Military members can save 15-25% on auto insurance. When deployed, you can suspend full coverage and keep only comprehensive (storage coverage) to avoid paying full premiums on a vehicle you're not driving.
Military Auto Insurance Discounts
Most major insurers offer military discounts, but the coverage and service quality vary significantly for active-duty sailors:
| Insurer | Military Discount | Deployment Policy | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| USAA | 15-25% + membership perks | Suspend to comprehensive only | Active duty + veterans |
| GEICO Military | 15% military discount | Deployment suspension available | Budget-conscious sailors |
| Navy Federal P&C | Bundled with banking | Limited deployment options | Navy Federal members |
| AMICA | Varies by state | Standard deployment policy | Long-term homeowners |
| Progressive | Military discount + snapshot | Standard policy | Low-mileage drivers |
What Discounts Do Navy Sailors Qualify For?
- Active military service discount (15-25% at major insurers)
- Garage on base / secure parking discount
- Low mileage discount (common for sailors living on base)
- Multi-vehicle discount if insuring POV and a stored vehicle
- Good driving history discount (applies like any civilian)
- Bundling discount when combined with renters/homeowners insurance
Deployed Vehicle Storage: How to Pause Auto Insurance
One of the most valuable and overlooked benefits for deployed sailors is the ability to reduce coverage to comprehensive-only while deployed. Here's how it works:
- Contact your insurer before deployment - do this at least 30 days before your departure date
- Request "comprehensive-only" or "storage coverage" - this covers fire, theft, weather damage but drops liability (not needed when the car isn't driven)
- Storage coverage typically costs $5-$15/month vs. full coverage at $60-$150+/month
- When you return: Call to restore full coverage before you drive the vehicle
On-Base vs Off-Base: Does It Affect Your Premium?
Where you park and drive can affect your insurance premium:
- Living on base: Lower theft risk can reduce comprehensive premium
- Off-base in high-crime areas: Higher comprehensive rates
- BAH location: Your insurer rates you based on your garaging address - make sure this is accurate
- PCS moves: Update your address immediately with your insurer when you PCS - failure to report a new state can void your coverage
State-by-State Rules That Matter
Navy sailors often PCS to states with very different auto insurance requirements:
- Virginia (NAS Norfolk, Portsmouth): Tort state. Uninsured motorist coverage optional but recommended.
- California (San Diego): Minimum liability $15k/$30k/$5k. No-fault rules do not apply.
- Hawaii (Pearl Harbor): No-fault state. PIP (Personal Injury Protection) $10,000 required.
- Florida (NAS Jacksonville): No-fault state. PIP $10,000 required. Uninsured motorist rates are high.
- Washington (Naval Base Kitsap): Minimum $25k/$50k/$10k. Ferry commutes can affect usage patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Federal law (the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act) allows military members to maintain their home state driver's license and vehicle registration. However, you must still carry the minimum liability coverage required by your duty state. Most insurers will update your coverage address for you during a PCS move.
USAA consistently offers the best rates and service for active-duty military, but only members of the armed forces and their families qualify. GEICO's military discount program is often the best option for those who don't qualify for USAA or want to compare rates.
When shipping a vehicle overseas, the government provides shipping insurance through the Transportation Management Office (TMO). This covers the vehicle in transit. Once overseas, many countries require local vehicle insurance - check with the installation's legal office for country-specific requirements.