First responders like EMTs, firefighters, and law enforcement officers may be eligible for car insurance discounts and perks from various companies as a thank-you for their service. For example, regional insurers COUNTRY Financial and California Casualty Insurance offer many benefits for first responders.
If you’re a first responder, remember to ask about discounts when comparing car insurance quotes, talking to an agent, or selecting a company.
Cheapest car insurance for first responders
First responders pay approximately 5% less for insurance than the average driver, according to Insurify data. Some insurers, like COUNTRY Financial and Farmers, even offer discounts exclusively for first responders.
On average, first responders pay $99 per month for liability coverage and $202 for full-coverage insurance.
The table below shows the cheapest rates from top car insurance companies for the average driver. Keep in mind that if you’re a first responder, you can probably get a discount and secure cheaper coverage.
Cost of car insurance for first responders
First responders pay an overall average premium of $151 per month for insurance. Insurify uses a proprietary data system to analyze more than 40 million real-time insurance quotes from our carrier partners. But insurance premiums vary between companies. Your driving record, credit history, and coverage options all affect your auto insurance quotes.
Car insurance discounts for first responders
Many car insurance companies give first responders discounts on car insurance coverage as a thank-you for their service.
Below, you’ll find a few examples of discounts that various insurers offer nationwide, but these discounts aren’t available in every state. Talk to an insurance agent about what discounts you may qualify for.
Car insurance discounts for firefighters
California Casualty Insurance offers special discounts for firefighters, including reduced rates and a reduced deductible if your car is hit or vandalized while you’re at work. Liberty Mutual, COUNTRY Financial, Farmers, GEICO, and Alfa also offer discounts to firefighters who can prove affiliation with a fire department.
Car insurance discounts for EMTs/paramedics
COUNTRY Financial offers a 5% to 10% discount on car insurance for full-time EMTs, paramedics, firefighters, and police officers. California Casualty Insurance also offers benefits for EMTs, such as $500 in personal property coverage, reduced deductibles, and identity theft coverage.
Car insurance discounts for police officers
Police officers can save up to 12% with Liberty Mutual and 10% with COUNTRY Financial. Farmers, California Casualty, GEICO, and Alfa also offer benefits for law enforcement officers.
Travelers doesn’t clarify whether it offers a specific discount for police officers, but it does offer law enforcement liability insurance, which provides bodily injury liability, personal injury, and property damage if caused by a wrongful act in the line of duty.1
Call your current insurance company to learn if it offers any discounts for police officers.
Other discounts to consider
First responders also qualify for other common car insurance discounts. Here are some discounts and perks first responders should look into:
First responder car insurance cost by state
Car insurance costs vary widely from state to state, even considering first responder discounts. Of the 22 states Insurify analyzed, first responders in North Carolina and Hawaii pay the least, with an average monthly rate of $105, while first responders in Michigan pay the most, with an average monthly rate of $348.
Your exact rate will likely be a little higher or lower, depending on factors such as age, credit history, and experience.
Tips for getting cheaper car insurance
If you need more savings than the first responder discount can get you, don’t worry; you have many ways to save money on your car insurance policy. Try these tips to lower the cost of your insurance.
Maintain a clean driving record
Drivers with a clean record can qualify for safe-driver discounts from many different insurers and can save up to 22%. Regardless of the savings, it’s especially important for first responders to avoid serious moving violations, as they can face dismissal from their positions as a result.5 The table below shows how different incidents, such as a speeding ticket, an at-fault accident, and a DUI, affect car insurance.
Choose a high deductible
Whether you opt for liability insurance that meets your state’s minimum requirements or a full-coverage policy, you can find ways to save. One is to accept a higher deductible. But this means you’ll pay more out of pocket if you’re in an accident. For example, if you choose a deductible of $1,500 and your car repair costs are $2,000, you’re responsible for paying the $1,500 before your insurance kicks in.
Bundle your policies
Nearly every insurance company incentivizes drivers to keep their policies with them by offering bundling discounts for car insurance and homeowners, renters, or life insurance. Check with insurance companies to see if they offer this discount.
Compare quotes
You should shop for car insurance every six months, and comparing multiple quotes at once is the easiest way to shop and save money. Comparing car insurance quotes can save the average driver about 30%, according to Insurify data. If you qualify for first responder discounts, you could save even more.
Car insurance for first responders FAQs
Finding car insurance as a first responder can be challenging, especially if you’re unsure what discounts you qualify for. Below, you’ll find some additional information about how to get the best car insurance as a first responder.
What car insurance companies offer first responder discounts?
COUNTRY Financial, Nationwide, California Casualty, Farmers, and Liberty Mutual are just a few of the insurance companies offering discounts to first responders. Call your insurer or insurance agent about any first responder discounts you may qualify for.
What’s the easiest way to get cheap car insurance for first responders?
Comparing quotes online from different insurers is the best way to find the cheapest car insurance. It allows you to compare the same coverage options from different insurers side by side to determine which company best suits you.
Can first responders get USAA?
No. First responders can’t get USAA car insurance solely based on their occupation. To qualify for USAA, you must be a current or former military member, their spouse, or their child.
How much does car insurance cost for first responders?
On average, first responders pay $151 per month for coverage. A liability-only policy costs $99 per month on average, and a full-coverage policy costs $202 per month.
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