Posted by If you’re an occasional driver, you may be wondering if there’s a specific type of auto insurance that’s best for you.
Driving a car is an essential part of life for many people, but not everyone drives frequently, and that means there are a lot of people who are classified as “occasional drivers.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the different types of auto insurance for occasional drivers and how they can benefit from them.
We’ll also discuss other necessary information that you may need about this insurance. Let’s get started with the importance of auto insurance.
Who is an Occasional Driver?
An occasional driver is someone who only drives on a limited basis. This could be someone who drives a company car for work but doesn’t have a vehicle, or someone who only drives once or twice a week for errands and other personal reasons.
Sometimes, an occasional driver is also called a “low-mileage driver” or a “low-use driver.”
Importance of Auto Insurance for Occasional Drivers
- It can provide valuable benefits, like roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement
- Auto insurance protects you financially if you’re involved in an accident
- It helps you comply with state laws, which typically require drivers to have some form of auto insurance
- This insurance gives you peace of mind, knowing that you’re covered in case of an unexpected event
- It can save you money in the long run, especially if you’re eligible for discounts.
Types of Auto Insurance
The following are the types of auto insurance:
Liability
This kind of insurance covers bodily injury and property damage due to an accident, up to your policy limits.
It doesn’t cover damage to your vehicle or medical expenses for you or your passengers.
Comprehensive
Comprehensive type of insurance covers damage to your vehicle as a result of theft, vandalism, weather, etc. It also covers damage caused by hitting an object, like a tree or a pole.
Comprehensive insurance doesn’t cover damage caused by a collision, so it’s usually purchased in addition to collision insurance.
Collision
Collision insurance covers damage to your vehicle caused by a collision, whether you’re at fault or not.
If your vehicle is damaged in a collision, collision insurance will pay for repairs or the cash value of your car if it’s totaled.
This type of insurance is optional, but it’s usually required if you’re financing or leasing your vehicle.
Uninsured/underinsured Motorist
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage protects you if you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t have any insurance or who doesn’t have enough insurance to cover the damage.
This type of insurance will cover your medical expenses, as well as your lost wages and other out-of-pocket costs.
List of 5 Auto Insurance for Occasional Drivers
Below is a list of vehicle insurance for low-mileage drivers:
Details on the Top Auto Insurance for Non-Frequent Drivers
Metromile
- Year Founded: 2011
- Location: USA
Pros
- You only pay for the miles you drive, so it’s a good option for people who drive less
- The company offers 24/7 customer service
- Metromile has a convenient mobile app that makes it easy to manage your policy.
Cons
- Metromile’s rates may be higher than other companies for high-mileage drivers
- You may have to use a plug-in device to track your mileage, which some people may find intrusive.
Description
Metromile is a car insurance company that’s unique in the sense that you get to pay your premium by mile covered instead of every month.
This makes it a great option for occasional drivers since you only pay for the miles you drive. Metromile also offers a variety of discounts, including a low-mileage discount, a safe-driving discount, and a multi-car discount
Progressive
- Year Founded: 1937
- Location: USA
Pros
- Progressive offers a wide range of discounts, including for good students, safe drivers, and bundling policies
- The company has a good reputation for customer service
- Progressive offers flexible payment options, including the ability to pay in installments.
Cons
- Progressive’s rates may be higher than some other companies
- The company has a reputation for being slow to process claims.
Description
Progressive is another great option for occasional drivers. It offers a wide range of discounts to its policyholders.
Progressive also offers pay-as-you-drive insurance, which allows you to pay for your car insurance by the mile, similar to Metromile.
The General
- Year Founded: 1963
- Location: USA
Pros
- It offers very competitive rates
- The General is known for its simple process.
Cons
- The company has a reputation for slow claims processing
- Some customers report difficulty reaching customer service representatives
- The General has a limited number of coverage options
Description
The General is a car insurance company that’s been around for more than 60 years. They’re known for their low rates and their easy online policy management.
It’s also known for its affordability and ease of use, offering both personal and commercial auto insurance.
Esurance
- Year Founded: 1999
- Location: USA
Pros
- Esurance is known for its easy-to-use website and mobile app
- The company offers a variety of discounts, including for good drivers, military members, and students
- Esurance is available in most states.
Cons
- Esurance’s rates may be higher than some other companies
- There have been some complaints about Esurance’s customer service
- Esurance’s coverage options may be more limited than other companies.
Description
Esurance is an online-based car insurance company that’s known for its user-friendly website and mobile app that offers a variety of products and services.
They also offer some discounts for safe drivers, low-mileage drivers, etc. Esurance also offers a pay-per-mile option called “DriveSense,” which allows you to pay for insurance based on how much you drive.
Travelers
- Year Founded: 1953
- Location: USA
Pros
- Travelers is a financially stable company with a long history
- The company offers a wide range of coverage options
- Travelers is known for its strong customer service
- The company has a good reputation for processing claims quickly.
Cons
- Travelers’ rates may be higher than some other companies
- Some customers have reported issues with the claims process
- Travelers are not available in all states.
Description
Travelers is another great option for low-mileage drivers who aim to make their premium payment based on miles covered.
The insurance offers a wide range of products and services. They also offer some good programs like the “IntelliDrive” program that can save you up to 10% on your insurance premiums.
Additionally, Travelers has a user-friendly website and mobile app that makes it easy to manage your policy.
Tips to Choose the Right Policy
- Evaluate your needs
- Shop around and compare policies
- Consider the cost, coverage, customer service, discounts, and financial stability of each policy
- Choose the policy that best meets your needs and budget
- Review your policy periodically to make sure it still meets your needs.
Evaluate Your Needs
To evaluate your needs, you should first think about how much you drive and what type of car you have.
If you drive a lot, you’ll need more coverage than someone who only drives occasionally. The same is true if you have a more expensive car.
You’ll also want to consider your budget and how much you’re willing to pay for car insurance. Finally, you’ll want to think about your risk tolerance.
Shop Around And Compare Policies
When you’re shopping around for car insurance, it’s important to consider more than just the cost of the policy.
You’ll also want to consider the coverage offered, the reputation of the company, and the claims process.
Consider the cost, coverage, customer service, and discounts
Cost
Make sure you understand all the costs associated with the policy, including premiums, deductibles, and fees.
Coverage
Make sure the policy offers the type of coverage you need, such as liability, collision, and comprehensive.
Customer Service
Look for a company that’s known for providing good customer service, including claims handling.
Discounts
Check to see if the company offers any discounts that you may be eligible for, such as good driver discounts or discounts for bundling policies.
Choose the Policy That Best Meets Your Needs and Budget
It’s important to balance cost and coverage so that you’re not paying for more than you need, but also not leaving yourself underinsured.
If you can find a policy that meets all of these criteria, you can feel confident that you’ve made the right choice.
Review Your Policy Periodically to Make Sure it Still Meets Your Needs
It’s a good idea to review your policy every year or so to make sure it still meets your needs. As your life changes, your insurance needs may change as well.
For example, if you get a new car, you may need to update your policy to make sure you have the right coverage.
By reviewing your policy periodically, you can make sure you’re always getting the best value for your money.
FAQs on Auto Insurance for Occasional Drivers
What is the difference between occasional drivers and full-time drivers?
There are a few key differences between occasional drivers and full-time drivers when it comes to auto insurance. Occasional drivers are people who drive less than the average person, typically less than 10,000 miles per year. Full-time drivers, on the other hand, are people who drive more than the average person, typically over 10,000 miles per year.
What is the best type of coverage for occasional drivers?
Generally, the best type of coverage for occasional drivers is liability coverage. Liability coverage covers damage and injuries to other people and property that you cause while driving. It's important for occasional drivers to have this type of coverage because they're more likely to be involved in an accident than full-time drivers.
How can I save money on auto insurance as an occasional driver?
There are a few ways you can save money on auto insurance as an occasional driver. One way is to take advantage of discounts offered by your insurer. Many insurers offer discounts for drivers who take defensive driving courses, have anti-theft devices installed on their vehicles, or have good driving records. You may also be able to save money by raising your deductible or reducing your coverage. Another way to save money is to shop around for the best rate.
Do I need to notify my insurance company if I become an occasional driver?
In most cases, you don't need to notify your insurance company if you become an occasional driver. However, there are a few exceptions. For example, if you change from being a full-time driver to an occasional driver, your insurer may require you to notify them of the change. Additionally, if you move from one state to another, you may need to update your policy to reflect the new state's requirements. If you're not sure whether you need to notify your insurer of any changes, it's best to contact them directly to find out.
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- 15 Best Insurance Comparison Sites.
Conclusion
Auto insurance for occasional drivers is a unique and important topic. Occasional drivers have different needs than full-time drivers, and they may be able to save money by taking advantage of discounts or shopping around for the best rate.
It’s important to understand the differences between occasional and full-time drivers, as well as the different types of coverage available.
With the right information, you can make sure you have the right auto insurance policy for your needs.
You can make use of the comment section if you have any suggestions or questions. But before that, do well to check out the FAQ section to see if any of your concerns have been taken care of.