The Ultimate Guide to Car Discounts for First Responders

As an appreciation to first responders and healthcare workers for their service in the community, a handful of manufacturers are offering up to $500 off a new car. This bonus discount is typically stacked on top of other discounts and can be applied to a purchase or lease on most of the manufacturer’s new vehicle lineup.

GM Manufacturers share a program, the GM First Responder Discount, where first responders like police, firefighters, emergency response personnel, and healthcare professionals can save up to $2,000 on 2022 and 2023 models from Buick, GMC, Cadillac, and Chevrolet. The FCA/Stellantis brands (Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep) have a similar deal.

Let's take a closer look at how to qualify and the requirements for each of the first responder savings programs.  At the bottom we also list all the current discounts for first responders offered by each manufacturer.

How to Qualify for a First Responder Car Discount

To qualify for a first responder discount you typically have to be in a role where you provide assistance at the scene of an emergency like an accident, natural disaster, or terrorist attack. And in light of the Coronavirus pandemic, many manufacturers have extended their discounts to include healthcare professionals.

First Responder Requirements

The qualifications for the discount are generally the same for each manufacturer. Any active first responder can qualify, which includes:

• Police
  • Police Officer
  • Sheriff/Sheriff’s Deputy
  • Correctional Officer
  • State Trooper
  • Federal Law Enforcement Officer
• Fire Department
  • Paid/Volunteer Firefighter
• EMT
  • EMT
  • Paramedic
• 911 Dispatchers

A majority of manufacturers that already had first responder discount programs have started to include healthcare professionals and hospital employees. This can include the following:

• Healthcare
  • Doctors
  • Nurses/Nurse Aides
  • Physician Assistants
  • Medical Technicians
  • Healthcare workers in medical facilities
    • Hospitals, Urgent Care, Assisted Living, Long-Term Care, Research/Testing Centers, and many more may qualify as medical facilities 

Many manufacturers removed this incentive for healthcare professionals for 2022, but GM is one of the few that still offer it.

Most of the manufacturers extend these offers to their spouses as well.

Related: Active duty military and veterans should look for military car discounts.

What to Bring to the Dealership

When heading to the dealership you should bring any form of documentation that proves active employment as a first responder. This could include:

• State license/certification that proves status
• Document illustrating affiliation as a Law Enforcement Officer
• Pay Stub (within last 30 days) or ID as proof of employment at a healthcare facility

However, GM manufacturers and Ford requires first responders to use ID.me to verify their eligibility. Once you have the authorization code, you only have to bring that and a copy of your driver’s license to the dealership.

Hyundai and Volkswagen only require eligible documentation as proof at the dealership.

Best Deals for First Responders

Most of the bonus cash back offers are for $500 so there’s not much that separates them; GM offers the highest discounts but it does vary from vehicle to vehicle.

It’s important to note that many manufacturers are now offering the same discounts to healthcare professionals and workers.

Below are some of the best car deals for First Responders.

These offers may vary based on location, credit score, and financing terms and are not guaranteed.  So use my free service to Check Discount Car Prices to get the best prices that include current manufacturer offers and incentives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What car companies give first responder discounts?

All the GM family of car brands offer discounts.  That includes Chevy, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac.  Ford, Hyundai, Lincoln, and Volkswagen also have discounts.

How much is a first responder discount?

Discounts range from $500 to as high as $2,000 depending on the brand.

What jobs qualify for a first responder discount?

Police, firefighters, EMTs, 911 dispatchers, and healthcare workers all qualify.

How long must you be a first responder to qualify?

Length of employment does not matter as long as you can prove you're an active first responder.

Do family members get the teacher discount?

Spouses usually qualify for the discount.

Does Honda, Toyota, or Nissan have teacher discounts?

None of these brands currently offer discounts at the national level.  Although some dealerships may occasionally run local promotions.