🏆 The Short Answer: USAA
If you're eligible for USAA, it's almost always the best choice. They consistently have the lowest rates, fewest complaints, and highest customer satisfaction in the industry.
NAIC Complaint Index
0.51
Half the industry average
AM Best Rating
A++
Superior
J.D. Power Ranking
#1
Multiple years
Who Qualifies for USAA?
✓ Eligible for Full Membership
- • Active duty military (all branches)
- • Veterans with honorable discharge
- • Cadets/midshipmen at service academies
- • Officer candidates
- • Adult children of USAA members
⚠️ Limited Eligibility
- • Spouses/partners: banking only, not insurance
- • Other-than-honorable discharge: may not qualify
- • No military connection: not eligible
Military Insurance Options Compared
| Company | Eligibility | NAIC Index | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| USAA | Military/veterans + family | 0.51 | Best overall for eligible members |
| GEICO Military | Anyone (military discount) | 0.69 | Non-eligible family, good rates |
| Armed Forces Insurance | Military/veterans | 0.85 | Deployment-specific coverage |
| Navy Federal CU | Military/veterans + family | — | Banking + insurance bundle |
Military-Specific Benefits to Look For
🚗 Deployment Storage Discount
Reduce coverage (and cost) when your car is garaged during deployment. USAA and AFI offer this.
🌍 Overseas Coverage
Coverage that works on overseas bases and foreign countries. Critical for stationed personnel.
💳 No Penalty for PCS
Cancel mid-policy without penalty when you receive PCS orders. Standard insurers may charge fees.
📞 24/7 Military Support
Staff who understand military life—TDY, deployments, base housing, etc.
If You're Not USAA Eligible
Many insurers offer military discounts even without USAA eligibility:
- • GEICO: 15% military discount for active, guard, reserve, retired
- • Progressive: Military discount varies by state
- • Liberty Mutual: Military discount available
- • State Farm: Ask about military appreciation discount
Pro tip: Even if you're not eligible for USAA insurance, you CAN open a USAA bank account as a non-member. This won't get you insurance, but the banking is excellent.
The Bottom Line
If you qualify for USAA, use it—they're consistently the best in rates, service, and claims handling. If you don't qualify, GEICO offers the next best combination of military discount and low complaints. Always mention your military service when getting quotes—most insurers offer some discount.