The Best Type of Car Insurance to Get if You Don't Drive Often

People who don't drive much still need car insurance. Low-mileage discounts and pay-as-you-go car insurance are options if you don’t drive often.
Written by Amber Reed
Reviewed by Carrie Adkins
Drivers who don't use their car much, but nevertheless need car insurance, have options with certain insurance programs like pay-as-you-go insurance. They could also qualify for low mileage discounts.
For people who don’t drive often, it can feel like car insurance is a waste of money. After all, someone who rarely drives shouldn’t have to pay as much per month as someone who commutes daily.
But just like other kinds of insurance, car insurance can also be adjusted to reflect your specific needs. And if you don’t drive often, there are certain types of car insurance that will better suit those needs.
You might not want to switch plans or insurance providers because you’re worried about the work involved. Good news though—
Jerry
can do all the paperwork for you and even help cancel your old policy! But for now, read on to learn more about car insurance for low mileage drivers.
RECOMMENDED
Compare auto insurance policies
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
Find insurance savings

Calculate how often and how far you regularly drive

You could be driving less than you used to based on your previous commute, but it is still important to consider just how many miles you drive in a day. Car insurance companies might have a different definition for what qualifies as driving less often, and you don’t want to be misled.
Take time to track your miles on a daily or weekly basis so that you can decide if you fall into the right category for discounted insurance.
For a lot of insurance companies, the range for infrequent driving can span from
12 to 40 miles per day
, so it’s a good idea to measure where you are so you can negotiate with carriers.

Ask about discounts for driving fewer miles

Drivers that are on the road less are less likely to get into an accident.
Even if your provider doesn’t offer a specific low-mileage plan, they might offer
discounts
for driving fewer miles. You could pay less overall if you find a provider that utilizes incentives for less time on the road.

Consider pay-as-you-go insurance

It’s a relatively new concept, but some insurance companies are now offering a pay-as-you-go plan for drivers who don’t log a lot of miles.
Typically these plans use a base rate, and then the driver pays a fee per mile driven. These plans require you to use a tracking system in your car, so you have to feel comfortable with the results it produces. It’s not for everyone, but it can be a great way to save if you don’t drive often.
Let Jerry find your price in only 45 seconds
No spam · No long forms · No fees
Find insurance savings

Keep up with vehicle care and maintenance

You might think your car isn’t at risk for maintenance concerns if you don’t drive often, but that’s definitely not the case. You still need to arrange a regular maintenance schedule for a car that isn’t driven on a daily basis.
Be sure to keep up with routine
oil changes
, check fluid levels, and keep your
tires properly inflated
.
Don’t leave your car parked for long periods of time in places where it will be exposed to the elements. Harsh summer sun can damage your car’s appearance, and storms can cause hail or wind damage. This often happens to drivers who don't drive much, since they'll park their car somewhere and won't drive for a long while, leaving their car to the elements.
Keeping your car in good working condition will save you money on repairs down the road and make your car easier to insure, whether it is on a low-mileage plan or not.
Key Takeaway: Even if you don't drive your car much, make sure to do regular maintenance on it, and keep it safe from the elements. No matter what plan you get, it'll save you money later.
Navigating the world of car insurance can be particularly confusing. There are so many packages, prerequisites, and policies, that it’s not always wise to go with a generic approach. And no matter how much you drive, comparing car insurance companies to find the best policy can be a headache.
That's where
Jerry
comes in. This car super-app can generate quote estimates from top providers in less than a minute, and it gathers your information from your past insurer, so you can skip all the long forms and phone calls. That's all of the savings and coverage, with none of the migraine!
RECOMMENDED
Haven’t shopped for insurance in the last six months? There might be hundreds $$$ in savings waiting for you.
avatar
Judith switched to Progressive
icon savingsSaved $725 annually
avatar
Alexander switched to Travelers
icon savingsSaved $834 annually
avatar
Annie switched to Nationwide
icon savingsSaved $668 annually
Are you overpaying for car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
Try Jerry

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings