Let’s be honest — insurance is nobody’s idea of an exciting purchase. It’s right up there with replacing a broken boiler or getting your teeth cleaned. Essential? Absolutely. Fun? Not so much.
But here’s the thing: getting insurance wrong can be expensive, and as a service member, you face some unique challenges that standard comparison sites often don’t understand. Some insurers still see armed forces personnel as higher risk, which can mean higher costs or outright refusal to cover you.
The good news is that with the right approach, you can find decent coverage at reasonable rates.
Home insurance
Home insurers base their rates on how likely you are to make a claim, looking at factors like your age, postcode, how secure your property is, and any previous claims.
To keep costs down:
- Install security measures like approved locks and alarms
- Combine building and contents insurance for discounts
- Calculate accurate replacement values for belongings
- Choose a realistic excess amount
- Skip unnecessary add-ons
- Always shop around
For service personnel, contacting insurers directly often works better than online comparison tools. Many have dedicated military customer teams who actually understand your circumstances.
Motor insurance
Those friendly comparison site mascots don’t tend to understand armed forces circumstances, so you’ll need to be more selective about where you look.
Most importantly, make sure your policy covers driving on military bases and airside use — not all standard policies include this. Be honest about how you use your vehicle, as domestic, commuting, and business use all affect premiums differently.
Tips for better rates:
- Consider lower-powered, lower-value cars
- Look into “pay how you drive” telematics policies
- Protect your no-claims bonus
- Compare annual vs monthly payment costs
- Consider Pass Plus courses if you’re a young driver
Specialist brokers can be really helpful here. SIIAP and BIBA’s military specialists offer services specifically for service personnel. Forces Compare operates as a military-focused comparison site that understands your specific needs.
Life insurance
Standard life insurers often charge military personnel higher premiums due to perceived risks. However, specialist military life insurance products take a more realistic view of modern service life.
For comprehensive guidance on military life insurance options, Money.co.uk’s guide covers what you need to know.
The bottom line
Insurance might be boring, but getting it right saves you money over time — money that’s better spent on things you actually want. The key is remembering that as a service member, you often need specialist advice rather than generic comparison sites.
Take time to find insurers and brokers who understand military life. It’s worth the effort to ensure you’re properly covered without paying over the odds.
