USAA offers the cheapest car insurance for military members, veterans and their families, with rates averaging $679 per year or $57 per month. State Farm follows at around $883 per year or $74 per month. Use the table below to compare rates from providers based on age and coverage level.
Cheapest Car Insurance for Veterans and Military
Updated: March 3, 2025
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Key Takeaways
USAA offers the cheapest full coverage car insurance at $57 per month ($679 per year), followed by State Farm at $74 per month ($883 per year).
Military members and veterans typically pay lower insurance rates. Deployed members can even suspend their policy, switch to storage insurance or maintain minimum coverage to save on costs while away.
You can stack military discounts on top of common car insurance discounts to further reduce costs.
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for Veterans and Military
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
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Age Group:30-59
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Coverage:100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.
| USAA | $679 | $57 |
| State Farm | $883 | $74 |
| Nationwide | $930 | $78 |
| GEICO | $936 | $78 |
| Travelers | $1,037 | $86 |
| Progressive | $1,120 | $93 |
| Allstate | $1,124 | $94 |
| Farmers | $1,192 | $99 |
Cheapest Car Insurance for Veterans and Military by State
Car insurance rates vary by state — drivers in Idaho pay the least for full coverage, while Florida drivers pay the most. Nationwide, USAA offers the lowest rates. State Farm is the cheapest in seven states, and American National is the most affordable in four states.
| Alabama | USAA | $660 | $55 |
| Alaska | USAA | $523 | $44 |
| Arizona | Root | $682 | $57 |
| Arkansas | USAA | $553 | $46 |
| California | AAA California | $1,001 | $83 |
| Colorado | American National | $541 | $45 |
| Connecticut | GEICO | $693 | $58 |
| Delaware | USAA | $802 | $67 |
| District of Columbia | GEICO | $662 | $55 |
| Florida | State Farm | $1,058 | $88 |
| Georgia | COUNTRY Financial | $665 | $55 |
| Hawaii | USAA | $557 | $46 |
| Idaho | American National | $299 | $25 |
| Illinois | COUNTRY Financial | $663 | $55 |
| Indiana | USAA | $457 | $38 |
| Iowa | State Farm | $509 | $42 |
| Kansas | USAA | $608 | $51 |
| Kentucky | Nationwide | $790 | $66 |
| Louisiana | USAA | $988 | $82 |
| Maine | USAA | $460 | $38 |
| Maryland | USAA | $648 | $54 |
| Massachusetts | State Farm | $483 | $40 |
| Michigan | USAA | $692 | $58 |
| Minnesota | State Farm | $797 | $66 |
| Mississippi | USAA | $572 | $48 |
| Missouri | USAA | $522 | $43 |
| Montana | Progressive | $437 | $36 |
| Nebraska | American National | $405 | $34 |
| Nevada | USAA | $922 | $77 |
| New Hampshire | USAA | $465 | $39 |
| New Jersey | Plymouth Rock | $895 | $75 |
| New Mexico | USAA | $511 | $43 |
| New York | Kemper | $781 | $65 |
| North Carolina | Erie | $630 | $52 |
| North Dakota | USAA | $426 | $35 |
| Ohio | USAA | $476 | $40 |
| Oklahoma | USAA | $563 | $47 |
| Oregon | State Farm | $706 | $59 |
| Pennsylvania | Nationwide | $580 | $48 |
| Rhode Island | State Farm | $700 | $58 |
| South Carolina | American National | $463 | $39 |
| South Dakota | Allstate | $746 | $62 |
| Tennessee | USAA | $562 | $47 |
| Texas | State Farm | $699 | $58 |
| Utah | USAA | $657 | $55 |
| Vermont | USAA | $472 | $39 |
| Virginia | American Family | $601 | $50 |
| Washington | PEMCO | $534 | $44 |
| West Virginia | USAA | $623 | $52 |
| Wisconsin | USAA | $481 | $40 |
| Wyoming | USAA | $638 | $53 |
Note: If temporarily relocated, check if your current coverage meets your new state's minimum requirements, as rates vary by location. If your relocation is permanent, cancel your old policy, get a new one and update your vehicle registration.
Best Auto Insurance Companies for Military Discounts
Military members can access car insurance discounts, including specialized coverage rates, percentage-based reductions on key coverages and allowances for deployment distances from their vehicle's location. Some companies allow active-duty members to cancel policies without penalties, while others offer benefits for vehicles garaged on military bases.
Company | Discounts |
|---|---|
AFI | If you're eligible for Armed Forces Insurance (AFI) membership, you may benefit from its specialized car insurance coverage and competitive premiums. |
Alfa | Active military personnel in Alabama, Mississippi or Georgia can benefit from Alfa’s discounts on car insurance for military members. |
Arbella | Active-duty military members deployed more than 100 miles from their car's garaging address may qualify for Arbella’s 10% discount on car insurance. |
Direct Auto | Eligible military members in Alabama, Florida and Louisiana can get up to 25% discount on key coverages, such as minimum, comprehensive, collision and uninsured motorist coverage. |
Direct General | Get a military discount at Direct General if you're an active service member and can provide acceptable documentation verifying your status. |
Esurance | Esurance doesn’t offer military discounts but allows active-duty members to cancel their insurance without penalties while deployed, helping them save on premiums. |
Farm Bureau (Kentucky) | Military members who take a U.S. Armed Forces-approved military driving course may qualify for a discount, as long as they submit a certificate showing completion. |
Farmers offers discounts to active-duty, active reserves, retired and honorably discharged military veterans. | |
Freeway | Current or former members of the U.S. Armed Forces can get a discount on their car insurance with Freeway. |
Military drivers can get up to a 15% discount on their total premium at GEICO. Those on emergency deployment and members of military associations can also get discounts. | |
Active-duty military and National Guard members may qualify for Kemper’s military auto insurance discount. | |
Liberty Mutual | Active, retired or reserved members of the U.S. Armed Forces can qualify for a military discount at Liberty Mutual. |
Shelter | Military personnel based in Louisianaand their spouses and children are eligible for car insurance premium discounts. |
The General | You may qualify for up to a 25% military discount if you're based in Louisiana. |
If you garage your vehicle on base, you may qualify for a discount. | |
Wawanesa | At Wawanesa, military members can qualify for discounts whether they're active, retired or reserve. |
MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP
USAA allows members to combine discounts, like those for students and vehicle safety features, with exclusive military benefits. However, since insurers set their own rates, comparing options is important, especially if you add young drivers, seniors or new drivers to your policy.
How Military Members and Veterans Can Save On Insurance
Shop around with various providers to find special discounts. When setting up a family policy, focus on insurers with favorable rates for all driver types. If you're anticipating deployment, look for insurers offering tailored coverage and discounts for situations like storing your vehicle, suspending your policy or canceling it.
Shop around
Car insurance rates can vary significantly based on the age, location and driving history of everyone on the policy. This is especially true for family plans. To find the best rates, focus on companies that meet your needs and compare quotes from at least three providers.
Take advantage of special discounts
Military members, veterans and their families often qualify for special discounts. Many insurers let you combine these military savings with other discounts, like those for paying in full, being a student or having a clean driving record.
Adjust your coverage as needed
If you're leaving your car with your family, switching to minimum coverage can reduce costs. You can also suspend your policy to avoid premium increases from a coverage lapse. USAA offers active-duty members up to a 60% discount for long-term vehicle storage, providing another way to save.
Maintain continuous coverage
If you’re preparing for deployment, suspending your policy may be better than canceling it. A coverage lapse can lead to higher future premiums. Keeping your policy active, even in suspension, can provide financial benefits when reactivating.
To find cost-effective car insurance, start with a provider offering the lowest base rate before discounts. If you’re preparing for deployment, look for insurers with favorable storage coverage rates. Also, consider how easily you can reinstate your policy if you suspend or cancel it.
Do You Still Need Coverage When Deployed?
Military members should maintain at least the state minimum car insurance requirements, even during deployment, to avoid higher premiums from a coverage lapse. If your car is financed or leased, your lender will likely require full coverage, including comprehensive and collision insurance.
Providers like USAA offer discounts for deployed members storing their cars long-term, helping you stay insured affordably. Esurance may allow you to reinstate your policy without a coverage lapse penalty.
Who Is Eligible for USAA Car Insurance?
USAA membership is available only to current and former U.S. military members, their families and certain individuals with military affiliations. Applicants must provide proof of service or a relationship to a USAA member to qualify.
U.S. Military members and veterans
Active-duty service members, including Guard and Reserve personnel, qualify by providing their branch of service, rank and entry date to active duty. Veterans who have separated or retired with an honorable discharge can also join by verifying their service details, including start and end dates.
Pre-commissioned officers
Those enrolled in a U.S. Service Academy, Prep School or ROTC program can become USAA members before commissioning. They must submit details such as their branch of service, commissioning source and expected commissioning date. Some cadets who left a U.S. Service Academy before commissioning may still be eligible, depending on their situation.
Officer candidates
Individuals set to commission within 24 months can apply for USAA membership. They must provide documentation verifying their branch of service, commissioning source and expected commissioning date.
Spouses of military members or veterans
Spouses of current or former military members can qualify for USAA membership. If the military spouse hasn’t joined USAA, they must create an account first. If they're already members, the applicant can join by providing the member’s Social Security number to verify the relationship.
Divorced spouses remain eligible if their ex-spouse joined during or before the marriage and they haven’t remarried. Widows and widowers can keep their membership if the deceased spouse was a USAA member at the time of passing. However, if the military spouse never joined USAA, the surviving spouse can't establish membership afterward.
Children (including stepchildren)
Children of USAA members can join if at least one parent is a member. Stepchildren also qualify under the same conditions. However, membership can't be established after a parent’s passing if the parent wasn't a USAA member before their death.
Cheapest Car Insurance for Veterans and Military: Bottom Line
This page highlights affordable car insurance options for military members and veterans. It explores military-specific discounts, the impact of deployment on coverage and tips to lower premiums. By comparing quotes and tailoring your coverage to your situation, you can maximize savings while ensuring adequate protection.
Cheapest Car Insurance for Veterans and Military: FAQ
Securing affordable car insurance that meets one's needs is essential for military members and veterans. This FAQ section offers guidance to help you find cost-effective and comprehensive coverage.
Who is eligible for USAA car insurance?
USAA car insurance is designed for U.S. military members, veterans with honorable discharges, pre-commissioned officers and immediate family members, including spouses and children. Siblings and parents of USAA members, however, aren't eligible.
What insurance companies cover military personnel and their families?
Many insurers cater to the military community. While USAA is a standout choice, other providers like GEICO, Progressive and State Farm offer military-specific discounts and programs.
Do active-duty military members need insurance even if they’re deployed?
Deployed military members should maintain auto insurance to avoid coverage gaps, which can lead to higher premiums later. Keeping coverage active, even if suspended, helps preserve lower rates.
How can military members save on car insurance?
Military members can benefit from special discounts and rates. Combining these with other savings, like safe driving discounts, can significantly reduce costs. Comparing rates tailored to military needs helps maximize savings.
Are there specialized car insurance policies for deployed military members?
Insurers often provide tailored options for deployed military personnel, like reduced rates for stored vehicles or policy suspension. Discussing these options with your insurer before deployment can ensure the best fit.
Affordable Auto Insurance for Military Members: Our Methodology
Why Trust MoneyGeek?
MoneyGeek collected and analyzed data from trusted sources, including Quadrant Information Services, J.D. Power, AM Best and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). This thorough research helps identify the largest insurers by market share, financial stability and premium costs, providing a well-rounded evaluation of car insurance providers.
Overview
MoneyGeek used data from reputable sources to evaluate the best and cheapest car insurance companies nationwide and by state. The analysis reviewed large and small providers, factoring in premium costs, market share and customer satisfaction ratings.
Data Acquisition and Depth
MoneyGeek analyzed 2,118,312 quotes from 67 companies across 897 ZIP codes, using data from Quadrant Information Services and various rating agencies.
Driver profile
MoneyGeek uses a standard profile for consistent rate comparisons, which includes:
- 40-year-old male
- Clean driving record
- 100/300/100 liability coverage limits
- Comprehensive and collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
- 2010 Toyota Camry LE
- 12,000 miles driven annually
We modified this profile to reflect different factors, such as age, location, driving history, military affiliation and car type.
MoneyGeek Scoring Methodology
The composite MoneyGeek score (out of 100) incorporated these factors:
- General customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction (45%): Based on the NAIC complaint index and claims satisfaction ratings
- Claim satisfaction (30%): Included CRASH Network Claims Scores and NAIC scores to evaluate the claims process
- Available coverages (20%): Analyzed essential and unique coverage options offered by insurers
- Financial stability (5%): Assessed using AM Best ratings to determine an insurer’s ability to pay claims under financial strain
Learn more about MoneyGeek’s car insurance methodology.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.
sources
- USAA. "Auto Insurance Discounts." Accessed February 19, 2025.