Cheap Car Insurance Companies for Military Members and Their Families

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Written by Angela Williams Edited by Nick Versaw

Updated May 30th, 2023

With so many auto insurance companies on the market, finding coverage that fits your needs can feel overwhelming, especially if you have a tight budget. Luckily, you can pay less for auto insurance if you’re in the military. It starts with looking at auto insurance companies known for offering affordable premiums to members of the armed forces. Keep reading to learn how to get cheap car insurance as a military member.

Key Takeaways:

• GEICO, Armed Forces Insurance, and Esurance offer some of the most affordable rates to military members.
• Members of the armed forces typically qualify for lower insurance premiums through discounts and special military programs.
• Comparing rates from several auto insurance companies will help you choose the most affordable coverage.

The Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for Military Members in 2023

Many auto insurance companies are in the market, but only a few offer the most affordable rates to military members. Start with these three insurers on your search for cheap military insurance.

GEICO

GEICO is known for providing military personnel and their families with discounts on auto insurance. You can secure these discounts by contacting GEICO and presenting proof of your service affiliation. Active-duty and retired military personnel and their families are entitled to cheaper premiums.

GEICO also provides you with multiple payment options and specialty coverage. For instance, you may sign up for different payment choices and schedules when you’re overseas that aren’t available to drivers in the States. You can also save money on auto insurance and ensure you have the protection you want by utilizing GEICO’s military discounts and customized coverage options.

Pros of GEICO

• 15% military discount for current and former military members
• Competitive rates
• Excellent military-specific customer service
• Robust mobile app
• Available in all 50 states

Cons of GEICO

• Rates may be higher than some competitors

Coverage Options

• Bodily injury and property damage liability
• Medical payments coverage (MedPay)
• Personal injury protection (PIP)
• Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage
• Collision and comprehensive coverage
• Emergency roadside assistance
• Rental reimbursement
• Mechanical breakdown insurance

Discounts Offered by GEICO

• Military installation discount: Military members stationed at a military facility are eligible for this discount.
• Emergency deployment discount: Members of the armed forces who are on emergency deployment can save on their premiums.
• Membership and employee discount: This discount is available if you’re a member of select military organizations.

Availability

GEICO car insurance is available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Armed Forces Insurance

Armed Forces Insurance (AFI) provides coverage to military personnel and their families. You can look forward to affordable premiums, discounts, and flexible coverage alternatives. Plus, it offers motorcycle, home, and renters insurance so that you can protect all your assets with one company.

It’s possible to tailor AFI’s payment options and plans to fit your unique needs, whether you’re on an emergency deployment or serving overseas.

Pros of Armed Forces Insurance

• Coverage focused on the military community
• Various discount options
• Available in all 50 states

Cons of Air Forces Insurance

• Only available to military members and their families

Coverage Options

• Bodily injury and property damage liability
• Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage
• Medical payments coverage
• Collision and comprehensive coverage
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
• Rental reimbursement
• Emergency roadside service

Discounts Offered by Armed Forces Insurance (AFI)

Armed Forces Insurance doesn’t list its discounts on the website. You can speak to the company directly for more information.

Availability

AFI is available in all 50 states plus the District of Columbia.

Esurance

Esurance is an online auto insurance company that offers several discounts for military personnel, veterans, and their families. You can secure affordable auto insurance by using Esurance’s military-specific discounts. Veterans and their families are also eligible for discounts, as are military personnel currently on active duty.

If you park your car on a military base, you’re eligible for discounts because these cars are less likely to be stolen or damaged. You can also save on your coverage by combining your auto insurance with additional insurance policies, such as renters’ or homeowners’ insurance.

Pros of Esurance

• Convenient online access
• Mobile app
• Exclusive military discounts

Cons of Esurance

• Limited coverage options
• Not available in all states

Coverage Options

• Collision coverage
• Comprehensive coverage
• Emergency roadside assistance coverage
• Rental car coverage
• Loan/lease gap coverage
• Medical payments coverage
• Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage

Discounts offered by Esurance

• DriveSense Telematics Program (available in 35 states)

Esurance may offer additional discounts, but the website does not list them.

Availability

Esurance offers policies to drivers in 43 states, but availability varies.

Which Companies Offer a Military Discount?

While the three companies listed above offer the most affordable rates for military members, you have additional options. One of the best ways to save on your insurance is with a military discount. These insurers offer discounts to members of the armed forces and their families.

• GEICO – 15% on comprehensive coverage
• Armed Forces Insurance – The service member’s military rank determines the discount
• Esurance – Up to 10% discount on car insurance rates
• Progressive – Up to 10% discount on car insurance rates
• State Farm – Up to 25% discount on car insurance rates
• Farmers – Up to 5% discount on car insurance rates
• Allstate – Up to 25% discount on car insurance rates
• Liberty Mutual – Up to 10% discount on car insurance rates
• Nationwide – Up to 20% discount on car insurance rates
• Travelers – Up to 10% discount on car insurance rates
• American Family – Up to 10% discount on car insurance rates
• The General – Discount varies
• Direct Auto – Discount varies
• 21st Century – Discount varies
• Infinity – Discount varies
• Amica – Discount varies
• Elephant – Up to 10% discount on car insurance rates
• The Hartford – Discount varies

How Do Military Members and Veterans Save on Car Insurance?

Some veterans and active-duty military members qualify for cheaper auto insurance due to their military status. But that’s not the only way to save. Here are some additional tips to reduce your auto insurance costs.

Military Discounts

Insurance companies frequently offer military discounts, ranging from 5% to 25% off your premium. These discounts are typically available to veterans and active-duty service personnel. How much you save may be determined by your rank, duration of service, and branch of service.

To be eligible for these discounts, you must provide documentation of your military service. Documentation includes a copy of your LES, a DD214, or military ID. Be sure to ask the insurance provider what documentation you must show to receive the discount.

Bundled Policies

Combining your auto insurance with other insurance plans, such as renters’ or homeowners’ insurance policies, might earn you a multi-policy discount. The strategy helps you save money and may make managing your insurance simpler.

Shopping Around

Insurance rates vary depending on the company, so shop around to find the best rate. You only know how much you could save once you see how much other insurers charge for insurance.

Increasing Your Deductibles

Choosing a higher deductible can significantly lower your insurance premium. Just be sure you can afford to pay the higher deductible if you have to file a claim; your insurance company won’t pay toward a claim until you pay your deductible in full.

Usage-Based Insurance

Usage-based insurance plans set your premium based on your driving habits. If you don’t drive your vehicle often because you drive a military vehicle for work, you’re deployed, or you live on base, you may be able to save money on your auto insurance.

Insurance companies use telematics technology to track motorists’ behavior and determine their degree of risk. It can track how far you drive, along with your speed, braking, and acceleration habits. If you practice safe driving habits, such as driving within the speed limit and avoiding abrupt stops, you may qualify for a discount on your policy.

Insurers That Specialize in Military Members

Consider getting insurance from a company that specializes in supporting military members. These insurers may offer exclusive discounts or advantages while being more mindful of the specific requirements and difficulties you may face.

How Is Car Insurance for Military Members Different?

One of the most significant differences is the availability of special discounts and benefits as a member of the military. Many car insurance companies offer discounts, lower deductibles, and special perks for active-duty military personnel and their families. These discounts can be substantial, making it more affordable to secure coverage.

Another critical difference is flexibility. Military members are often stationed in different parts of the country or even overseas. Because of this, they may need car insurance coverage that extends beyond their home state or country. Some car insurance companies offer coverage that can be used in multiple states or even internationally, making it easier for military members to stay covered no matter where their assignments take them.

Additionally, some car insurance companies may offer special benefits for military members while deployed, such as suspending coverage or reducing their premiums until they return.

Cheap Car Insurance for Military Members FAQs

Do military members get a discount on car insurance?

Yes, many insurance companies offer military members discounts on their auto insurance. These discounts often range from 5% to 30%.

Can I get car insurance while deployed overseas?

Yes, you can buy car insurance while serving abroad. Working with an insurance company that caters to military personnel and can offer coverage for your particular needs is crucial, though.

Can I suspend my car insurance while I’m deployed overseas?

Yes, many auto insurance providers allow you to suspend your coverage while deployed overseas.

Angela Williams Auto Insurance Writer

Angela brings her corporate background in the insurance space to Compare.com as an auto insurance writer. She is skilled in writing about car insurance, along with other insurance products. Angela graduated with honors with her Master’s of Business Administration. When she’s not writing you can find her somewhere near the water.