How Auto Owners Insurance Handles Military Leave: An Evergreen Guide for Service Members

Quick Answer: What Happens to Your Auto Owners Policy When You Go on Military Leave?

If you are an active‑duty service member and you have an auto policy with Auto Owners Insurance, you can request a military leave exemption that freezes your premium, maintains your coverage, and often provides additional discounts while you are deployed or on active duty. The exemption must be filed within 30 days of receiving official orders, and you'll need to supply proof of service. Once approved, your policy stays in force without payment until you return, at which point normal billing resumes.

Understanding the Military Leave Exemption

Auto Owners Insurance offers a specific provision for members of the Armed Forces called the Military Leave Exemption (MLE). It is designed to protect you from losing auto coverage while you are unable to drive due to deployment, training, or other mandatory service obligations.

Key Features

• Premiums are frozen for the duration of the active‑duty period.
• Coverage limits and deductibles remain unchanged.
• No lapse in continuous insurance history, which helps maintain lower rates.
• Eligibility for additional military‑person discounts when you resume driving.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the exemption, you must meet all of the following:

• Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident serving on active duty.
• Hold a valid Auto Owners auto insurance policy at the time of receiving orders.
• Submit a written request within 30 days of receiving official military orders.
• Provide a copy of the orders (e.g., DD Form 214, deployment orders, or activation notice).

Step‑By‑Step Process to Activate the Exemption

Follow these steps to ensure your coverage is protected:

Impact on Premiums and Discounts

While the exemption freezes your premium, it does not erase any discounts you have earned. When you return to active driving, Auto Owners may apply the following military‑related discounts:

• Military Service Discount: Typically 5‑10% off the base premium.
• Safe Driver Discount: If you maintained a clean driving record before leave.
• Loyalty Discount: For continuous coverage of three years or more.

Claims Handling During Military Leave

Even though you are not driving, you remain covered for events such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters affecting your vehicle. To file a claim while on leave:

• Use the Auto Owners mobile app or call the 24/7 claims line.
• Provide the incident details and any police reports.
• Designate a trusted family member or power of attorney to handle vehicle repairs if needed.

Comparing Auto Owners' Military Leave Policy with Major Competitors

The table shows that Auto Owners offers the most flexible freeze period, matching the exact length of service, which can be advantageous for longer deployments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my deployment is extended?

Notify Auto Owners within 10 days of the extension notice. The premium freeze will automatically extend to cover the new end date.

Can I cancel the exemption early?

Yes. If you return to civilian life before the scheduled end date, you may resume premium payments immediately and reactivate normal billing.

Does the exemption affect my credit score?

No. Since the policy remains active, there is no lapse that would be reported to credit bureaus.

Practical Tips for Service Members

• Keep digital copies of your orders and exemption confirmation in a secure cloud folder.
• Assign a trusted family member as a "claims contact" in your policy notes.
• Review your policy annually to ensure you're still eligible for military discounts after you return.
• Consider bundling home or renters insurance with Auto Owners for additional savings.