Do you have to pay auto insurance while deployed?

Do you have to pay auto insurance while deployed? If you're one of the 1.3 million active-duty members of the military, this may be an important question while you're preparing for your next deployment. Below, we'll explore three different options: continuing to pay, suspending your auto insurance, and canceling your policy. Read more to find out which option is best for you.

UPDATED: Jun 8, 2021Fact Checked

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Leslie Kasperowicz holds a BA in Social Sciences from the University of Winnipeg. She spent several years as a Farmers Insurance CSR, gaining a solid understanding of insurance products including home, life, auto, and commercial and working directly with insurance customers to understand their needs. She has since used that knowledge in her more than ten years as a writer, largely in the insuranc...

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Written by Leslie Kasperowicz
Farmers CSR for 4 Years

Benjamin Carr was a licensed insurance agent in Georgia and has experience in life, health, property and casualty coverage. He has worked with State Farm and other risk management firms. Benji is also a strategic writer and editor with a background in branding, marketing, and quality assurance. He has been in military newsrooms — literally on the frontline of journalism.

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Reviewed by Benji Carr
Former Licensed Life Insurance Agent

UPDATED: Jun 8, 2021

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UPDATED: Jun 8, 2021

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It’s all about veterans. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.

You may choose to pay your auto insurance while you are deployed, but, in some cases, it may not be required.
Your state and insurance company may allow you to suspend or cancel your auto insurance, sometimes with proof of your deployment or an affidavit of non-use for your vehicle.
Canceling your auto insurance may make your rates go up in the future due to a gap in your coverage.

If you’re one of the 1.3 million active-duty members of the military, you know that deployment can come with some unique situations.

One of your many questions may be: do you have to pay auto insurance while deployed? Below, we’ll discuss your auto insurance options for when you’ll be away and won’t be using your vehicle.

If you need help finding the best auto insurance rates that veterans pay, enter your ZIP code into our free tool above to compare auto insurance quotes in your area.

Table of Contents

Do you have to pay auto insurance while deployed?

You do not have to pay auto insurance while you are deployed overseas or domestically. However, some people may get benefits from doing so.

Auto insurance companies typically look at past history, such as the timeliness of your payments or lapses in coverage. If you decide to continue your coverage while you’re deployed, this may look better to your future insurance companies.

But if you need to budget a little tighter while you’re deployed, you can choose to suspend or cancel your auto insurance.

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How do I suspend my auto insurance while deployed?

Depending on your state and insurance company, you may be able to ask your insurance company to suspend your policy and reduce your rates. This may be a better option than canceling since it will not count as a break in coverage.

Some states may require you to file an affidavit of non-use for your vehicle with your Department of Motor Vehicles. To see what you might need for this form, you can find the Indiana affidavit of non-use here.

You may also need to place your car in storage. A suspended policy may also still cover damage to your stored vehicle, but you should ask your insurance company for details to make sure.

How do I cancel my auto insurance while deployed?

You may contact your auto insurance company to cancel your policy. While this may save you money while you’re deployed, it may cost more in the long-run.

First, you may have to pay a cancellation fee or lose out on a refund of prepaid premiums (ask your insurance company for details).

Second, when you return from deployment and try to buy auto insurance again, you may be quoted higher rates because of a gap in your coverage. You may be able to get them to lower rates by providing proof of your deployment, but this doesn’t always work.

You would also be at risk of having to pay for any damages that may occur to your vehicle while you are deployed.

Conclusion

You may choose to continue paying for your auto insurance while you are deployed, but it may not be required.

Some states and insurance companies will allow you to suspend your auto insurance policy, which may reduce your rates and still offer coverage in the event your vehicle is damaged while not in use.

You may also choose to cancel your policy so you don’t have to pay for any coverage, but you find that you have to pay higher rates in the future because of a gap in your coverage.

If you want to keep your auto insurance coverage while you are deployed, use our free quote comparison tool below to find affordable auto insurance quotes now.