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First responders often commute at odd hours and drive to work in hazardous weather, so some discounts, like telematics programs, wouldn't apply to them. Fortunately, some car insurance companies offer a first responder discount. While there aren't many auto insurance policies specifically designed for police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians, some carriers do offer extra coverage and discounts for these people who save lives.
During our search for the best car insurance for first responders, we found that some companies offer discounts and coverages tailored to police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and other first responders. However, each has its benefits and drawbacks.
While some companies, such as California Casualty and Country Financial, offer specifically designed policies for first responders, coverage may be more expensive or have limited availability. Others, such as Nationwide, GEICO, and Liberty Mutual, are available in most states but may not offer specific coverage for first responders.
How we evaluate products
FinanceBuzz uses multiple factors when comparing auto insurance companies. These include costs, discounts, customer satisfaction and complaint scores, policy options, and ease of use. We also gather information from sites like Insurify, The Zebra, J.D. Power, A.M. Best, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). We did not consider all available options.
| Company name | Best/Excellent for | Average monthly full coverage cost | Average monthly liability-only cost |
| Nationwide | Coverage Options | $181 | $90 |
| Liberty Mutual | Discount Options | $246 | $178 |
| Farmers Insurance | Claims Satisfaction | $226 | $109 |
| Country Financial | Specialty Policies | Unavailable | Unavailable |
| California Casualty | Public Service Employees | $160* | Unavailable |
| GEICO | Competitive Rates | $142 | $111 |
Data by Insurify, *Data by The Zebra
Nationwide
- AM Best: A
- J.D. Power claims satisfaction: 728/1,000
- BBB: A+
- NAIC complaints: 0.39 (Private Passenger)
Nationwide offers standard coverages and some specialty options like GAP, vanishing deductible, and accident forgiveness. What I like most about Nationwide is that it also provides policy perks, such as key fob replacement, pet protection, and lockout services.
Nationwide generally costs less than some of the other carriers on our list with liability coverage averaging $90 per month and full coverage averaging $181 per month. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Complaint Index gave it a 0.39 complaint score, indicating that it had fewer customer complaints than expected in 2024.
One drawback to Nationwide is that it doesn't have as many discount options as some other companies. However, Nationwide may have affinity discounts for groups, such as alumni associations, police unions, or other first responder or law enforcement organizations. You'll need to check with Nationwide directly to see if your organization qualifies.
- Offers specialty coverages like GAP and vanishing deductibles
- Driver perks include key fob replacement and fender bender forgiveness
- Low customer complaint rating
- More expensive than some competitors
- It doesn't have as many discounts as some companies
- Not available in all 50 states
Learn more in our Nationwide review
Liberty Mutual
- AM Best: A
- J.D. Power claims satisfaction: 717/1,000
- BBB: A-
- NAIC complaints: 4.28 (Private Passenger)
Liberty Mutual offers fewer coverage options than Nationwide, but it generally has more discounts. Standard discounts are available, like bundling policies or being a safe driver. It also offers discounts for military members, among others. While it doesn't provide a specific first responder discount, Liberty Mutual does have affinity discounts for police and firefighter organizations, depending on the organization you belong to.
While your car insurance rate depends on several factors like your age, gender, where you live, and your driving record, Liberty Mutual is generally a more expensive option. Liability coverage costs an average of $178 per month, and full coverage averages $246 per month.
Additionally, according to the NAIC, Liberty Mutual had significantly more complaints than expected for its size in 2024. However, it did earn above-average scores from J.D. Power's 2024 Claim Satisfaction Survey.
- Typically, more discounts than other insurance companies
- May offer affinity discounts to certain professions, such as first responders
- Earned above-average claim satisfaction scores from J.D. Power
- More expensive coverage than some competitors
- High customer complaint score from the NAIC
- Not as many coverage options as some competitors
Learn more in our Liberty review
Farmers Insurance
- AM Best: A
- J.D. Power claims satisfaction: 706/1,000
- BBB: A+
- NAIC complaints: 0.36 (Private Passenger)
Farmers Insurance's liability costs a monthly average of $109, but its full coverage is more expensive, costing an average of $226 per month. But, where I think Farmers shines is in claims satisfaction scores. It achieved the lowest score on the NAIC Complaint Index of any company on our list, meaning it had significantly fewer complaints than expected.
Farmers offers multiple specialty policy options, including some unusual ones like loss of use and customized equipment. It also has numerous discounts, including affinity discounts to current and former military members as well as other professional associations. However, Farmers Insurance is only available in 42 states.
- Farmers offers multiple policy options
- There are multiple discounts
- It had a below-average number of complaints in 2024, according to NAIC
- Farmers Insurance full coverage generally costs more than some competitors
- It's not available in all 50 states
Learn more in our Farmers Insurance review
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Country Financial
- AM Best: A+
- J.D. Power claims satisfaction: Not included in 2024 data
- BBB: A-
- NAIC complaints: 0.44 (Private Passenger)
Country Financial is a regional car insurance company that's only available in 19 states. Average pricing data is not available for Country Financial, but if it's in your area, it's worth getting a quote. It offers a discount for first responders, police officers, and teachers. I also like that it has more unusual discounts, such as being an engaged couple or being under 25 and a recent college graduate.
Country Financial offers multiple policy options, including coverage for personal effects. This policy provides a benefit of no more than $800 if things like your phone or laptop are stolen from your car. It also offers a policy called The Keeper, which will replace your new vehicle if it sustains severe damage in a covered accident and the damages exceed the cost of a new car.
Country Financial also had fewer than half the number of expected complaints for a company of its size. It earned a score of 0.44 out of 1 on the NAIC Complaint Index in 2024, indicating significantly fewer complaints than anticipated.
- Offers policies not found at other carriers
- It has discounts specifically for first responders and educators
- Had a lower-than-expected number of complaints according to NAIC
- Only available in 19 states
- Does not offer GAP insurance
- No claims satisfaction data to compare against other companies
California Casualty
- AM Best: B
- J.D. Power claims satisfaction: Not included in 2024 data
- BBB: A+
- NAIC complaints: 2.09
First responders looking for ways to lower car insurance should consider California Casualty. It's only available to first responders, teachers, healthcare professionals, and select employee groups. If you don't work for or belong to a qualifying group, you can't access California Casualty's coverage. Additionally, California Casualty is only available in seven states.
Specific pricing for California Casualty isn't available. The Zebra reports that the average monthly premium from California Casualty is $160, but it doesn't specify the coverage. I like California Casualty because it offers coverages specifically tailored to the professions it serves. For example, firefighters and peace officers can obtain coverage for turnout gear and firearms as well as a benefit for a fallen hero or the survivors of a fallen officer.
California Casualty wasn't included in the 2024 J.D. Power Claims Satisfaction survey, but it has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). However, its NAIC complaint index score is above average with more than twice the number of complaints expected for a company of its size.
- Offers policies specifically for first responders
- Earned an A+ rating from the BBB
- Offers multi-policy and multi-car discounts
- Only available in seven states
- It may be more expensive than some competitors
- Only certain groups and professions qualify
Average rate:
GEICO
- AM Best: A++
- J.D. Power claims satisfaction: 692/1,000
- BBB: A+
- NAIC complaints: 0.75 (Private Passenger)
GEICO is available nationwide and has multiple policy options, including emergency roadside service and mechanical breakdown coverage. However, it doesn't offer a specific first responder discount. GEICO does offer federal police discounts as well as military discounts, but the availability may vary depending on your location and branch of service.
Although it may not offer as many discounts as some competitors, GEICO generally provides low rates, especially for drivers with a clean driving record. GEICO costs an average of $142 per month for full coverage and just $111 per month for liability-only coverage. It earned below-average claims satisfaction scores from J.D. Power, but the NAIC Complaint Index gave it a score of 0.75, so GEICO's satisfaction scores are a mixed bag.
- Multiple coverage options, including emergency roadside service
- It may be cheaper than other companies
- Available nationwide
- Below-average claims satisfaction scores from J.D. Power
- Fewer local agents than some competitors
- Does not offer GAP or new car replacement
Learn more in our GEICO review
Ways to save money on car insurance
Finding the best deal on car insurance that still provides the right coverage can be a time-consuming process. To help you in your search for the best car insurance, consider the following:
- Get multiple quotes: While it takes a little longer, getting multiple quotes from different companies can help you save money and ensure you have the right coverage.
- Look for affinity discounts: While some insurers offer specific discounts for police or first responders, others offer affinity discounts for members of select groups, including police and firefighting organizations.
- Bundle your home and auto policies: If you have multiple policies with the same insurer, many insurers will offer bundle discounts, helping you save money and making managing your insurance a little more convenient.
- Maintain a good credit score: While some states limit the use of credit scores in insurance premium calculations, many don't. To keep your score as high as possible, pay your bills on time each month and keep your credit utilization below 30%.
- Reduce optional coverages: If you drive an older vehicle or no longer need certain coverages, discuss reducing the amounts and types of coverage with your insurance agent to help you save.
FAQs
Do first responders get car insurance discounts?
Some car insurance companies offer car insurance discounts specifically for first responders. Others may provide affinity discounts to specific groups, including alumni associations, companies, or select groups such as police departments, firefighters, or emergency medical technicians (EMTs). The availability and percentage of discounts vary by company, so be sure to ask about affinity discounts when you compare quotes.
Are first responders eligible for USAA?
USAA is only available to current and former members of the United States military (and their families). Some first responders may qualify for USAA insurance if they have previously served in the military or have a qualifying family member (such as a spouse or parent) who is eligible for USAA coverage.
How can I get cheaper car insurance?
You can lower your car insurance costs by maintaining a clean driving record and exploring discounts offered by your auto carrier. Bundling policies, taking advantage of safety feature discounts, and driving a vehicle that costs less to insure can help you lower your premiums. You can also adjust your coverage, limits, and deductibles, but ensure that you still have the necessary protection.
Bottom line
Finding the right car insurance as a first responder can help you relieve a little bit of stress from your life. As you search for ways to save money on car insurance, compare quotes from multiple companies, read customer reviews, and pay attention to available policy options and discounts. Although finding the right car insurance can take some time, ensuring you're covered while helping others can help you focus on the job at hand.
Average rate:
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