Car insurance for police officers

The best car insurance for police officers

There are generally two layers of financial protection when considering police insurance — coverage while on the job and driving a police car and coverage when off duty and using a personal vehicle.

Auto insurance for police vehicles

Car insurance policies for a police officer’s squad car works differently than a standard car insurance policy. Since squad cars are typically not owned by police officers, you likely don’t have a financial interest in the vehicle and won’t be responsible for the auto insurance policy on your squad vehicle.

That said, police cars are required to have insurance. Police vehicles are typically insured by the state, county or city that owns them. They could be insured under a group policy or may be self-insured by the government. This means police officers have no input on the coverage types or options when it comes to the car insurance they have when they are on duty.

Auto insurance for personal vehicles owned by police officers

When you are off duty and using your personal vehicle, you will need a car insurance policy that meets or exceeds your state’s minimum required limits — just like any other driver. Auto insurance companies do not sell policies specifically for off-duty officers, but there are several companies that offer discounts for law enforcement professionals. When shopping for coverage, simply ask an agent about police car insurance discounts to find out what's available and if you qualify.

And even if you don't mention it upfront, many insurance companies will ask about your occupation when you request a quote. Since car insurance companies calculate rates based on risk, officers could have a better chance at landing a lower rate. After all, police officers understand the rules of the road and have had extensive driver training. When off duty, this could mean officers are less likely to cause accidents or file claims (so long as their driving record and claim history reflect as much).

What type of coverage should police officers consider?

Car insurance is designed to protect your finances if an accident occurs. Like anyone else, you need coverage for yourself and those in your household who share your insured vehicle, whether it’s a spouse, partner or child. Getting into an accident without insurance can have serious financial and legal ramifications. In addition to the risk of incurring state fines for driving uninsured, there may be out-of-pocket costs to repair either your vehicle or the other driver’s vehicle. And if there are injuries, medical expenses can add up quickly.

In addition to the required minimum liability insurance, there are a number of optional coverage types available for further financial protection, such as:

• Uninsured motorist coverage: This coverage, which is optional in many states, helps pay for your medical bills and related expenses if you are hit by a driver who does not carry insurance coverage. Underinsured motorist coverage is similar and helps fill in gaps if you are hit by a driver who has insurance, but not enough to cover the damages or injuries they caused.
• Collision coverage: Collision insurance is typically part of a full coverage car insurance policy and helps pay for damage to your vehicle if it collides with something, regardless of whether you or another driver causes the accident. Collision coverage comes with a deductible — a set amount of damage you agree to pay out of pocket in the event of an approved claim.
• Comprehensive coverage: The other key part of full coverage car insurance, comprehensive insurance covers damage to your vehicle caused by things other than a collision. If you live in a state where natural disasters are common, comprehensive coverage can help pay for damage caused by severe weather such as hail, floods and hurricanes. Additionally, comprehensive insurance will cover damage from fire, theft, hitting an animal and vandalism. Comprehensive coverage also carries a deductible.

An independent insurance agent can help you understand how these coverage types work in more depth so that you can build a robust and effective policy.

How much does car insurance cost for police officers?

Using data from Quadrant Information Services, Bankrate's team determined that the average cost of auto insurance in the U.S. is $2,678 for full coverage, which includes optional collision and comprehensive insurance. Minimum coverage, which includes only the insurance required in each state to drive legally, is available for an average cost of $799 per year. If you are a police officer with a clean driving record, you may be able to find coverage for less than the average, although your insurer will be looking at multiple factors when determining your rate.

Law enforcement discounts on insurance

Certain companies offer special discounts for law enforcement officers. Some of these companies include:

In general, getting auto insurance quotes from several providers is a good way to compare coverage, discounts and prices. That way, you may be able to find the coverage you need at a cheaper price. And while some companies list discounts online, not all savings opportunities are advertised. Talking to a representative from each company is likely the best way to find companies that offer law enforcement discounts on insurance.

Frequently asked questions

To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverage that meets each state’s requirements. These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes. Your quotes will differ.