What Auto Insurance Is Best for Infrequent Drivers?

Last Updated on December 12, 2025

If you don’t drive much, you spend less time on the road — which usually means fewer chances to crash. In many cases, that lower exposure can translate into lower car insurance costs.

That said, insurers don’t automatically know you’re an infrequent driver. To get the best rate, you typically need to (1) report accurate annual mileage and vehicle use, and (2) choose an insurer or program that rewards low-mileage driving — like a cheap low mileage car insurance policy or a usage-based/telematics plan.

Below is what “low mileage” really means, how pay-per-mile and telematics programs work, and the best ways to get cheaper car insurance if you rarely drive.

Key Takeaways

• If you drive far fewer miles than average, you may qualify for a low-mileage discount, pay-per-mile pricing, or a telematics (usage-based) program.
• Updating your annual mileage and vehicle use (commute vs. pleasure) with your insurer is one of the quickest ways to potentially lower your premium.
• Usage-based insurance can reward safe, low-mileage drivers — but some programs can raise your renewal rate if your driving data looks risky.
• If discounts aren’t available, you can still cut costs by adjusting deductibles/coverage wisely, stacking discounts (bundling, autopay, safe driver), and shopping quotes.

How Mileage Affects Car Insurance

Most insurers price your policy partly based on how much you drive and how you use the vehicle (commuting vs. pleasure vs. business). If you’ve started working from home, retired, or stopped commuting regularly, updating your annual mileage can be one of the fastest ways to lower your premium.

As a benchmark, many sources put the typical U.S. driver around 12,000–14,000 miles per year (though it varies a lot by state and household). If you drive significantly fewer miles than the average American, you may qualify for discounts or low-mileage pricing.

Low Mileage Car Insurance

Some insurers offer a dedicated low-mileage discount (or lower rate class) if you drive below a certain threshold. A common cutoff is around 7,500 miles per year, but it can be lower (like 5,000 miles) or higher depending on the insurer and state.

How to get a low-mileage discount: call your insurer and ask them to re-rate your policy with your current annual mileage and vehicle use. Some companies may ask for an odometer photo, a service record, or periodic mileage verification.

Pay-Per-Mile Insurance (Best for Very Low Mileage)

If you drive very little, pay-per-mile insurance may be an even better fit than a standard “low mileage discount.” Pay-per-mile policies generally charge:

• a base rate (daily or monthly), plus
• a per-mile rate based on how far you drive.

This setup can be ideal for retirees, remote workers, households with a second “errands-only” car, or anyone who drives a few thousand miles per year.

You should also consider companies like Metromile (now associated with Lemonade), which has historically focused on mileage-based pricing. Other newer companies similar to Metromile include Mile Auto, Root, Hugo, and Noblr. Availability and product details vary widely by state.

Consider Usage-Based Insurance

If you are an infrequent driver, then consider usage-based insurance. Some insurers offer usage-based insurance (UBI), which can reward low mileage and safe driving habits.

UBI typically uses a mobile app, plug-in device, or connected-car data to track things like mileage, time of day, hard braking, rapid acceleration, and sometimes phone distraction. If you drive fewer miles and keep driving behavior smooth, you may earn a lower rate.

Today, insurers refer to usage-based insurance by a number of names. Some insurers call it telematics insurance because an app or device tracks driving habits. Others call it pay-as-you-go or usage-based insurance. (Some older marketing terms like “weekend insurance” aren’t commonly used by major insurers today.)

Important: Some programs are “discount-only,” while others can change your renewal rate up or down depending on your results. Always ask your insurer whether the program can increase your premium at renewal.

Each company has its own system. Here’s an example of each company’s usage-based insurance program (availability and names can vary by state, and some programs may be legacy or rebranded):

• Progressive SnapShot
• Esurance DriveSense
• Nationwide SmartRide
• Liberty Mutual RightTrack
• State Farm Drive Safe & Save
• USAA SafePilot
• GEICO DriveEasy
• Allstate Drivewise
• Allstate Milewise
• Farmers Signal
• MetLife My Journey
• American Family KnowYourDrive
• Safeco Rewind
• Travelers IntelliDrive
• Mercury RealDrive
• MAPFRE DriveAdvisor
• National General SmartDrive

Contact your insurer to ask about telematics programs, custom insurance plans, usage-based insurance, or low-mileage options. If you want a neutral explainer of how telematics/UBI works, the NAIC has a helpful overview here: Understanding usage-based insurance (NAIC).

Who Should Consider Usage-Based Insurance?

Usage-based insurance is often a strong fit for infrequent drivers — but it’s usually best for people who also drive smoothly and avoid risky times of day.

Drivers who can benefit from usage-based insurance include:

• Employees working from home
• Anyone who drives outside of rush hour
• Stay-at-home parents
• Someone who takes public transit or bikes to work
• Drivers who only drive on weekends

Many drivers are surprised that UBI is about more than just miles. Programs may consider hard braking, acceleration, phone distraction, and driving time. Someone who drives at rush hour or late at night may be rated differently than someone who mostly drives midday.

UBI may not be ideal if you dislike sharing driving data, drive frequently in heavy traffic (where hard braking is common), or have multiple drivers who share one car and drive very differently.

How Insurers Track Driving Habits

To qualify for low-mileage pricing or telematics discounts, you usually need to verify mileage and/or driving behavior. You can’t simply claim to drive 5,000 miles per year and expect a discount — most insurers will want some proof.

Common verification methods include:

• Mobile app tracking (uses phone sensors and requires permissions)
• Plug-in device (often an OBD-II device installed in the vehicle)
• Odometer verification (photo uploads at enrollment/renewal or periodic check-ins)
• Connected-car data (available with some vehicles/insurers)

Many programs run for a set evaluation window (often something like 60–180 days). Some insurers also offer a small participation discount just for enrolling, even before your final score is calculated.

If you are a safe driver with fewer miles than average, telematics programs can sometimes produce meaningful savings — but results vary a lot by insurer, state, and driving patterns.

Lower Coverage or Raise Your Deductible

Not every insurer offers low-mileage discounts, and not every infrequent driver will qualify for UBI savings. If you want to reduce premiums further, consider lowering your coverage or raising your deductible.

Raising your deductible (for example, from $500 to $1,000) can lower premiums — but make sure you could comfortably pay that amount after a claim.

Some infrequent drivers drop collision and comprehensive coverage altogether once a car is older and paid off. That can cut costs significantly, but damage to your own vehicle won’t be covered. If you have a lease or loan, your lender will usually require comprehensive and collision.

Other Discounts for Infrequent Drivers

Low mileage is just one way to save. Other discounts that may apply to infrequent drivers include:

Work From Home Discounts: Many insurers now offer work-from-home discounts. If you don’t commute daily, ask if your insurer can re-rate your policy as “pleasure” use or a reduced commute.

Safe Driver Discounts: Infrequent drivers often have fewer tickets and claims. Many insurers offer safe driver discounts to drivers with a clean record.

Off Hour Discounts: Some telematics programs effectively reward driving at safer times. If you mostly drive outside rush hour and late-night hours, that can help your score (depending on the program).

Bundle and policy discounts: Bundling auto with home/renters, paying in full, paperless billing, autopay, and multi-car discounts can also reduce premiums — even if you don’t qualify for low-mileage programs.

Best Auto Insurance Companies for Low Mileage Drivers

Rates vary widely by state and driver profile, but these companies commonly offer telematics programs, strong discount menus, or competitive pricing for lower-mileage drivers:

Low mileage car insurance prices vary widely depending on your location and insurance company. Compare quotes online to find the cheapest car insurance as an infrequent driver.

FAQs on Auto Insurance for Infrequent Drivers

Final Word – Best Auto Insurance for Infrequent Drivers

Many insurers offer low mileage discounts or usage-based programs. If you drive well below average (often under ~7,500 miles per year), you may be able to lower premiums by updating your mileage, enrolling in a telematics program, or switching to a pay-per-mile policy.

Compare car insurance quotes online today to find the best car insurance for infrequent drivers.