Best Auto Insurance for Military Families and Veterans in 2024 (Our Top 10 Companies Ranked)

Read on to learn about the cheapest auto insurance companies for military families and veterans.

Then, compare rates with as many companies as possible with our free quote comparison tool to find the most affordable policy. 

#1 – USAA: Top Pick Overall

Pros

• Tailored Discounts: USAA provides specialized discounts and benefits exclusively for military members and veterans, helping to reduce insurance costs. You can learn more in our USAA auto insurance review.
• Exceptional Customer Service: USAA offers unparalleled customer service dedicated to serving the unique needs of military families and veterans, ensuring satisfaction and support.
• Comprehensive Coverage Options: USAA provides a wide range of coverage options specifically designed to address the needs and challenges faced by military personnel and their families.

Cons

• Limited Eligibility: USAA’s eligibility is restricted to military members, veterans, and their families, excluding non-military individuals from accessing its services.
• Limited Physical Branch Locations: USAA’s physical branch locations are relatively limited, which may pose challenges for those who prefer in-person interactions or need local assistance.

#2 – Geico: Best for Widespread Availability 

Pros

• Specialized Military Discounts: Geico offers a variety of discounts tailored specifically for military personnel, helping them save on insurance premiums. You can learn more in our Geico auto insurance review.
• User-Friendly Online Tools: Geico’s online platform and mobile app make it convenient for military families to manage their policies and file claims, even during deployments.
• Nationwide Availability: Geico’s widespread availability ensures accessibility for military families stationed across different locations.

Cons

• Varied Customer Service Experience: Customer service quality may vary depending on individual experiences, leading to mixed reviews.
• Pricing Discrepancies: While Geico generally offers competitive rates, pricing may not always be the lowest for all demographics, including military members.

#3 – Progressive: Best for Customizable Coverage Options

Pros

• Flexible Coverage: Progressive offers customizable policies tailored to fit the unique needs of military families, providing peace of mind and adequate protection. You can learn more in our Progressive auto insurance review.
• User-Friendly Online Tools: Progressive’s intuitive website and mobile app make it easy for military families to manage their policies and access important information anytime, anywhere.
• Military Discounts: Progressive provides discounts specifically for military personnel, helping them save on insurance premiums.

Cons

• Potential Rate Increases: Progressive’s rates may increase after an accident, impacting military families’ budgets.
• Inconsistent Customer Service: While many customers praise Progressive’s customer service, others report varying levels of satisfaction, leading to mixed reviews.

#4 – Farmers: Best for Personalized Service 

Pros

• Local Agent Support: Farmers Insurance offers personalized service through its extensive network of local agents, providing military families with tailored assistance and guidance.
• Diverse Coverage Options: Farmers Insurance provides a variety of coverage options to address the diverse needs of military families, ensuring comprehensive protection. You can learn more in our Farmers auto insurance review.
• Financial Stability: Farmers Insurance boasts strong financial stability, offering military families peace of mind and confidence in their coverage.

Cons

• Higher Rates: Farmers Insurance rates may be higher compared to some competitors, potentially impacting military families’ budgets.
• Limited Availability: Farmers Insurance may have limited availability in certain regions, restricting access for military families stationed in those areas.

#5 – State Farm: Best for Extensive Agent Network

Pros

• Local Agent Support: State Farm’s vast network of local agents provides military families with personalized assistance and guidance, ensuring their unique needs are met.
• Reputable Customer Service: State Farm has an excellent reputation for customer service, offering military families reliable support and assistance when needed.
• Diverse Coverage Options: State Farm offers a wide range of coverage options to accommodate the diverse needs of military families, providing comprehensive protection. You can learn more in our State Farm auto insurance review.

Cons

• Higher Premiums: State Farm’s premiums may be higher compared to some competitors, potentially impacting military families’ budgets.
• Limited Discounts: While State Farm offers various discounts, the range of available discounts for military personnel may be limited compared to other insurers.

#6 – Allstate: Best for Innovative Tools and Resources

Pros

• Advanced Technology: Allstate provides innovative tools and resources, such as the Drivewise program, to help military families manage their policies and save on premiums. You can read more in our Allstate auto insurance review. 
• Comprehensive Coverage: Allstate offers a variety of insurance products and coverage options to meet the unique needs of military families, ensuring adequate protection.
• Strong Financial Stability: Allstate’s strong financial stability provides military families with confidence and peace of mind in their coverage.

Cons

• Higher Premiums: Allstate’s premiums may be higher compared to some competitors, potentially impacting military families’ budgets.
• Mixed Customer Service Reviews: While many customers praise Allstate’s customer service, others report varying levels of satisfaction, leading to mixed reviews.

#7 – Liberty Mutual: Best for Various Discounts

Pros

• Flexible Coverage: Liberty Mutual offers customizable coverage options tailored to meet the specific needs of military families, providing them with adequate protection.
• Extensive Discounts: Liberty Mutual provides a wide range of discounts specifically for military personnel, helping them save on insurance premiums. Learn more in our Liberty Mutual auto insurance review.
• User-Friendly Online Platform: Liberty Mutual’s user-friendly website and online platform make it convenient for military families to manage their policies and access important information.

Cons

• Higher Rates for Some Demographics: Liberty Mutual’s rates may be higher for certain demographics within the military community, potentially impacting budgets.
• Mixed Customer Service Reviews: While many customers praise Liberty Mutual’s customer service, others report varying levels of satisfaction, leading to mixed reviews.

#8 – The Hartford: Best for Benefits for Military Veterans

Pros

• AARP Benefits: The Hartford offers specialized benefits and discounts for military veterans through its partnership with AARP, providing them with additional savings and perks. Read more in our The Hartford auto insurance review. 
• Specialized Coverage Options: The Hartford provides tailored coverage options for older drivers, including military veterans, ensuring they have adequate protection.
• Financial Stability: The Hartford boasts strong financial stability, offering military veterans confidence and peace of mind in their coverage.

Cons

• Limited Availability: The Hartford may have limited availability in certain regions, restricting access for military veterans stationed in those areas.
• Potentially Higher Rates: The Hartford’s rates may be higher for non-AARP members, including some military veterans, impacting their budgets.

#9 – Armed Forces Insurance: Best for Serving Military Personnel and Veterans

Pros

• Military-Focused Services: Armed Forces Insurance specializes in serving military personnel and veterans, providing them with tailored insurance solutions and expert advice. Learn more in our Armed Forces auto insurance review.
• Competitive Rates: Armed Forces Insurance offers competitive rates and discounts specifically for military personnel and veterans, helping them save on insurance premiums.
• Strong Understanding of Military Lifestyles: Armed Forces Insurance has a deep understanding of military lifestyles and needs, ensuring military families receive the coverage and support they require.

Cons

• Limited Availability Outside Military Communities: Armed Forces Insurance may have limited availability outside of military communities, restricting access for non-military individuals.
• Limited Coverage Options: Armed Forces Insurance may not offer as many coverage options as larger insurers, potentially limiting choices for military families.

#10 – Erie Insurance: Best for Personalized Service Through Local Agents

Pros

• Local Agent Support: Erie Insurance provides personalized service through its network of local agents, ensuring military families receive tailored assistance and guidance.
• Competitive Rates: Erie Insurance offers competitive rates, providing military families with affordable insurance options that fit their budgets. You can learn more in our Erie auto insurance review.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Erie Insurance provides a variety of coverage options to meet the diverse needs of military families, ensuring they have adequate protection.

Cons

• Limited Availability: Erie Insurance may have limited availability, restricting access for military families in certain regions or states.
• Fewer Digital Tools: Erie Insurance may offer fewer digital tools compared to larger insurers, potentially impacting the convenience of managing policies for some military families.

Veteran Auto Insurance Rates 

Today’s veterans are not just older military men and women. Many were injured while providing a vital service for this country and no longer serve actively.

They may be as young as 20 or 25 years old, but they still deserve the same honor and respect as their older counterparts. The younger veterans may not realize they qualify for many new programs recently created, and this could include reduced rate auto insurance.

Under most circumstances, U.S. veterans receive a 10 percent to 20 percent discount on their car insurance rates. However, as younger, less experienced drivers, those between 20 and 25 may fall into a different category. This is why this resource is so helpful.

Even though companies often advertise as the best car insurance for veterans or active-duty military members, your service doesn’t significantly impact your rates. No matter your military status, you’ll pay about the same for coverage.

Read More: Best Auto Insurance for Disabled Veterans

A good place to start is with the average price of minimum and full coverage. Minimum coverage refers to the least amount of insurance you can buy and still legally drive or register your car. Full coverage auto insurance is a suite of insurance products that gives you better protection but costs more.

Learn more: What is full coverage auto insurance? 

Check the rates below to see how much you might pay per month for minimum and full coverage based on your status.

Auto Insurance Monthly Rates for Military Families and Veterans by Coverage Level & Provider

The average cost of minimum car insurance for veterans and active-duty members is about $41 a month, which is a few dollars less than the national average. Rates are also similar to the national average for full coverage. (Read More: Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements by State)

Auto Insurance Rates for Military vs. Nonmilitary Members

Car insurance always feels expensive, but military members and vets have a special opportunity to take advantage of discounts and programs.

Read more: Best Auto Insurance for Disabled Veterans

Read on to explore what companies for military members can offer you.

Comparing the Best Military Auto Insurance Companies

The best military car insurance company will vary from person to person. Your driving record, credit history, marital status, age, and many other factors play a role in which company will work best for you. To find the best military car insurance company, your best bet is to get quotes from multiple companies. This way, you will truly be able to see which company can help save you the most money and still provide you with excellent coverage.

Companies like Allstate and State Farm are frequently queried regarding their discount policies. For instance, prospective customers may inquire, “Does Allstate have a military discount?” or “Does State Farm offer a veterans discount?” Similarly, questions may arise about Geico’s offerings, such as “Does Geico offer a veterans discount?”

USAA Military Auto Insurance

USAA is probably the most well-known provider of insurance and financial services for military members and is at the top of the list. With a reputation for excellence and dedication to serving those who have served, USAA offers specialized policies tailored to the unique needs of service members and their families.

Are you a military member looking for affordable insurance coverage?💰USAA might be exactly what you need! At https://t.co/27f1xf131D, we want to help you understand how this company can help you save big on your premiums!🤑Learn more here👉: https://t.co/uR2RQsZcUh pic.twitter.com/8uHcr7DS9r

— AutoInsurance.org (@AutoInsurance) May 23, 2023

USAA understands the importance of providing the best car insurance for military members and veterans alike. Their commitment extends to offering military discount car insurance and recognizing the sacrifices and dedication of those who have served. 

Pros and Cons of USAA Auto Insurance

USAA often has the cheapest rates for car insurance, no matter how much coverage you need or what your driving situation is. It only sells to retired or active military members and their families, but USAA should be your first stop if you qualify for membership. 

If it’s coverage for military families or veterans, USAA delivers peace of mind on the road.

USAA Auto Insurance Coverages 

USAA offers coverage for drivers to meet their state’s minimum insurance requirements and full coverage insurance.  The table below lists the coverages you can purchase from USAA.

List of USAA Auto Insurance Coverages

To meet the needs of its customers, USAA sells insurance for more than cars. You can also buy motorcycle, life, homeowners, and renters insurance from USAA, and may get a bundling discount for buying more than one coverage. 

To help its customers find additional coverage, USAA has several partners that offer discounted prices on insurance. USAA customers can also get discounts on shopping and traveling as USAA members. 

USAA Auto Insurance Discounts 

Insurance companies offer discounts to help customers save money. USAA offers a variety of discounts, some of which are specifically for military members, while others have a broader base. USAA offers the following discounts:

List of USAA Auto Insurance Discounts

USAA’s discounts for military members are especially useful. For example, if you store your vehicle on a military base, USAA will cut your rates by 15%. USAA also offers a 60% discount for storing your car while you’re deployed overseas.

Other discounts for military personnel include a 10% discount for military kids and a mileage discount for drivers who drive less. That’s additional help for people on deployment since they’ll save money by not using their cars.

USAA also has a safe driving program that offers great savings. You can read more about it in our USAA SafePilot review.

USAA Veteran Auto Insurance Availability 

As a large insurance company serving the military, USAA sells coverage in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. However, USAA has strict eligibility requirements. To be able to buy insurance from USAA, you must meet the following criteria:

• Enlistment in the Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Army, or National Guard
• Retired or was honorably discharged
• Enrollment in a service academy, advanced ROTC, or have an ROTC scholarship
• Be an immediate family member, such as a spouse, widow/widower, unmarried former spouse, or child

If you’re a child of a deceased military member, you won’t qualify for USAA membership unless your parent or guardian was a member before their death.

USAA Veteran Customer Satisfaction 

USAA has outstanding reviews from third-party rating companies, including in areas like customer satisfaction. For example, J.D. Power awards USAA with the highest rating for customer satisfaction for any insurance company.

Another solid place to look is the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) ratings. The NAIC rates companies based on how many complaints they get compared to their size. The national average is 1.0, and USAA gets 1.95. That means it receives nearly double the complaints compared to similar companies.

Despite its NAIC rating, USAA is still regarded as a company with good customer service. Additionally, customers feel comfortable knowing that USAA has the highest A.M. Best score for its financial strength.

Geico Military Auto Insurance 

Geico stands for Government Employees Insurance Company, so it’s no wonder it offers some of the best insurance for military members.

Pros and Cons of Geico Auto Insurance

Geico is one of the highest-rated insurance companies in America and often offers the cheapest rates without having strict membership requirements. Although military members will find plenty of discounts to take advantage of, Geico is an overall good choice for all drivers. 

Geico Auto Insurance Coverages 

Geico has one of the longest lists of available insurance to choose from. It covers minimum and full coverage needs, and drivers can find multiple ways to customize their policies. Other additional coverage options include

• Roadside assistance
• Rental car reimbursement
• Mechanical breakdown
• Mexican travel

You can also buy several other types of policies, including ATV, RV, boat, and motorcycle insurance. If you need specialty car insurance, Geico sells commercial and antique auto insurance.

Geico Auto Insurance Discounts 

Geico has one of the market’s longest lists of car insurance discounts. When you shop at Geico, you might qualify for the following discount types:

• Safety features
• Good driver
• Defensive driver
• Good student
• Bundling

Geico also offers many other savings options, including a 15% discount for all active and retired military and National Guard members. To earn Geico’s emergency deployment discount, you must be deployed to an area of “imminent danger” and store your vehicle while you’re gone.

Geico Veteran Auto Insurance Availability 

As one of the largest insurance companies in the country, you can buy Geico in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Unlike USAA, Geico has no eligibility requirements to meet before you can purchase insurance.

Offering specialized coverage options and competitive rates, Geico provides veterans with reliable veterans auto insurance tailored to their specific requirements.

Geico Veteran Customer Satisfaction 

Not only does Geico have low rates and great discount options, but it also has a high level of customer satisfaction.

J.D. Power reports that Geico has above-average customer satisfaction ratings in most regions it sells insurance. Geico’s NAIC score is similar to USAA, currently sitting at 1.92.

As for its financial strength, Geico is another company with an outstanding rating from A.M. Best. Geico currently has an A++, meaning it won’t struggle to pay any claim you might need to make.

Armed Forces Insurance for Military Members

Although USAA is the most famous company that sells insurance for military members, it’s not the only one. You can also buy coverage from Armed Forces Insurance (AFI).

AFI is much older than USAA, having been founded in 1887. If you’re looking for military auto insurance, you should consider what AFI offers.

Armed Forces Insurance Coverages 

Armed Forces Insurance stands out as a trusted provider of car insurance for military families, providing tailored policies designed to offer the best car insurance for veterans. 

Like other insurance companies, AFI meets your full coverage and minimum insurance needs. It also offers a few add-ons so you can customize your policy.

When you purchase an insurance policy from AFI, it covers your spouse, children, and anyone else living with you. It also covers people you permit to borrow your car.

Alongside full and minimum coverage, AFI offers the following coverage options:

• Personal injury protection or medical payments
• Roadside assistance
• Rental car reimbursement

AFI offers a variety of other insurance products, including motorcycle, watercraft, and collector car insurance. You can also buy other coverages, such as home, renters, pet, and valuable items insurance.

Armed Forces Insurance Auto Insurance Discounts 

AFI doesn’t list information about what auto insurance discounts it offers, but you can expect that it will be similar to other providers. AFI promises competitive rates, which most likely require discounts to keep prices low.

The little information AFI has on its website hints that the company offers discounts for having multiple vehicles on the same policy and for being a safe driver. You’ll also probably get a discount if you take a defensive driving course.

Armed Forces Insurance Availability 

AFI sells insurance in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. As a company that sells military member and veteran auto insurance, AFI only allows the following people to buy a policy:

• Active duty, honorably discharged, or retired service members from any military branch, including the National Guard and Coast Guard
• Service academy members, including ROTC cadets and Merchant Marines
• Active, retired, or formerly commissioned officers from the NOAA or PHS
• Active or retired employees from the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, or Civilian Auxiliaries
• Children and parents of current or former AFI members
• Spouses, ex-spouses, and surviving spouses of military members
• Former AFI members

If none of these apply to you, AFI will still work to find you affordable coverage. AFI has several partners that work with nonmilitary members.

Armed Forces Insurance Veteran Customer Satisfaction 

AFI is not a large, well-known company, so it doesn’t have many third-party ratings. AFI is unrated by A.M. Best, J.D. Power, and the NAIC.

However, it does have a rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB rates companies on their ability to resolve customer complaints, and AFI has an A+.

How Auto Insurance with Military Discounts Works

When you’re not deployed, your car insurance works the same as everyone else’s. You choose the amount of coverage you need for your car, look for discounts, and pay your insurance bill like a civilian.

However, many states have special rules for active military members. For example, military members are often allowed to maintain car registration and insurance in their home state, even when they’re stationed somewhere else.

Securing a car insurance military discount is paramount for military families and veterans, especially when considering deployment and legal obligations. Exploring military discounts car insurance options is essential for car insurance for military members, ensuring tailored coverage at affordable rates.

The top 3 auto insurance companies for military and veterans – USAA, Geico, and Progressive – prioritize discounts and specialized policies to meet the unique needs of armed forces personnel. Navigating through various offerings, including cheap car insurance for armed forces, enables veterans and their families to find the best auto insurance for military members, balancing cost-effectiveness and comprehensive coverage.

Car insurance companies with military discounts may also extend benefits to veterans, albeit with differing criteria. Beyond car insurance, veterans might seek homeowner insurance for veterans from companies recognizing their service with tailored discounts.

You’ll also see different rules and discounts based on the company you shop with. Many companies offer special savings between 5% and 15% for active or retired military members, so shopping around for coverage is important.

Auto Insurance Companies Offering Military Discounts 

While you can find military discounts for everything from car parts to shoes, not many insurance companies offer savings for military personnel. The few companies that offer a military discount include:

• USAA
• AFI
• Geico
• Farmers
• Liberty Mutual

Other big companies like State Farm or Allstate don’t offer military savings, but they do have other discounts you can take advantage of.

Take a look at the discount percentage from top providers in the table below.

There’s some good news for residents of Louisiana — state law requires all insurance companies to offer military members in the Pelican State a 25% discount.

How to Get a Military Auto Insurance Discount 

The approval process for military discounts varies by company, but you usually need a few things. Most companies require a valid driver’s license as well as one of the following types of documentation:

• D214 Member 4 copy
• Active duty orders
• Discharge certificate
• Academy appointment letter or ROTC contract
• NGB22
• Leave and earnings statement

Some insurance companies allow active-duty members to temporarily cancel their policy before deployment starts. If your company gives you this option, you’ll need to present proof of deployment and storage documentation for your car to qualify.

Veteran Discounts vs. Military Discounts

Veterans’ car insurance discounts are in the same boat as active duty members — there are some car insurance companies that offer military discounts, while others don’t. 

If you want to buy veteran car insurance from a company that doesn’t have a military or veteran discount, you can always ask a representative to double-check. They might not be able to find a military discount for you, but they can look for additional ways for you to save.

There are two main military discounts for you to look for. The first is a basic discount for being an active or retired military member and close family. You can also search for companies that offer savings when you go into active deployment and store your car.

Other than those, most companies don’t have other options for military discounts. However, there are plenty of other discounts to take advantage of when shopping for car insurance for military veterans. Some of the most popular discounts for military members include being a good driver, having safety devices installed in your car, or bundling policies.

Learn more: How to Get an Anti-Theft Auto Insurance Discount 

You can also get cheap auto insurance for veterans by keeping your driving record clean, improving your credit score, and comparing rates.

Auto Insurance and Deployment 

Preparing to leave for deployment can be stressful, and storing your car is the last thing you want to worry about.

Some insurance companies will work with you so you can keep your car insured while you’re away. Most companies require that you keep your vehicle stored in a garage or on a military base to qualify for the discount.

Learn more: Best Garaging & Storing Auto Insurance Discounts

If your insurance company doesn’t give a discount for storing your vehicle, it might allow you to cancel your policy without a penalty for a lapse in coverage. Most insurance companies try to accommodate military members about to leave on active deployment, especially those about to enter imminent danger areas.

Canceling Auto Insurance if You’re Deployed

Insurance companies look at your coverage history to determine your rates. You’ll pay more for a policy if they see a gap in your insurance history.

One of the only exceptions insurance companies make to this rule is for military personnel leaving on active duty. If you can’t find a discount for storing your vehicle, you should ask your insurance company if you can pause your coverage without consequence.

Some companies will temporarily cancel your insurance, so you don’t have to pay for it while you’re out of the country. If you choose to cancel your insurance, you’ll need to make sure that no one else can drive your car — anyone who drives your vehicle will still need coverage.

However, you shouldn’t cancel your insurance unless your company offers an exception for drivers about to leave on deployment. If you do want to cancel insurance, make sure you read up on how to cancel auto insurance to ensure you cancel correctly. 

Reinstating Auto Insurance After Deployment 

If you choose to cancel your insurance before deployment, you should reinstate it as soon as possible after you get back. It’s vitally important that you get insurance before driving your car, especially if you live in a state that requires coverage.

Even if your home state doesn’t require insurance, you should still consider covering your car. If you don’t have auto insurance for military personnel, you’ll have to pay for damage you cause to other vehicles in an at-fault accident by yourself.

Find the Best Auto Insurance for Military Members Today

Although military members find many discount opportunities, finding discounted car insurance is a little harder. USAA, Geico, and Progressive are some of the best options for military car insurance discounts, but you might find better coverage elsewhere.

Before you sign up for a policy, it’s important to compare your options. You’ll likely overpay for your policy if you don’t look at multiple companies and get auto insurance quotes for veterans or military members before signing up. Enter your ZIP code below to compare auto insurance rates for military families and veterans from top providers near you.