Auto Insurance for Infrequent Drivers (2024)
Infrequent drivers who drive fewer than 10,000 miles a year can purchase pay-per-mile insurance to save on car insurance costs. Here are some of your other car insurance options if you don't drive very often.
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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 13, 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 13, 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
- Infrequent drivers can find savings on car insurance for their low mileage
- A good option for low-mileage drivers is pay-per-mile auto insurance
- Drivers who won’t be driving for a while can purchase parked car insurance
To insurance companies, infrequent means people who drive fewer than 10,000 miles per year. Though a driver may rarely drive, they must carry the minimum liability insurance required in their state.
There are a few ways infrequent drivers can save on insurance policies, such as choosing pay-per-mile insurance or shopping around at the best companies for auto insurance. Read on to learn more.
Auto Insurance Policy Options for Infrequent Drivers
Infrequent drivers must carry car insurance, but they have several policy options to choose from designed for low-mileage drivers, you can also check how to get a low mileage auto insurance discount. What does infrequent mean when it comes to driving? It means you won’t be using your car on a regular basis, so you won’t be as much of a risk to an insurance company.
Pay-Per-Mile Insurance for Infrequent Drivers
Pay-per-mile insurance is a great option for drivers who clock fewer than 10,000 miles annually. With most pay-as-you-go car insurance programs, you’ll pay a daily set rate — usually a few dollars per day — and a small fee for miles driven daily.
For example, your set fee might be $3 a day, with a $0.05 charge per mile. So if you drive five miles one day, your total amount that day would be $3.25.
Some popular pay-per-mile insurance providers include:
- Metromile
- Milewise by Allstate
- SmartMiles by Nationwide
If you can’t find a pay-per-mile program in your state, see if any companies offer a discount on car insurance policies for driving less.
Minimum Liability Insurance for Infrequent Drivers
Drivers may choose to drop extra coverages on their standard auto insurance policy and carry only the minimum car insurance required in their state. Usually, this means carrying only liability auto insurance. Though switching to a liability-only policy can significantly reduce rates, we only recommend it if your car is old and not worth much.
Dropping extra coverages like comprehensive and collision means you’ll have to pay out of pocket for repairs if your car gets damaged. So if you’re unprepared for the possible financial losses that could occur from dropping your comprehensive or collision coverage, it’s best to keep them. Before dropping any coverage, make sure you understand the difference between collision and comprehensive auto insurance coverage to make sure you don’t need it.
However, if your car is old and the cost of collision and comprehensive coverages would equal 10% or more of your car’s value in a year, you can consider dropping these coverages to reduce prices.
Parked Car Insurance Policy
In some cases, insurance companies offer a parked car insurance policy, sometimes known as storage or stored car insurance. These policies only apply to drivers storing the vehicle and not driving it.
Once you start driving the car regularly, you’ll need to purchase a regular auto policy or pay-per-mile auto insurance.
However, if you won’t be driving for a year or so, it’s worth it to purchase a parked car insurance policy to save on auto insurance until you start driving again.
Classic Car Insurance Policy
If your car qualifies as a classic car, you should purchase a classic car insurance policy. Since classic car insurance is only for cars not driven except for pleasure, they’re good policies for infrequent drivers with classic cars.
Generally, a car must be at least 20 years old to be a classic collector car. So, if you have a 40-year-old car that you take out on the weekends because you live in one of the best states for classic car owners, you need a classic car insurance policy.
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Other Ways for Infrequent Drivers to Save on Auto Insurance
There are still other ways for infrequent drivers to save on their car insurance — you can save more by following the tips below.
- Shopping around at auto insurance companies. You may be able to find a cheaper auto insurance policy elsewhere. Just don’t sacrifice quality for a lower price.
- Ask if your insurer offers a low-mileage discount. You may be able to save on your auto policy if you have low annual mileage.
- Participating in safe driving programs. Some insurance companies offer safe driving programs that partly base the total discount on miles driven.
Take advantage of other discounts, such as bundling insurance policies or signing up for auto-pay. Having a clean driving record will also go a long way to saving infrequent drivers money on their auto insurance policies.
Final Word on Auto Insurance for Infrequent Drivers
Infrequent drivers may choose to keep a regular insurance policy, or they can look into minimum liability insurance, pay-per-mile, or classic car insurance. Most insurance companies also offer a discount for low-mileage drivers.
It’s best to shop around and compare quotes to find the best insurance rates for an infrequent driver. Use our free quote comparison tool to find your area’s best auto insurance rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered an infrequent driver?
An infrequent driver is someone who uses their vehicle less frequently than the average driver. This can include individuals who drive only occasionally, have a secondary vehicle that is rarely used, or have a vehicle primarily for emergencies or special occasions.
Can infrequent drivers get specialized auto insurance policies?
Yes, infrequent drivers can often obtain specialized auto insurance policies tailored to their driving habits. These policies, such as pay-as-you-go or usage-based insurance, offer more flexibility and cost savings for drivers who do not use their vehicles frequently.
How does pay-as-you-go insurance work for infrequent drivers?
Pay-as-you-go insurance, also known as usage-based insurance, allows infrequent drivers to pay insurance premiums based on their actual usage. It typically involves installing a telematics device in the vehicle that tracks mileage, driving behavior, and other factors. The insurance premium is then adjusted accordingly, providing potential savings for infrequent drivers.
Are there any discounts available for infrequent drivers?
Yes, insurance companies may offer discounts specifically designed for infrequent drivers. Some common discounts include low-mileage discounts or discounts for drivers who only use their vehicles for pleasure purposes rather than commuting or business-related activities. It’s advisable to inquire about available discounts directly with insurance providers.
Can I suspend my auto insurance coverage if I am an infrequent driver?
Some insurance companies may offer the option to suspend coverage temporarily for infrequent drivers. This can be useful for individuals who plan to store their vehicles for an extended period, such as during a long vacation or while studying abroad. However, it’s important to check with your insurance provider to understand their specific policies and any potential implications.
What should infrequent drivers consider when choosing coverage limits?
Infrequent drivers should consider their specific needs and potential risks when choosing coverage limits. While they may not drive frequently, accidents can still happen. It’s important to have adequate liability coverage to protect against potential damages or injuries caused to others. Additionally, comprehensive and collision coverage should be considered based on the value of the vehicle and personal preferences.
What factors affect insurance rates for infrequent drivers?
Several factors can influence insurance rates for infrequent drivers, including driving history, vehicle type, location, and coverage options. Additionally, if the vehicle is primarily stored or parked in an area with lower risk factors, such as a garage, it may help reduce insurance premiums.
How can infrequent drivers save on auto insurance premiums?
Infrequent drivers can consider the following tips to save on auto insurance premiums:
- Choose a usage-based insurance policy that aligns with their driving habits.
- Inquire about discounts specifically designed for infrequent drivers, such as low-mileage discounts or pleasure-use discounts.
- Maintain a clean driving record and avoid traffic violations or accidents.
- Compare quotes from multiple insurance providers to find the most competitive rates for their specific needs.
- Consider bundling auto insurance with other insurance policies, such as homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, for potential multi-policy discounts.
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Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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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.