A winding road through a hazy mountain range with a signpost pointing to "Savings" on one side and "Coverage" on the other.
Auto Insurance

How to Get Car Insurance for a Low-Mileage Driver

Insurance Services Tips 

As a low-mileage driver, you might assume that you'll automatically get a lower rate on your car insurance. Unfortunately, that's not always the case. Insurance companies use a variety of factors to determine rates, and the number of miles you drive each year is just one of them.

However, there are ways to get car insurance for a low-mileage driver without breaking the bank. By shopping around, looking for usage-based insurance or pay-per-mile insurance, and bundling your policies, you can find a car insurance policy that works for you.

Let's take a closer look at each of these options.

Shop Around for Car Insurance

The first step to getting car insurance for a low-mileage driver is to shop around. Not all insurance companies treat low-mileage drivers the same way, so it's important to get quotes from multiple companies to find the best rate.

When you're shopping around for car insurance, make sure you're comparing apples to apples. That means you should be getting quotes for the same coverage levels and deductibles from each company. You should also make sure that you're getting quotes for the same number of miles driven each year.

When you're comparing quotes, don't just look at the price. You should also consider the reputation of the insurance company, their customer service, and their claims process. You don't want to go with the cheapest insurance company if they have a history of denying claims or providing poor customer service.

Look for Usage-Based Insurance

One option for low-mileage drivers is to look for usage-based insurance. Usage-based insurance is a type of car insurance that uses telematics technology to track your driving habits. The insurance company will install a device in your car that will track things like your speed, acceleration, and braking. The insurance company will then use this data to determine your rates.

Usage-based insurance can be a good option for low-mileage drivers because it's based on your actual driving habits rather than just an estimate of how many miles you drive each year. This means that if you're a safe driver, you could potentially save a lot of money on your car insurance.

However, usage-based insurance isn't for everyone. If you're not comfortable with having a device in your car that tracks your driving habits, this might not be the best option for you. Additionally, if you're a high-mileage driver, usage-based insurance might not save you as much money as it would for a low-mileage driver.

Consider Pay-Per-Mile Insurance

Another option for low-mileage drivers is pay-per-mile insurance. Pay-per-mile insurance is exactly what it sounds like: you pay for car insurance based on how many miles you drive each year. This can be a good option for low-mileage drivers because you're only paying for the coverage you actually need.

Pay-per-mile insurance is still a relatively new concept, so not all insurance companies offer it yet. However, it's worth looking into if you're a low-mileage driver.

One thing to keep in mind with pay-per-mile insurance is that you'll need to accurately report your mileage each year. If you underestimate your mileage, you could end up with a gap in coverage if you get into an accident. On the other hand, if you overestimate your mileage, you'll be paying more than you need to for your car insurance.

Bundle Your Insurance Policies

Finally, if you're a low-mileage driver, you might be able to save money on your car insurance by bundling your policies. Many insurance companies offer discounts if you have multiple policies with them, such as car insurance and homeowners insurance.

Bundling your policies can be a good way to save money, but make sure you're still getting a good deal on each individual policy. Just because you're getting a discount for bundling doesn't necessarily mean that you're getting the best rate.

Other Ways to Save Money on Car Insurance

In addition to the options listed above, there are other ways to save money on car insurance as a low-mileage driver. Here are a few tips:

  • Raise your deductible: If you're a safe driver and don't anticipate needing to file a lot of claims, you might consider raising your deductible. A higher deductible means that you'll pay more out of pocket if you get into an accident, but it also means that your monthly premiums will be lower.
  • Maintain a good credit score: Your credit score can have a big impact on your car insurance rates. If you have a good credit score, you'll generally pay less for car insurance than if you have a poor credit score.
  • Take a defensive driving course: Some insurance companies offer discounts if you take a defensive driving course. This can be a good way to save money on your car insurance while also improving your driving skills.

Conclusion

As a low-mileage driver, you might feel like you're at a disadvantage when it comes to car insurance rates. However, there are options available to help you save money on your car insurance. By shopping around, looking for usage-based insurance or pay-per-mile insurance, and bundling your policies, you can find a car insurance policy that works for you. And don't forget to take advantage of other discounts and ways to save money on your car insurance, such as raising your deductible or taking a defensive driving course.