What is the best car insurance for nurses?
If you’re a nurse — or employed in a medical field — 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.
- Cheap car insurance for nurses
- Which companies offer a discount to nurses?
- What are some other ways to save?
Car insurance discounts for nurses
Employment as a 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, which offer the next-cheapest rates.
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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 for car insurance than drivers in the generic “other” occupation category.
Insurance companies offering discounts for nurses:
These 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 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 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
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:
- Get an estimate for the damage independently.
- 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.
- 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. 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
A nurse-specific discount isn't universally available, so don't rely only on that to save. The absolute best way to make sure you’re getting the best rate on auto insurance is to compare rates! Fetch quotes quickly, easily and securely using The Zebra's auto insurance search engine.