Serving in the military requires reliable car insurance tailored to the unique needs of service members and their families. This article highlights the top three car insurance providers for military personnel: Armed Forces Insurance (AFI), GEICO, and USAA.
1. Armed Forces Insurance (AFI) – Best for Veterans and Retired Military
Unique Features:
Long-standing history serving the military community.
Offers car, RV, motorcycle, homeowners, renters, fire and flood insurance, and more.
Military Specific Discounts:
Not specified, but claims to offer competitive rates.
Availability:
Nationwide coverage (50 states + Washington, D.C.).
Customer Satisfaction:
No specific ratings available due to smaller size.
Note: AFI, established in 1887, provides competitive coverage options for military members and their families, offering a range of insurance products beyond car insurance.
2. GEICO – Best for Discounts for Active Military
Unique Features:
Extensive coverage options for various vehicles and property.
Offers car, RV, motorcycle, ATV, boat, homeowners, renters, life insurance, and more.
Military Specific Discounts:
15% discount for all active-duty and retired military, emergency deployment discounts, discounts for federal employees.
Availability:
Nationwide coverage (50 states + Washington, D.C.).
Customer Satisfaction:
Above-average ranking in J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study; A++ rating from AM Best.
Note: GEICO is known for its generous military discounts, providing coverage for a wide range of vehicles and property.
3. USAA – Best for Military Members and Their Families
Unique Features:
One-stop shopping for insurance and banking needs.
Offers car, RV, motorcycle, boat, rideshare, homeowners, renters, life, health, pet insurance, and more.
Military Specific Discounts:
15% discount for storing a vehicle on a military base, 60% discount for storing a car while deployed overseas, 10% legacy discount.
Availability:
Nationwide coverage (50 states + Washington, D.C.).
Customer Satisfaction:
Highest ratings in J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study; A++ rating from AM Best.
Note: USAA is exclusively focused on military members and their families, offering a wide range of insurance coverage and unique military discounts.
Special Considerations for Military Personnel
Frequent Relocations and Car Insurance:
Inform your insurance provider of address changes to avoid coverage gaps.
Ensure your policy aligns with new state laws and driving conditions.
Reassess coverage based on new location’s weather, crime rates, etc.
Deployment and Car Insurance:
Confirm options to suspend or reduce coverage during deployment.
Understand conditions and proof requirements for coverage adjustments.
Consider maintaining some coverage to protect against theft or vandalism.
Comparing Car Insurance Providers for Military Personnel
Consider Military-Focused Providers:
Providers like USAA and AFI specialize in serving military personnel, offering unique benefits and discounts.
Evaluate Deployment Policies:
Understand each provider’s policies on coverage suspension or reduction during deployment.
Assess Coverage Adjustability for Relocation:
Ensure the provider can smoothly transition your coverage based on new location laws and conditions.
Compare Discounts:
Look into military-specific discounts, such as those for storing a vehicle on a military base or legacy discounts.
Check Customer Satisfaction Ratings:
Consider the satisfaction ratings of other military personnel to gauge the provider’s understanding of unique military needs.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the best car insurance for military personnel involves considering factors like deployment policies, coverage adjustability during relocations, unique military discounts, and customer satisfaction ratings. Armed Forces Insurance, GEICO, and USAA are providers that offer specialized services tailored to the specific needs of the military community. Assess individual needs, compare providers, and choose an insurance provider that reciprocates your commitment to serving the nation by offering the best possible protection.
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