Military Car Insurance: What It Is and How It Works

USAA, GEICO, and AFI offer some of the best discounts and coverage options for active-duty military members, veterans, and their families.

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Excellent
Been here before? Get your quotes back.
Progressive LogoAllstate LogoLiberty Mutual LogoUSAA LogoThe General LogoBristol West Logo+120 more
J.J. Starr
Written byJ.J. Starr
J.J. Starr
J.J. StarrInsurance Writer

J.J. Starr is an insurance and personal finance expert who has been writing for Compare.com since 2022. Her work has been published across the web, appearing on sites such as Insurify.

Prior to writing for Compare.com, J.J. was a registered banker and life insurance consultant, holding a Series 6, FINRA, and life insurance license. She also earned a master’s degree in writing from New York University.

J.J. has a passion for helping people save money by explaining complex topics like car insurance in a way that is simple and easy to understand.

Matthew Gross
Edited byMatthew Gross
Matthew Gross headshot
Matthew GrossEditor

Matthew Gross is an editor at Compare.com. With a background in editing and SEO, he’s passionate about creating content that helps readers get the information they need to make more informed decisions. Prior to Compare.com, Matthew brought his user-centered approach to his work with global brands like Apple and Adobe.

Matthew graduated from Illinois State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Journalism.

John Leach
Reviewed byJohn Leach
John Leach
John LeachLicensed P&C Insurance Agent
  • Licensed property and casualty insurance agent

  • 10+ years editing experience

  • NPN: 20461358

John Leach is a licensed insurance agent who reviews and fact-checks articles for Compare.com. John has several years of experience reviewing and editing various insurance topics, and he also holds a valid personal lines producer license from the California Department of Insurance (NPN #20461358).

Updated

Why You Can Trust Compare.com: At Compare.com, it’s our mission to find simple ways to help our customers save money on the things they need. While we partner with some of the companies and brands we talk about in our articles, all of our content is written and reviewed by our independent editorial team and never influenced by our partnerships. Learn about how we make money, review our editorial standards, and reference our data methodology to learn more about why you can trust Compare.com.
Advertiser Disclosure

At Compare.com, it’s our mission to give you the tools to find the best (and most affordable) insurance for your unique needs and budget. We strive to provide information that’s helpful, clear, and unbiased, and we believe that comparing insurance companies should never put you at risk of spam. Our editorial team — which is made up of experienced writers, editors, insurance agents, and data analysts — has spent thousands of hours researching and creating the coverage overviews, side-by-side comparisons, and detailed reviews you see across our site.

While we make money through partnerships with some of the brands we discuss in our articles, our editorial team operates 100% independently, and these partners never influence or affect the topics, reviews, ratings, or recommendations we provide. We never guarantee favorable reviews or mentions in exchange for compensation from any brands or partners, and we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure our content is always independent, truthful, and unbiased.

Military car insurance is a standard auto insurance coverage specifically designed or offered at a discounted rate for military members and their families. Some insurers — like USAA and Armed Forces Insurance (AFI) — offer military-specific perks. And some standard insurers offer a military discount, including GEICO and Erie Insurance.

Military car insurance discounts vary by company. Insurers typically offer a standard military discount, deployment discount, or both. But buying from insurers that tailor policies for members of the military isn’t the only way to save money.

We’ll tell you all about the best military car insurance companies and how to find the best policy for you.

Key Takeaways
  • Military car insurance includes regular auto coverage with military discounts and insurers that tailor policies to military members.

  • You can save between 10% and 25% with a standard military discount, and usually even more for a deployed driver discount.

  • Asking about military-specific discounts, raising your deductible, and comparing quotes help keep rates low for military members.

Best Companies Offering Military Car Insurance

Many insurers offer military-specific car insurance policies, including deployment discounts, great rates, and extensive coverage options. We outlined some of the best options below.

USAA: Best overall for military families

USAA logo
User Reviews
4.3
Our Rating
Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components.
4.5 /5
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$53/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$100/mo
4.3
Best choiceBased on 128 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about USAA

Customers appreciate the prompt customer service and claims handling but are frustrated by the significant and frequent price increases.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Compare.com
How drivers feel about USAA

Customers appreciate the prompt customer service and claims handling but are frustrated by the significant and frequent price increases.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Compare.com
Reviews (66)
Louis
Verified Review
Bait and Switch Pricing
Reviewed in Georgia on January 26, 2026
Prices rise after initial purchase even though there have been no claims or violations.
Lonny
Verified Review
SCAM
Reviewed in Georgia on September 10, 2025
Be sure all the numbers match your conversation with the agent! My outcome is $80 more a month than when I purchased the plan!
Clifford
Verified Review
Rate hikes yet again. Leaving USAA after 28 years.
Reviewed in Arizona on July 19, 2025
They have significantly increased rates over the last few years. I have excellent credit, a clean driving record, and no claims, yet rates increased again this renewal by another $160 per 6 months. My rate has increased over $400 in the last 18 months to now $1562.68 for 6 months.
J.D. Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
739
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
1.31
AM Best
AM Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++
Why we picked this company

Customers and industry experts regularly rate USAA as one of the best car insurance companies. The insurer tailors its policies to service members and offers a variety of military-specific savings, including parking your car on base or storing it while deployed. USAA also has a range of coverage options and other policy perks, including discounts on car rentals.

Pros
  • 15% military discount

  • 25% emergency deployment discount

  • High customer claims and satisfaction scores

Cons
  • Vanishing deductibles not available

  • Custom parts and equipment coverage not available

  • Limited customer service availability

GEICO: Best for military discounts

GEICO logo
User Reviews
4.0
Our Rating
Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components.
4.6 /5
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$88/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$142/mo
4.0
Best choiceBased on 553 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about GEICO

Drivers appreciate the easy communication and good customer service, but many are unhappy with the regular and significant price increases.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Compare.com
How drivers feel about GEICO

Drivers appreciate the easy communication and good customer service, but many are unhappy with the regular and significant price increases.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Compare.com
Reviews (257)
Mary
Verified Review
Rental
Reviewed in Tennessee on January 25, 2026
They won't honor a rental when you send documents to them after having a flat tire and damaging the rim. I had rental insurance.
Matthew
Verified Review
Okay
Reviewed in Ohio on January 22, 2026
Expensive for the package.
Dianne
Verified Review
Not impressed with my policy cost
Reviewed in New Hampshire on January 20, 2026
This insurance is way too expensive. At 75 and never having had an accident, almost $2,000.00 is unacceptable. I wish there was something that could be done to help me. This price per year is equal to 2 months of my social security, which is totally wrong. Thank you.
J.D. Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
637
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.59
AM Best
AM Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++
Why we picked this company

GEICO offers affordable rates for many drivers, plus a 15% military discount and a 25% emergency deployment discount. It also has various coverage options, like rental reimbursement and roadside assistance. But while GEICO has a highly rated mobile app, it has lower-than-average customer satisfaction ratings in the Southwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Central regions.

Pros
  • More than 20 discount options available

  • Highly rated online experience

  • Accident forgiveness and mechanical breakdown insurance available

Cons
  • Low customer satisfaction scores in some regions

  • Doesn’t offer gap insurance or diminishing deductible

  • Below-average claims service ratings

Armed Forces Insurance: Best for personalized service

Armed Forces Insurance

Pros
  • Emergency roadside service available

  • Department of Defense civilians are eligible

  • Strong customer reviews

Cons
  • Financial strength not rated by AM Best

  • Gap insurance not available

  • Accident forgiveness not available

AFI offers military car insurance policies in all 50 states and serves all military branches. Plus, its insurance agents can help you buy a policy and manage it, even through permanent change of station transitions. But AFI offers fewer coverage options than some competitors, and AM Best hasn’t rated its financial strength.[1]

Find Cheap Car Insurance

Compare quotes from 100+ top insurers and save money in seconds.

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 1395+ reviews
4.7/5
Shopper Approved
ProgressiveLiberty MutualAllstate

Other notable insurers for veterans and military

While the companies we listed may be our favorites, many other insurers offer solid military benefits, low rates, and excellent customer service. Our runners-up for the best military car insurance include:

Who is eligible for military-focused car insurance?

Insurers usually limit military car insurance discounts to military members and their families. To verify eligibility, insurers require you to submit proof of service. Here’s who typically qualifies for military car insurance or discounts:

  • Active-duty military

  • Veterans and retired military

  • Members of the National Guard or the Army Reserve

  • Spouses and dependents

Your discount eligibility can vary by company, so check with your insurer to find out if you qualify.

What documentation you need to qualify

To qualify for a military car insurance discount, you need to provide proof of service to your insurer. Typically, you can provide a copy of your military orders, discharge certificate, Leave and Earnings Statement, or DD Form 214.

Ask your insurer how to submit your proof of service. Some insurers allow you to upload images online, but others might require you to bring documentation in person.

Cheapest Car Insurance For Veterans and Military

Military discounts typically lower your car insurance rates by 10%–25%, depending on the insurer and the discount. But some insurers also offer cheaper-than-average premiums, even without a military discount. Searching for the cheapest car insurance rates is a great way to get the best coverage for your budget.

The table below shows the cheapest car insurance companies overall, according to Compare.com data. While these rates aren’t military-specific, they can give you an idea of average car insurance costs.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, January 19 at 11:00 AM PST
Company
sort ascsort desc
Average Monthly Premium
sort ascsort desc
COUNTRY Financial$44
Auto-Owners$47
USAA$53
State Farm$56
NJM$59
Mile Auto$71
Allstate$76
Erie$76
American Family$82
Commonwealth Casualty$84
Safeco$87
GEICO$88
Root$92
The General$92
National General$93
Dairyland$94
Direct Auto$96
Progressive$97
Mercury$97
Nationwide$98
Travelers$101
Metromile$101
Bristol West$103
GAINSCO$104
Farmers$111
Elephant$112
Anchor$112
Chubb$121
AssuranceAmerica$129
21st Century$135
Plymouth Rock$137
Clearcover$140
CSAA$142
Shelter$144
Liberty Mutual$152
The Hartford$153
State Auto$155
Amica$272
We sourced this data by analyzing real quotes from Compare.com's 100-plus partner insurance companies alongside rate filings collected and distributed by Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary. Data updated on {{lastUpdated}}.

How Military Members and Veterans Can Save on Car Insurance

Military discounts certainly make car insurance more affordable, but it’s not the only way to lower your rates. Here are some of the most effective strategies you can use to get cheaper coverage:

  • Add discounts. Ask your insurer about military and other discounts you might qualify for.

  • Bundle policies. You can usually get a multi-policy discount by buying multiple insurance products — like homeowners, renters, auto, and life insurance — from the same company.

  • Maintain a clean driving record. Avoiding accidents and tickets helps keep your rates lower in the long run.

  • Drop unnecessary coverage. Liability insurance usually costs much less than a full-coverage policy. You may not need comprehensive or collision coverage if you can afford to repair or replace your car.

  • Raise your deductible. Opting for a higher deductible usually lowers your insurance premiums. But make sure you can pay for any repairs if you file a claim, because you’ll pay more out of pocket.

  • Compare quotes regularly. Rates change often, so compare quotes at the end of each policy term to ensure you never miss a chance to save.

Compare military car insurance discounts

Military discounts vary significantly by insurance company. But some insurers offer more savings for deployed drivers, vehicle storage, or active-duty service members. And discounts from the same company can vary depending on your state.

In the table below, we list the best car insurance discounts for military members, according to Compare.com research.

Company
sort ascsort desc
Advertised Discount
sort ascsort desc
USAAUp to 60% for deployment or vehicle storage, up to 15% on comprehensive coverage when stored on a military base
State Farm25% (Louisiana only)
Nationwide25% (Louisiana only)
Direct AutoUp to 25% (Alabama, Florida, and Louisiana only)
GEICOUp to 15%
FarmersVaries
Liberty MutualVaries
Armed Forces InsuranceVaries

Do You Still Need Car Insurance Coverage When on Deployment?

Person in camouflage using a laptop at a desk, with plants in the background.You likely still need car insurance when deployed, but you may be able to skip some coverages. Since you won’t be driving your car, you may not need full-coverage options like collision coverage and personal injury protection.

Most car insurance companies also offer policies for storing your car while deployed. Ask your insurer about your options. You can also shop around for policies that include better benefits for deployed drivers.

How to Get Military Car Insurance

Getting military auto insurance is similar to buying a standard auto insurance policy, with a few minor changes. Here’s the step-by-step process:

  1. Gather required documents. Insurers may ask for proof of your military service, like a military ID or deployment orders.

  2. Compare quotes. Get rates from insurers who offer military-friendly policies or cheap rates.

  3. Ask about military benefits. Speak to an agent about military benefits, like discounts for vehicle storage while deployed.

  4. Choose your policy. Pick a policy that best meets your coverage needs and budget.

  5. Save your policy information. After purchasing your new policy, save the customer and claims service phone numbers in your phone and print out your insurance cards.

Compare Car Insurance Quotes

Get the coverage you need at the best price.

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 1395+ reviews
4.7/5
Shopper Approved
ProgressiveLiberty MutualAllstate

Military Car Insurance FAQs

We answered some of the most common questions about getting military car insurance. Check them out below.

  • Does the military offer car insurance?

    No. The United States military doesn’t offer car insurance policies. But several insurance companies offer discounts and perks for members of the military, including USAA and GEICO.

  • Is USAA car insurance for the military only?

    Yes. USAA limits membership to active-duty service members, veterans, and qualifying spouses and dependents.

  • How much can you save with a military discount?

    You can save up to 25% on your car insurance with a military discount. Many insurers also offer additional military-specific savings, like discounts for storing your car while deployed.

  • What happens to your car insurance if you’re deployed overseas?

    You have a few options for your car insurance if you’re deployed overseas. You can keep your policy active without making any changes, reduce your coverage options, or switch to a car storage policy. Check with your insurer to find out more about your options.

  • Can your spouse or dependents use your military discount for car insurance?

    It depends. Some insurers offer military discounts to spouses and dependents listed on the same policy. But other companies exclude families from military discounts. USAA allows eligible family members to buy coverage with their own accounts.

Methodology

Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance quotes from more than 75 partner insurers in order to compile the rates and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.

All the rates listed in this article have been collected from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide readers with insights into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.

Sources

  1. AM Best. "AM Best Withdraws Credit Ratings of Armed Forces Insurance Exchange."
J.J. Starr
J.J. StarrInsurance Writer

J.J. Starr is an insurance and personal finance expert who has been writing for Compare.com since 2022. Her work has been published across the web, appearing on sites such as Insurify.

Prior to writing for Compare.com, J.J. was a registered banker and life insurance consultant, holding a Series 6, FINRA, and life insurance license. She also earned a master’s degree in writing from New York University.

J.J. has a passion for helping people save money by explaining complex topics like car insurance in a way that is simple and easy to understand.

Matthew Gross
Edited byMatthew GrossEditor
Matthew Gross headshot
Matthew GrossEditor

Matthew Gross is an editor at Compare.com. With a background in editing and SEO, he’s passionate about creating content that helps readers get the information they need to make more informed decisions. Prior to Compare.com, Matthew brought his user-centered approach to his work with global brands like Apple and Adobe.

Matthew graduated from Illinois State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Journalism.

John Leach
Reviewed byJohn LeachLicensed P&C Insurance Agent
John Leach
John LeachLicensed P&C Insurance Agent
  • Licensed property and casualty insurance agent

  • 10+ years editing experience

  • NPN: 20461358

John Leach is a licensed insurance agent who reviews and fact-checks articles for Compare.com. John has several years of experience reviewing and editing various insurance topics, and he also holds a valid personal lines producer license from the California Department of Insurance (NPN #20461358).

Compare Car Insurance Quotes Instantly

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 1395+ reviews
4.7/5
Shopper Approved
ProgressiveLiberty MutualAllstate