Best Auto Insurance for Firefighters (Our Top 9 Picks for 2023)
California Casualty and The Hartford have the best auto insurance for firefighters with exclusive policies and discounts designed for first responders. Affordable firefighter auto insurance starts at $80/mo. Compare the top firefighter auto insurance companies online to guarantee you get the lowest rates possible.
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Jeff Root
Licensed Insurance Agent
Jeff is a well-known speaker and expert in insurance and financial planning. He has spoken at top insurance conferences around the U.S., including the InsuranceNewsNet Super Conference, the 8% Nation Insurance Wealth Conference, and the Digital Life Insurance Agent Mastermind. He has been featured and quoted in Nerdwallet, Bloomberg, Forbes, U.S. News & Money, USA Today, and other leading fina...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Nov 29, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. 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 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.
UPDATED: Nov 29, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. 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
California Casualty is the best auto insurance for firefighters overall because it provides coverage with exclusive perks and benefits for first responders.
- California Casualty and The Hartford offer exclusive firefighter insurance coverage
- Auto insurance rates for firefighters average $175 monthly
- Firefighters qualify for occupational discounts of 3% to 18% with most insurance companies
You’ll get the best auto insurance for firefighters from California Casualty, AAA, and The Hartford. Each company specializes in unique coverage options and savings reserved for first responders. Average firefighter auto insurance rates are $175 monthly for full coverage, but you can get lower rates with occupational and safe driving discounts.
Insurance companies consider occupation when writing auto policies, and many award firefighters with first responder auto insurance discounts. Volunteer and career firefighters and those who are members of the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) can save up to 18% on car insurance. Farmers and Liberty Mutual offer the biggest occupational car insurance discounts for firefighters.
Rank | Company | First Responder | Safe Driving | Best For |
---|---|---|---|---|
#1 | California Casualty | 5-10% | Up to 15% | Auto Coverage |
#2 | AAA | 7% | Up to 20% | Roadside Assistance |
#3 | The Hartford | 8-15% | Up to 25% | Tailored Policies |
#4 | Farmers | 5-18% | Up to 30% | First-Responder Discount |
#5 | Liberty Mutual | 12% | Up to 25% | Occupational Discount |
#6 | Country Financial | 6-12% | Up to 20% | Customer Service |
#7 | Geico | 8% | Up to 25% | Lowest Rates |
#8 | USAA | 5-10% | Up to 20% | Military Drivers |
#9 | Mercury | 5-12% | Up to 20% | Firefighter Spouses |
Despite the competitive discounts, your firefighter auto insurance rates could be lower with another company based on driving record and vehicle type. Compare firefighter auto insurance quotes from multiple companies for the right policy at the lowest price.
#1 – California Casualty: Top Pick Overall
Pros:
- Policy perks: Identity theft protection and pet coverage included with all auto policies
- Additional coverage: Personal property and custom furnishings automatically included
- Fallen hero benefits: Help cover insurance premiums if a firefighter dies in the line of duty
- Diminishing deductibles: If your vehicle is damaged within 500 feet of a fire station
Cons:
- Not in every state: Coverage only available in seven states: AK, CA, CO, ID, KS, OR, WY
- No roadside assistance: This coverage is commonly available with other providers
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#2 – AAA: Biggest Savings For Firefighters
Pros:
- Free roadside assistance: First responders automatically receive roadside assistance without a AAA membership
- Discounts without a membership: Firefighters receive 10% off at AAA care centers without a membership
- More discounts with a membership: Access to exclusive discounts for AAA members
- Variety of auto policies: Including rideshare insurance and original parts coverage
Cons:
- Membership required: Not for roadside assistance but to buy AAA auto insurance
- Not in every state: Auto insurance availability varies by state
#3 – The Hartford: Best Insurance Policies
Pros:
- Exclusive discounts: Additional discounts for retired firefighters
- Policy benefits: Firefighter and first responder policies provide death benefits, medical coverage, and more
- High customer satisfaction: Provider with the highest customer satisfaction overall in the Northwest region
Cons:
- Not available to everyone: Limited availability for non-IAFF members.
- Expensive: Higher-than-average rates if you have speeding tickets
#4 – Farmers: Best Discounts For Firefighters
Pros:
- Discounts: More car insurance discounts than any other company
- Biggest occupational savings: Firefighters can save up to 18% with occupational discounts
- High customer satisfaction: Fewer complaints than other companies
Cons:
- Not in every state: Coverage not available in AK, DC, DE, FL, HI, NH, ME, RI, WV, or VT
- Expensive: Higher monthly rates than some of its competitors
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#5 – Liberty Mutual: Most Customizable Coverage
Pros:
- National coverage: Available in all 50 states
- Big occupational discounts: Firefighters save 12%
- Customizable policies: Widest variety of options, including better car replacement and lifetime repairs
Cons:
- Expensive: More expensive rates than other companies
- Poor customer ratings: Low customer claims satisfaction
#6 – Country Financial: Best For Customer Service
Pros:
- High customer satisfaction: Fewer complaints than other companies
- Unique policy options: Coverage for trip interruption and personal items
- Sizeable occupational discount: Firefighters can save up to 10% on auto insurance premiums
Cons:
- Not in every state: Coverage only available in 19 states
- No gap coverage: Does not offer gap insurance for auto loans
#7 – Geico: Lowest Rates For Firefighters
Pros:
- Affordable rates: Cheapest average insurance rates for good drivers
- Fair occupational discount: Firefighters save up to 8% on annual rates
- National coverage: Available in all 50 states
Cons:
- Federal employee discount limited: Not available to volunteer or municipal firefighters
- Expensive for high-risk drivers: Raises rates for tickets or accidents higher than with other companies
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#8 – USAA: Best For Firefighters in The Military
Pros:
- National coverage: Available in all 50 states
- Affordable rates: Cheapest auto insurance rates when compared to other companies
- Customer loyalty: Has fewer complaints and higher claims satisfaction than its competitors
Cons:
- Limited availability: Only available to active military members and veterans
- No gap coverage: Does not offer gap insurance for auto loans
#9 – Mercury: Best For Firefighter Spouses
Pros:
- Discount extends to spouses: Firefighters and their spouses save up to 8% on car insurance
- Variety of coverage options: Mechanical breakdown and rideshare insurance available
- Affordable rates for young drivers: Firefighters in their 20s can get competitive rates with good driving
Cons:
- Not in every state: Only available in AZ, CA, FL, GA, IL, NV, NJ, NY, OK, TX, VA
- Low customer satisfaction: Ranks in the bottom three in J.D. Power shopping and claims satisfaction surveys
Firefighter Auto Insurance Coverage Requirements
As a firefighter, you’re not responsible for insuring any emergency vehicle you drive for work. However, the level of personal coverage you need depends on the laws in your state and the kind of car you drive.
Firefighters need to carry minimum liability insurance for their personal vehicles but may choose better protection with a full coverage policy. Since auto insurance for volunteer firefighters comes with many discounts, firefighters can get very cheap full coverage auto insurance.
Any first responders using personal vehicles for work should get a business policy to cover them while working.Michael Vereecke Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist
Business car insurance is more expensive, and purchasing an add-on to a personal policy can increase your rates by 10% to 20% with some companies. Fortunately, California Casualty and The Hartford offer affordable auto insurance for firefighters designed to cover the unique uses of their personal vehicles.
Learn More: When do you need business auto insurance?
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Comparing Firefighter Auto Insurance Rates
How does your job affect auto insurance? Insurers consider risk when setting rates, and where you work can impact how often you drive, increasing or decreasing your likelihood of getting into an accident. For example, firefighters may have high-risk jobs but are usually low-risk drivers. So, finding affordable car insurance for firefighters isn’t difficult.
The table below lists car insurance companies offering the cheapest rates for firefighters and first responders. The occupational and safe driver discount amounts are also listed:
Company | Liability | Full Coverage | Occupational Discount | Safe Driver Discount |
---|---|---|---|---|
California Casualty | $120 | $200 | 5-10% | Up to 15% |
AAA | $100 | $180 | 7% | Up to 20% |
The Hartford | $130 | $210 | 5-12% | Up to 25% |
Farmers | $160 | $240 | 8-18% | Up to 30% |
Liberty Mutual | $140 | $220 | 10-12% | Up to 25% |
Country Financial | $110 | $190 | 6-12% | Up to 20% |
Geico | $90 | $170 | 8-15% | Up to 25% |
USAA | $80 | $160 | 5-10% | Up to 20% |
Mercury | $100 | $180 | 5-12% | Up to 20% |
Does Geico have a car discount for first responders? Yes, Geico offers a discount to federal firefighters, but Farmers offers the biggest auto insurance discounts to all volunteer and career firefighters. USAA has the cheapest auto insurance for firefighters and first responders but coverage is only available to military members and their immediate families.
Read More:
- USAA Auto Insurance Review
- Geico Auto Insurance Review
- Farmers Auto Insurance Review
- Liberty Mutual Auto Insurance Review
- Mercury Auto Insurance Review
- Country Financial Auto Insurance Review
Best Auto Insurance Discounts for Firefighters
Some insurance companies consider firefighters and first responders safe drivers due to their additional emergency training and reward them with occupational discounts.
However, occupational discounts aren’t the only way to save on auto insurance for volunteer firefighters. Most major insurers let drivers stack multiple discounts for the most affordable firefighter auto insurance rates. In addition, drivers can bundle their auto and home policies for an additional discount and combine it with their occupational discount. Read more about how to save money by bundling insurance policies.
Other discounts firefighters and first responders can earn include:
- Anti-theft discount: You could save 15% to 20% by installing additional anti-theft devices.
- Defensive driver discount: You could earn 5% to 30% off your rates by taking a defensive driving course.
- Usage-based auto insurance: Tracks your driving habits and saves you an additional 5% to 30% off your annual rates.
- Paid-in-full discount: Paying your annual rates upfront can save you $85 per year on average.
The list of auto insurance discounts for firefighters at major companies will vary, so always ask about which discounts are available to you. Many insurers automatically include discounts in quotes, so confirm that you’re getting every discount you’re eligible for before you buy.
Finding the Best Auto Insurance for Firefighters
California Casualty and The Hartford are the best auto insurance companies for firefighters because of their unique policies and coverage options that cater to first responders. These companies offer first responder discounts, but AAA, Farmers, and Liberty Mutual offer bigger discounts to help lower rates and reduce repair costs for firefighters who have been in an accident.
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— AutoInsurance.org (@AutoInsurance) June 15, 2023
On average, firefighters can save 3% to 18% on auto insurance based on their occupation alone. You can stack an additional 10% discount for staying accident-free or bundling auto insurance with a home or renters policy. Firefighters can also earn up to 30% off if they sign up for usage-based auto insurance.
Firefighters may need additional business coverage if they use their personal vehicles for work and don’t have a policy with California Casualty or The Hartford. Business auto insurance is more expensive, so shop around with multiple local companies to find the most affordable auto insurance for firefighters in your area. Look for insurers that offer car insurance discounts for first responders and safe drivers to get the lowest rates possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can firefighters get USAA auto insurance?
Firefighters can get USAA auto insurance if they were in the military or have an immediate family member who was.
Who is eligible for USAA auto insurance?
Only veterans and active or retired military members and their immediate families can buy USAA auto insurance.
Do firefighters count as veterans?
Firefighters are not veterans unless they also served in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Marines, Coast Guard, or National Reserve.
Who classifies as a first responder?
Firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and EMTs are all considered first responders.
Does USAA accept first responders?
USAA auto insurance is available to first responders who also served in the military or if their spouse or immediate family members served.
Does Nationwide offer a first responder or firefighter discount?
Yes, Nationwide offers 3%-10% off auto insurance for firefighters with its occupational discount.
Does Travelers offer first responder auto insurance discounts for firefighters?
Firefighters can get an auto insurance discount with Travelers if they’re an employee or member of a participating business, group, association, or credit union. Read more in our Travelers auto insurance review.
Does Costco have a first responder or firefighter discount?
Firefighters and other first responders can save up to $60 when signing up for Costco memberships.
Does a firefighter’s auto insurance cover their personal vehicle when they use it for work-related activities?
Personal car insurance for firefighters may not extend to usage for work activities, so it’s important to contact your insurance company for more information. Business auto insurance may be necessary to cover personal vehicles for work.
What factors affect the cost of auto insurance for firefighters?
Firefighter auto insurance rates vary based on several factors, like driving history, vehicle type, location, coverage amounts, age, gender, company, discounts, and more.
What kind of insurance is a vehicle that catches on fire covered by?
Comprehensive auto insurance will pay for damages if the fire is caused by natural disasters, animals, or faulty parts. Collision auto insurance will cover fire damage if it’s the result of an accident.
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Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Jeff Root
Licensed Insurance Agent
Jeff is a well-known speaker and expert in insurance and financial planning. He has spoken at top insurance conferences around the U.S., including the InsuranceNewsNet Super Conference, the 8% Nation Insurance Wealth Conference, and the Digital Life Insurance Agent Mastermind. He has been featured and quoted in Nerdwallet, Bloomberg, Forbes, U.S. News & Money, USA Today, and other leading fina...
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.