Serving in the military comes with many sacrifices—and a few well-deserved benefits. One of the lesser-known perks available to active-duty service members, veterans, and their families is access to military and veterans auto insurance discounts.
These discounts can significantly reduce your monthly premiums, help protect your vehicle both at home and abroad, and offer flexible coverage tailored to the military lifestyle.
So, if you or a family member has served or is currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, this guide will help you understand how to unlock savings on your auto insurance.
1. What Are Military & Veterans Auto Insurance Discounts?
Military and veterans auto insurance discounts are special price reductions offered by insurance companies as a way to honor those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. These discounts can apply to:
- Active-duty military personnel
- Veterans
- Retired military
- Members of the National Guard or Reserves
- Military family members or dependents (in some cases)
These discounts typically reduce your monthly or annual auto insurance premiums and may be combined with other discounts like safe driving or multi-policy discounts.
2. Why Do Insurers Offer These Discounts?
Insurance providers understand that military members often demonstrate traits like:
- Discipline and responsibility
- Low accident rates
- Steady employment
- Strong credit profiles
As a result, insurance companies often view military members as lower-risk clients. Offering a discount is also a gesture of appreciation for the service and sacrifice of military personnel and their families.
3. How Much Can You Save?
The actual discount varies by provider, state, and individual factors such as driving history and vehicle type. On average, military and veterans can save between 5% and 15% on their auto insurance premiums.
For example:
- A policy costing $1,500 per year could be reduced by $75 to $225 annually.
- Combining a military discount with other savings (like bundling or defensive driving) can lead to even greater savings.
4. Which Companies Offer Military & Veterans Auto Insurance Discounts?
Several major insurers either specialize in military coverage or offer dedicated discounts. Here are some of the top providers:
1. USAA (United Services Automobile Association)
- Who qualifies: Active-duty, retired military, honorably discharged veterans, and their families.
- Benefits: Up to 25% discount in some states, deployment discounts, overseas vehicle storage coverage, flexible payment plans.
- Pros: Exceptional customer service, military-tailored benefits, roadside assistance.
USAA is widely regarded as the best option for military families, but it’s exclusive to eligible members.
2. GEICO
- Who qualifies: Active-duty, retired, National Guard, Reserves, and certain military associations (e.g., Navy League, Armed Forces Benefit Association).
- Benefits: Up to 15% off premiums, emergency deployment discounts, storage discounts if your car is garaged.
- Pros: Available nationwide, offers military-specific customer service reps.
3. State Farm
- Who qualifies: Active-duty and veterans (varies by location).
- Benefits: While there’s no official military discount, State Farm offers vehicle storage discounts and flexible options during deployment.
- Pros: Highly rated claims process and bundling discounts.
4. Progressive
- Who qualifies: Active-duty and veterans.
- Benefits: No dedicated military discount, but veterans can qualify for loyalty and safe driver discounts, and they offer flexible plans for military needs.
- Pros: Offers usage-based insurance (Snapshot®) which can save military drivers money.
5. Liberty Mutual
- Who qualifies: Active-duty, veterans, and military families.
- Benefits: Up to 10% off, with special military benefits for certain groups and deployment support.
- Pros: Discounts extend to family members in some cases.
5. Deployment and Storage Discounts
If you’re deployed overseas or temporarily stationed in a different state, your car may sit idle for months. Many insurance companies offer:
- Reduced coverage options during storage (e.g., comprehensive-only)
- Suspension of liability and collision coverage while vehicle is not in use
- Lower premiums for cars kept in secure storage
- Easy reactivation when you return from deployment
Tip: Never cancel your insurance entirely—it could result in a lapse in coverage, higher future rates, and legal consequences.
6. Multi-Policy and Bundle Savings
Military families often have unique insurance needs, including:
- Multiple vehicles
- Homeowners or renters insurance
- Umbrella liability policies
- Life insurance
Many insurers offer significant discounts for bundling auto insurance with other policies, which can lead to 20–30% in additional savings.
7. What Documents Do You Need to Prove Eligibility?
When applying for military or veterans auto insurance discounts, you may be asked to provide:
- Military ID
- Discharge papers (DD214 form)
- Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)
- Proof of membership in a military association
- Orders showing active deployment or relocation
Make sure to ask your insurer what documentation they accept and how often they require proof.
8. Additional Tips for Military Families
- Notify your insurer of address changes: Military families move often—updating your insurer can ensure proper rates.
- Look into state-specific benefits: Some states (like Texas or California) offer additional auto insurance programs for military personnel.
- Consider usage-based programs: If you drive less due to deployment or reassignment, a program that charges based on mileage can save you money.
- Shop around regularly: Even if you’ve been with a company for years, new discounts and offers may be available elsewhere.
9. Military Spouses & Family Members
Many insurers extend military discounts to spouses and dependents. For example:
- If your spouse is active-duty or a veteran, you may qualify through their eligibility.
- Children of USAA members are often eligible for their own policies with USAA discounts.
Always mention any military connection when requesting a quote—even if you’re not the service member yourself.
10. Final Thoughts – Are You Getting the Best Deal?
Military & veterans auto insurance discounts are more than just a token of appreciation—they’re a practical way to lower your expenses while getting reliable coverage. Whether you’re on base, deployed abroad, or transitioning to civilian life, you deserve insurance that understands your needs.
Take a few minutes to compare quotes from multiple providers, mention your military status, and see how much you can save. With the right insurance policy, you’ll get not only protection but also peace of mind—no matter where duty calls.