Best Car Insurance for the Weekend in 2024 (Top 10 Companies Ranked)

Securing the best car insurance for the weekend can be confusing while weekend-only policies are a myth, there are savvy ways to slash costs, especially with companies offering tailored solutions. Erie emerges as the top contender, acclaimed for its personalized service and pocket-friendly rates.

If you’re the type of vehicle owner who bikes during the week and drives on the weekend, you might wonder if there is a cheap car insurance policy for weekend drivers only.

Our Top 10 Company Picks: Best Car Insurance for the Weekend

Even if you’re a weekend-only driver, there’s no such thing as special weekend driver car insurance rates. There are ways, however, to reduce rates if you drive infrequently.

Compare weekend driver car insurance quotes from top companies by entering your ZIP code above.

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#1 – Erie: Top Overall Pick

Pros

• Lower Rates for Low Mileage Drivers: Erie offers discounts for drivers who use their cars infrequently, such as weekend drivers, helping them save on premiums due to reduced risk.
• Pleasure Use Insurance: Erie provides pleasure use insurance, which is tailored for cars driven for leisure purposes rather than commuting, leading to lower insurance rates since such cars are considered less risky.
• Pay-Per-Mile Insurance Option: Erie offers pay-per-mile insurance, which can be particularly advantageous for weekend drivers as they pay based on the actual miles driven, ensuring they only pay for what they use.

Cons

• Potential for Limited Availability: Pay-per-mile insurance and other specific discount programs may not be available in all areas, which could limit the benefits for some customers.
• Mandatory Continuous Coverage: Erie, like other insurers, requires continuous coverage for all registered vehicles. Learn more in our Erie car insurance review.

#2 – Allstate: Best for Trusted Brand

Pros

• Low Mileage Discounts: Allstate offers discounts for drivers who drive less frequently. Read more about their discounts in our Allstate car insurance review.
• Usage-Based Insurance Programs: Allstate provides usage-based insurance options like Drivewise, which can reward drivers for safe driving and lower mileage with additional discounts, making it beneficial for weekend-only drivers.
• Pleasure Use Insurance: Allstate supports pleasure use insurance, where cars driven for leisure rather than commuting can qualify for lower rates due to the reduced risk of accidents.

Cons

• Potential for Higher Base Rates: Even with discounts for low mileage and pleasure use, Allstate’s base rates might be higher than some competitors, which could result in higher overall premiums despite the discounts.
• Mandatory Continuous Coverage: Similar to other insurers, Allstate requires continuous coverage for all registered vehicles, which means even if the car is only driven on weekends, it must be insured year-round, potentially leading to higher costs for very low-frequency drivers.

#3 – Farmers: Best for Personalized Service

Pros

• Low Mileage Discounts: Farmers offers discounts for drivers who use their cars infrequently, such as weekend drivers, allowing them to save on premiums due to lower risk.
• Usage-Based Insurance Programs: As mentioned in our Farmers car insurance review, they provide usage-based insurance options like the Signal program, which can reward drivers for safe driving and lower mileage with additional discounts, making it beneficial for weekend-only drivers.
• Pleasure Use Insurance: Farmers supports pleasure use insurance, where cars driven for leisure rather than commuting can qualify for lower rates due to the reduced risk of accidents.

Cons

• Potential for Higher Base Rates: Even with discounts for low mileage and pleasure use, Farmers’ base rates might be higher than some competitors, which could result in higher overall premiums despite the discounts.
• Mandatory Continuous Coverage: Similar to other insurers, Farmers requires continuous coverage for all registered vehicles, which means even if the car is only driven on weekends, it must be insured year-round, potentially leading to higher costs for very low-frequency drivers.

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#4 – Nationwide: Best for Nationwide Coverage

Pros

• Low Mileage Discounts: Nationwide offers discounts for drivers who use their cars infrequently, such as weekend drivers, allowing them to save on premiums due to lower risk.
• SmartRide Program: Nationwide provides a usage-based insurance option called SmartRide, which rewards drivers for safe driving and lower mileage with additional discounts, making it beneficial for weekend-only drivers.
• Pleasure Use Insurance: Nationwide supports pleasure use insurance, where cars driven for leisure rather than commuting can qualify for lower rates due to the reduced risk of accidents.

Cons

• Potential for Limited Discounts: While Nationwide offers various discounts, the total savings might be less substantial compared to other insurers that provide more aggressive discount programs for low mileage and infrequent drivers. (Read more: Nationwide car insurance discounts)
• Mandatory Continuous Coverage: Similar to other insurers, Nationwide requires continuous coverage for all registered vehicles, which means even if the car is only driven on weekends, it must be insured year-round, potentially leading to higher costs for very low-frequency drivers.

#5 – State Farm: Best for Customer Service

Pros

• Low Mileage Discounts: State Farm offers discounts for drivers who use their cars infrequently, such as weekend drivers, allowing them to save on premiums due to lower risk.
• Drive Safe & Save Program: State Farm provides a usage-based insurance option called Drive Safe & Save, which rewards drivers for safe driving and lower mileage with additional discounts, making it beneficial for weekend-only drivers.
• Pleasure Use Insurance: State Farm supports pleasure use insurance, where cars driven for leisure rather than commuting can qualify for lower rates due to the reduced risk of accidents.

Cons

• Potentially Higher Base Rates: Even with discounts for low mileage and pleasure use, State Farm’s base rates might be higher than some competitors, which could result in higher overall premiums despite the discounts.
• Mandatory Continuous Coverage: Similar to other insurers, State Farm requires continuous coverage for all registered vehicles, which means even if the car is only driven on weekends, it must be insured year-round. For more information, read our State Farm car insurance review.

#6 – Travelers: Best for Extensive Network

Pros

• Low Mileage Discounts: Travelers offers discounts for drivers who use their cars infrequently, such as weekend drivers, allowing them to save on premiums due to lower risk.
• IntelliDrive Program: As mentioned in our Travelers car insurance review, they provide a usage-based insurance option called IntelliDrive, which rewards drivers for safe driving and lower mileage with additional discounts, making it beneficial for weekend-only drivers.
• Pleasure Use Classification: Travelers supports pleasure use insurance, where cars driven for leisure rather than commuting can qualify for lower rates due to the reduced risk of accidents.

Cons

• Potentially Higher Starting Premiums: Even with discounts for low mileage and pleasure use, Travelers’ base rates might be higher than some competitors, which could result in higher overall premiums despite the discounts.
• Continuous Coverage Requirement: Similar to other insurers, Travelers requires continuous coverage for all registered vehicles, which means even if the car is only driven on weekends, it must be insured year-round, potentially leading to higher costs for very low-frequency drivers.

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#7 – American Family: Best for Family Focus

Pros

• Low Mileage Discounts: American Family offers discounts for drivers who use their cars infrequently, such as weekend drivers, allowing them to save on premiums due to lower risk. Learn more about their discounts in our American Family car insurance review.
• KnowYourDrive Program: American Family provides a usage-based insurance option called KnowYourDrive, which rewards drivers for safe driving and lower mileage with additional discounts, making it beneficial for weekend-only drivers.
• Pleasure Use Insurance: American Family supports pleasure use insurance, where cars driven for leisure rather than commuting can qualify for lower rates due to the reduced risk of accidents.

Cons

• Potentially Limited Availability of Discounts: While American Family offers various discounts, the availability and extent of these discounts might be limited in some areas, which could affect the potential savings for low-mileage drivers.
• Continuous Coverage Requirement: Similar to other insurers, American Family requires continuous coverage for all registered vehicles, which means even if the car is only driven on weekends, it must be insured year-round, potentially leading to higher costs for very low-frequency drivers.

#8 – Progressive: Best for Flexible Policies

Pros

• Low Mileage Discounts: Progressive offers discounts for drivers who use their cars infrequently, such as weekend drivers, allowing them to save on premiums due to lower risk.
• Snapshot Program: Progressive provides a usage-based insurance option called Snapshot, which rewards drivers for safe driving and lower mileage with additional discounts, making it beneficial for weekend-only drivers.
• Pleasure Use Insurance: Progressive supports pleasure use insurance, where cars driven for leisure rather than commuting can qualify for lower rates due to the reduced risk of accidents.

Cons

• Potentially Higher Base Rates: Even with discounts for low mileage and pleasure use, Progressive’s base rates might be higher than some competitors. Learn more about their rates in our Progressive car insurance review.
• Continuous Coverage Requirement: Similar to other insurers, Progressive requires continuous coverage for all registered vehicles, which means even if the car is only driven on weekends, it must be insured year-round, potentially leading to higher costs for very low-frequency drivers.

#9 – Geico: Best for Competitive Rates

Pros

• Low Mileage Discounts: Geico offers discounts for drivers who use their cars infrequently, such as weekend drivers, allowing them to save on premiums due to lower risk.
• DriveEasy Program: Geico provides a usage-based insurance option called DriveEasy, which rewards drivers for safe driving and lower mileage with additional discounts, making it beneficial for weekend-only drivers.
• Pleasure Use Insurance: Geico supports pleasure use insurance, where cars driven for leisure rather than commuting can qualify for lower rates due to the reduced risk of accidents. Get more insights in our Geico car insurance review.

Cons

• Potential for Higher Base Rates: Even with discounts for low mileage and pleasure use, Geico’s base rates might be higher than some competitors, which could result in higher overall premiums despite the discounts.
• Continuous Coverage Requirement: Similar to other insurers, Geico requires continuous coverage for all registered vehicles, which means even if the car is only driven on weekends, it must be insured year-round, potentially leading to higher costs for very low-frequency drivers.

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#10 – Liberty Mutual: Best for Customized Options

Pros

• Low Mileage Discounts: Liberty Mutual offers discounts for drivers who use their cars infrequently, such as weekend drivers, allowing them to save on premiums due to lower risk. Learn more about their premiums in our Liberty Mutual car insurance review.
• RightTrack Program: Liberty Mutual provides a usage-based insurance option called RightTrack, which rewards drivers for safe driving and lower mileage with additional discounts, making it beneficial for weekend-only drivers.
• Pleasure Use Insurance: Liberty Mutual supports pleasure use insurance, where cars driven for leisure rather than commuting can qualify for lower rates due to the reduced risk of accidents.

Cons

• Potential for Higher Base Rates: Even with discounts for low mileage and pleasure use, Liberty Mutual’s base rates might be higher than some competitors, which could result in higher overall premiums despite the discounts.
• Continuous Coverage Requirement: Similar to other insurers, Liberty Mutual requires continuous coverage for all registered vehicles, which means even if the car is only driven on weekends, it must be insured year-round, potentially leading to higher costs for very low-frequency drivers.

How to Get Cheaper Rates for Weekend Driving on A Standard Policy

Just because you can’t restrict your coverage to only apply on the weekends doesn’t mean there’s not a way to take advantage of the fact that you drive less than the average person.

Auto insurance rates are very much dependent on both your driving history and your personal driving habits. Auto insurance companies ask how much you drive and whether the car is used to commute to determine the level of risk you present.

Car Insurance Monthly Rates for the Weekend by Coverage Level & Provider

If you’re only driving on the weekends for leisure, you’re less risky to insure. That means you’ll qualify for lower insurance premiums and possibly for discounts as well.

There are several ways to get lower rates on weekend driving, including pleasure use rating.

Read more:

• Compare Car Insurance for Part-Time Drivers: Rates, Discounts, & Requirements
• Compare Occasional Driver Car Insurance Rates
• Compare Weekly Car Insurance: Rates, Discounts, & Requirements

What Is Pleasure Use Insurance

Pleasure use in insurance terms is a car that is driven for leisure purposes instead of driving to and from work or school. In the insurance industry, you can use your car in one of three ways: pleasure, commute, or business.

Pleasure use offers the lowest rates because it’s the least risky class. You drive less and in less stressful conditions. Cars that are driven for pleasure only are at a lower risk for a claim.

Read more: Car Insurance Pleasure Driving: Explained Simply

How Annual Mileage Estimates Affect Rates

In addition to how your vehicle is used, car insurance companies look at how many miles you drive on average. According to the Federal Highway Administration, the average driver puts about 13,500 miles on their car each year.

Insurers will use annual mileage to determine how risky you are as a driver. As a general rule, they will take your word for it when you tell them how much you drive. If the company knows you don’t work at home and you own only one car, they will want to know how you get to work.

If you can provide that information and explain why you only drive on weekends, you’ll get lower rates.

Using Pay-Per-Mile Insurance for Weekend Driving

Pay-per-mile insurance is a good choice for weekend drivers, because you pay based on how much you drive. The total rate is calculated with a low base rate, and then a per-mile rate that is charged each month for the actual number of miles driven.

This type of coverage isn’t widely available yet, but it’s a good choice for weekend driving if it’s available near you.

Read more: Compare Three-Month Car Insurance: Rates, Discounts, & Requirements

How to Insure a Classic Car

If you own an older vehicle, there’s a chance that you might qualify for a specialty classic car insurance policy.

Car collectors often drive their vehicles solely on the weekends to take their vehicles to shows or to cruise.

Before you can get classic car auto insurance, you should know whether or not you’re eligible. You can’t just apply for coverage for a 2000 Toyota because you rarely drive. Here are some of the guidelines you should know about:

• The car must be at least 25 years old (this can vary by state) or considered exotic or distinctive
• The car may not be used as a primary vehicle
• You have to adhere to limited use rules that can vary by company, including annual mileage
• The vehicle must be stored in a secure garage

So, while there is no weekend driver car insurance company, some companies do specialize in classic cars.

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Short-Term Insurance Option

Compare weekly car insurance is designed for people who might only need auto insurance for one weekend because they’re renting a car or borrowing a vehicle from a friend.

A temporary car insurance policy is for a very specific case. You shouldn’t resort to a temporary insurance policy if you own the car in question or if you’ll be driving each and every weekend in a car you don’t own.

If this is the case, you’ll need a specialty non-owner car insurance policy to provide you with liability protection.

How to Insure All Registered Vehicles

If you own a car, you have the obligation to insure that car in your state of residence. While it might be tempting to go out and buy a short-term policy, doing this would not comply with the law.

Each state has its own set of insurance laws, but virtually all states require that you have continuous liability coverage without lapses.

The most common types of coverage that you must carry are:

• Bodily Injury Liability: Covers third-party medical expenses.
• Property Damage Liability: Covers third-party damage repairs or property replacement.
• Uninsured Motorist: Covers your medical expenses if hit by an uninsured driver.
• PIP or Medical Payments: Covers your medical bills regardless of fault for the loss

In some cases, you can reject both uninsured motorist and medical payments to keep your premiums low and to take on the burden of paying your own medical bills.

Even so, you’ll need to keep at least state minimum liability limits no matter what your driving habits are. (Read more: What is the minimum amount of liability car insurance coverage required?)

Insurance for Driving on the Weekend: The Bottom Line

Although there’s no specific type of insurance designed for weekend driving. There are a lot of ways to lower your rates, which you can find more info in our article titled “16 Ways to Lower the Cost of Your Insurance“. It’s important to be honest with the insurance company about how you use your car when shopping, however, to avoid fraud and denied claims. This will help you maintain peace of mind every time you do get behind the wheel, even if only on weekends.

Start comparing weekend driver car insurance rates now by entering your ZIP code in our free tool below.

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