{"id":349261,"date":"2025-11-11T09:03:17","date_gmt":"2025-11-11T14:03:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/?p=349261"},"modified":"2025-11-11T09:03:17","modified_gmt":"2025-11-11T14:03:17","slug":"auto-insurance-savings-guide-for-service-members-and-veterans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/insurance\/car\/auto-insurance-savings-guide-for-service-members-and-veterans\/","title":{"rendered":"Auto Insurance Savings Guide for Service Members and Veterans"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Many American households are feeling the pinch from higher living costs, and military families are no exception. Permanent change of station (PCS) moves, deployments, and unique housing needs can strain budgets \u2014 and auto insurance premiums have climbed markedly since 2019 (the BLS motor vehicle insurance index is roughly 45\u201350% higher than pre\u2011pandemic levels), increasing financial stress for many drivers<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some insurers offer dedicated military savings nationally \u2014 notably USAA<\/a> (members only), GEICO<\/a>, and Liberty Mutual<\/a> \u2014 while others focus on non\u2011military levers like telematics, bundling, and storage\/deployment coverage adjustments. Compare both military\u2011specific and general discounts to see which delivers the best rate where you\u2019re stationed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Car insurance is a must\u2011have, but it doesn\u2019t have to add to your financial burden.  By combining military perks (on\u2011base and emergency\u2011deployment discounts, storage\/deployment savings) with non\u2011military programs like usage\u2011based telematics, low\u2011mileage, multi\u2011policy, and pay\u2011in\u2011full discounts, you can meaningfully lower monthly premiums today<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this guide, you\u2019ll learn how to get the lowest rate for the coverage you need and learn about the best auto insurance companies<\/a> for Service Members and Veterans \u2014 and see updated picks from NerdWallet<\/a> and Forbes Advisor<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Impact of COVID-19<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Early in the pandemic, most auto insurers issued temporary premium credits as miles driven fell. Those broad relief programs ended as driving and claims rebounded. Since then, premiums have risen sharply, with year\u2011over\u2011year increases around 20% through much of 2024\u2013early 2025 and an index level about 45\u201350% above 2019, per the BLS CPI for motor vehicle insurance data<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vehicle miles traveled returned to roughly pre\u2011pandemic levels by 2023 and grew modestly in 2024 (FHWA)<\/a>. Traffic fatalities declined in 2023 and continued improving in 2024 but remain above 2019 baselines (NHTSA)<\/a>. For military households, elevated premiums plus PCS moves and deployments can compound costs \u2014 making storage options and military discounts more valuable than before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today\u2019s savings are targeted rather than across\u2011the\u2011board: usage\u2011based insurance (UBI) and low\u2011mileage programs, multi\u2011policy bundles, and deployment\/storage coverage adjustments are the primary levers. If you\u2019re deploying and storing a vehicle, many carriers let you reduce to comprehensive\u2011only (subject to state and lender rules), which can substantially cut costs during deployment<\/a> and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2020, insurer refunds and credits totaled about $10.5 billion<\/a> industry\u2011wide. Those were time\u2011limited; today your best bet is to ask about UBI, low\u2011mileage, and deployment\/storage options with your current carrier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Military-specific Considerations for Obtaining Auto Insurance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Because you may not control where you\u2019re stationed, shopping for auto insurance can be tricky. Rates vary by state and even ZIP code; in some areas<\/a>, it costs significantly more (or less) to insure a vehicle. When you have a choice, compare cost of living and insurance rates before you move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Confirm which carriers offer military\u2011specific discounts where you live. As of now, USAA<\/a> (members only), GEICO<\/a>, and Liberty Mutual<\/a> advertise dedicated military savings, while many others focus on non\u2011military discounts and deployment\/storage adjustments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Industry advisors at dealerships such as Superior Honda<\/a> note that eligibility and savings can differ by branch, status (active, Guard\/Reserve, veteran), and deployment orders. Ask carriers designed for the military community (e.g., USAA) and mainstream insurers with military programs (e.g., GEICO, Liberty Mutual) to quote your exact situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be discerning when you select a policy: some insurers are built around military families (USAA), while others offer a military discount alongside standard savings like telematics and bundling. Research your options and compare which carriers provide military discounts and which combine them with non\u2011military savings in your state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some states also mandate or allow additional military discounts on auto insurance. For example, Louisiana has provided an additional 25% discount<\/a> to qualifying active\u2011duty residents under specific conditions; verify current eligibility with the Louisiana Department of Insurance before you rely on it. Historically, eligibility included the following requirements:<\/p>\n\n\n\n