Auto Insurance

[oorahcorpsman]

Ok guys need a little advice from my fellow military and retired military brothers/sisters.

I am 20 year old with a perfect driving record (weird I know). It is perfect now, I had a running red light ticket when I was 16 or 17 but I went to driving school for it and is off my record. So besides that I have been clean hehe

I am most likely going to buy a late model used car or a brand new car. And the car will most likely be financed.
(2007-2009/2010)
I am not getting anything fancy, probably a Toyota Corolla, Kia Spectra, Kia Rio5 (Commuting from the palms)

Just wondering what you guys think I should look for that is geared towards younger drivers and military discounts....from your experience.

My parents are currently with USAA and I was told it might be cheaper just to stay with my parents.

Lay it down for me! :) and please don't judge my car choice...I'm saving money lol

[dvldocjoe]

There are several factors against you in most insurance companies unfortunately:

1. Under 25 driving
2. My guess is you are male: we have higher accident rates
3. Limited driving time

Factors in your favor:

1. Smaller economy car = cheaper rates
2. Check for EMT, military, or student discounts

CA insurance is figured mostly on:

which zip code you are residing in,
credit scores,
usage by milage,
your driving record
type of car

plus other possible factors.


My suggestion is to try three of four major companies and get quotes first. Then you check the fine print in the policies and do a comparision of what is going to get you
the best coverage for your dollar.

[HMC-FMF-PJ]

So your dad was in the military huh?

It would likely be much cheaper for you if you stay on your parents USAA policy until age 24 (max age for dependant coverage).

1 - Ask your parents to request a quote from USAA for what it would cost to add you and your proposed car to their policy.

2 - Call USAA yourself and request a quote for you & your proposed car.

3 - Call some other companies and ask for a quote from them...

All else being the same, which policy works best for you and your situation? *Cheap* is good but it is not always the best. I have had USAA auto insurance since the 80's and they have always done right by me at good rates. Do a search for USAA on Corpsman.com and you will find lots of good comments about the company from others. I would also recommend you check out their financial products.

[HMC-FMF-PJ]

https://www.usaa.com/inet/ent_utils/McStaticPages?key=why_choose_usaa_eligibility_main

USAA is a good organization for both insurance and financial matters. Membership used to be very exclusive but they have really opened up eligibility requirements in recent years so now just about anyone loosely associated with the military can join. You should easily be able to obtain your own policy if your parents do not wish to sponsor you.

[HMC-FMF-PJ]

I do not like how loose and broad the USAA membership requirements have become lately. Originally open to just officers, I like that USAA has opened its doors to SNCO's and NCO's. I also like some of the other changes over the years as well but I think some things are going a little too far.

Personally I would like to see USAA tighten up some of their eligibility requirements again. I think the company is exposing itself to unnecessary risk by openning up the membership so far and the core customers are covering that risk. USAA is still a great company but I think the increased risk and loss exposure has resulted in a decline in some the many factors that helped make USAA so very good. In my opinion the outstanding deals provided are not as clear cut and obvious as they used to be.

(But with the crappy economy it is unfair to claim all the changes are due to the increased risks of a broader membership.)