Best Car Insurance for Nurses

What is the best car insurance for nurses?

If you’re a nurse — or employed in a medical field as a healthcare professional — you could qualify for a car insurance discount. Nurses save an average of $19 per six-month premium simply based on their profession. Let’s explore the cheapest car insurance providers for nurses and the companies offering insurance discounts for nurses.

1. Cheap car insurance for nurses
2. Which companies offer a discount to nurses?
3. What are some other ways to save?

Car insurance discounts for nurses

Employment as a registered nurse leads to moderate savings on auto insurance. Below are average auto insurance rates for nurses. Those who qualify for USAA should consider this specialty insurer, which offers an average premium of $497 over six months.

Those who do not qualify for USAA should consider GEICO and Nationwide, the car insurance companies offering the next-cheapest rates.

Occupation-based auto insurance discounts

Some insurance companies offer discounts to nurses. This occurs because insurers consider nurses “low-risk” customers: less likely to drive dangerously — and to file claims — than drivers in different occupations. As such, nurses pay $19 less in car insurance premiums than drivers in the generic “other” occupation category.

Insurance companies offering discounts for nurses:

• Farmers
• Nationwide
• California Casualty
• AAA
• The Hartford

Special discounts aren’t guaranteed in every state. Companies may require proof of your employment as a nurse. This verification could be as simple as a hospital identification badge or your nursing degree.

What are the best ways to save on auto insurance as a nurse?

Regardless of any driver discount that your profession earns you, it's worth seeking additional ways to save. Let’s explore other ways to save on auto insurance in addition to your occupational discount.

Bundle your policies

If you have a renters, condo owners, or homeowners insurance policy, you can receive a discount if you carry car insurance with the same company. This "bundling" discount is usually referred to as a multi-policy discount. It can help you save on your auto and home policies.

If you don't have a renters insurance policy, consider getting one. They're relatively inexpensive — usually less than $200 per year — and can protect you and your assets in case of disaster. 

For more information on bundling products, see our guides below:

• Coverage for your auto and renters policy
• Should you bundle your auto with your home insurance policy?
• Insurance coverage for your car and your condo

Consider telematics

Telematics-based insurance is an emerging trend. Insurance companies use in-car telematics devices to track the way you drive and more precisely determine your premium. Here are some companies that offer usage-based policies. Check to confirm the availability of telematics-powered insurance in your state.

Choose your coverage wisely

Unlike a fine wine, your car will depreciate over time. If your vehicle is totally paid off and worth less than $4,000, you might consider adjusting your coverage to reflect that. Comprehensive and collision coverages protectyourvehicle from physical damage but are not legally required by law.

Determine the value of your vehicle by using Kelley Blue Book or NADA online. If your vehicle is valued above $4,000, maintain physical protection coverages. You can lower your premium by raising your deductible. Because your deductible and premium are inversely related, you can raise one by lowering the other.

Avoid claims

The best way to do this is by being a safe driver. However, accidents do happen. After such an accident, you'll have to decide if going through your insurance company is worth it in the long run. If you’re able to pay for physical damage to yours or another’s vehicle yourself, do it. An insurance claim will raise your rates for at least three years after an accident.

In 2018, the average insurance claim raised rates by $303 per six months. Over a three-year period, that $303 surcharge stretches to $2,170 in additional premiums. If you’ve been in an accident and aren’t sure how to handle the insurance, consider the following:

1. Get an estimate for the damage independently.
2. Use The Zebra's State of Insurance analysis to see how much an at-fault accident would raise rates in your state. Again, consider this surcharge over three years.
3. Compare the three-year surcharge value plus your deductible to the out-of-pocket expenses you learned in step one. If it is cheaper to pay for your claim out of pocket do that.

You may need to inform your insurance company of the accident. This can also cause your rates to increase, as most providers place a large emphasis on your driving history. If your insurance company drastically increases your rates before your informing them of an accident, consider this an opportunity to switch insurance companies.

Shop around

Unfortunately, a nurse discount isn't available from all insurance companies, so don't rely only on that as your only way to save. The absolute best way to make sure you’re getting the best rate on auto insurance is through comparison shopping! Fetch quotes quickly, easily and securely using The Zebra's auto insurance search engine to help find the right coverage options for your needs.

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