I get where you’re coming from, but sometimes those “extras” just aren’t worth it for everyone. I’ve had basic coverage for years—never needed rental or roadside, and the money I’ve saved each month has added up. Not saying it’s for everybody, but if you’re careful and know what you’re skipping, a barebones policy can make sense. Guess it depends on your risk tolerance and how much you drive.
I hear you on skipping the extras—my daily driver’s got the bare minimum too, and it’s worked out fine so far. But with my old Mustang, I actually went for more coverage, just because parts and repairs can get pricey if something goes wrong. Guess it’s a bit of a gamble either way. Ever notice if military discounts actually make a dent? I’ve seen ads, but never really compared side by side.
I’ve always wondered about those military discounts too. I mean, they’re advertised everywhere, but when I actually ran the numbers with USAA and a couple others, the difference wasn’t as huge as I expected—maybe a few bucks a month? Still, every bit helps, especially if you’re driving something that’s not cheap to fix. Anyone else ever get surprised by how much (or little) those discounts actually save? Sometimes it feels like more of a marketing thing than real savings...
It’s honestly kind of underwhelming when you crunch the numbers. I’ve been with USAA for years, and while they’re solid on service, the “military discount” isn’t the game-changer it’s hyped up to be. Maybe it knocks off a coffee or two per month, but if you’re expecting hundreds in savings, forget it.
What really bugs me is how much they push the military angle in ads, like you’re getting some exclusive deal. In reality, I’ve seen civilian friends get similar or even better rates just by shopping around and bundling stuff. The real savings come from your driving record, age, and what you drive—not just your service status.
If you want to save real money, focus on safe driving and don’t be afraid to switch companies every couple years. Loyalty doesn’t pay as much as they want you to think. The discount is nice, but it’s not the main thing keeping my premiums down... that’s just being careful behind the wheel and not racking up tickets.
I’ve noticed the same thing, honestly. I drive a higher-end vehicle, and when I first started looking at insurance, I assumed the “military discount” would be a big deal—especially with all the marketing. But when I actually compared quotes, the difference was pretty minimal. In some cases, companies like GEICO or even Progressive came in lower, especially once I factored in multi-car and homeowner’s bundling.
One thing I’ve realized is that the type of car you drive really does matter more than any affiliation or discount. My rates jumped when I switched to a luxury sedan, and no amount of “military appreciation” offset that. The underwriters care way more about repair costs and theft risk than your service record.
I do appreciate USAA’s customer service, though. They’re responsive, and claims have been painless for me. But if we’re talking pure dollars and cents, loyalty doesn’t always pay off. I check rates every renewal cycle now. Sometimes it’s a hassle, but it’s saved me a few hundred bucks here and there.
The only time I saw a real difference was when I had a clean record for several years—my premium dropped way more than any military discount ever did. Maybe the “exclusive” angle is more about branding than actual savings. Not saying it’s worthless, but it’s definitely not the golden ticket they make it out to be.
If you’re driving something that’s expensive to fix or replace, expect to pay for it, no matter who you’re insured with. That’s just the reality. Discounts help, but they’re not magic.
