Sometimes it feels like the algorithm just spins a wheel and picks a number...
Honestly, that's exactly how it feels when you drive something high-end. I’ve got a luxury sedan, and even with a so-called “military discount,” my premium barely budged. The car type seems to matter way more than any affiliation or discount. I get that risk is higher with certain models, but if you’re driving something flashy or expensive, don’t expect miracles from those discounts. Anyone actually seen a big drop from military status alone? Because I sure haven’t.
I get where you’re coming from, but I actually saw a noticeable drop when I switched to a more “boring” car. I’m still on my parents’ policy (student driver life), but the military discount stacked with a basic sedan made a difference. When I was looking at sportier options, the quote shot up, discount or not. Maybe it’s just that the car matters way more than the affiliation, unless you’re driving something super practical.
Yeah, you nailed it—car choice is a huge factor. I’ve seen people surprised by how much the rates jump for anything labeled “sport” or “coupe,” even with military discounts. That line you mentioned—
—is pretty spot on from what I’ve seen. The discount helps, but if you’re driving something practical and not flashy, that’s where you really see the savings stack up. It’s wild how much the model and year can swing things, even more than your job or student status sometimes.the car matters way more than the affiliation
I get what you’re saying about the car making the biggest difference, but I’m not totally convinced the military discounts aren’t a bigger deal for some people. My cousin switched to USAA when he joined the Navy and said his rate dropped way more than he expected, even with a pretty average sedan. Maybe it’s more about which company you go with? Or maybe it’s just super inconsistent.
I’ve seen folks get some wild rate drops with USAA, especially if they’re new to the military or just switched over. It’s not always about the car—sometimes it really is the company and those military perks. But then I’ve also had clients who barely saw a difference, even with all the discounts. It’s weirdly inconsistent. Guess it depends on your driving record, location, and a bunch of other stuff most people don’t even think about. Insurance is just one of those things that never seems to have a straight answer...
