I’ve wondered about this too, especially after getting all excited about a “military discount” only to realize it barely made a dent in the premium. I mean, sure, it’s nice to get a few bucks off, but when you’re talking about insuring something like a ‘67 Mustang or a Porsche 911, the real savings seem to come from those niche insurers who actually understand what you’re driving.
USAA’s been solid for my regular car—no complaints there. But when I tried to get a quote for my old Camaro (which, let’s be honest, spends more time in the garage than on the road), the numbers just didn’t add up. The coverage wasn’t really tailored for a car that’s basically my weekend therapy session. Ended up going with a classic car insurer who actually asked about things like storage and annual mileage instead of just my driving record (which, uh, isn’t exactly spotless).
It does feel a bit like the military discount is more of a marketing hook than an actual game-changer, at least for anything outside the daily driver category. Not saying it’s useless—every little bit helps—but it’s definitely not the golden ticket some folks expect.
If you’re looking at insuring something rare or collectible, it’s worth shopping around and not just jumping at the first “discount” you see. Sometimes the best deal is the one that actually fits your situation, not just the one with the shiniest promo code. And hey, if you find an insurer who doesn’t flinch at a couple speeding tickets and still gives you a break for your service, that’s a win in my book... even if it’s rare as a unicorn.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually had a different experience with USAA. For my daily driver, their rates were way better than anything else I found, even with the so-called “military discount” being pretty modest. Maybe it’s not a game-changer for classics or collectibles, but for regular cars, I think the overall service and perks add up. Plus, dealing with their claims folks after a fender bender was way less painful than I expected. Guess it really depends on what you’re driving and how you use it.
I hear you on USAA being solid for daily drivers, but when it comes to insuring my old Mustang, their rates just didn’t make sense. Ended up going with Hagerty—way cheaper for classics, and they really get the whole collector vibe. For modern cars though, I get why folks stick with USAA.
Yeah, USAA’s tough to beat for everyday cars, especially if you’re military or a vet. But for classics, they just don’t cater to the unique needs—like agreed value or mileage limits. Hagerty, Grundy, and a few others really specialize in that space. One thing I always tell folks: check if your classic qualifies for “collector” policies, since it can save a ton. Also, don’t forget to ask about bundling discounts... sometimes it helps, sometimes not. Insurance is weird like that.
“Insurance is weird like that.”
That’s the truth. I’ve seen folks assume bundling will always save them, but with classics, it’s hit or miss. Had a client with a ‘68 Mustang—USAA wouldn’t touch agreed value, but Hagerty gave him exactly what he needed, no fuss. Military discounts are great, but they don’t always cover the quirks of collector cars. It’s not always about the lowest rate; sometimes it’s about getting the right coverage, especially for unique vehicles.
