Disabled veterans often face unique challenges when it comes to driving and car ownership. Choosing the right auto insurance is especially important if you have mobility limitations, a vehicle with adaptive equipment, or a fixed income. You may not drive often, but you want to ensure that you're protected when you do.
The best car insurance for disabled veterans should offer affordable coverage, as well as support for their specific needs. Thankfully, several car insurance companies provide specialized discounts specifically for military members and veterans, including USAA, Armed Forces Insurance, and GEICO.
This guide highlights the best car insurance options for disabled veterans, including their costs and features that may align with your insurance needs.
How we evaluate products
FinanceBuzz researches a number of factors in each auto insurance provider to create our reviews. These factors include cost and discounts, complaints and customer satisfaction, coverage, and ease of use. We also gather information from sources such as Insurify, J.D. Power, AM Best, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), and the Better Business Bureau to ensure we provide the most useful information to our readers.
Best car insurance for disabled veterans compared
Company name | Best for | Average monthly full coverage cost | Average monthly liability-only cost |
USAA | Veterans' family members | $99 | $50 |
Armed Forces Insurance | Comparing rates | N/A | N/A |
GEICO | Discounts | $142 | $111 |
State Farm | In-person service | $116 | $55 |
Farmers | Custom equipment coverage | $226 | $109 |
Source: Insurify.com |
USAA
- AM Best: A++ (Superior)
- J.D. Power claims satisfaction: 726 (study average 697) (above average)
- BBB: A+ (not accredited)
- NAIC complaints: 1.22 (above average)
USAA auto insurance is specifically designed for military members, veterans, and their families. In fact, you can't take advantage of USAA's low rates unless you are or have been in the military, or have a family member who has been.
Besides its already low rates, USAA offers discount programs that can help you save even more. For example, if you are a veteran who doesn't drive often, the USAA SafePilot Miles pay-per-mile insurance can save you up to 20% off your premiums. You can also qualify for a discount on your rates if you complete a defensive driver course.
- Significantly low premiums for military veterans
- Low-cost coverage is also available for family members of military veterans
- Highly ranked for claims satisfaction
- Relatively high number of customer complaints
- Claims are handled online or via phone; there are no physical locations.
Learn more in our USAA review
Armed Forces Insurance (AFI)
- AM Best: Not rated
- J.D. Power claims satisfaction: N/A
- BBB: A+ (not accredited)
- NAIC complaints: < 0.0
Armed Forces Insurance (AFI) is similar to USAA in that it is for active-duty military members, veterans, and their families. It is also available to employees of the Department of Defense, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the U.S. Public Health Service. If you aren't eligible to get insurance through AFI, you can still use the AFI site to get a quote for car insurance through other insurers that AFI partners with.
Although AFI offers a wide range of insurance products, such as auto, homeowners, renters, and business insurance, it seems to run under the radar, overshadowed by the more popular USAA. However, it may be a solid choice for military veterans.
- Low premiums for military veterans and active duty
- Licensed in all 50 states
- Will shop other carriers to find you the best price
- Not ranked for claims satisfaction
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GEICO
- AM Best: A++ (Superior)
- J.D. Power claims satisfaction: 692 (study average 697)
- BBB: A+ (not accredited)
- NAIC complaints: 0.54 (below average)
GEICO is a solid choice for car insurance, especially if you like managing your policy via a mobile app or online. This insurer offers numerous coverage options and provides accident forgiveness, so you don't have to worry about your rates increasing after your first at-fault accident.
Disabled veterans can also receive 15% off their rates with GEICO's military discounts for active-duty military members, veterans, and members of the National Guard or Reserves. The insurer also offers many other discounts that can save you money, including bundling, safe driver, good student, and defensive driving course discounts.
- Offers 15% military discounts to active duty, retired veterans, and members of the National Guard or Reserves
- Provides accident forgiveness
- Offers many discounts and coverage options
- Low ranking for claims satisfaction
- Limited number of local offices
Learn more in our GEICO review
State Farm
- AM Best: A++ (Superior)
- J.D. Power claims satisfaction: 710 (study average 697)
- BBB: F (not accredited)
- NAIC complaints: 0.1 (well below average)
If you are a disabled veteran living in Louisiana, you're in luck. Louisiana is the only U.S. state where State Farm offers military discounts, because state law requires that every insurer that operates in the state offer the discount. Although this law doesn't apply to veterans, those with disabilities may still qualify for a discount if they have a VA disability rating of 50% or higher.
Even if you don't qualify for this discount or your State Farm agency doesn't offer them, the insurer still has many discount options for you to take advantage of. State Farm ranks above average for claims satisfaction and has well below the average amount of customer complaints, making it a great option for car insurance, especially if you like to have more personal, one-on-one interaction with your insurance agent.
- Discounts offered for military members and veterans in Louisiana
- Many brick-and-mortar locations
- Ranks high for claims satisfaction
- No dedicated military discounts outside of Louisiana
- Low BBB rating
- Not available in Massachusetts or Rhode Island
Learn more in our State Farm review
Average rate:
Farmers
- AM Best: A (Excellent)
- J.D. Power claims satisfaction: 706 (study average 697)
- BBB: A+ (not accredited)
- NAIC complaints: 0.99 (average)
Farmers Insurance offers many discounts on car insurance, including for active duty, active reserves, and retired or honorably discharged veterans. However, the company's rates are typically higher than other insurers, especially when compared to USAA's low premiums.
Overall, Farmers is a stable, reliable insurer. It has an excellent rating for financial stability from A.M. Best and ranks above average in claims satisfaction. As far as customer complaints, Farmers is on par with the majority of other insurers.
The insurer does offer GAP insurance, which other insurance companies don't always provide. And, its optional customized equipment coverage could help repair a vehicle that has been modified to accommodate your disability (for example, if it has a wheelchair lift).
- Provides discounts for active duty military members, active reserves, and veterans
- Offers customized equipment coverage
- Provides GAP insurance
- Not available in all states
- Premium rates are on the high end
Learn more in our Farmers review
What disabled veterans should consider when looking for car insurance
If you are a disabled veteran, you can save money on car insurance by working with an insurer that offers discounts for members of the military, both active and retired. Beyond looking for military discounts, there are a few things to consider when searching for the right insurance.
For example, suppose your vehicle has been modified to accommodate your disability (like with a wheelchair ramp or hand controls). In that case, you should get a policy that covers custom parts and equipment (CPE).
Disabled veterans who don't drive often may benefit from a pay-per-mile insurance policy like USAA's SafePilot Miles. Roadside assistance is especially important protection for disabled veterans in the event their car breaks down.
FAQs
What is the cheapest car insurance for disabled veterans?
The cheapest car insurance for disabled veterans is USAA. It is specifically for drivers who are in the military, whether they are active duty, retired, or honorably discharged. However, several other insurers offer military discounts, so it's wise to shop around to find the best price for the coverage you get.
Does the VA offer car insurance for veterans?
No, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) doesn't provide car insurance for veterans. However, it can help disabled veterans who are purchasing a vehicle that has adaptive equipment installed or help with the cost of modifying an existing vehicle to make it accessible for veterans with disabilities.
What documentation do I need to prove veteran status for discounts?
To take advantage of military discounts offered by auto insurance companies, you'll need documentation that proves your military service. Those documents could include:
- DD-214: This is the long-form copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge Active Duty (for veterans).
- Letter of deployment (for active duty)
- NGB22: This is known as a National Guard Report of Separation and Record Service, and it is similar to DD Form 214, but for National Guard members.
- Leave and Earning Statement (LES)
- Veterans Identification Card (VIC)
Bottom line
Finding the best car insurance as a disabled veteran means more than just securing a low monthly premium. It's also about finding a policy that matches your unique needs. Whether you prefer in-person support, mobile convenience, or specialized coverage for adaptive equipment, there are several insurers that offer discounts to military members and veterans.
You'll probably find the best rates from USAA or Armed Forces Insurance, because those insurers focus on providing insurance for only military members and veterans. You may also find affordable options with major insurers like GEICO, State Farm, and Farmers.
As you compare policies, be sure to ask about military discounts, equipment coverage, and usage-based plans that could help provide ways to lower your car insurance costs.
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