Best Car Insurance for Veterans – Military Personnel

Finding car insurance can be a real pain. There are so many options out there and no one seems to be upfront about the cost or policies they provide, unless you’re willing to sit on the phone for an hour plus just to find out they aren’t the right insurance provider for you. That’s why we decided to give you a detailed list of the best car insurance for veterans/military personnel.

Top 5 Best Car Insurance Providers

1. Progressive

Progressive has really upped their game. They offer some of the most services out there, to include a safe driver discount. And with more than 18 million people insured through them, it’s safe to say they know what they’re doing.

What we like

• They offer a safe driver discount, most insurance companies don’t offer this
• They offer free windshield crack repair and Actual Cash Value payback on total loss claims
• You can call or report your claim online 24/7, 365 days a year
• They provide comparison rates for other companies, even if those companies have a better rate than them

What we don’t like

• You have to call or fill out a lot of information to see any rates—most insurance companies are like this

2. Liberty Mutual

Don’t you just love those Liberty Mutual commercials, “a scratch so small, you could fix it with a pen…why don’t you take that pen and”—shove it up their ass. Okay, they don’t say that last part, but we’re pretty sure you’re thinking about it when dealing with not so friendly car insurance providers. Luckily, Liberty Mutual isn’t that kind of company.

What we like

• You can get your quote online
• Bodily injury liability, property damage and medical payment all come standard with their policies
• You can earn accident forgiveness
• They offer a deductible fund

What we don’t like

• You can’t see their policy rates online without a quote

3. Quote Wizard

Maybe you haven’t heard of Quote Wizard before. If not, it’s worth it to check them out. They may have only been around since 2006, but they’re really starting to make a name for themselves.

What we like

• You can see rates online without getting a quote, based on what state you live in
• They offer each state’s requirements for car insurance along with other valuable state-related information
• They’re open about how you can save money on insurance

What we don’t like

• We couldn’t find any information on the type of coverage they provide

4. Esurance

Esurance prides itself on easy quote access. They also offer a lot of coverage options. This means you don’t ever have to worry about a lack of protection when it comes to your car.

What we like

• They offer medical payments coverage
• They offer rental car coverage
• They offer collision coverage
• They list their discounts online

What we don’t like

• They have some bad reviews on roadside assistance

5. Allstate

You’re in good hands with Allstate. And for a company that’s been around for more than 85 years, they don’t plan on dropping the ball anytime soon.

What we like

• They have a ton of resources available online to help you better understand the type of coverage you may need and why
• They list their discounts online
• Smart Student Discount available
• They have a new car discount

What we don’t like

• They have higher premiums

Now to the questions, we know you’re really asking. Do these companies offer military discounts? And if not, what are they offering that makes them so valuable to veterans or military personnel? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Does Progressive offer a military discount?

Yes! Progressive does offer a military discount. One of the many reasons they made it to our number one spot as best car insurance for veterans and military personnel is their dedication to those serving and veterans. Make sure you call them and let them know your military status, it could save you just a little more cash.

Does Liberty Mutual offer a military discount?

Unfortunately, Liberty Mutual doesn’t offer a military discount like Progressive, but they are very military/veteran friendly. They have an entire page dedicated to service members who are transitioning out of the military or who’ve ever served. Because they know some of the most dedicated and hardest working folks are leaving the military and they want you for their own company. Which is great, because when you call them, you might just be on the line with another veteran yourself, and everyone likes dealing with like-minded people.

Does Quote Wizard offer a military discount?

We couldn’t find anything in regards to a military discount, but they do offer a lot of advice, break down each states minimum insurance requirement, and let you know the top 10 vehicles stolen based on state. Knowing this actually helps you save money because the higher your vehicle’s chances of being stolen, the higher your rates.  Unfortunately, a lot of other insurance companies don’t advertise this knowledge.

Does Esurance offer a military discount?

While Esurance doesn’t offer a military discount, they do have a blog dedicated to those serving. They want to help you with the inevitable, PCSing, deployments, etc. And they strive to provide you with an easy transition when you’re dealing with all that military life stuff. If you have questions like, “what do I do with my car while I’m deployed?” They can definitely help you out, and give you a great list of ways to save money on car insurance while you’re gone.

Does Allstate offer a military discount?

No, they do not, but they do offer a lot of assistance when it comes to your needs as a military member.  If you’re about to deploy, don’t worry, you’re in good hands.

What to Look for: Car Insurance and the Military

If you’re serving in the military, we know that comes with a lot of stress. Fortunately, car insurance doesn’t have to be one of those stressors. Whether you’re looking to save a few bucks or you need information on what to do with your vehicle while you’re deployed, there are plenty of car insurance companies willing to help you out because of your service.

If you’re currently serving in the military, you may have questions that are specific to you and your career. For instance, a common concern is what to do with your car and insurance when you’re deployed. If this is you, there are definitely options out there for you, and plenty of insurance companies who are both capable and willing to help you out and ease your mind while you’re gone. We’ll address some of the most common concerns below.

Cancelling Car Insurance

You’re getting ready to deploy, but one thing you can’t bring with you is your car. You may be thinking, well I’m not driving my car. Should I go ahead and cancel my insurance? Technically, yes you can cancel your car insurance. You aren’t driving the car, so it’s completely legal to drop your insurance. However, if you do this you’re losing a lot of protection that you might need, even if you aren’t behind the wheel. For instance, say your car is stolen. There are insurance options that will help pay for a replacement vehicle, such as with Liberty Mutual. But, if you don’t have any insurance, this is no longer an option available to you. What about a natural disaster? If a tree falls on your car while you’re gone and you don’t have insurance, guess what, you’re responsible for the repairs. So, while it’s an option, and you can definitely save a decent amount of money by not insuring your vehicle, it isn’t advised. Canceling your insurance also means you might have to pay higher rates when you return. Also, every state is different, and some require you have insurance, even if you’re storing your vehicle. Simply make sure you check with your current insurance provider and check your specific state’s requirements.

Suspending Car Insurance

Suspending your car insurance or reducing the amount of coverage you have is an option many service members select when they are deployed. It’s a great way to save money while still keeping your vehicle covered. For instance, if you take off collision, liability, and Personal Injury Protection since you won’t be driving the car, you’ll save quite a bit. Of course, if you’re sharing the vehicle or someone besides you will be caring for and taking your car out for a drive, then this would be a bad idea, especially if they end up wrecking. Companies like Progressive are great at helping service members with selecting the right coverage during your deployment.

Long-term Parking

Long-term parking is an available option on most military installations. It’s a designated area for those who need to leave their vehicle for an extended period of time. If you’re deploying, this is most certainly an option for you. If you keep comprehensive insurance, you’ll be covered for things like theft, trees falling, hail, animal damage, pretty much the things not involving collision—companies like Esurance will be able to help you with comprehensive coverage—Keep in mind, leaving your vehicle in long-term parking does not mean someone will be checking on your vehicle or starting your vehicle occasionally, you’ll also have to find a friend or co-worker you trust who’s willing to do that. It’s not up to the installation to take care of your vehicle, therefore we advise you not to just cancel your insurance and head out on your deployment. Also, before you leave your vehicle in long-term parking, you’ll need to make sure you talk to your base representative for that area. Usually, you will be given a placard to keep in your windshield, so your car doesn’t get towed or ticketed.

Car Storage

If you want to store your car for a deployment, you’ll have to make sure you do so properly. Your best option is to store it away from the elements, such as in a garage or storage unit. If you don’t have this option, cover it. Also, ensure you’ve cleaned your car out. The last thing you want to do is leave food in your car for six or so months and come back with a car full of mice or rats. Make sure you check your fluids before you leave too. Fill your car with fresh fluids and add a fuel stabilizer. The last thing you’ll do before you leave, disconnect your battery.

Of course, if you’re deciding what type of coverage you’ll need during you’re deployment, you’re probably also wondering what the different options available to you are.

Liability Coverage

Liability comes into play when you’re the at-fault driver. In most states, it’s a minimum requirement for legally driving a car. Basically, if you do something stupid, like run a red light and T-bone another driver, your insurance can pay for the damage you caused, the medical cost of the other driver and their passengers if need be, and even their lost wages.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Pretend for a moment, that not everyone has insurance. Okay, now let us inform you of a small fact, there are a LOT of people out there driving illegally, with no insurance. What does that mean for you? Well, it means if they hit you and don’t have insurance, you’re pretty much screwed, and not in a good way. Or even if they have insurance, but they don’t have enough, you might be stuck paying for the damages. However, let’s say you have uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. If the other driver is at fault, it will take care of what the other driver’s insurance couldn’t. The downside to this coverage, it costs more in states where there are more uninsured drivers, and it won’t help in cases where you’re the reason the accident happened.

Collision vs Comprehensive Insurance

Collision insurance helps replace or repair damage to your vehicle because of a collision with another vehicle or object—no that poll didn’t come out of nowhere, no it didn’t hit you, you hit it, but yes collision insurance would cover that. Collision insurance does not cover the damage you might do to another vehicle.

Comprehensive coverage is the opposite of collision coverage; it’s what you need when you don’t have a collision. For instance, say you woke up and your car was stolen. Comprehensive insurance would help you pay for a new vehicle. If you’re out of the bar at 2am and your car had been vandalized while inside, your comprehensive insurance would help pay to replace or repair your car. What comprehensive insurance doesn’t do is pay for damaged not caused by a collision. If your car was stolen, damaged from fire, vandalism, or falling objects—such as a tree or hail—then you would need comprehensive coverage to help replace or repair your car.

Is it worth it to have collision coverage?

Is it worth it to have good health? I don’t know, that’s up to you. If you get in a wreck and don’t have collision insurance, here’s what could happen. Pretend you’re involved in a hit and run. You don’t have a name, license plate, or even a vehicle description, what you do have is about $10,000 worth of damage. If however, you have collision coverage, you’ll be fine, or at least your vehicle will be. Collision coverage does come with a deductible, usually $500 or $1000, talk to your agent about this.

So, at the end of the day, collision coverage is up to you, except in some cases, like leasing or renting a vehicle. Otherwise, you can decide if paying to repair or replace your vehicle is something you can 1. Afford and 2. Want to do.

Is it worth it to have comprehensive coverage?

Again, like most things in life. Only you can answer the “is it worth it” question. I mean, was it worth it when you missed curfew back in ’69. Was eating that gas station sushi worth it? We could probably guess the answers, but in the end, only you can decide what’s best for you. If that’s not a good enough answer how about this one…

Do you live in an area where your car is susceptible to natural disasters? Do you live in a flood zone? Do you have an inevitable hailstorm every July? If this is you, comprehensive coverage might be worth it. Why, because comprehensive coverage is meant specifically for damage that didn’t happen during a collision. Of course, if you own an older car, it might not be worth it. For example, if it would be less expensive to replace your car if it was totaled in a flood than it would be to have comprehensive coverage, then you might want to think twice.

Comprehensive coverage also only pays your car’s depreciation value. So, if your car was stolen the day after you purchased it, you’ll only get back how much your car was worth, not how much you paid for it. Oh, there’s also a deductible, generally $500 or $1000. Hope you have gap insurance—we’ll talk about that late.

Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage

Now, let’s say during this hit and run, you had earlier, you got hurt, that sucks. What sucks, even more, is the fact that unless you have health insurance that will cover it, you’re stuck with the medical expenses, because collision coverage doesn’t take care of you medically. However, if you have uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage, you’ll be fine. This coverage will help take care of your medical bills and help with any lost wages if you’re hit by another car. In some cases, this coverage will help with a hit and run situation, and there usually isn’t a deductible.

Of course, if you have medical payments coverage, then you and your passengers’ medical bills can be covered, even if it’s your fault. This, unfortunately, isn’t provided in all states, so as usual, you’ll have to talk with your specific agent to find out.

Personal Injury Protection

This might be a type of coverage you haven’t heard of before, and that’s okay, we aren’t judging. Personal Injury Protection or PIP shows no bias. If the accident is your fault, you’ll be covered. If it’s the other driver’s fault, you’ll still be covered. The nice thing about PIP is the lost wages part. If your accident causes you to miss work, PIP can step in and help recover some of those wages. PIP is so valuable; some states have made it mandatory. With that in mind, make sure you know what your state does and doesn’t require, so you can make an informed decision about your car insurance and the coverage you need and want.

Gap Insurance

You remember when you bought your car; the dealer comes out with all the paperwork, tries to get you to buy more than just the car and the next thing you know, you’ve walked out with a $20,000 car and $100,000 in payments—we’re exaggerating, but it can feel like that—why is that? For starters, dealers know you need insurance, they know that you’re going to buy insurance, and here they are to offer it to you. So, they offer you something called Gap insurance.

But what is gap insurance? We’re glad you’ve asked. When you buy your $20,000 car, it’s a real $20,000. It doesn’t leave the lot and turn into a $1 car. Oh, but depreciation, that’s a real thing. And instantly after leaving the lot, your $20,000 is no longer worth $20,000. Instead, you end up with a car worth less than what you bought it for. Now, this is where gap insurance comes in. If you wreck your car after leaving the lot, that insurance covers the gap between how much you bought your car for and how much it’s currently worth.

But, here’s the kicker. You don’t’ have to buy gap insurance through the dealership! You can actually purchase it through your insurance company, and in most cases, this option is cheaper.

New car replacement coverage

Have you ever totaled a car? Then you were left trying to find the funds to replace what you had. This can be a difficult task. Good thing there’s something called new car replacement coverage. This coverage ensures you a brand new car, not the depreciation value of your old car. However, your car has to qualify for most insurance companies. You can’t have more than 15,000 miles and a car has to be under a year old in most cases. Companies like Liberty Mutual provide this type of coverage.

Can an insurance company cancel your policy?

Yes, it’s true; an insurance company can cancel your policy. However, they can’t just drop you for any ol’ reason. They have to have a legitimate excuse as governed by the law. And again, these reasons are based on your state. For instance, some states can cancel your insurance based on fraudulent claims, while others can’t. There are even some states who can’t cancel your insurance due to not having your vehicle registered or after they find out you lied on your insurance application. While these all seem like valid excuses to drop a client, they aren’t in some states.

How can I pay less for car insurance?

After you’ve made it back from your deployment, you may be wanting to find an insurance company with cheaper policies, or maybe you kept full coverage and you want to find ways of lowering the cost of your current policy. If this is the case, there are several different things you can do.

If you’re in need of car insurance, like all drivers, or maybe you have insurance, but you want a better rate. Your first step is to shop around. Unfortunately, insurance companies understand that most people are lazy and won’t do this. So, they rarely post their rates online. What does this mean? It means you have to stop being afraid to use the telephone and actually call a person—yeah we know that’s so hard to do these days, the whole personal communication thing—because you can’t text an insurance company to find out how much car insurance will cost.

So, what happens when you finally decide to make a phone call? They offer you a bunch of “sweet deals” and read a bunch of legalities to you, that they know you don’t understand. And in a way that reminds you of medication commercial disclaimers, you know really fast and nonchalant like “…the following medication is known to cause a rash, bleeding, headaches, dizziness, cough, kidney failure, and death”—do people realize you can’t come back from death! Why do insurance companies talk like this? Because insurance is boring, and who really cares about the fine print anyway?

Insurance comes with a lot of mumbo jumbo you don’t actually understand and because you don’t want to drag the process out any longer than it has to be, insurance companies take advantage. They don’t really have to sell you on the product, because they know everyone needs it. So, do yourself a favor and don’t fall for the first insurance offer you get, because there’s a chance you could find something better.

How can you lower your car insurance?

Finding low car insurance and actually lowering it are two different things, but something tells us, you already knew that. Because insurance is heavily weighted on age, that’s where we’ll start first.

You’re no longer 16 years old. You purchased your first car or you’ve come off your parents’ insurance and you’re required to pay your own. The first thing you may think is, “Holy crap! Does insurance have to be this expensive?” The good news is, no, it doesn’t.

Unfortunately, for young drivers you have to pay a lot more for car insurance, it’s your age and lack of experience. This is well known amongst pretty much everyone in the US of A. But what isn’t so well know is your options as of how to lower your rate. If you’re a parent with a young driver on your insurance, this will also be valuable to you. In some states, with some insurance companies, they have incentives for young drivers. Is your kid on the honor roll? Are you a young adult in college, making the Dean’s List? If this is you, you could potentially save money by submitting your report card. Again, this only applies in some states with some insurance companies. So, when you’re shopping around for insurance as a 22-year-old or you’re a parent with a new driver, ask about this incentive. Of course, if you’re failing, you might as well forget about that.

Now, for everyone else—young people too—there are more incentives because the likelihood of having a report card to turn in at 42 is unlikely—Don’t get offended (do we have to say that now?) we know there are plenty of people out there taking college classes who are over 22, just not as many—and we know you might look for other options to save yourself a few bucks. One of these options involves taking a driving course. Keep in mind, however, if you have a court-ordered driving course due to speeding or other forms of reckless driving, it won’t make your insurance rate go down. If you’re not being made, insurance companies may give you some type of discount. Again, not everyone gets this option, so your best bet is to talk with an insurance agency and ask lots of questions. If you don’t ask you’ll never know, and there’s a good chance they’re not going to be forthcoming about the discounts they offer.

Another discount option some insurance companies offer is a mileage discount. If you drive under the average distance, you could get a discount. Say you live a mile from work, or you have a car, but you pretty much ride your bike everywhere. Or, you work from home and don’t leave the house often. Whatever your lifestyle is, if it involves you driving less, insurance companies know you’re less likely to have a wreck and might give you a lower rate. Again, not everyone offers this, but it’s worth asking about if you aren’t driving much.

Can you negotiate car insurance?

Yes! You can most certainly negotiate your car insurance, you just can’t haggle. It’s like calling Verizon to cancel your service. You’re paying out the wahoo for years and they won’t budge, but as soon as you threaten to leave they offer you every discount in the book. Insurance is similar. Every year, when you go to renew your insurance policy, don’t just renew—ask questions. Make sure you’ve got enough coverage, and make sure you don’t have too much coverage either. See if they’re offering any renewal deals, and see if they have any new discounts they might not have had last year. You can even choose to increase your deductible if it makes sense for your finances and you want to save some money upfront. Buy your insurance like you should be buying your cars. Lots of questions and lots of “what ifs” until you find a price and policy you’re comfortable with.

Safe drivers—you know, the ones that always have their hands at 10 and 2, the ones that go EXACTLY the speed limit, turn their blinkers on 20 minutes before they turn—okay maybe not 20 minutes, but you get the point. Safe drivers have a few things going for them, one they’re less likely to crash their vehicle into you or anything else. Meaning, they might have the opportunity to save a little cash based on their driving habits. Companies like Progressive offer safe driver discounts. You just have to connect this funny little plug into your car and give up a decent amount of privacy. But, it might be worth it if you’re actually a good driver. Keep in mind, however, if you think you’re a great driver—like 90% of Americans—but you aren’t, you could end up paying more for car insurance than you were paying prior.

Here’s another way to save a few dollars, own a garage! If you have insurance that covers natural disasters, such as hail damage, you’re going to pay for it. However, if you have a garage where you’ll keep your car a majority of the time, you could save a little money. This is because insurance companies know your car is unlikely to be damage from things like hail and falling trees. As always, we can’t say it enough, not all insurance companies provide this as a discount. You’re going to have to ask! Which is another good reason to shop around, because some companies will provide better rates and discounts than others for the same amount of coverage.

Why are insurance companies picky about their price? Because, if they think they might actually have to cover you in something, it could cost them a pretty penny. That’s why the safer you are and the more steps you take in your own safety and security, the more likely an insurance company is to give you a good rate. This is because the chance of you needing them is much slimmer. It’s like health insurance. Providers don’t want to off insurance to people who aren’t going to be around much longer, or people who have considerable health issues, because they know their chances of paying money are greatly increased. Car insurance is no different.

However, if you’re taking steps to keep your car safe and secure, insurance companies see you as a valuable member—valuable as in you’re going to pay them the rest of your life, and they hopefully don’t have to return the favor—and will offer you further discounts for things like having anti-theft equipment in your car. Some insurance companies even offer a discount for people who have those fancy automatic braking systems. If any of this applies to you, make sure you tell your insurance agency and see if they have any deals to offer up.