Auto Insurance for Occasional Drivers (2024)
Most auto insurance companies classify an occasional driver as someone who drives the vehicle 25% of the time or less. Many companies offer low-mileage discounts to those who don't drive frequently, including Allstate and Nationwide.
Free Car Insurance Comparison
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Oct 18, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Oct 18, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
150 reviewsCompany Facts
Average Monthly Rate For Good Drivers
A.M. Best Rating
Complaint Level
Pros & Cons
150 reviews
3,019 reviewsCompany Facts
Average Monthly Rate For Good Drivers
A.M. Best Rating
Complaint Level
Pros & Cons
3,019 reviews
11,413 reviewsCompany Facts
Average Monthly Rate For Good Drivers
A.M. Best Rating
Complaint Level
Pros & Cons
11,413 reviews
- Occasional drivers are typically added to car insurance policies as secondary drivers because they only use the vehicle once in a while
- Many insurance companies offer discounts for occasional driver coverage
- Teen drivers or older drivers who live with family members may qualify for occasional driver coverage
If you have a license and don’t own a car but borrow someone else’s car occasionally, you could be considered an occasional driver. Occasional drivers are people who use a family member’s or roommate’s car now and then.
Occasional drivers are often required to live in the same household as the person whose car they are borrowing. Still, occasional driver insurance can be significantly cheaper than standard auto insurance coverage.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
How much is occasional driver insurance?
The amount you will pay for car insurance depends on several factors. Insurance companies determine policyholders’ rates by considering multiple things, including the following:
- Age
- Gender
- Marital status
- ZIP code
- Car make and model
- Driver history
- Credit score
- Coverage types
Insurance companies often offer discounts on car insurance to occasional drivers, and certain companies may allow you to save as much as 25% on coverage if you are an occasional driver.
The table below shows standard rates for auto insurance based on coverage type in each state.
Average Auto Insurance Rates of Coverage Types by State
States Average Monthly Liability Rates Average Monthly Collision Rates Average Monthly Comprehensive Rates Average Monthly Full Coverage Rates
Alabama $34.75 $26.92 $13.17 $74.83
Alaska $47.25 $30.08 $11.67 $89.08
Arizona $45.25 $23.42 $15.75 $84.42
Arkansas $34.33 $27.33 $16.42 $78.08
California $42.00 $33.50 $8.25 $83.67
Colorado $45.17 $24.08 $15.42 $84.75
Connecticut $57.08 $31.17 $11.00 $99.25
Delaware $67.33 $26.58 $10.17 $104.00
District of Columbia $55.25 $39.25 $19.25 $113.67
Florida $73.75 $24.00 $9.92 $107.75
Georgia $50.00 $28.00 $13.00 $91.00
Hawaii $39.00 $26.00 $9.00 $73.00
Idaho $31.00 $19.00 $10.00 $59.00
Illinois $38.00 $26.00 $11.00 $75.00
Indiana $33.00 $21.00 $10.00 $64.00
Iowa $26.00 $19.00 $16.00 $60.00
Kansas $30.00 $22.00 $20.00 $73.00
Kentucky $45.00 $23.00 $12.00 $80.00
Louisiana $68.00 $35.00 $18.00 $121.00
Maine $29.00 $22.00 $8.00 $60.00
Maryland $53.00 $30.00 $13.00 $95.00
Massachusetts $51.00 $33.00 $11.00 $95.00
Michigan $68.00 $35.00 $13.00 $116.00
Minnesota $38.00 $20.00 $15.00 $73.00
Mississippi $39.00 $27.00 $18.00 $84.00
Missouri $36.00 $23.00 $15.00 $75.00
Montana $33.00 $22.00 $19.00 $74.00
Nebraska $31.00 $20.00 $19.00 $71.00
Nevada $60.00 $26.00 $10.00 $95.00
New Hampshire $34.00 $25.00 $9.00 $68.00
New Jersey $75.00 $32.00 $11.00 $117.00
New Mexico $43.00 $23.00 $15.00 $80.00
New York $69.00 $33.00 $14.00 $115.00
North Carolina $30.00 $25.00 $11.00 $65.00
North Dakota $25.00 $21.00 $20.00 $65.00
Ohio $34.00 $23.00 $10.00 $67.00
Oklahoma $39.00 $27.00 $19.00 $85.00
Oregon $51.00 $19.00 $8.00 $78.00
Pennsylvania $42.00 $28.00 $12.00 $82.00
Rhode Island $66.00 $35.00 $11.00 $111.00
South Carolina $46.00 $22.00 $15.00 $84.00
South Dakota $26.00 $18.00 $22.00 $65.00
Tennessee $36.00 $26.00 $12.00 $74.00
Texas $46.00 $32.00 $17.00 $95.00
Utah $43.00 $22.00 $9.00 $74.00
Vermont $30.00 $25.00 $11.00 $66.00
Virginia $36.00 $24.00 $12.00 $72.00
Washington $51.00 $22.00 $9.00 $82.00
West Virginia $42.00 $28.00 $17.00 $87.00
Wisconsin $32.00 $19.00 $12.00 $62.00
Wyoming $28.00 $23.00 $21.00 $73.00
As an occasional driver, you can expect lower-than-average rates on your car insurance coverage since you pose less risk to most insurance companies. But it’s important to know whether you qualify as an occasional driver to benefit from the lower cost of coverage.
What does it mean to be an occasional driver?
By the title, you may think an occasional driver is someone who doesn’t drive very often. While this definition is partly true, it does not encompass the whole meaning of the term.
An occasional driver uses a vehicle and needs coverage but must drive the car 25% of the time or less. So if you share a vehicle with a spouse or a parent and drive that vehicle half of the time, you will not qualify as an occasional driver.
Most insurance companies welcome occasional driver policies because these individuals are often less risky. After all, if you drive a vehicle 25% of the time it’s used, you are less likely to get in an accident.
In some cases, occasional drivers may pose more of a risk to insurance companies because they are often teen drivers or drivers over 65 years of age. The best way to discover whether being an occasional driver helps you save a significant amount on coverage is to compare rates from multiple providers.
Is it easy to add an occasional driver to a policy?
Adding a new driver to an insurance policy is not difficult, but your insurance company may have you answer a few questions. Once the added driver is on your insurance policy, you will notice your rates have increased. But if the driver added is an occasional driver, you should be able to get away with paying less for that person’s coverage.
Not all insurance companies rate drivers as occasional or primary, so if you want to save money with an occasional driver discount, you will need to check whether your current provider acknowledges occasional drivers.
Whether your insurance costs go up a little or a lot, you still need to let your insurance company know when someone else is driving your car. Otherwise, your provider could deny your insurance claim if that person was driving and in an accident.
If you plan to add an occasional driver to your insurance policy, you can shop online and compare quotes from multiple providers. Comparing auto insurance quotes online will help you discover which companies offer the best coverage at the lowest rates.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Which companies are best for occasional drivers?
No companies sell occasional driver coverage, but several insurance providers offer discounts for low mileage. Here are some of the best companies for low-mileage drivers:
- Metromile
- Root
- Allstate
- Nationwide
- Mile Auto
If you are an occasional driver and need to purchase insurance, one of the companies listed above may work well for you. But if you are a parent, spouse, or guardian who plans to add an occasional driver to your existing policy, you should compare quotes from companies in your area to see which would work best for your family.
How can I save money on auto insurance?
Car insurance is expensive, so it’s a good idea to save on coverage. One of the best ways to save money on auto insurance is through discounts.
Most car insurance companies offer discounts for various reasons. Some of the most common car insurance discounts available to policyholders in the U.S. include the following:
- Accident-free
- Safe driving
- Defensive driver
- Telematics
- Military
- Alumni
- Safety devices
- Good student
- Homeowner
- Multi-policy
- Paid-in-full
- Paperless
Discounts on coverage typically help policyholders save anywhere from 5% to 25%, so ask your provider if you or anyone listed on your policy qualifies for a discount on coverage.
Another way to save on insurance is to compare quotes from providers. At least once a year, you should compare online quotes from multiple companies to see which can offer you what you need at the best price.
Lowering your coverage level or increasing your deductible are ways to get lower rates on coverage as well, but if you’re ever in an accident, you may regret choosing these routes.
Occasional Driver Car Insurance: The Bottom Line
If you only drive your family car 25% or less, you may qualify as an occasional driver. However, each company differs in how it approaches occasional driver coverage, and some companies do not acknowledge occasional drivers at all.
Regardless of how your rates change when you add an occasional driver to your policy, you must let your insurance company know if someone regularly drives your vehicle and is not yet covered. Otherwise, you could get in financial trouble if they are ever in a car accident.
You can save money on coverage by utilizing discounts and comparing insurance quotes from multiple companies in your area.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I review and update my auto insurance policy?
It’s recommended to review and update your auto insurance policy annually or whenever there are changes in your household, such as adding or removing occasional drivers. Keeping your policy up to date ensures that all drivers are appropriately covered and that you have the right level of protection based on your current circumstances.
How can I save money on insurance when adding occasional drivers?
To save money on insurance when adding occasional drivers, consider the following:
- Choose a higher deductible: Increasing your deductible can lower your premium, but make sure you can afford the out-of-pocket expenses if you need to make a claim.
- Review available discounts: Check with your insurance provider for any discounts that may apply, such as multi-car discounts, good student discounts, or safe driver discounts.
- Encourage safe driving habits: Emphasize the importance of safe driving to occasional drivers to help maintain a good driving record, which can lead to lower insurance rates over time.
It’s advisable to discuss specific cost-saving strategies with your insurance provider to determine the best options for your situation.
Can I lend my vehicle to someone without adding them to my policy?
It’s generally recommended to add anyone who regularly drives your vehicle to your insurance policy to ensure appropriate coverage. However, if you occasionally lend your vehicle to someone who is not listed on your policy, they may still be covered under your policy’s permissive use provision. Permissive use allows occasional drivers to use the vehicle with the owner’s permission. It’s crucial to review your policy or contact your insurance provider to understand the specific terms and conditions regarding permissive use.
What happens if an occasional driver gets into an accident with my vehicle?
If an occasional driver gets into an accident while driving your vehicle, your auto insurance policy should generally provide coverage for damages and liability, subject to the terms and conditions of your policy. However, it’s essential to report the accident to your insurance company promptly and provide accurate information about the driver and the incident.
Can I exclude an occasional driver from my auto insurance policy?
In some cases, you may have the option to exclude an occasional driver from your auto insurance policy. By doing so, you are stating that the excluded driver will not drive the insured vehicle under any circumstances. Excluding a driver may help reduce your insurance premium. However, be aware that if the excluded driver does operate the vehicle and gets into an accident, your insurance policy may not provide coverage.
What if an occasional driver has their own insurance policy?
If an occasional driver has their own auto insurance policy, they may have coverage for liability when driving other people’s vehicles. However, it’s crucial to review both your policy and the driver’s policy to determine the extent of coverage and any potential limitations or exclusions.
Are there any exceptions to adding occasional drivers to my policy?
Some insurance policies may have exclusions for certain types of occasional drivers. For example, if an occasional driver has their own auto insurance policy or is specifically excluded in your policy, you may not be required to add them. It’s important to review your policy or consult with your insurance provider to understand any exceptions or limitations.
Will adding an occasional driver to my policy increase my insurance premium?
Adding an occasional driver to your policy may lead to an increase in your insurance premium, as the insurance company assesses risk based on all listed drivers. However, the impact on your premium can vary depending on factors such as the driver’s age, driving history, and the frequency of their vehicle use.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.