How Many Miles Does the Average American Drive Each Year?

Last Updated on October 7, 2026

By James Shaffer · Reviewed by Thomas Rockford, insurance industry executive and financial analyst, on October 1, 2026 · How we fact-check

Mileage is one of the simplest ways insurers estimate “exposure” to risk: the more you drive, the more chances you have to get into a crash. That’s why your annual mileage often comes up when you get a quote.

So, how many miles does the average American drive each year? Using the most recent Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Highway Statistics release (2024 data), the average works out to about 13,735 miles per licensed driver per year.

• Using the latest FHWA Highway Statistics release (2024 data), the average comes out to about 13,735 miles per licensed driver per year—roughly 1,145 miles per month.
• Your car insurance company usually rates you based on your vehicle’s expected annual mileage, not the national average—so accurate reporting matters.
• Mileage varies a lot by lifestyle and location: rural states tend to have higher averages, while dense, transit-friendly areas tend to have lower averages.
• If you drive well below average, you may be able to save with low-mileage discounts or usage-based/pay-per-mile programs, depending on your insurer and state.

Quick Answer: The Average American Drives About 13,700 Miles a Year

FHWA reports both total vehicle miles traveled and the number of licensed drivers. In 2024:

• Americans drove about 3.294 trillion miles total (FHWA Highway Statistics, 2024).
• There were about 239.8 million licensed drivers in the U.S.
• That works out to roughly 13,735 miles per licensed driver per year (about 1,145 miles per month or 38 miles per day).

Important: car insurance companies usually care about your expected annual miles for your vehicle (or household vehicles), not a national per-driver average. If you drive less than average, you may qualify for a discount. If you drive more than average, you may pay more.

Why “Average Miles Driven” Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All

Two people can have the same “good driver” profile and still have very different mileage. Some of the biggest factors that change your annual mileage include:

• Where you live: dense cities with transit tend to mean fewer miles; rural areas and sprawling metros often mean more miles. Insurers already know that geography affects risk (including your ZIP code).
• Your commute: a longer daily drive adds up fast (and it can affect pricing). If you’re commuting far, read how a long commute can impact auto insurance rates.
• Life stage: working-age adults typically rack up the most mileage, while teens and many retirees drive less.
• Work patterns: remote/hybrid work can reduce annual miles, but it depends on your lifestyle and trip habits. In the 2022 National Household Travel Survey, the share of workers who worked from home five or more days a week rose from 12% in 2017 to 19%, and average daily household vehicle miles fell from about 49 to about 40.

Average Mileage by Age and Gender

Mileage also varies by age and gender. FHWA’s commonly cited table of average annual miles per driver by age group shows that drivers in their prime working years tend to drive the most, and that men drive more miles than women on average. It comes from an older FHWA publication (its “Our Nation’s Highways 2000” series), so treat the numbers as a rough guide.

Even if your personal mileage doesn’t match these patterns, the takeaway is practical for insurance: your lifestyle (commute + errands + road trips) usually matters more than your age alone.

Average Miles Driven per Year by State

State averages can be dramatically different. Using FHWA’s 2024 totals for annual vehicle miles by state and licensed drivers, here are the states where drivers log the most and least miles on average. (Calculated from FHWA Highway Statistics table VM-2 and table DL-1C.)

States Where Drivers Log the Most Miles (2024)

States Where Drivers Log the Fewest Miles (2024)

Remember: these are averages. A driver in a low-mileage state can still put 20,000+ miles on their car each year (and vice versa).

How Annual Mileage Impacts Car Insurance Rates

Mileage usually affects car insurance in a tiered way. Many insurers group drivers into mileage bands (for example: under 7,500 miles/year, 7,500–12,000, 12,000–15,000, 15,000+, etc.). If you land in a higher band, you may pay more because you’re on the road more often.

In California, the number of miles you drive each year is one of three mandatory rating factors under state rules, along with your driving safety record and years of driving experience. California also lets insurers check your actual mileage with odometer readings, for example from a repair shop or a smog check station.

That said, mileage is just one part of the price. Your driving record, vehicle, coverage limits, location, credit (in many states), and other items can have a bigger impact. If your premium jumps, mileage might be part of it—but it’s often one of many variables. (See more on common causes of car insurance rate increases.)

One more practical tip: don’t guess low just to get a cheaper quote. If your real mileage is materially higher than what you reported, your insurer may adjust your premium at renewal—and inaccurate information can create headaches if you need to update your policy later.

What Counts as “Low Mileage” for Insurance?

There isn’t a single universal definition. But in general, insurers tend to view you as a lower-mileage driver if you’re well below the national average—especially if you’re driving mostly for personal errands rather than commuting every day.

If you’re looking for savings specifically tied to miles driven, start here: how low-mileage discounts can save you money.

How Insurers Estimate or Verify Your Mileage

Insurance companies can use a few different methods, depending on the company and state:

• Self-reported mileage during the quote process
• Odometer readings (sometimes at policy start, renewal, or via photos)
• Telematics / driving apps that measure driving behavior and miles driven (learn more about telematics programs)
• Location-based estimates using typical driving patterns in your region

How to Estimate Your Annual Mileage Accurately

If you’re not sure what number to put on an insurance application, try one of these quick methods:

• Odometer method: subtract last year’s odometer reading from today’s reading (service receipts and oil changes often include your mileage).
• Weekly estimate: estimate a typical week of driving (commute + errands), multiply by 52, then add road trips/vacation driving.
• Update for major changes: if you recently switched jobs, moved, started working from home, or changed schools, adjust your estimate accordingly.

If you’ve transitioned to remote work, you may be able to save by updating your usage and mileage. Here’s a deeper look at work-from-home auto insurance discounts.

How to Save on Car Insurance If You Drive Less

If your mileage is significantly below average, you have a few solid options:

• Ask about low-mileage discounts (some insurers offer them automatically; others require proof).
• Consider usage-based insurance if you’re comfortable sharing driving data and your habits are generally safe. See if usage-based car insurance is right for you.
• Stack other discounts like bundling, safe driver, student discounts, and more. Start with this roundup of the best auto insurance discounts.

FAQs on Average Miles Driven Per Year

Bottom Line: Do You Drive More or Less Than Average?

Based on FHWA’s latest Highway Statistics release (2024 data), the average comes out to about 13,735 miles per licensed driver per year. But what really matters for your premium is your mileage, not the national number.

If your driving has changed (new job, new commute, remote work, new vehicle), update your policy and shop around. Comparing quotes across major car insurance companies is often the fastest way to find the best rate for your current mileage. My advice is to write down your odometer reading when your policy renews each year, so you have a real number to give your insurer instead of a guess.

Sources

Checked October 1, 2026

• Federal Highway Administration — Table VM-1
• Federal Highway Administration — Table VM-2
• Federal Highway Administration — Table DL-1C
• Federal Highway Administration — Average Annual Miles per Driver by Age Group
• Oak Ridge National Laboratory — Summary of Travel Trends, 2022 National Household Travel Survey, January 2024
• California Code of Regulations — Title 10, Section 2632.5, Rating Factors