What happens to car insurance when I’m deployed overseas?
Options for car insurance for deployed military can include decreasing your coverage amount, increasing your deductible to lower your rates, or canceling your policy altogether.
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Scott W. Johnson
Licensed Insurance Agent
Scott W Johnson is an independent insurance agent in California. Principal Broker and founder of Marindependent Insurance Services, Scott brings over 25 years of experience to his clients. His Five President’s Council awards prove he uses all he learned at Avocet, Sprint Nextel, and Farmers Insurance to the benefit of his clients. Scott quickly grasped the unique insurance requirements of his...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Sep 19, 2024
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UPDATED: Sep 19, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car 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 top car companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
There is no way to suspend your insurance when you are deployed overseas in the military. However, there are other options to manage car insurance for military drivers.
Every car insurance company handles this a bit differently.
You can cancel your car insurance policy, as opposed to suspending it, but that leaves your vehicle unprotected if a natural disaster occurs or someone drives your vehicle or steals it.
Read on to learn better options to protect your car during a deployment.
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If you do opt to cancel your policy, many insurance companies will waive the 30 days lapse in insurance that can cause your premium to go up upon your return.
As soon as you return, it is always best to contact your insurance company and notify them.
Also, make sure that person who has a temporary power of attorney (POA) to handle your affairs has the paperwork as well as a copy for your insurance agent.
Ensuring the right people have you POA will make handling any potential car insurance claims easier.
An alternative to leaving your vehicle uncovered is to put minimal coverage on it — dropping your current liability coverage and only having comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive insurance covers your vehicle against fire, theft, and acts of God.
While it is stored in your garage or storage shed, it is protected, but that does make your vehicle legal to drive or have on any public streets or roads.
- If anyone plans to drive your car while you are deployed, you must maintain car insurance coverage
- You can cancel your insurance policy while you’re gone, but doing so may make it more expensive to purchase coverage upon your return
- There are also options to buy coverage solely to protect your car against weather anomalies
Why is it best to cancel my car insurance coverage?
Rather than continue expensive car insurance coverage for a car that will be in a garage, it may be best to cancel your policy until you return from deployment.
The reason is the savings involved unless you have a lien on your vehicle.
In that case, the bank may not allow you to suspend or drop your coverage.
Another option may be to decrease the amount of coverage on your policy, especially if no one will be driving it while you are away.
If you do not have a lien on the car, comprehensive coverage is all you need just in case your car is stolen or damaged by weather conditions. If you do have a lien, your carrier may require liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage.
Placing your car in storage does not require any coverage, and it may be worth taking a risk if affordability is a problem.
If you decide to cancel your coverage, you can always get more coverage when you return. If you have an outdated car of little value, cancellation is the best way to go.
Read more:
- Can I put my car insurance on hold?
- Can I suspend my car insurance for a month?
- Does car insurance cover stolen wheels and tires?
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How does dealer financing impact my car insurance options during deployment?
If the vehicle is financed or leased, your bank or leasing company may require that you keep full coverage on the vehicle even though you’re deployed.
However, there are still ways to lower your premium while you are deployed.
First, you can increase your deductible. Or you can lower other coverage to give you the minimum insurance required.
Cancelling or suspending your insurance really depends on your insurance company and if your vehicle is financed or not. It also depends on if anyone will be driving your vehicle during the deployment.
Also, if you own your vehicle and do not plan on having anyone driving it, then you can look at canceling, suspending, or placing storage insurance on it.
However, cancelling and suspending your insurance will leave your vehicle unprotected.
If you choose to store it in your garage at home, it may be covered under homeowner insurance policy.
However, you need to check with your homeowner’s policy.
Storage insurance means canceling the liability coverage and just keeping comprehensive insurance on it, which covers fire, theft, nature, and acts of God.
How does my family situation impact my car insurance during deployment?
If a spouse, partner or family member will be driving the vehicle during your deployment, you are required to keep insurance on the vehicle and add them on as a driver.
Some military friendly car insurance companies will allow you to remove yourself for the length of the deployment and insert the other driver.
If no one else will be driving your vehicle during the deployment, and it is not leased or financed, then you can cancel or suspend your insurance.
If you car is older and not worth much, suspending or canceling your insurance might be a risk you are willing to take. However, if your vehicle is newer, you may not want to take this risk.
Can I suspend car insurance if I am deployed overseas in the military and only storing my car?
When storing your vehicle, it is important to consider putting storage coverage on it or just comprehensive insurance. This coverage protects your vehicle against fire, theft and acts of God or nature.
There are a few things you may do to protect your car or vehicle from damage while you are away. Some of them are:
- Empty all fluid reservoirs
- Give it an oil change
- Fill the tank with premium gasoline (to allow for moisture)
- Replace your premium wheels and tires with cheap ones
Do whatever you can to ensure that your car will be ready to go upon your return.
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What is a storage fee and how much does it cost?
There are some places where you can store your car for as little as $50 per month. You can pay as much as $200 per month depending on the location, the vehicle, and other factors.
There are different types of storage areas as well. Storage spaces may take a toll on your paint job, which is why heated spaces may be something to consider.
Read More: Does car insurance cover paint jobs?
There are some storage companies, such as Adkos services, that cater exclusively to military personnel for deployment. With these companies, you can receive reimbursement from the storage company upon your return.
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Case Studies: What happens to car insurance when I’m deployed overseas?
Case Study 1: Cancelling the Policy
John is being deployed overseas and decides to cancel his car insurance policy while he is away. Since he owns his vehicle and nobody will be driving it during his deployment, cancelling the policy seems like a viable option. John contacts his insurance company, notifies them of his deployment, and provides the necessary documentation. He cancels his coverage to save on premium costs and plans to reinstate it upon his return.
Case Study 2: Minimal Coverage
Sarah is also deploying overseas and has a financed vehicle. Her bank requires her to maintain full coverage on the vehicle even during her deployment. To lower her premium while she is away, Sarah increases her deductible and adjusts other coverage levels to meet the minimum insurance requirements. She keeps the necessary coverage to satisfy her bank’s requirements but reduces unnecessary coverage to save on costs.
Case Study 3: Vehicle in Storage
Mark is deployed overseas, and his vehicle will be stored in his garage during his absence. He decides to place storage coverage on his car or opt for comprehensive insurance only. By doing so, his vehicle is protected against fire, theft, and acts of nature while in storage.
Mark understands that his vehicle won’t be legally drivable on public roads with only storage or comprehensive coverage, but he accepts the risk since he won’t be using the vehicle.
Comprehensive Auto Insurance Solutions for Military Personnel
Military personnel often face unique challenges when it comes to auto insurance, especially during deployments or assignments overseas. Military car insurance offers tailored coverage options that address these specific needs.
One of the key aspects is car insurance while deployed, which ensures that vehicles left behind are protected even when the service member is away. Additionally, military overseas car insurance provides necessary coverage for those stationed abroad, ensuring that their vehicles are insured regardless of location.
When stationed in foreign countries, military personnel can benefit from overseas car insurance for the military, which is specifically designed to cater to their unique circumstances. overseas auto insurance for the military ensures that vehicles are covered in various international locations, offering peace of mind to service members.
Furthermore, insurance deployment options often include provisions to suspend car payments while deployed, alleviating financial stress during their time away from home. Companies like Progressive offer specialized plans, known as Progressive military deployment, to cater to these needs.
Proper planning for vehicle storage and insurance is crucial for military members. Car storage military deployment services provide secure storage solutions, ensuring that vehicles remain safe during long-term absences.
Additionally, car insurance for military overseas covers the vehicle against potential risks while stationed abroad. These comprehensive solutions, including the ability to suspend car payments while deployed, make managing vehicle-related concerns more manageable for military personnel. With companies like Progressive offering tailored military car insurance plans, service members can focus on their duties without worrying about their vehicles back home or abroad.
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Navigating Auto Insurance and Car Payments During Military Deployment
Military personnel often face unique challenges when it comes to managing their auto insurance and car payments during deployment. One key consideration is the ability to suspend car insurance while deployed, which can help reduce costs when the vehicle is not in use.
Auto insurance for military members is designed to offer flexible options that cater to the specific needs of service members. Additionally, managing car payments while deployed can be streamlined through specialized programs offered by various insurance companies and financial institutions.
For those who remain active drivers while serving, car insurance while in the military ensures that their coverage remains uninterrupted. Military personnel also need to consider military car storage while overseas, which provides secure and cost-effective solutions for storing vehicles during long deployments.
If buying a vehicle becomes necessary, buying a car while deployed requires careful planning and understanding of the available resources. The meaning of the term ‘driver has been deployed’ indicates that the insured individual is actively serving, which can impact insurance rates and coverage options.
Moreover, it is essential to address the ability to suspend car insurance while traveling abroad, especially for those stationed overseas temporarily. Companies like Geico and USAA offer car insurance for deployed military personnel, tailored to meet the needs of service members and providing peace of mind and financial relief.
By understanding the options available, such as suspending insurance or utilizing storage services, military personnel can effectively manage their vehicles and insurance policies while fulfilling their duties.
Comprehensive Guide to Car Insurance and Storage for Military Personnel
For military personnel, finding appropriate army car insurance is crucial to ensure their vehicles are protected while they serve. Many service members take advantage of military deployment storage, which provides secure and affordable options to store their cars during deployment.
One common question is, can you pause car payments while deployed? Fortunately, many financial institutions and insurance companies offer solutions to pause or adjust payments to ease the financial burden during deployment.
Veterans also have unique needs when it comes to car insurance for veterans, with many providers offering special discounts and coverage options tailored to their service. Managing a car while deployed requires careful planning, especially when considering deployment insurance to maintain protection without unnecessary costs.
Companies like Geico, which offer specialized insurance policies for military members, including those who are deployed overseas and USAA offer car insurance policies specifically designed to cater to the needs of military members during deployment, ensuring comprehensive coverage and support.
Additionally, armed forces temporary car insurance is available for short-term needs, providing flexibility and peace of mind for military personnel. Those in the army can benefit from army car insurance options designed to accommodate the unique circumstances of their service.
By exploring these tailored insurance solutions, service members can effectively manage their vehicles and finances, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges of deployment.
Comprehensive Guide to Car Insurance and Financial Management for Military Personnel
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Frequently Asked Questions
What options do I have for car insurance when I’m deployed overseas?
Options for car insurance for deployed military can include decreasing coverage amount, increasing deductible, or canceling the policy altogether.
Should I cancel my car insurance coverage when deployed?
Canceling your car insurance coverage may be a good option if the vehicle will be in a garage and not driven during deployment, as it can save you money. However, if there is a lien on your vehicle or it is financed, cancellation may not be allowed by the bank or leasing company.
How does dealer financing impact my car insurance options during deployment?
If your vehicle is financed or leased, your bank or leasing company may require you to maintain full coverage on the vehicle even during deployment. However, there are ways to lower your premium, such as increasing the deductible or lowering other coverage.
How does my family situation impact my car insurance during deployment?
If a spouse, partner, or family member will be driving the vehicle during your deployment, you are required to keep insurance on the vehicle and add them as a driver. Some military-friendly car insurance companies may allow you to remove yourself from the policy for the duration of the deployment.
Can I suspend car insurance if I am deployed overseas and only storing my car?
When storing your vehicle during deployment, it is important to consider putting storage coverage or comprehensive insurance on it. Storage coverage protects your vehicle against fire, theft, and acts of nature. Cancelling or suspending your insurance leaves your vehicle unprotected, but you can explore options like storage coverage or comprehensive insurance for the duration of storage.
Can you pause your car insurance?
Yes, it is possible to pause your car insurance, but this largely depends on your insurer and specific circumstances. However, it’s important to note that you can’t technically “pause” or “freeze” your auto insurance because auto insurance is required by law in almost every state. The only way to pause your auto insurance is to cancel your coverage entirely, which should only be done if you’re switching policies or getting rid of your car. If you’re not planning to use your vehicle for an extended period of time, you may be able to pause your auto insurance coverage, but this is subject to your insurer and local laws.
How long can I freeze my car insurance?
The duration for which you can freeze your car insurance varies based on your insurance provider’s policies. Generally, you can’t pause your coverage for fewer than 30 days. You can only reduce coverage for a month at a time. Any less than this and you cannot suspend your coverage. However, some companies may allow you to suspend your liability coverage if you’re putting your car in storage. But suspending liability coverage isn’t always an option, even if you are putting your car in storage for months. It’s best to check with your specific insurance provider for accurate information.
Free Car Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap car insurance rates.
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Scott W. Johnson
Licensed Insurance Agent
Scott W Johnson is an independent insurance agent in California. Principal Broker and founder of Marindependent Insurance Services, Scott brings over 25 years of experience to his clients. His Five President’s Council awards prove he uses all he learned at Avocet, Sprint Nextel, and Farmers Insurance to the benefit of his clients. Scott quickly grasped the unique insurance requirements of his...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone 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.