Car insurance for low-mileage drivers

Your insurer will likely ask for your mileage when you request a quote. Refusing to disclose this or providing false information could prompt the carrier to deny you coverage. You aren’t likely to face any legal repercussions, but providing insurers with false information can lead to higher premiums and greater difficulty finding coverage. While nobody drives the exact same number of miles each year, you should do your best to give your carrier an accurate estimate. If you expect your mileage to change drastically moving forward if, say, you started a job with a longer commute or purchased a new vehicle, you'll probably want to let your carrier know.

Insurance can be cheaper with low mileage, particularly if you purchase insurance policies that are usage-based or behavior-based. Drivers who can prove they don’t drive often or practice safe driving behaviors may qualify for discounts. Others can elect to opt into a telematics program that tracks your behavior behind the wheel and rewards you for driving safely. Even if you're not enrolled in a usage-based or telematics program, many major insurers price car insurance in different tiers based on customers' annual mileage, with lower prices for policyholders who drive less.

The best low-mileage car insurance company is different for every driver. It will depend on your average annual mileage, as each carrier has its own unique mileage requirements. Another thing to consider is whether you’re comfortable with the insurance company tracking your driving habits. Some companies, like Noblr, track your driving behaviors, such as braking force and speed, in addition to your annual mileage.

As with regular car insurance, it’s important to do your own research and compare providers using your criteria for what makes a company “the best.” Getting quotes from several companies and asking about discounts can help you identify the most affordable option.

Yes, in some cases discounts may be available for those who drive less than the average driver. However, not all insurance companies that offer lower prices to low-mileage drivers advertise this as a discrete discount. Instead, insurers may calculate a lower base premium based in part on your mileage, rather than reducing your premium overall through the means of a discount applied after the fact.

With low-mileage car insurance, you can get all the same basic coverage types that a regular policy would include. You can get minimum coverage and full coverage car insurance through a low-mileage policy, plus optional endorsements, depending on the carrier. However, low-mileage car insurance programs may offer fewer endorsements than traditional car insurance, as these programs are designed with minimal driving in mind.