can you get car insurance when you are deployed

[McKennedy]

Yes, you can obtain and maintain car insurance while deployed, but it typically requires adjusting your policy to reflect the vehicle's reduced usage. Under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), military members may be eligible for certain protections, including the ability to suspend some coverages without penalty. Most major insurers offer specific deployment provisions, such as switching to a "storage-only" policy that maintains comprehensive coverage (which protects against theft, fire, or vandalism) while removing liability and collision, since the car isn't being driven. This can significantly lower your premiums.

It's crucial to notify your insurance company about your deployment dates as soon as possible. Failure to do so could result in paying for unnecessary coverage or even policy cancellation if the insurer discovers the car is unused. When you return, you can easily reinstate full coverage. Companies like USAA, Geico, and Progressive have dedicated military support teams to streamline this process.

Here is a comparison of common options based on industry practices:

Insurer	Deployment Policy Option	Typical Premium Reduction	Key Requirement
USAA	Full policy suspension or storage mode	Up to 60%	Active duty verification
Geico	Storage coverage available	40-50%	Notification before deployment
Progressive	Comprehensive-only option	Around 50%	Proof of deployment orders
State Farm	Customizable pause feature	Varies by state	In-person or phone adjustment
Allstate	Lay-up policy for stored vehicles	30-60%	Vehicle stored securely

Always keep a copy of your deployment orders and communication with your insurer. This ensures a smooth transition and avoids gaps in protection. If you're storing the car, make sure it's in a safe location to qualify for discounts.

[Kathleen]

When I was deployed, I just called my insurance company and told them I wouldn't be driving. They switched me to a cheaper plan that only covered the car sitting in my garage. Saved me a bunch of money. It's pretty straightforward—just don't forget to do it before you leave. They might ask for your orders, but it's no big deal. When I got back, a quick call had me back on the road in no time.

[VanQuinn]

As someone who's been through multiple deployments, I recommend contacting your insurer immediately. You can often reduce your coverage to comprehensive only, which cuts costs since the car isn't moving. I've used USAA for this, and it was hassle-free. Keep records of everything. Also, if you have a family member checking on the car, that helps with the storage discount. It's one less thing to worry about overseas.

[Crystal]

From my experience helping deployed family members, the key is to act early. Call the insurance agent, explain the situation, and ask about storage options. We saved about half on premiums by switching to comprehensive coverage alone. Make sure the car is stored safely—like in a garage—to qualify. It’s a relief knowing the insurance is handled without overspending. When my son returns, we’ll just update the policy back to normal.

[SanFelicity]

In my line of work, I often advise military clients to review their auto policies before deployment. You can typically suspend liability and collision coverage, keeping only comprehensive for stored vehicles. This aligns with SCRA guidelines and prevents paying for unused benefits. I've seen savings of 40-60% with major carriers. Document all changes and set a reminder to readjust upon return. It's a smart move to reduce expenses during service.