Most insurance companies offer discounted car insurance rates for National Guard soldiers, just like they do for other members of the military.
We found that USAA and GEICO offer the best rates for National Guard members, but your car insurance rates will vary depending on things like your location, age, driving record, and what kind of car you drive. The best way for National Guard soldiers to find their cheapest car insurance rates is to shop around and compare quotes before buying a policy.
Best car insurance for National Guard soldiers
We found that USAA, which only insures members of the military, has the best car insurance for National Guard soldiers.
USAA is available nationwide, offers the lowest rates, and offers specialized discounts for people serving in the military. GEICO, which insures every kind of driver, is our runner-up pick for the best auto insurance for National Guard soldiers and their families.
USAA's low rates and top-tier customer service make it the best car insurance for National Guard members.
USAA's cheap rates and consistently highly-ranked customer service make it the best car insurance for National Guard members.
Why we chose USAA:
Cheapest coverage for National Guard members
Discounts for deployment and for keeping your car on-base
Available in all 50 states, plus Washington D.C.
Excellent customer service ratings
USAA offers the best rates for National Guard soldiers at $1,191 per year for a full-coverage policy with 100/300 levels of liability. USAA is known for great customer service and claims satisfaction, and its history working with military families make it a good choice for members of the Air and Army National Guard.
Our pick for the second-best National Guard car insurance
GEICO's many discounts, including a 15% discount for veterans, could make it the best cheap alternative to USAA for car insurance for National Guard members.
Why we chose GEICO:
GEICO offers a 15% discount for National Guard members
Additional discounts for drivers who are deployed
Available in all 50 states, plus Washington D.C.
Read our full GEICO car insurance review
GEICO offers the second best rates overall, at an average $1,261 per year for a full-coverage policy. Keep in mind that these rates are just averages, so your rate could be higher (or lower) depending on your situation and which level of coverage you choose.
Car insurance during National Guard deployment
If you are deployed, stationed overseas, or otherwise don’t need to use your car for months at a time, you might be able to lower your insurance rate by dropping liability coverage and collision coverage while your car is in storage.
Keeping just comprehensive coverage protects your car from damage that can happen even when you aren’t driving, like damage caused by:
Sometimes referred to as car-storage insurance, parked car insurance, or seasonal vehicle insurance, a comprehensive-only policy is an excellent way to protect your car while you aren’t using it and avoid having a gap in your car insurance coverage.
Keep in mind that each insurance company is different, so some insurers may only let you reduce your coverage this way if you put your vehicle in storage for more than 30 days, while others may require you to maintain the minimum state required levels of liability coverage, especially if other people may have access to your vehicle while you’re away.
Does the National Guard get cheaper car insurance?
National Guard members may qualify for discounted car insurance through several top car insurance companies.
For example, GEICO offers a 15% discount for National Guard members and other military members. USAA offers reduced rates to members of the armed forces, including an additional discount for drivers who garage their vehicle on base. Some car insurance companies also offer deployment discounts for while you’re on deployment.
But service-related discounts aren’t the only way for National Guard members to save money on their car insurance. Keeping your driving record clean, bundling your insurance policies, and taking a defensive driving course are all ways to help lower your car insurance rates.
→Read more about car insurance discounts for veterans and active military members
Does the National Guard qualify for USAA insurance?
Yes! USAA offers car insurance coverage (along with many other benefits) to military members, veterans, and their families, which includes the Army National Guard and Air National Guard. National Guard members absolutely qualify for coverage with USAA.
Frequently asked questions
Is GEICO or USAA better for the National Guard?
Both companies offer excellent rates and high quality insurance products, so which company is the best for you is specific to your needs. You can work with an insurance expert to compare quotes to make sure you are getting the right car insurance for you.
What insurance does the Army National Guard have?
The Army National Guard offers health and dental benefits through TRICARE, but it does not offer car insurance, homeowners insurance, or other property and casualty insurance products. Many car insurance companies offer discounts for military members, including members of the Air and Army National Guard.
Is USAA still only for military members?
USAA provides coverage for active duty military, National Guard and Reservists, veterans who have honorably served, contracted ROTC cadets and midshipmen, officer and warrant officer candidates, military spouses, children of USAA members, and service academy appointees.
Is USAA really cheaper?
Yes, USAA is often the cheapest insurance option for veterans and military members. But this isn’t a guarantee, so it is worth your time to compare quotes between multiple companies (including USAA) to make sure you are getting the lowest possible rate.
Methodology
Policygenius has analyzed car insurance rates provided by Quadrant Information Services for every ZIP code in all 50 states, plus Washington, D.C.
For full coverage policies, the following coverage limits were used:
Bodily injury liability: 100/300
Property damage liability: $100,000
Uninsured/underinsured motorist: 100/300
Comprehensive: $500 deductible
Collision: $500 deductible
In some cases, additional coverages were added where required by the state or insurer.
Rates for overall average rate, rates by ZIP code, and cheapest companies determined using averages for single drivers age 30, 35, and 45. Our sample vehicle was a 2017 Toyota Camry LE driven 10,000 miles per year.
