Car insurance for police officers

Car insurance for police officers

There are generally two layers of financial protection when considering police insurance — coverage while they are on the job and using their police cars and coverage for when they are off duty and using their personal vehicles.

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.

Police vehicles are typically insured by the state, county or city that owns them and 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 vehicles, you will need a car insurance policy that meets or exceeds your state’s minimum required limits, just like any other driver.

While auto insurance companies do not sell policies specifically for off-duty officers, there are several companies that offer discounts for law enforcement officers. Additionally, many insurance companies request your occupation when you ask for a quote. Since car insurance companies calculate rates based on risk, officers have a better chance at landing a lower rate. Police officers may be viewed as safer drivers, since insurance companies know that they understand the rules of the road and have had extensive driving training. When off duty, this means officers may be less likely to cause accidents or file claims.

When you are shopping for coverage, you may want to ask each insurance agent if their company offers law enforcement discounts on insurance. You may be able to save money simply by being a police officer.

What type of coverage should police officers consider? 

As a police officer, you know that accidents can happen to anyone at any time. Although the coverage on your squad vehicle is dependent on law enforcement agencies, selecting the right coverage on your personal car is essential. Car insurance is designed to protect your finances if an accident does happen.

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 in an accident without insurance can have serious 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. If there are injuries, medical expenses can place a tremendous strain on your finances and run into the thousands.

In addition to the required minimum coverage, which is focused on liability insurance, there are a number of optional yet common coverage types available to police officers, such as the ones below:

• 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 is an optional vehicle coverage that is part of full coverage car insurance that helps pay for damage to your vehicle after it collides with something, regardless of whether you or another driver causes the accident. Collision coverage comes with a deductible, which means you’ll have to pay a certain amount out of pocket before insurance kicks in to cover the damage after an approved claim.
• Comprehensive coverage: The other key part of full coverage car insurance, comprehensive coverage covers damage to your vehicle caused by most things other than a collision (and includes coverage if you hit a deer). If you live in a state where natural disasters are quite common, comprehensive coverage can help pay for any damages caused by certain severe weather such as hail, floods, and winds. Additionally, comprehensive insurance will cover damages 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 rates for auto insurance in the U.S. in 2024 are $2,542 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 $740 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 in determining your rate.

Police officers are often perceived as safer drivers by insurance companies. It’s typically assumed that as a police officer, you understand the law and know what’s allowed and what’s prohibited when behind the wheel. Additionally, you may spend considerably more time behind the wheel due to the nature of your job, meaning you’re likely to have more driving experience than the average driver. Each of these factors may place you in a lower-risk category, and thus earn you a lower premium rate.

Insurers use statistical models to determine the risks they incur by taking on each policyholder. A driver who’s been in several at-fault accidents in the past, for example, will usually pay more for their policy than someone with a clean driving record due to posing a higher risk for future accidents and claims.

Law enforcement discounts on insurance

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

• Geico: Geico offers a federal employee discount that you may qualify for as a police officer.
• Liberty Mutual: If you are a member of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), you may be eligible for special savings with Liberty Mutual in some states.
• Country Financial: Full-time police officers may be eligible for Country Financial’s occupation discount, up to 15 percent off.
• Farmers: In some states, Farmers offers an occupation discount. Speak with a local agent to see if it is available in your area.
• California Casualty: Available in most states, California Casualty sells insurance only to firefighters, police, educators and a few other professions.

In general, getting auto insurance quotes from several providers is a good way to compare coverage, discounts and prices. This 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 may be advertised. Talking to a representative from each company might be the best way to find companies that offer law enforcement discounts on insurance.

Frequently asked questions