Do you have to pay auto insurance while deployed?
In most cases, you will need to maintain your auto insurance while deployed. You may be able to suspend your auto insurance payments if you have proof of your deployment or an affidavit of non-use for your vehicle.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
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UPDATED: Nov 27, 2023
It’s all about veterans. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help veterans make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with one auto insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for veterans interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance-related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Nov 27, 2023
It’s all about veterans. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help veterans make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with one auto insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- In most cases, you will need to maintain your auto insurance while deployed
- You may be able to suspend your auto insurance payments if you have proof of your deployment or an affidavit of non-use for your vehicle
- Canceling your auto insurance may make your rates go up in the future due to a gap in your coverage
If you’re in the military, you may undergo deployment during your career. Many people are curious whether you need to pay for your auto insurance coverage while deployed, but the answer varies based on several factors.
In most cases, you need to maintain your auto insurance while deployed. Depending on the company you have a policy with, you may be able to suspend your policy and avoid making payments during deployment. However, this is only possible if you have proof of deployment and no one else will drive your vehicle in your absence.
You should consider keeping coverage on your vehicle during deployment, even if no one will be driving it. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay out of pocket if someone or something damages your vehicle while it’s parked or stored.
Additionally, many insurance companies will refuse to offer coverage in the future if there is a gap in your auto insurance coverage because you canceled your policy before you were deployed. Speak with a representative from your company to learn more about deployments and auto insurance options while you’re gone.
You should find and compare auto insurance quotes with several companies at least once a year to determine which company offers the best rates in your area. Doing so can help you save a lot of money on your auto insurance premiums.
Do I need auto insurance while deployed on active duty?
If you own and drive a vehicle, you need auto insurance. You may not have access to your vehicle for certain periods when you’re on active duty. You can speak with someone from your auto insurance company to learn more about your options.
Can you pause car insurance if not driving? Individuals on deployment may be able to suspend their auto insurance coverage. However, it’s a good idea to keep some insurance instead of pausing auto insurance if your vehicle is damaged while parked or in storage during your absence.
Some companies may offer emergency deployment auto insurance discounts on coverage if you’re on deployment, but it depends on the company, how long your deployment will last, and whether anyone will drive your vehicle while you’re gone. Call and speak with a representative from your company to learn more about your auto insurance coverage options when you’re overseas.
A comprehensive auto insurance coverage policy is one option for lower auto insurance rates during deployment. Comprehensive auto insurance will cover your vehicle if someone or something damages it while it’s parked. So, if inclement weather, vandalism, or theft causes damage to your vehicle while you’re on deployment, your insurance company will pay for repairs.
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Do veterans need auto insurance coverage?
Veterans need auto insurance coverage if they own and drive vehicles. Still, there are plenty of auto insurance coverage options for veterans.
If you don’t drive often, or if you drive a vehicle with a relatively low actual cash value (ACV), you may want to purchase a minimum coverage policy to save money as a veteran. Some auto insurance companies offer military discounts on auto insurance, like an emergency deployment auto insurance discount for veterans.
Your auto insurance provider may offer other incentives and opportunities for you to save money as a veteran. If your auto insurance company does not offer discounts, consider choosing another company for your auto insurance needs.
You can find and compare quotes from several companies in your area to determine the best companies for veterans auto insurance. As you compare rates, you’ll get a better idea of which company offers the coverage you’re looking for at a price that works with your budget.
How does auto insurance work for military families?
If you have family members who will drive your vehicle while you’re deployed, you should maintain your current auto insurance coverage.
Some insurance companies offer discounts to individuals with multiple vehicles on a policy. For example, if you’re married or have teens who drive, you could save money on auto insurance with military discounts and discounts for multiple vehicles or policies.
You should not cancel your auto insurance policy if anyone in your family will drive your vehicle while you’re deployed. Otherwise, they could get caught driving uninsured and face hefty fines and serious penalties.
Family members of military members may be eligible for discounts on coverage with certain companies like USAA. For example, USAA auto insurance during deployment may be cheaper than coverage with another company. Check with your current insurance company to see if you can save money because of your military status.
Do I need auto insurance during deployment?
You may need auto insurance while you’re deployed. If you own a vehicle, keeping a policy is good even if you won’t be driving for some time. It’s a good idea to avoid a lapse in auto insurance coverage during deployment. You may be able to temporarily suspend auto insurance payments, but you’ll need proof of your deployment. In addition, if you suspend your military auto insurance, you’ll need to ensure no one else will drive your car while you’re gone.
If you’re considering pausing your auto insurance coverage, speak with a representative from your auto insurance company to learn more about the process.
If no one drives your car while you’re on deployment, you should consider paying for comprehensive auto insurance so you won’t have to pay out of pocket if someone or something damages your vehicle while you’re gone. You can purchase USAA car storage insurance or storage insurance with another company to save on monthly or annual rates.
Military members with family members or friends who drive their vehicle while deployed will need to keep a standard auto insurance policy.
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Can I drive while I’m deployed?
You may drive a military-issued vehicle during your deployment. In most cases, the military will provide adequate auto insurance coverage in this instance. If you need to shop for insurance during deployment, you can compare quotes from multiple providers.
Remember that you can purchase vehicle storage insurance on your personal vehicle if no one drives it while you’re gone. Family members can drive your vehicle while you’re deployed, but they should be listed on your auto insurance policy.
If you’re in a car accident while deployed, you should speak with the insurance company responsible for your vehicle. A representative from the company should be able to help you determine what to do next.
Auto Insurance During Deployment: The Bottom Line
When you’re deployed, you should maintain a policy on your personal vehicle. If someone else will drive your car in your absence, ensure the individual is listed on your policy. If the car will not be used, maintain a minimum coverage policy, storage insurance, or comprehensive coverage on the vehicle while you’re gone.
Don’t forget to reinstate a proper auto insurance policy before you start driving again once you’re back home to avoid paying out of pocket for any damages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my auto insurance coverage cover me if I’m deployed?
Speak with your insurance company to determine whether your current policy offers coverage for temporary vehicles or rental cars during your deployment.
Can I pause my car insurance or adjust my auto insurance policy when I’m deployed?
You should be able to contact your auto insurance company to make any necessary adjustments to your policy during your deployment.
How do I reinstate my auto insurance policy after I return from deployment?
Call your auto insurance company to determine the best way to reinstate your policy. Shop around online to decide which company might work best based on your unique needs.
What happens if I cancel my auto insurance coverage before I deploy?
If you cancel your coverage on a vehicle you own, insurance companies may not offer coverage when you return because of a gap in insurance. Instead of canceling your policy, you can purchase comprehensive coverage or storage insurance for your deployment.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for veterans interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance-related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.