Military members and veterans lead and have led some of the busiest lives of anyone. So it's understandable you want to save as much time as possible when searching for the cheapest car insurance. Military members and veterans can not only find affordable car insurance rates but also stand to save much more on their coverage by way of military discounts. For example, members of USAA save an average of $57 per month on their auto insurance.
An independent insurance agent in your town can help you get a car insurance policy if you're still in need of coverage. Your agent can also help find and apply any military car insurance discounts you may qualify for to reduce your rates even further. But first, here's a breakdown of military and veteran car insurance discounts, how to get them, and how much you can save.
Key Takeaways - 2026 Military and Veteran Car Insurance Discounts
Military and veteran car insurance discounts can help you save an average of 3%-25% on your coverage.
Active-duty, deployed, and retired military members can qualify for these discounts, depending on carrier eligibility requirements.
USAA offers the cheapest car insurance for military members in 2026, with an average monthly full coverage premium of just $57.
Military and veteran car insurance discounts can usually be stacked with three or more other discounts, such as multi-vehicle, bundling, and safe driver.
Working with a local independent insurance agent is highly recommended, as they can shop and compare quotes and policies for military members and veterans from multiple carriers near you to find the best deal.
How Much Does Military Car Insurance Cost in 2026?
USAA currently offers the cheapest rates overall, at an average of $57 per month for full coverage. Military auto insurance can be highly affordable, especially when you know where to shop. The table below compares carriers with the cheapest car insurance for military members in 2026.
| Top Car Insurance Company | Average Monthly Full Coverage Premium | Average Annual Full Coverage Premium |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $57 | $685 |
| Auto-Owners | $66 | $787 |
| Erie | $68 | $818 |
| American Family | $73 | $882 |
| Nationwide | $77 | $925 |
| Travelers | $86 | $1,034 |
| Progressive | $93 | $1,122 |
What Is Military Car Insurance?
Military and veteran car insurance is a special type of auto policy reserved for active and retired service members. You may have heard the term "military car insurance" or just be wondering, "What car insurance is best for military members?" In short, military car insurance is a type of auto insurance only available for active-duty military members, retired military members or veterans, and military families. Military personnel can find these special auto policies from various car insurance companies, such as USAA.
Military car insurance policies often come with built-in savings for your military service, emergency deployment, or affiliations with various recognized military organizations. However, even if you don't get military car insurance, you can often still earn discounts on a standard car insurance policy.
Also, you may be able to qualify for Armed Forces Insurance (AFI) car insurance as a military-exclusive alternative. Your independent insurance agent can help you get more details on this coverage.
How Much of a Discount Does the Military Get on Car Insurance?
The specific percentage of savings provided by various military car insurance discounts can range from 3% up to 25% and higher, depending on the specific discount. The state of Louisiana requires all car insurance companies to provide a 25% military car insurance discount to customers who are full-time active military members on liability coverage. In other states, the savings each military member earns on their car insurance depend on the specific discount and the auto insurance company.
USAA, a car insurance carrier that offers coverage specifically to active duty and retired military and veterans and their family members, offers various discounts that range from 3% to 60%. The carrier reports that USAA members save an average of $654 annually on car insurance after switching from another insurer.
USAA military discounts range depending on the type you earn. On the low end, USAA's automatic payment discount offers 3% in savings, while the carrier's military on-base discount offers savings of up to 60% to those who garage vehicles they aren't planning to drive on base. This discount is available in most states.
Many other carriers also offer veteran auto insurance rates. For example, Liberty Mutual offers a military car insurance discount of 12%. Your independent insurance agent can help you find more specific car insurance discount percentages for veterans by carrier in your area.
What Military Car Insurance Discounts Are Available?
The types of military car insurance discounts you find vary by insurance company. However, there are a few common military car insurance discounts that you can find from many different car insurance companies in most states. Keep in mind that the specific savings percentage on your car insurance rates also varies by carrier.
Military discounts
These discounts are offered to those currently on active duty, veterans, or retired military personnel, or members of the National Guard or Reserves. These discounts can vary in percentage but often average around 15%. Certain carriers also offer these discounts to reservists with DD-214s.
Deployment discounts
Some auto insurance companies offer savings for active military members while they're deployed. Though the percentage of savings on car insurance for deployed military members varies by carrier, these discounts can range up to 25%. USAA also offers up to 60% in savings for military members who keep their vehicles stored during deployment.
Emergency deployment discounts
Many car insurance companies offer discounts to military members who are ordered to deploy to imminent danger pay areas. To qualify for these discounts, military members must have received orders to deploy to one of the Congress-approved designated areas by the Department of Defense and have a vehicle stored according to an approved storage protection plan. These discounts are not offered by all carriers and may not be available in every state.
Membership and affiliation discounts
These discounts are offered to military service members and veterans who belong to various professional organizations and associations. Some qualifying organizations include the Association of the United States Army, the Armed Forces Benefit Association, the Fleet Reserve Association, the Navy Federal Credit Union, and the Navy League of the United States. However, you might be offered a discount even if you belong to an organization that's not military-related, such as AARP.
Low-mileage discounts
Military members and veterans who don't drive often may be eligible to receive low-mileage discounts from certain car insurance companies. For veterans in particular, these discounts may be easy to earn. Though requirements vary by carrier, to qualify for a low-mileage discount, you typically must drive fewer than 8,000 miles per year. You may be able to earn this discount by signing up for your carrier's telematics program, which also tracks your mileage.
Storage plan discounts
A few car insurance companies offer discounts for military members who put their vehicles into storage while deployed. Though requirements vary by carrier, often, you're not required to store your vehicle in a designated storage facility. However, your carrier will likely have requirements for the length of time your vehicle must not be used for you to earn this type of discount. Some carriers offer savings of between 50%-80%.
Bundling discounts
Almost every auto insurance company offers bundling discounts for customers who purchase two or more types of coverage, such as homeowners insurance or renters insurance, with their auto insurance. Bundling your insurance through the same carrier can award you several perks in addition to the savings you earn on each type of coverage, such as easier policy management and only one bill to pay. USAA's average discount of 10% is available when you bundle your home and auto coverage, and Nationwide offers a 20% discount for bundling.
Military on-base discounts
USAA offers this discount, but it may be available from other carriers as well. The insurance company offers savings of up to 15% for military members who garage their vehicles on base and up to 60% for those who aren't planning to drive their vehicles for a while and leave them in storage.
Autopay discounts
Many car insurance companies offer discounts to customers who opt in to automatic payments. This means less work for both the customer and the insurance company. The exact savings vary by location and carrier. USAA offers a 3% savings for signing up for autopay.
Paperless discounts
Customers who choose to receive their bills and all other policy documentation electronically often qualify for additional savings from most car insurance companies. The exact percentage of savings varies by location and carrier.
Monthly payment plan discounts
These discounts are offered by carriers that allow customers to choose a specific date each month for their premium payments. The exact percentage of savings varies by location and carrier.
Good student discounts
Many car insurance companies offer discounts for customers, including active-duty military members and veterans, who have insured teen drivers on their policies. To qualify for good student discounts, teen drivers often must maintain at least a B average.
Safe driver discounts
If you've maintained a clean driving record free of accidents, traffic violations, citations, or speeding tickets, you might be qualified to earn additional savings on your auto coverage. Many car insurance companies offer safe driver discounts to all qualified customers, including active military members and veterans.
Multi-vehicle discounts
In most cases, military members and veterans can save a good bit of money on car insurance by insuring more than one vehicle through the same carrier. These multi-car discounts are offered by many auto insurance carriers across the country.
Telematics programs and usage-based discounts
Many carriers offer telematics programs that track your driving behavior and vehicle usage and reward you with further premium savings for good behavior and low annual mileage. For example, USAA's SafePilot program allows drivers to save up to 30% on their coverage for good driving behavior. Low-mileage drivers can stack discounts for usage and for good driving behavior by signing up for a telematics program.
How to Get Military Car Insurance Discounts in 2026
Car insurance companies require proof of your service in order to be eligible for any specific military or veteran discounts. Follow these steps to qualify for a military car insurance discount:
- Confirm eligibility: Review your carrier's requirements for discounts on car insurance for active-duty military members, on-base military car insurance discounts, etc. Once you've confirmed that you're eligible, proceed to the next step.
- Gather documents: You'll likely be asked to provide official documents that detail your military status. These may include a letter of deployment, an ROTC contract, a D214 Member 4 copy, or a discharge certificate. If you shop for car insurance coverage with an independent insurance agent, your agent can also advise you on exactly which documents are required to receive the discounts you're entitled to.
- Request a discount: Ask your carrier directly for a military or veteran car insurance discount. Your independent insurance agent can also contact your carrier for you and apply any discounts you're eligible for to your coverage.
- Ask about stacking: Your carrier likely allows you to combine your military discount with other types of discounts, such as those for having multiple vehicles, enrolling in autopay, or bundling your coverage. Your insurer or independent insurance agent can help you stack all the discounts you've earned to maximize your savings.
Your independent insurance agent can help you get set up with all the military and veteran car insurance discounts you're entitled to.
The Best Car Insurance Companies for Military and Veteran Discounts in 2026
Many car insurance companies offer some form of military and veteran discounts. However, some carriers offer better discount options and overall coverage. Knowing where to find the best car insurance for veterans can help save you time and money. Here are a few of our top recommendations for the best car insurance companies for military and veteran discounts in 2026.
| Military Car Insurance Company | Discount Savings and Details | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | Up to 60% savings for military members and veterans who aren't using their vehicles (except in HI, NC, and VA), and up to 15% savings on comprehensive coverage for vehicles garaged on base. |
|
| Liberty Mutual | Savings percentage varies by location and eligibility. Military and veteran discounts aren't offered in every state. |
|
| Arbella | Up to 10% savings. Discount only offered in Massachusetts. |
|
| Armed Forces Insurance | Savings varies by location and eligibility. Offers discounts for active-duty service members, veterans, their families, and certain federal employees. | N/A |
| Auto-Owners | Offers up to 25% savings for military members. Discount only offered in Louisiana. |
|
Car Insurance for Deployed Military Members: What to Do with Your Coverage
At some point, you may have wondered how to suspend your car insurance during deployment. You can suspend your coverage completely, reduce it, or maintain it. These can all be better options than canceling your policy outright, as a lapse in coverage can result in higher premiums when you get a new policy and even lead to you earning a high-risk driver label, further hurting your premiums.
Further, certain carriers actually offer further discounts while you're deployed, such as USAA. Your insurer or independent insurance agent can provide you with step-by-step guidance and advise you on whether to reduce, suspend, or maintain your car insurance coverage while deployed.
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and Car Insurance Rights
You may have wondered about SCRA car insurance protections. Essentially, SCRA car insurance protections disallow insurance companies from refusing coverage based on SCRA invocations. Additionally, creditors must reduce auto loan interest rates to 6% for any amount owed before you enter active duty. You may also terminate an auto lease in certain circumstances, such as if you signed it before being called to active duty.
How to Stack Military Car Insurance Discounts for Maximum Savings
Many carriers allow you to stack multiple discounts in addition to your military or veteran car insurance discount. For example, you can start with a military discount of 15%, add USAA's SafePilot telematics program discount of up to 30%, and add a bundling discount with home insurance for another 10%. These combined additional savings will compound, rather than add together. However, you can stand to substantially reduce your premiums by stacking multiple discounts.
Military Car Insurance Rates by State in 2026
How much do military members get off car insurance? The answer varies considerably by location. USAA is the cheapest carrier in several states, including Idaho ($33 per month), Maine ($41 per month), and Maryland ($57 per month). The table below compares the cheapest carriers for military and veteran car insurance in 2026.
| State | Cheapest Car Insurance Company | Cheapest Monthly Minimum Coverage Premium | Cheapest Annual Minimum Coverage Premium | Savings vs State Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | USAA | $59 | $712 | 26% |
| Alaska | USAA | $46 | $549 | 33% |
| Arizona | USAA | $62 | $741 | 24% |
| Arkansas | USAA | $48 | $578 | 31% |
| California | USAA | $85 | $1,025 | 25% |
| Colorado | GEICO | $66 | $795 | 22% |
| Connecticut | GEICO | $63 | $752 | 25% |
| Delaware | USAA | $73 | $878 | 28% |
| District of Columbia | GEICO | $63 | $752 | 32% |
| Florida | State Farm | $91 | $1,096 | 30% |
| Georgia | USAA | $67 | $804 | 23% |
| Hawaii | USAA | $46 | $547 | 27% |
| Idaho | State Farm | $33 | $395 | 36% |
| Illinois | American Family | $59 | $713 | 19% |
| Indiana | USAA | $41 | $488 | 30% |
| Iowa | State Farm | $44 | $532 | 30% |
| Kansas | USAA | $52 | $619 | 32% |
| Kentucky | Nationwide | $70 | $843 | 12% |
| Louisiana | USAA | $92 | $1,098 | 28% |
| Maine | USAA | $41 | $493 | 25% |
| Maryland | USAA | $57 | $689 | 41% |
| Massachusetts | State Farm | $37 | $445 | 54% |
| Michigan | USAA | $59 | $712 | 50% |
| Minnesota | American Family | $68 | $815 | 17% |
| Mississippi | USAA | $51 | $615 | 32% |
| Missouri | USAA | $45 | $539 | 51% |
| Montana | Progressive | $38 | $454 | 45% |
| Nebraska | Auto-Owners | $63 | $753 | 29% |
| Nevada | USAA | $82 | $983 | 23% |
| New Hampshire | USAA | $42 | $506 | 33% |
| New Jersey | GEICO | $82 | $988 | 21% |
| New Mexico | USAA | $47 | $566 | 32% |
| New York | Progressive | $86 | $1,030 | 36% |
| North Carolina | Nationwide | $52 | $625 | 21% |
| North Dakota | USAA | $40 | $477 | 37% |
| Ohio | American Family | $41 | $492 | 40% |
| Oklahoma | USAA | $49 | $593 | 28% |
| Oregon | State Farm | $60 | $725 | 25% |
| Pennsylvania | Nationwide | $50 | $599 | 35% |
| Rhode Island | State Farm | $63 | $758 | 34% |
| South Carolina | Auto-Owners | $77 | $924 | 20% |
| South Dakota | Nationwide | $69 | $827 | 16% |
| Tennessee | USAA | $50 | $605 | 28% |
| Texas | State Farm | $62 | $743 | 31% |
| Utah | USAA | $57 | $688 | 24% |
| Vermont | USAA | $42 | $506 | 28% |
| Virginia | USAA | $57 | $682 | 18% |
| Washington | USAA | $51 | $615 | 38% |
| West Virginia | USAA | $55 | $659 | 34% |
| Wisconsin | USAA | $44 | $526 | 29% |
| Wyoming | USAA | $58 | $693 |
FAQs About Military and Veteran Car Insurance Discounts
You can find more answers to commonly asked questions about car insurance by visiting our car insurance FAQ.
Does USAA only sell car insurance to military members?
USAA's policies are available for active military members, veterans, and military family members. USAA sells car insurance and many other types of coverage, all of which are only available to active and retired military and their families.
Who has the cheapest military car insurance?
We found that USAA offers the cheapest military car insurance this year, at just $57 per month for full coverage. However, the cheapest carrier will vary by your location and driver profile.
Do veterans get car insurance discounts?
Many car insurance companies offer discounts for both active military members and veterans. Other carriers also offer discounts for family members of active-duty military or veterans.
How do I get military and veteran car insurance discounts?
You'll typically need to provide official documentation that proves your military status in order to get a car insurance discount. Ask your carrier which types of documents they accept to prove your status.
Which documents can provide proof of my military or veteran status for a car insurance company?
Every car insurance company has different requirements to prove your eligibility for a military or veteran discount. You'll often need to show your ID and one or more of these official documents:
- Discharge certificate
- DD-214
- NGB-22
- Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)
- Academy appointment letter
- ROTC contract
- Military orders
Should I cancel my car insurance while deployed?
No. Canceling your car insurance creates a coverage gap that could lead to higher rates or even a high-risk driver classification. It's typically recommended to either reduce or suspend your coverage instead of canceling it completely.
Can I stack a military discount with other car insurance discounts?
Yes. Most insurers allow you to stack military discounts with bundling, safe driver, telematics, and multi-vehicle discounts. Military members can typically layer at least three additional discounts from most major carriers.
Does National Guard and Reserve membership qualify me for military car insurance discounts?
Yes. USAA and most other major carriers extend military discounts to National Guard and Reserve members. Drill orders can serve as the supporting documentation required to get these discounts.
An Independent Insurance Agent Can Help You Find Military and Veteran Car Insurance Discounts
Now you know how military and veteran car insurance discounts work. But we all know how valuable your time is, so why do the hard work yourself? Independent insurance agents stay on top of the industry and all the latest military and veteran car insurance discounts, so you don’t have to. These agents can help you review your coverage options from multiple military-friendly carriers in your area simultaneously to find the best rate.
They’re not just there at the beginning, either. If something unexpected should happen and you need to file a car insurance claim, they’ll help you meet deadlines and ensure you’re getting all the benefits you’re entitled to. And if you ever need to change or suspend your coverage, your agent will be there to help.
See also:
Sources
https://www.nerdwallet.com/p/best/insurance/car-insurance-military-and-veterans
https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/car/military-and-veterans/#faqs
https://www.usaa.com/inet/wc/auto-insurance?vurl=VURL_auto&ds_s=CPC&ds_e=GOOGLE&ds_ag=Military_EXT&ds_k=best+car+insurance+rates+for+military&txid=SEM:TX1:R77VF9YCQX&ds_rl=1244129&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwt-OwBhBnEiwAgwzrUo_tEeSPax2WAkiLoyBzL0M4RM3dhpn70Hn4etZXtMWf0rS1XtXy2xoC3N0QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
https://www.nerdwallet.com/insurance/auto/best-car-insurance-military-and-veterans
https://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/cheapest-car-insurance-for-veterans-and-military/#cheapest-full-coverage
https://www.cnbc.com/select/best-cheap-car-insurance-veterans-military/#best-for-low-mileage-drivers-nationwide
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/financial-legal/legal/servicemembers-civil-relief-act/