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Many veterans view their time in the military as an honor that allowed them to serve their country, and the citizens of the United States appreciate their hard work and dedication to ensuring our nation’s freedom. To honor veterans and make it easier for them to manage their finances on strict budgets, insurance companies often offer discounts for auto coverage. While you’ll find discounts can be quite different from one company to another, it helps to know how to use your veteran status to make car insurance cheaper.
Inquire about a Veteran Discount
The first thing you’ll want to do is find out if your preferred car insurance company offers veteran discounts. Since many veterans are on fixed incomes, it simply makes sense to save where you can. You may also be able to use the savings to get additional coverage to protect yourself financially if an accident occurs. Simply let your insurance company know you’re a veteran, and they should provide you with all the details you need to begin claiming your discount.
Find Out Who Qualifies
You might not be the only person in your family who qualifies to use your veteran discount. Spouses are also included in the discounted coverage, and it’s possible you may be able to add your children to a lower-cost policy. Widows and widowers may also fall under the insurance company’s guidelines for using a veteran’s discount. If you’re the surviving spouse of a veteran, it doesn’t hurt to mention this to your insurance company. They’ll often apply the discount to your policy in honor of your lost loved one’s service to the country.
Gather Any Necessary Documentation
Insurance companies vary regarding what they require to document your eligibility for military and veteran discounts. You’ll usually need a government-issued form of picture identification, such as a driver’s license. You may also need to provide discharge documents that verify your time served in the military. Typically, these will be similar to the documentation you might be asked to provide for other veteran discounts and services. If you don’t have the type of documentation you need, let your insurance agent know. The agent can often help you verify your eligibility for the highest insurance discounts.
Explore Additional Savings Opportunities
Discounted insurance rates for veterans can often be bundled together with other savings options. One of the easiest ways to enjoy lower car insurance rates is to maintain your status as a safe driver. Avoiding tickets and accidents pays off every time you’re ready to renew your policy.
You might also be eligible to bundle homeowners and auto insurance together to get lower rates. Paying your policy in full can also result in lower costs. If you’re an older or newer driver, you may also be able to get a discount by attending a driver’s education program that updates your skills. Asking about all of your discount options helps you get your insurance rates as low as possible.
Whether they’re veterans or not, drivers who are searching for affordable auto insurance should reach out to the experienced professionals at Altra Insurance Services. In addition to auto coverage, we offer a variety of insurance products, including motorcycle, homeowners, and business insurance. San Diego residents can call one of our friendly agents today for a free quote.