating in terms of client satisfaction for California, Central, and New England.

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Armed Forces Insurance (AFI): Top Veterans Auto Insurance Provider 

This company specializes in providing insurance to military personnel and their families. Armed Forces Insurance (AFI) was established in 1887, more than 130 years ago, but is smaller and lesser-known than USAA, its main competitor.

When comparing quotes for auto insurance coverage, you should seriously consider Armed Forces Insurance for its low rates and broad coverage.

Pros and Cons of AFI

The pros of buying AFI include:

• Long-standing competitive coverage history
• Coverage for civilians employed by the military
• Accessible across all 50 states

While coverage availability is a little more lax than with USAA, you still must be an active or retired military member to qualify. Fortunately, discount rates are still available to former AFI members and anyone who leaves for a different insurance company and returns to AFI.

Some disadvantages to AFI include:

• Not as many discounts as USAA or Geico
• Limited mobile capabilities
• A.M. Best rating of B+

As a smaller company, AFI lacks some of the perks that come with other national providers. However, the company still earned a Good rating from A.M. Best and is well worth a quote comparison based on its savings opportunities.

Armed Forces Insurance Coverage Options

Armed Forces Insurance offers military car insurance that covers you, your spouse, any children, and other family members who reside in the same home. Coverage will also extend to other licensed drivers you enable to use your vehicle.

AFI provides its members with a variety of auto insurance options, including:

• Liability insurance for bodily harm and property damage
• Collision and comprehensive car insurance
• Insurance coverage for injuries and medical expenses
• UM/UIM
• Roadside assistance
• Rental car reimbursement

AFI provides one-stop shopping for its members, similar to USAA. It offers homeowners’ and renters’ insurance in addition to auto insurance, as well as coverage for motorcycles and other recreational vehicles.

AFI also provides special insurance options such as umbrella policies, valuable object insurance, pet insurance, and fire and flood insurance.

Armed Forces Insurance Discounts 

Unfortunately, AFI’s website does not specifically disclose any discounts, and filling out an online price request needs a lot of information.

Despite this, the company does assert that it provides reasonable premiums and a range of discounts based on your driving history, participation in several plans, and other factors.

Armed Forces Insurance Availability

Armed Forces Insurance provides auto, house, and motorcycle insurance through a network of affiliates in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Like USAA, AFI restricts car insurance and other types of coverage to the individuals listed below:

• Military personnel who are honorably discharged, retired, or active service in any branch (including National Guard and Reserves)
• Department of Defense civilian employees, active or retired
• Members of the Service Academy, such as cadets in the Merchant Marines or the ROTC
• Survivor spouses, spouses, former spouses, or children
• Former AFI members who terminated coverage and then rejoined
• Active, retired, or former commissioned officer of the NOAA or PHS

AFI also covers other drivers listed on your policy, but limitations may apply. Speak with a local agent to learn more about military auto insurance coverage in your area.

AFI Customer Service Reviews

Armed Forces Insurance has few ratings due to being a smaller company in the auto insurance industry. AFI is too small to be included in research by J.D. Power or other larger rating systems but has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Which companies offer military discounts for auto insurance? 

Car insurance discount rates differ by company. However, most military auto insurance providers give active-serving and retired military personnel discounts ranging from 5% to 15%.

Unfortunately, you won’t find these discounts with every provider. To save money on your military auto insurance, check with the following insurers that offer military discounts on car insurance:

• Armed Forces Insurance 
• USAA
• Farmers auto insurance
• Liberty Mutual
• Geico

Although the companies don’t specifically cater to military members, Farmers and Liberty Mutual both offer military discounts. Savings vary by state, so shop around with these and other local companies to see which offers the best military discounts.

How to Get an Auto Insurance Military Discount

The verification process for car insurance discounts differs for each insurer, but you normally require a state-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID card, or passport) and one of the following military credentials:

• Discharge certificate
• D214 Member 4 copy
• NGB22
• Academy appointment letter or ROTC contract
• Active duty military orders
• Leaving and earning statement

Some auto insurance providers will also permit active-duty service members to temporarily cancel their auto insurance policy to save money, in addition to the regular discounts offered on car insurance for veterans and active military. You will need documents proving your deployment (active-duty military orders) and that you put your car in long-term storage for the period of your deployment in order to do this.

Do veterans qualify for auto insurance discounts?

Many businesses offer veterans a military discount, albeit not all do. Veterans car insurance often comes with a discount from USAA, AFI, Geico, Liberty Mutual, and Farmers Insurance. To find out if a veteran discount is offered, you should always speak with a customer care agent or nearby insurance agent.

Do non-military personnel qualify for auto insurance discounts?

Often you can qualify for additional savings based on certain criteria. For example, some providers offer discounts to teen drivers who maintain good grades. Drivers who don’t smoke, maintain a low annual mileage and clean driving record, and uphold a decent credit score will also pay lower rates.

Non-military personnel can earn other discounts for having anti-theft equipment in their vehicle and staying accident-free for at least three years.

Military Auto Insurance and Deployment

Are you getting ready to deploy but unsure what to do with your military car insurance? Numerous businesses offer pricing support for vehicles that are being stored, including garaging and low-mileage discounts.

To ensure that your car is safe while you are away, ask your agency for a storage protection plan.

Most insurance companies are accommodating for emergency coverage modifications, especially if you are traveling to an area the U.S. Department of Defense has designated as an “imminent danger pay area.” Some insurance providers also permit you to cancel your policy and then reinstate it after your return without incurring any penalties for lapses in coverage.

How to Terminate Auto Insurance in Advance of a Deployment

It may be necessary to make some changes to your auto insurance policy if you are getting ready for deployment. Instead of canceling your policy, pausing your coverage can be the wisest course of action.

When you cancel your auto insurance, there is a delay in coverage, which can lead to increased rates or even the suspension of your driver’s license.

If you keep your car while deployed and have auto insurance through USAA, you might save up to 60% on your premium. However, you should only think about storing your car if it’s not in use and can’t be accessed by anybody else. For instance, you cannot put the automobile into storage if other drivers use it while you are deployed.

Deployed drivers can also earn an auto insurance discount depending on the number of miles they drive each year. For example, if you’re a Geico client and store your car for longer than 30 days, you can suspend or lower your insurance coverage without penalty.

How to Reactivate Auto Insurance Following Deployment

You need to reinstate your auto insurance coverage before you start driving again. If you drive your car while it is still classified as “in storage” on your insurance policy, you risk being left without insurance coverage in the event of a claim.

Call your auto insurance provider and talk with a representative to resume your policy.

Keep in mind that you must meet the minimum insurance requirements in your state to drive again. Before you get behind the wheel, consider upgrading some coverage you may have dropped to save money on auto insurance while deployed.

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The Bottom Line on Military Auto Insurance

We examined more than a dozen firms to find out which vehicle insurance providers offer the best coverage options and service member discounts. Overall, Geico, USAA, and AFI provide the most comprehensive military car insurance coverage at the best price.

Like Geico, a lot of auto insurance providers provide exceptional protection for servicemen and women. While some insurers provide discounts and specialized coverage options, others, like USAA and Armed Forces Insurance, cater particularly to veterans and active-duty individuals.

You’ll find the cheapest military auto insurance rates when you comparison shop online. Enter your ZIP code below to start comparing free quotes from local car insurance companies.

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