Car Insurance for Disabled Veterans

Companies like GEICO and USAA tend to offer the best car insurance for disabled veterans, with discounts potentially ranging from 15% to 60%, depending on your circumstances. Keep in mind that former military personnel could encounter higher-than-average car insurance rates if they have modified vehicles or disabilities that impact their ability to drive safely.

Check out the rest of the article to learn more about car insurance coverage for veterans with disabilities, including the best way to find out which insurer can offer you the best deal on coverage.

Key Takeaways

Disabled veterans could end up paying more for car insurance on average if their disabilities inhibit their ability to drive safely or if they have added accessibility-related upgrades to their cars.
Numerous auto insurance companies offer military car insurance discounts to current and former military personnel, including GEICO and USAA.
You may also qualify for an affinity discount if you are a member of an eligible veterans’ association.
It’s important to shop around for cheaper car insurance because a certain carrier may offer you a lower rate than any other auto insurance company, even if that carrier does not specifically offer any military discounts that you are eligible for.

Why Do Disabled Veterans Need Specialized Car Insurance Options?

Disabled veterans may need specialized car insurance options due to increased risk factors associated with their disabilities or increased costs related to covering modified vehicles. While the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) makes it illegal for car insurance companies to turn you down or charge you more for coverage solely because of your disability, you could encounter higher rates if your disability affects your ability to drive safely and has negatively impacted your driving record.^[1]

For example, if you have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and get into a car accident because you experience a panic attack behind the wheel, your insurance carrier will likely view you as a high-risk driver and may be allowed to cancel your policy or raise your auto insurance premiums as a result.

In addition, disabled veterans may need extra custom parts and equipment (CPE) insurance to cover car modifications, which often aren’t covered under a standard car insurance policy. CPE coverage usually costs 10% of the value of the covered modifications, meaning a $2,000 wheelchair ramp may add $200 per year to your car insurance premium.^[1] You should note that you may need comprehensive and collision coverage to qualify for CPE insurance.^[2]

Are There Car Insurance Benefits and Discounts for Disabled Veterans?

While you generally can’t earn a car insurance discount strictly because of your disability, there are many car insurance companies that offer discounts to active duty service members and former military service members, including USAA, GEICO, Liberty Mutual and Farmers Insurance.

Additionally, your status as a disabled veteran may make you eligible for membership in a group that can grant you an affinity discount on your car insurance. For example, military personnel who join the Military Benefit Association can take advantage of a discounted group auto insurance rate through Liberty Mutual.^[3]

Which Car Insurance Providers Offer the Best Discounts for Disabled Veterans?

GEICO and USAA are two of the best car insurance companies for veterans because they offer discounts that make them some of the cheapest car insurance options. Any veteran can qualify for a discount of up to 15% on their car insurance rates through GEICO, while additional discounts are available for members of military organizations, like the Association of the United States Army, the Armed Forces Benefit Association and the Navy League of the United States.^[4]

Meanwhile, veterans may qualify for numerous discounts through USAA, which exclusively covers active and retired military personnel and their families. For example, a USAA policyholder can save up to 15% on comprehensive coverage by keeping their car parked on a military installation. They could also earn a discount of up to 60% by garaging their car in a secure location for an extended period of time, regardless of the reason for storing their vehicle.^[5]

best car insurance companies for military members and veterans

What Documents Are Required for a Disabled Veteran Discount?

The exact documents you need to qualify for insurance discounts for disabled veterans will depend on your car insurance company, but in general, you should be prepared to show proof of your military service through a military identification card, a veteran ID card from the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) or your discharge papers.

If you are a veteran but don’t currently have an ID card, you can obtain a new Next Generation Uniformed Services ID Card as long as you are fully disabled, have met the Department of Defense’s requirements for retirement or are eligible for retainer pay. Former service members who don’t meet these criteria can still secure proof of military service by requesting a Common Access Card.^[6]

How To Choose the Right Car Insurance Provider as a Disabled Veteran

The best way to choose which car insurance provider is right for you as a disabled veteran is to shop around. All insurance companies use their own unique methods for calculating rates and determining discount eligibility, so the only way to know what would be the best possible deal for you is to compare prices from multiple car insurance carriers.

With SmartFinancial, comparison shopping is easy. All you have to do is fill out a brief questionnaire and then we’ll connect you with insurance agents who can help you sort through the best auto insurance options for your situation. Click here to start comparing car insurance quotes, free of charge.

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