Infrequent Driver Car Insurance

Many people commute back and forth to work each day in their vehicle, and they may also use their car to take the kids to school, to run errands, and to complete other tasks.

Other people may use their vehicle far less frequently. For example, retirees, work-from-home professionals, and students who live on campus may only get in their cars a few times per week or less.

If you drive infrequently, you may have thought about canceling your car insurance altogether. However, all drivers are required to be fully insured per state laws each time they get behind the wheel.

While you need to have car insurance if you plan to drive, you may be able to save money with a low mileage or infrequent driver auto insurance policy.

Compare car insurance quotes using our free rate tool above. It’s free and you could save hundreds of dollars a year by switching providers.

How Mileage Affects Car Insurance Rates

One of the many factors that car insurance companies review when determining what your premium amount will be is the mileage you drive on a regular basis.

Some providers will look at your commute distance to make this determination, and others may ask you to estimate your mileage when you request a quote for new coverage.

You may be wondering why your mileage matters at all, and there are a few points to consider to gain a better understanding of this concept.

When insurance companies determine your rates for auto coverage, they look at the statistical likelihood that you will file a claim as well as what the claim amount likely will be.

By driving your vehicle less than other drivers, you are drastically reducing the risk that the insurance company faces by insuring you.

Essentially, if you are behind the wheel less than other drivers, you may be less likely to get into an accident. This simple fact could result in a significant reduction in your premium amount

If you drive infrequently or otherwise put fewer miles on your car than most people, discuss this with your current auto insurance company.

Remember that different auto insurance companies review low mileage differently when calculating rates. Because of this, you may be able to identify even more substantial savings when you compare rates from multiple auto insurance providers with your low mileage in mind.

Other Usage Factors That Can Affect Car Insurance Rates

Car insurance providers review a wide range of factors when determining your insurance premium amount beyond how many miles you typically put on your vehicle. These factors include:

• Your gender and age
• The make, model, and year of your vehicle
• Your zip code
• Your driving history
• Your deductible amount

How Coverage Types and Limits Affect Your Rates

Another important factor that plays a role in the cost of your auto insurance premium is the coverage that you purchase. The coverage types and amounts, as well as any optional coverages that you select, can result in a higher or lower insurance premium.

It is wise to learn more about the differences between liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance as well as optional coverages before you shop around for new quotes for an infrequent driver policy.

When selecting your coverage limits, pay attention to any requirements imposed on you by state laws as well as by your auto lender.

Many drivers purchase more than the minimum required coverage amounts to minimize the chance of being underinsured in a serious accident or in another loss event.

You are financially responsible for all damages you cause while driving your car, so always purchase adequate coverage based on possible claims amounts.

Saving Money on Low Mileage Car Insurance

If you drive infrequently, you understandably do not want to pay more money than necessary for your car insurance premium. There are several steps that you can take to reduce the cost of your car insurance coverage.

Comparing rates from different providers while keeping these ideas in mind is wise.

Look for Auto Insurance Discounts

Many leading auto insurance providers offer drivers an exceptional range of discounts, and you may be able to qualify for multiple discounts with various providers. While many of the discounts are seemingly similar from provider to provider, the qualifications for them may vary.

A few of the many discounts that you may qualify for with some car insurance companies include:

• A low mileage discount
• A senior citizen discount
• A good student discount
• A bundled policies discount
• A discount for insuring multiple drivers or vehicles under one policy

Request a Higher Deductible

Another excellent way to save money on auto insurance is to request a higher deductible.

You can contact your current provider to request this change to your existing policy, or you can shop around for quotes for new coverage with the higher deductible in mind.

Before you opt for a higher deductible, ensure that you have the financial means to pay for the amount you select if you need to file a claim. However, keep in mind that you may be far less likely to need to file a claim if you drive infrequently.

Trade In Your Vehicle

Trading in your vehicle to qualify for a lower insurance rate can seem extreme. However, many drivers trade in their cars every couple of years for a variety of reasons, such as to take advantage of new features or to upgrade to a new body style.

If you plan to trade your vehicle in soon, consider asking a few different insurance companies for quotes on the vehicles that you are most interested in. Some of the vehicle-related factors that affect insurance rates include:

• The replacement value
• The typical repair cost
• The power of the engine
• Safety features in the car

Exploring Affordable Coverage Options

If you drive infrequently, you understandably want to keep your insurance cost as low as possible.

Requesting online quotes from car insurance from reputable and trustworthy providers only takes a few minutes and may help you to save money on the car insurance you need.

Before you request quotes, focus on finding insurers that have a great reputation in the industry and that are financially strong.

Enter your zip code into our free rate tool below to compare rates and find the insurance company that’s right for you.