Best Car Insurance for Teachers

What's the best auto insurance for a teacher?

Being employed as a teacher earns drivers a discount of $15 per six-month policy period, compared to the average American driver. The average six-month auto insurance rate for a teacher is $721 — or about $120 per month. We've outlined below the cheapest car insurance companies for teachers, as well as some other ways to save.

1. Car insurance for teachers: cheapest rates
2. Which companies offer teacher discounts on car insurance
3. Best ways to save as a teacher

Cheapest insurance providers for teachers

USAA offers the cheapest car insurance for teachers. At $497 for a six-month policy, a USAA policy costs just $83 per month (methodology). If you do not qualify for USAA coverage, consider GEICO. At $571, GEICO costs $12 more per month than USAA for teachers.

Bear in mind, this data is an average of rates gathered from across the country. If you’re looking for personalized rates for your driving profile, enter your ZIP code below.

Companies with car insurance discounts for teachers

Insurance companies offer occupational discounts for teachers as a way to give back to the community and reward teachers' hard work, and because educators are viewed as less-risky drivers. Those in fields proven to employ less-dangerous drivers enjoy more affordable rates.

Occupation — like credit score, age, and driving history — is used as a predictor of how dependable a client will be for an insurance company.

Insurance companies with teacher discounts:

• Farmers
• Liberty Mutual
• Plymouth Rock New Jersey
• California Casualty
• GEICO
• Esurance
• Horace Mann

These discounts aren’t available in every state and the amount may vary by company. You'll need to provide proof of your profession. A photocopy of your teacher’s ID is often accepted.

How to save on car insurance as a teacher

It's no guarantee every state and insurance company will offer a discount for teachers. With that in mind, let's break down some additional ways to save on auto insurance.

Multi-policy discounts

If you own a home or rent an apartment, you probably have a renters or homeowners insurance policy. If that's the case, you can save money by grouping your policies in what's called a bundle. See below projected savings via bundling auto and home or renters insurance.

If you don't have a renters or home insurance policy, consider it. They're relatively inexpensive and offer protection for your assets in the event of a major loss, or if you are found legally responsible for damages occurring on your property. 

Be smart with your coverage

Unlike a home, a vehicle doesn't gain value over time. Instead, it depreciates in value. If you own a vehicle and the cost of keeping comprehensive and collision insurance is more expensive than the payout you'd receive in the event of a claim, consider dropping these coverages. Determine the value of your vehicle by using Kelley Blue Book or NADA. If your vehicle is worth less than $4,000, you do not need physical protection.

If you need these coverages but are still looking to lower your premium, consider raising your deductible. By raising your deductible, you lower your premium by taking on more financial responsibility.

Be smart with your claims

Another benefit of raising your deductible is it can discourage you from using it. Insurance experts believe you should only use your collision coverage if your vehicle is significantly damaged. This is because of how your rates can charge after filing a claim. Most insurance companies will charge you for three years after an at-fault accident or violation. Here's how to determine if you should file a claim or not.

1. Get an estimate of the damage prior to speaking with your insurance company. This is what you would pay out of pocket.
2. Consult our State of Insurance to see how much at-fault accidents increased rates in your state.
3. Multiple the rate of increase by three (for the years during which you will be charged). Add this to your deductible.
4. Compare the costs and choose the least expensive option.

Shop around

The best thing you can do as a teacher — or an insurance client in any occupation — is to shop around often for car insurance. Because a “teacher discount” is somewhat rare, you shouldn’t consider only companies offering this perk. A company that doesn’t offer the discount might end up being a more affordable option. It’s important to consider as many different companies as possible when looking for auto insurance. Only via The Zebra can you search hundreds of different companies — including those offering discounts for teachers.