"yeah, they're pricier, but at least they don't ghost me when I actually need them."
Fair point, but honestly, specialty insurers aren't all bad. I've seen plenty of cases where military-focused insurers handled claims quickly and efficiently. Maybe you just got unlucky with customer service reps...?
I've had mixed experiences myself. When I switched from a mainstream insurer to a military-focused one, I did save a decent chunk initially. But when I had a minor fender-bender last year, the claims process was slower than I'd hoped. It wasn't terrible, just...meh. Honestly, sometimes paying a bit more for reliability and peace of mind is worth it, especially if you're driving something pricier like I am. Cheaper isn't always better, y'know?
I've noticed something similar—initial savings can be tempting, but it's the claims experience that really matters. When I switched insurers a couple years back, I saved maybe 15%, but the first time I needed them, it was a hassle. Endless paperwork, slow responses...just frustrating. Now I'm with a slightly pricier company, but their customer service is spot-on and claims are painless. For me, reliability and less headache is worth paying a bit extra, especially with kids in the car. Cheaper rates aren't always the smartest choice long-term.
Does anyone know if military discounts still apply if you've had a few tickets or an accident? I've heard they're usually cheaper, but I'm curious how forgiving they are with high-risk drivers...
I've looked into this before since I've had my fair share of speeding tickets (oops...). From what I've seen, military discounts usually still apply even if you're considered higher-risk, but the actual savings might not be as impressive as you'd hope. Insurance companies factor in your driving history first and foremost, so those tickets or accidents will definitely bump up your rates, military or not. Still, the discount can soften the blow a bit.
One thing to keep in mind—some insurers who specialize in military coverage (like USAA) might be slightly more forgiving than your average provider. But don't expect miracles; they're still businesses at the end of the day. Have you tried getting quotes from a few different places yet? Comparing directly might give you a clearer picture of how much that military discount actually helps after factoring in your driving record.
