Updated: August 20, 2024
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There are several auto insurance companies that offer first responder discounts. You can take advantage of these to save on your auto insurance premiums.
If a discount isn’t available, there are other ways to reduce car insurance costs. You may qualify for discounts not specific to first responders, including those for vehicle and safety equipment, bundling and defensive driving discounts.
First responders are those whose job requires them to be first on the scene of an emergency to provide assistance. These include firefighters, police officers, EMTs and paramedics.
Car insurance costs can be expensive, but there are insurance companies that offer first responder discounts.
First responder insurance discounts may not always be available. Some insurance providers may not even offer this type of discount. That said, first responders can take advantage of other types of discounts not specific to a profession.
Some insurance companies offer first responder discounts to thank first responders for their services. Qualified individuals can get significant savings on auto insurance premiums.
Below are some of the companies offering discounts specifically for first responders.
Company With First Responder Discount | Description |
|---|---|
AAA | AAA offers free roadside assistance to healthcare workers and first responders. This is available even to non-AAA members. If you need assistance, just call 1-800-AAA-HELP (1-800-222-4357) and answer some questions. |
Alfa | Alfa offers occupational discounts. Educators, first responders, military, state employees, federal employees, auto manufacturer employees, ministers and farmers may qualify for these discounts. |
Country Financial | Full-time firefighters, police officers, EMTs and paramedics may be eligible for a 5–10% discount at Country Financial. |
Direct Auto | Direct Auto’s Affinity Discount offers up to a 5% discount to active members of partner organizations. You can get a list of affinity organizations by contacting a Direct Auto agent at 1-877-GO-DIRECT (1-877-463-4732). |
Farmers | Individuals employed with, or who have retired from, an approved occupation may be eligible for a discount. Members of approved professional groups may also qualify. |
Grange Insurance | Qualified policyholders may get an occupation discount from Grange Insurance. The discount is based on the occupation level of the policyholder or their spouse. |
Mercury | Eligible policyholders and/or their spouses may get Mercury’s association discount if they’re a member of a sponsored group. These include professional groups for doctors and first responders. |
National General | National General Insurance offers affinity discounts for members of specific organizations. |
The Hartford | The Hartford’s Volunteer Firefighter and First Responder Insurance is available to volunteer firefighters, ambulance drivers, and first aid and rescue members. It provides coverage for injuries or illnesses incurred while performing first responder duties. |
Travelers | The Travelers Affinity Car and Home Program is for employees and members of participating businesses, groups, associations and credit unions. With this, qualified individuals get special savings. |
Wawanesa | Wawanesa Insurance offers different auto insurance discounts, including an affinity discount. Members of the company’s affinity groups can get a significant discount on their auto insurance. |
First responders are those who arrive first and help in an emergency. First responders include various professional roles, like firefighters, police officers, EMTs and paramedics.
A first responder is someone responsible for being first on the scene of accidents, natural disasters and other similar incidents. They have specialized training or certifications that give them the skills and ability to assist with emergencies.
There are various ways to lower auto insurance premiums. Those who can’t find first responder insurance discounts can use other types of auto insurance discounts not specifically for first responders. These may be behavior-based, loyalty-based or even telematics-based discounts.
Discount | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
Vehicle and Safety | Vehicle owners with safety | Best for first responders with safety |
Bundling | Policyholders can get a | Best for first responders with |
Defensive Driving | Drivers who have completed | Best for first responders who have |
Driver's education | Drivers can save on auto | Best for first responders who have |
Safe Driving | Drivers who haven’t been | Best for first responders who have |
Multiple Car | Significant discounts may be | Best for first responders who own |
Paperless | Some insurance companies | Best for first responders who |
Pay in Full | First responders who pay | Best for first responders who pay |
Customer Loyalty | Some insurers have loyalty | Best for first responders who have |
Military Discount | Active or past military | Best for first responders who are |
Aside from getting discounts, there are other ways to save on auto insurance. Here are some of them.
Shop around for quotes
When looking for the best and cheapest car insurance, it’s best to shop around. Compare personalized quotes from different companies. You can also use MoneyGeek’s comparison tool to get started.
Increase your deductible
Another way to lower the cost of auto insurance premiums is to increase your deductible. This is the amount you pay out-of-pocket when you file a claim.
Consider pay-per-mile insurance
If you don’t drive a lot, consider getting pay-per-mile insurance so your premium will be based on how much you drive. This is best for individuals who drive less than 12,000 miles annually.
Drop unnecessary coverage
Review your coverage. If your auto insurance premiums are worth more than 10% of your vehicle’s cash value, it may be better to drop comprehensive coverage. That said, it’s smart to ensure you have enough coverage based on your insurance needs to avoid being underinsured.
There are different car insurance discounts available to first responders. MoneyGeek answers some frequently asked questions to help you find the best way to reduce insurance costs.
Some insurance companies offer first responder discounts. Among them are AAA, Alfa, Country Financial, Direct Auto, Farmers, Grange Insurance, Mercury, National General, The Hartford, Travelers and Wawanesa.
Aside from a car insurance first responder discount, there are other behavior-based, loyalty-based and telematics-based discounts. Examples include discounts for vehicle and safety equipment, bundling, defensive driving, driver’s education and safe driving.
First responders can also save on car insurance by shopping around, increasing deductibles or dropping unnecessary coverage. If you rarely drive, you may also consider switching to pay-per-mile insurance.
The best auto insurance for first responders may vary depending on individualized factors. When choosing a policy, consider your circumstances and needs.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.
