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 — keep in mind you could qualify for a car insurance discount as you collect insurance quotes. 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.

Average car insurance rates 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. USAA also ranked first among car insurers in The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey.

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

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.

The best car insurance discounts for nurses

Aside from the discount 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 insurance 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:

• 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 insurance claims

The best way to do this is by driving safely. However, accidents do happen. After 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 out of pocket to cover physical damage to your or another driver's vehicle, do it.

In 2018, the average insurance claim raised rates by $50 per month. Over a three-year period, that monthly surcharge stretches to nearly $2,000 in additional premiums. If you’re involved in an accident and aren’t sure how to handle your 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.