Cheap Auto Insurance for Infrequent Drivers in 2024 (Top 9 Low-Cost Companies)
Root, Geico, and State Farm have cheap auto insurance for infrequent drivers starting at $16/mo. Geico has the cheapest rates for young drivers at $30/mo, but State Farm has the best auto insurance for low-mileage drivers with accidents at $33/mo. Read now to get occasional driver insurance discounts up to 30%.
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Joel Ohman
Certified Financial Planner
Joel Ohman is the CEO of a private equity backed digital media company. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, author, angel investor, and serial entrepreneur who loves creating new things, whether books or businesses. He has also previously served as the founder and resident CFP® of a national insurance agency, Real Time Health Quotes. He has an MBA from the University of South Florida. Joe...
Certified Financial Planner
UPDATED: Mar 18, 2024
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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: Mar 18, 2024
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
Company Facts
Avg. Monthly Rate for Infrequent Drivers
A.M. Best Rating
Complaint Level
Company Facts
Avg. Monthly Rate for Infrequent Drivers
A.M. Best Rating
Complaint Level
Pros & Cons
Company Facts
Avg. Monthly Rate for Infrequent Drivers
A.M. Best Rating
Complaint Level
Pros & Cons
Root is our top pick for cheap auto insurance for infrequent drivers with rates starting at $16/mo.
Infrequent drivers are people who are on the road less than 10,000 miles a year, and their auto insurance can be significantly cheaper than standard coverage. Geico is the cheapest for teens who don’t drive often, and State Farm gives the lowest rates to infrequent drivers with accidents.
Company | Rank | Monthly Rates | Low-Mileage Discount | Best For | See Pros/Cons |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 | $16 | $900/yr | Low Rates | Root | |
#2 | $30 | 30% | Young Drivers | Geico | |
#3 | $33 | 30% | UBI Discount | State Farm | |
#4 | $39 | 30% | Safe Drivers | Progressive | |
#5 | $44 | 30% | Pet Owners | Metromile | |
#6 | $44 | 20% | Pay-Per-Mile Program | Nationwide | |
#7 | $61 | 30% | Everyday Drivers | Allstate | |
#8 | $68 | 30% | Customized Policies | Liberty Mutual | |
#9 | $69 | 40% | Bad Credit | MileAuto |
If you have a license and don’t own a car but use a family member’s or roommate’s car now and then, insurance companies will offer low-mileage discounts, but you may be required to live in the same household as the person whose car you’re borrowing.
- Root is the cheapest auto insurance company for infrequent drivers costing $16/mo
- Infrequent drivers are those who drive less than 10,000 miles annually
- Low-mileage drivers can save up to 30% with discounts from most insurers
#1 – Root: Top Pick Overall
Pros
- Free roadside assistance: Roadside assistance included in every insurance policy.
- Highly-rated mobile app: Manage your policy, personalize coverage, and file claims through the app.
- Rental car and rideshare reimbursement coverage: Most pay-as-you-go insurance companies do not reimburse you for these costs.
- Rewards safe driving with lowest rates: Driving habits and history influence rates more than non-driving factors like age and gender. Learn how it works in our Root auto insurance review.
Cons
- Does not cover high-risk drivers: Must have a good driving record and pass a test drive to buy Root car insurance.
- Not in every state: Only available in 34 states
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#2 – Geico: Cheapest for Young Drivers
Pros
- National availability: Geico auto insurance is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
- Cheap rates: Lowest average rates for infrequent drivers of all ages, including teens
- Big low-mileage savings: Get up to 30% with a low-mileage discount
- Usage-based discount: Learn how infrequent drivers save up to 25% in our Geico DriveEasy review.
Cons
- Geico DriveEasy increases rates: Speeding and frequent hard braking can raise rates even if you’re an occasional driver.
- Poor claims service: Claim satisfaction is below average in annual J.D. Power surveys
#3 – State Farm: Cheapest With Usage-Based Insurance
Pros
- Big low-mileage savings: Get up to 30% with a low-mileage discount
- Cheap rates for high-risk drivers: More affordable than Geico for drivers with accidents. Compare rates in our Geico vs. State Farm auto insurance review.
- State Farm Drive Safe & Save: Infrequent drivers can save up to 30% every six months with good driving habits.
- Great claims satisfaction: Top five company in J.D. Power annual survey, with the highest customer satisfaction for usage-based insurance.
Cons
- Model coverage restrictions: State Farm is no longer writing policies for some Kias and Hyundai models
- Not in every state: Advertises it’s available in all states but does not have agents in Massachusetts or Rhode Island
#4 – Progressive: Cheapest for Safe Drivers
Pros
- Big savings for good drivers: Safe drivers save up to 30% with discounts and reduce deductibles by $50 every year they remain accident-free
- Big low-mileage savings: Get another 30% off with a low-mileage discount
- UBI discounts without long-term tracking: Snapshot stops tracking driving habits after the testing period
- Great UBI customer satisfaction: Top three company for usage-based insurance
Cons
- Progressive Snapshot increases rates: Automatically tracks driving habits with mileage, which can raise rates. Learn how to save money in our Progressive Snapshot review.
- Poor claims service: Claim satisfaction is below average in annual J.D. Power surveys
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#5 – Metromile: Cheapest for Pet Owners
Pros
- Pet coverage: Full coverage policies include up to $1,000 for pets injured in an auto accident
- Big low-mileage savings: Get up to 30% with a low-mileage discount
- Digital perks: Mobile app offers features beyond policy management, including a miles-per-gallon tracker. Explore more in our Metromile insurance review.
- Mileage capped at 250: Infrequent drivers are never charged more than 250 miles per month
Cons
- Not in every state: Only available in eight states
- Always tracking drivers: Mobile app requires cell service to track your mileage
#6 – Nationwide: Cheapest Pay-Per-Mile Coverage
Pros
- Low-mileage savings: Get up to 20% with a low-mileage discount
- Wide UBI availability: Nationwide SmartMiles overage is in 44 states, more than any other national insurer’s pay-per-mile program. Find coverage in our Nationwide SmartMiles review.
- SmartMiles caps miles: Daily mileage capped at 250 miles so infrequent drivers can still take long road trips without increasing their rates.
- No rate increases with SmartRide: SmartRide tracks driving habits instead of mileage, and drivers can increase their discount every renewal. Learn more in our Nationwide SmartRide app review.
Cons
- Poor customer satisfaction: Drivers prefer other usage-based insurance programs
- Expensive for high-risk drivers: Charges more than average after an accident or DUI
#7 – Allstate: Cheapest for Everyday Drivers
Pros
- Cheap rates for more frequent drivers: Milewise Unlimited helps higher-mileage drivers save money by charging a flat daily rate.
- Allstate Milewise caps mileage: Take affordable road trips with daily mileage caps of 250.
- Hybrid pay-per-mile policies: Combine Allstate Milewise with Unlimited features to save money if you drive more than the average low-mileage driver. Learn how in our Allstate Milewise review.
- Big low-mileage savings: Get up to 30% with a low-mileage discount
Cons
- Allstate Milewise not in every state: Only available in 21 states
- Expensive: Infrequent drivers who don’t sign up for Milewise will pay more than with other companies
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#8 – Liberty Mutual: Cheapest Customizable Auto Insurance
Pros
- Big low-mileage savings: Get up to 30% with a low-mileage discount
- Variety of policy options: New car replacement, original parts coverage, teacher’s auto insurance, and more that can be tailored to meet drivers’ needs
- Rewards for safe drivers: Deductible funds help good drivers save money after their first accident
- Usage-based savings for safe drivers: Track mileage and driving habits to save up to 30%. Learn more in our Liberty Mutual RightTrack review.
Cons
- Expensive: Higher-than-average rates for high-risk drivers, seniors, and drivers under 25. (Read More: Cheap Auto Insurance for Drivers Over 60 and Cheap Auto Insurance for Drivers Over 70)
- Poor customer satisfaction: Ranks below average for customer and claims service in annual J.D. Power survey
#9 – MileAuto: Cheapest With Bad Credit
Pros
- Roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement: Extra coverage available for an additional fee
- Cheap auto insurance for drivers with bad credit: Doesn’t use credit score to determine premiums
- Doesn’t constantly track drivers: Send a picture of your odometer instead of using a mobile app or plug-in device to track monthly mileage. Learn how it works in our MileAuto Insurance review.
Cons
- Not in every state: Only available in 11 states
- No daily mileage caps: Auto insurance rates go up on long road trips
How to Get Cheap Auto Insurance for Infrequent Drivers
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 drives less than 10,000 miles per year. 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.Dani Best Licensed Insurance Producer
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.
Annual Mileage | Minimum Coverage | Full Coverage |
---|---|---|
7,500 | $50 | $100 |
8,000 | $55 | $110 |
10,000 | $60 | $120 |
12,000 | $65 | $130 |
15,000 | $70 | $140 |
You may not qualify for a low-mileage discount if you drive more than that, but you can still get cheap rates from pay-as-you-go auto insurance companies.
Overall, the amount you will pay for car insurance depends on several factors. Insurance companies use these common factors that affect auto insurance rates to set premiums:
- Age
- Gender
- Marital status
- Annual mileage
- ZIP code
- Car make and model
- Driver history
- Credit score
- Coverage types
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.
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Cheap Auto Insurance Policies for Infrequent Drivers
Infrequent drivers must carry car insurance, but they have several policy options to choose from designed for low-mileage drivers.
Insurance companies also offer discounts on car insurance to occasional drivers, and certain companies may allow you to save as much as 30% on coverage if you drive less than 10,000 miles annually.
Pay-Per-Mile and Usage-Based Auto Insurance
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.
Compare usage-based rates in the table below to find cheap auto insurance for infrequent drivers.
Company | Minimum Coverage | Full Coverage | Usage-Based Program | UBI Savings |
---|---|---|---|---|
Root | $16 | $43 | Root | Up to 30% |
Geico | $30 | $80 | DriveEasy | Up to 25% |
State Farm | $33 | $86 | Drive Safe & Save | Up to 30% |
Progressive | $39 | $105 | Snapshot | Up to 30% |
Metromile | $44 | $115 | Metromile | Up to 40% |
Nationwide | $44 | $115 | SmartMiles/SmartRide | Up to 30% |
Allstate | $61 | $160 | Milewise | Up to 40% |
Liberty Mutual | $68 | $174 | RightTrack | Up to 30% |
MileAuto | $69 | $180 | MileAuto | Up to 40% |
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
Drivers may choose to drop extra coverages 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.
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. For example, without it, you’ll have to pay out of pocket for repairs if your car gets damaged.
If you're unprepared for the possible financial losses that could occur from an accident, it’s best to keep full coverage auto insurance.Laura D. Adams Insurance & Finance Analyst
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
In some cases, insurance companies offer auto insurance for a parked car, 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
If your car qualifies as a classic car, you should buy classic car insurance. Since classic car insurance is for pleasure use only, they’re good policies for infrequent drivers with older vehicles. Generally, a car must be at least 20 years old to be a classic collector car.
Read More: Does my car qualify for classic auto insurance?
Adding Occasional Drivers to a Policy
Adding a driver to car insurance 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.Schimri Yoyo Licensed Agent & Financial Advisor
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.
Auto Insurance Discounts for Infrequent Drivers
Most car insurance companies offer discounts for various reasons. Some of the most common auto insurance discounts available are:
- Accident-free
- Safe driving
- Defensive driver
- 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.
Bottom Line on Finding Cheap Auto Insurance for Infrequent Drivers
If you only drive less than 10,000 miles a year, you may be considered an infrequent driver. Root, Geico, and State Farm provide cheap auto insurance for infrequent drivers. Teens will get better rates with Geico, but consider signing up for pay-as-you-go insurance for the cheapest rates possible.
Pay-per-mile companies like Metromile track only your mileage to set rates, while other usage-based auto insurance companies track driving habits as well, which can raise rates. Shop around with multiple companies to find the cheapest rates for infrequest drivers.
You can also save money on coverage by utilizing discounts. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I insure a car I don’t drive often?
Pay-as-you-go companies like Root and Metromile offer cheap auto insurance for infrequent drivers based on their mileage. You can also sign up for usage-based policies to insure a car you don’t drive often.
What mileage is the cheapest for insurance?
Those who drive less than 10,000 miles a year qualify for low-mileage discounts from most companies. However, you’ll get the cheapest rates from usage-based and pay-per-mile providers if you drive less than 8,000 miles annually.
Can occasional drivers get specialized auto insurance policies?
Yes, occasional 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.
Is pay-as-you-drive insurance worth it?
Yes, pay-as-you-go auto insurance is very affordable if you drive less than 8,000 miles a year.
Why do insurance companies ask how many miles you drive?
Insurance companies want to know your mileage to determine how often you are on the road. Infrequent drivers get lower rates because they are less likely to file claims for accidents or damages simply for not being on the road as often.
What should occasional drivers consider when choosing coverage limits?
Occasional 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 occasional drivers?
Several factors can influence insurance rates for occasional 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 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.
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.
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Joel Ohman
Certified Financial Planner
Joel Ohman is the CEO of a private equity backed digital media company. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, author, angel investor, and serial entrepreneur who loves creating new things, whether books or businesses. He has also previously served as the founder and resident CFP® of a national insurance agency, Real Time Health Quotes. He has an MBA from the University of South Florida. Joe...
Certified Financial Planner
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.