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 offer first responder car deals, like up to $500 off a new car.
For example, GM Manufacturers offer a program, the GM First Responder Discount, where first responders like police, firefighters, emergency response personnel, and healthcare professionals can save up to $1,000 on 2022, 2023, and 2024 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.
Car Deals Aren’t The Only Way to Save!
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.
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 the 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.
Why Do First Responders Get Discounts?
First responders, often receive discounts as a gesture of appreciation for their dedicated service and the crucial role they play in maintaining public safety.
These discounts serve as a recognition of the sacrifices they make on a daily basis to protect and serve their communities. Businesses and organizations offer these discounts to show gratitude and acknowledge the tireless efforts and selfless service of first responders.
It establishes a positive association between the businesses and those who serve, potentially leading to long-term customer relationships and positive word-of-mouth recommendations. Additionally, these discounts can provide financial relief for first responders.
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.
| Manufacturer | Program Name | Special Offers & Discounts | Eligibility & Requirements | Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buick | GM First Responder Appreciation Program | Up to $500 off purchase/lease | Paid/Volunteer Firefighters, Police, EMT/Paramedics, 911 Dispatchers, Healthcare Professionals | 1/2/2026 |
| GMC | GM First Responder Appreciation Program | Up to $500 off purchase/lease | Paid/Volunteer Firefighters, Police, EMT/Paramedics, 911 Dispatchers, Healthcare Professionals | 1/2/2026 |
| Cadillac | GM First Responder Appreciation Program | Up to $1000 off purchase/lease on select vehicles | Paid/Volunteer Firefighters, Police, EMT/Paramedics, 911 Dispatchers, Healthcare Professionals | 1/2/2026 |
| Chevrolet | GM First Responder Appreciation Program | Up to $500 off purchase/lease | Paid/Volunteer Firefighters, Police, EMT/Paramedics, 911 Dispatchers, Healthcare Professionals | 1/2/2026 |
| Chrysler | Chrysler First Responders Bonus Cash | $500 off on 2024/25 vehicles | Paid/Volunteer Firefighters, Police, EMT/Paramedics, and 911 Dispatchers | 1/2/2026 |
| Dodge | Dodge First Responders Bonus Cash | $500 off purchase/lease on 2024/25 vehicles | Paid/Volunteer Firefighters, Police, EMT/Paramedics, and 911 Dispatchers | 1/2/2026 |
| Ford | Ford First Responder Recognition Program | $500 off purchase/lease on eligible new vehicle | Paid/Volunteer Firefighters, Police, EMT/Paramedics, and 911 Dispatchers | 1/5/2026 |
| Hyundai | Hyundai First Responders Program | $500 off purchase/lease on new and unused vehicles | Paid/Volunteer Firefighters, Police, EMT/Paramedics, and 911 Dispatchers | 12/31/2025 |
| Jeep | Jeep First Responders Bonus Cash | $500 off purchase/lease on 2024 and 2025 vehicles | Paid/Volunteer Firefighters, Police, EMT/Paramedics, and 911 Dispatchers | 1/2/2026 |
| Lincoln | Lincoln First Responder Appreciation Program | $500 off purchase/lease on new 2023 vehicles | Paid/Volunteer Firefighters, Police, and EMT/Paramedics | 1/2/2026 |
| RAM | RAM First Responders Discount | $500 off purchase) on select 2024 and 2025 RAM Brand vehicles. | Paid/Volunteer Firefighters, Police, EMT/Paramedics, and 911 Dispatchers | 1/2/2026 |
| Volkswagen | VW Military & First Responder Bonus | $500 off purchase/lease | Paid/Volunteer Firefighters, Police, EMT/Paramedics, and 911 Dispatchers | 1/2/2025 |
| Volvo | Volvo First Responders Offer | $500 off purchase/lease of new 2024 or 2025 Volvo | Active members of First Responder Association | Ongoing |
