I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.
See all posts Frank GogolTop 3 Car Insurances for Military Personnel
Updated on April 9, 2024
Written by
Written by
Reviewed by
Rohit Mittal
Reviewed by
Rohit Mittal
Rohit Mittal is the co-founder and CEO of Stilt. Rohit has extensive experience in credit risk analytics and data science. He spent years building credit risk and fraud models for top U.S. banks. In his current role, he defines the overall business strategy, leads debt and capital fundraising efforts, leads product development, and leads other customer-related aspects for the company. Stilt is backed by Y Combinator and has raised a total of $275M in debt and equity funding to date.
See all posts Rohit MittalAt a Glance
- Armed Forces Insurance (AFI), GEICO, and USAA are the top three car insurance options for military personnel.
- AFI is ideal for veterans and retired military, offering exceptional coverage and customer service.
- GEICO provides the best discounts for active military.
- USAA serves military members and their families with comprehensive policies and unique military discounts, catering specifically to the varying needs of the military community.
Serving in the military brings a unique set of challenges, one of them being the necessity for reliable car insurance that caters to the specific needs of service members and their families. The commitment to the defense of our nation should be rewarded with comprehensive coverage, exclusive benefits, and exceptional service. In this article, we’ll highlight three of the best car insurance providers offering customized policies for the military community. Whether you’re a veteran, an active duty soldier, or a military family member, Armed Forces Insurance, GEICO, and USAA offer distinct advantages tailored to your circumstances. Join us as we delve deeper into what each of these providers has to offer, and how they compare to each other.
3 Best Car Insurances for Military Personnel
The need for reliable car insurance for military personnel and their families cannot be overstated. These brave men and women, along with their loved ones, deserve to be provided with not only exceptional coverage but also unique benefits and outstanding customer service. Below, we’ll shine a spotlight on three of the best car insurance options tailor-made for the military community. They are:
- Armed Forces Insurance (Best for Veterans and Retired Military)
- GEICO (Best for Discounts for Active Military)
- USAA (Best for Military Members and Their Families)
Read on to learn more about each of these providers and what they have to offer.
Car Insurance for Military Personnel Comparison
Before we explore each of these insurance providers in more detail, let’s briefly compare them side-by-side.
| Insurance Provider | Unique Features | Coverage Types | Military Specific Discounts | Availability | Customer Satisfaction |
| Armed Forces Insurance (AFI) | Long-standing history of serving military community | Car, RV, motorcycle, homeowners, renters, fire and flood insurance, valuable items policies, pet insurance, umbrella policies, and more | Not specified, but claims to offer competitive rates | Nationwide (50 states + Washington, D.C.) | No specific ratings available due to smaller size |
| GEICO | Extensive coverage and discount options | Car, RV, motorcycle, ATV, boat, homeowners, renters, life insurance, identity theft protection, and more | 15% discount for all active-duty and retired military, emergency deployment discounts, discounts for federal employees | Nationwide (50 states + Washington, D.C.) | Above-average ranking in J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study for certain regions; A++ rating from AM Best |
| USAA | One-stop shopping for insurance and banking needs | Car, RV, motorcycle, boat, rideshare, homeowners, renters, life, health, pet insurance, and more | 15% discount for storing vehicle on a military base, 60% discount for storing car while deployed overseas, 10% legacy discount | Nationwide (50 states + Washington, D.C.) | Highest ratings in J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study; A++ rating from AM Best |
1. Armed Forces Insurance (Best for Veterans and Retired Military)
Armed Forces Insurance (AFI) has a long-standing history, having been established in 1887, and offers competitive coverage options for military members and their families. AFI offers bodily injury and property damage liability coverage, collision and comprehensive, personal injury protection and medical payments, uninsured and under-insured motorist coverage, emergency roadside assistance, and rental car reimbursement.
In addition to car insurance, AFI provides homeowners and renters insurance, motorcycle coverage, fire and flood insurance, valuable items policies, pet insurance, and even umbrella policies. While the company does not specify discounts on its website, it claims to offer competitive rates that can be accessed during the quote process.
AFI serves all 50 states and Washington, D.C., and its eligibility criteria are similar to those of USAA. It’s important to note, however, that AFI’s smaller size means it doesn’t appear in some customer satisfaction studies.
>> Learn more about Armed Forces Insurance
2. GEICO (Best for Discounts for Active Military)
GEICO, or Government Employees Insurance Company, is widely recognized for its generous military discounts. This insurance titan offers coverage options that are some of the most extensive in the nation. These include liability coverage, collision and comprehensive, personal injury protection, uninsured motorist coverage, mechanical breakdown insurance, roadside assistance, and rental car reimbursement.
They provide policies for various vehicles, including motorcycles, ATVs, boats, and RVs. Additionally, GEICO extends its coverage range to homeowners and renters insurance, life insurance, and identity theft protection.
GEICO offers a whopping 15% discount for all active-duty and retired military, as well as National Guard members and reserves, with no strings attached. Moreover, emergency deployment discounts and other federal employee-specific discounts are available.
GEICO’s coverage spans 50 states and Washington, D.C. While it may not offer as many options for active-duty deployment as USAA, GEICO maintains an outstanding track record in customer satisfaction and financial stability, receiving an A++ rating from AM Best.
>> Learn more about GEICO Insurance
3. USAA (Best for Military Members and Their Families)
United Services Automobile Association (USAA) stands out for its exclusive focus on current and former service members and their families. USAA offers a variety of unique insurance coverage, coupled with numerous discounts and top-notch customer service. This combination has earned USAA the crown for the best military car insurance.
USAA’s car insurance covers bodily injury liability, property damage liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist coverage, personal injury protection, medical payments, extended benefits coverage, roadside assistance, and towing coverage.
USAA goes beyond traditional auto insurance, offering coverage for motorcycles, recreational vehicles, and boats. They even offer rideshare coverage for Uber and Lyft drivers. Plus, USAA members can also benefit from homeowners and renters insurance, life insurance, health insurance benefits, pet insurance, and many other unique options.
Unique military-specific discounts are another key attraction. Active-duty military members can receive a 15% discount for storing their vehicle on a military base and an impressive 60% discount on monthly premiums when storing their car while deployed overseas. Moreover, a 10% legacy discount applies if your parents were USAA members.
Despite its many perks, USAA strictly limits its eligibility to current/former military, their spouses, and children. The company is nationally available, providing coverage in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
>> Learn more about USAA Insurance
Special Considerations for Military Personnel
Being in the military comes with its own set of unique challenges and considerations. From frequent relocations to deployment, military personnel have to navigate various aspects of their lives, including car insurance. In this article, we will explore some important factors to keep in mind when it comes to car insurance for military personnel.
Frequent Relocations and Car Insurance
Frequent relocations are part of military life, affecting car insurance. When moving, always inform your insurance provider of your new address. Each state has unique insurance requirements and not updating your policy could lead to coverage gaps or legal problems. Your provider can ensure your policy aligns with your new state’s laws. They can also reassess if your current coverage fits your new location’s driving conditions, weather, and crime rates, allowing necessary adjustments for adequate protection.
Deployment and Car Insurance
Deployment raises questions about car insurance. You might be able to suspend or reduce coverage while deployed, helping save money. Confirm with your provider about their specific requirements, which may include proof of deployment or certain conditions for suspension. Understand their policy thoroughly to comply. Remember, even if deployed, maintaining some coverage can protect your parked vehicle from risks like theft, vandalism, or natural disasters. Discuss with your provider to make an informed choice about your coverage needs during deployment.
Comparing Car Insurance Providers
There are a number of best practices used when comparing car insurance providers. That said, the lives of military personnel come with their own set of concerns that should be addressed. Below, we’ll discuss 5 tips specifically designed for military personnel to consider when comparing car insurance.
1. Consider Military-Focused Providers
Some providers, like USAA and Armed Forces Insurance, specialize in serving military personnel and their families. They often provide unique benefits and discounts catered to the needs of the military community.
2. Evaluate Deployment Policies
Deployment can affect car insurance needs significantly. Understand each provider’s policies on coverage suspension or reduction during deployment. This could lead to considerable savings while you’re overseas.
3. Assess Coverage Adjustability for Relocation
Military personnel frequently move, often across state lines. Make sure the provider can smoothly transition your coverage in accordance with the laws and conditions of your new location.
4. Compare Discounts
Look into the various discounts offered, particularly those specific to military personnel. These can include discounts for storing a vehicle on a military base, legacy discounts, and savings related to deployments.
5. Check Customer Satisfaction Ratings
Look at the satisfaction ratings of other military personnel. Companies with high satisfaction rates among military families are likely to understand and cater to your unique needs better.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the best car insurance for military personnel entails considering factors like deployment policies, adjustability during relocations, unique military discounts, and the satisfaction of other military customers. Armed Forces Insurance, GEICO, and USAA all offer exceptional services tailored to the specific needs of the military community. Whether you’re active duty, a veteran, retired, or a military family member, these insurance providers understand the unique challenges you face and aim to alleviate some of the burdens through their specialized offerings. So, assess your individual needs, compare these providers, and make an informed choice for your car insurance. Remember, you serve our nation with unwavering commitment, and you deserve an insurance provider that reciprocates that commitment by offering you the best possible protection.
Car Insurance for Military Personnel: FAQ
Below, you will find some common questions about finding car insurance as a member of the military and their answers.
Do all car insurance companies offer military discounts?
While many car insurance companies offer discounts to military personnel, it’s not a universal practice. Each company has its own policy and the amount of the discount can vary significantly. Some companies like USAA and Armed Forces Insurance specialize in providing services for military personnel and their families, offering unique benefits and discounts.
Can I suspend my car insurance when I’m deployed?
Some insurance companies allow military personnel to suspend or reduce their insurance coverage during deployment, which can result in significant savings. However, this varies from company to company. It’s also important to note that maintaining some coverage, like comprehensive insurance, can protect your vehicle from non-driving related risks such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters.
What happens to my car insurance when I move to a different state due to a military order?
When you move to a new state, you should immediately inform your insurance provider. Each state has its own insurance requirements, and your provider can adjust your policy to ensure it meets local regulations. Failure to update your policy could potentially lead to coverage gaps or legal issues.
Are there specific insurance companies for military personnel?
Yes, there are insurance companies like USAA and Armed Forces Insurance that specialize in serving military personnel and their families. These companies understand the unique needs and circumstances of the military community and often provide services and benefits catered to them.
What is a legacy discount in car insurance?
A legacy discount is a reduction in insurance premium given to children of parents who have been policyholders with the same insurance company. For instance, USAA offers a 10% legacy discount if your parents were USAA members. This is a way insurance companies show appreciation for family loyalty. However, not all companies offer this kind of discount.
Frank Gogol
I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.