Compare Car Insurance for Part-Time Drivers: Rates, Discounts, & Requirements [2023]
Is it possible to get part-time insurance? You cannot necessarily get part-time car insurance, but a pay-as-you-go program may help if you are a part-time driver. You may be able to get a reduced rate from certain companies.
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Joel Ohman
Founder & CFP®
Joel Ohman is the CEO of a private equity backed digital media company. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, author, angel investor, and serial entrepreneur who loves creating new things, whether books or businesses. He has also previously served as the founder and resident CFP® of a national insurance agency, Real Time Health Quotes. He has an MBA from the University of South Florida. Jo...
Founder & CFP®
UPDATED: Jun 16, 2023
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Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from top car companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jun 16, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company.
Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from top car companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- You cannot buy part-time insurance coverage but can potentially lower your insurance rates if you do not use your car as much as the average motorist
- Some insurance companies may offer pay-as-you-drive programs
- To qualify, you will need to install a GPS tracking device, which will then send information to the insurance company
If you own a car but do not use it much, you may be concerned about its yearly costs. For example, you may only need the vehicle to commute a short distance and wonder if you can reduce your bills somehow. Is it possible to get part-time insurance?
We understand your desire to be as frugal as possible and have investigated the subject for you. Read on below for some answers. If you’re in need of affordable auto insurance, just enter your ZIP code into our free quote tool above to start comparing quotes from multiple car insurance companies today.
Is it possible to get part-time auto insurance?
Insurance companies do not offer part-time auto insurance. Still, insurers recognize that certain people drive a vehicle far less than average. As such, some are willing to provide a lower rate to those who only occasionally use their car.
How Auto Insurance Companies Deal With Risk
Remember that there is a risk whenever you get behind the wheel, no matter how short the driving distance or how occasional the journey is. Therefore, the insurance company needs to assume some risk, which will always be reflected in the rates it charges.
However, many companies are willing to offer a discount, but you will need to prove that you represent less of a risk due to your occasional driving habits. In this case, you should think about enrolling in a “pay-as-you-drive” program (sometimes also called pay-as-you-go car insurance).
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How does a pay-as-you-drive car insurance program work?
You will probably have to install a GPS tracking device in your vehicle to be eligible for a pay-as-you-drive program. These will typically plug into the car’s on-board diagnostic system and relay information about your driving to the insurance company. The company will then use this data to set your specific rates.
How do companies establish rates for part-time car insurance?
While your insurance company will not offer part-time insurance, it may establish a base rate for you, which also includes other factors such as:
- Age
- Gender
- ZIP code
- Driving record
- Vehicle
- Credit history
Your insurance company may add additional charges based on how many miles you drive. The company may alter these rates depending on where and when you operate the vehicle. For example, if you do most of your driving during rush hour and on congested freeways, your risk of an accident might be considered higher.
Is a part-time driver the same as an occasional driver?
An occasional driver is someone who is not the principal operator of the vehicle but who the policy owner might name as a permissive driver. To read more about how to add someone to your car insurance for a day, consider our article here.
For example, the occasional driver could be a teenager who spends most of their time away at college and is only back at home occasionally. If the policy owner names that student as a permissive driver, the insurance company will provide coverage in the event of an accident.
How much can you save with pay-as-you-go car insurance?
You may need to shop around with different insurance companies to determine whether pay-as-you-drive or pay-as-you-go insurance options are offered.
If an insurer asks you to install a tracking device, your rate will depend on many factors (including your age and driving record) as well as the number of miles you are likely to cover. It would be best if you got an idea of how each company calculates the rate before deciding.
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The Bottom Line on Getting Part-Time Car Insurance
Insurance companies do not offer part-time car insurance. If you drive your vehicle for less than the average motorist, you may be able to get a reduced rate from certain companies. In order to qualify, your insurer may ask you to install a GPS tracking device in your vehicle’s diagnostic system. This device will transmit data to the company, which will help set your rates.
Your rate will depend on a variety of factors including your age, vehicle, ZIP code, driving record, and gender. Further adjustments may be necessary to account for mileage and other factors, like when and where you drive.
Enter your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool below to get quotes from multiple auto insurance providers today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered a part-time driver?
A part-time driver is someone who does not drive as frequently as a full-time driver. This can include individuals who only drive on certain days of the week, weekends, or for specific purposes such as commuting to work or running errands.
Can I get car insurance as a part-time driver?
Yes, part-time drivers can obtain car insurance. Insurance providers typically offer coverage options for drivers regardless of their driving frequency. It’s important to accurately disclose your driving habits to the insurance company, including how often and for what purposes you drive.
Are there specific insurance policies for part-time drivers?
There are no specific insurance policies designed exclusively for part-time drivers. However, insurance providers offer various types of coverage that can be customized to your specific needs. You can choose the coverage options and policy limits that align with your driving habits and requirements.
How does car insurance for part-time drivers differ from full-time drivers?
Car insurance for part-time drivers does not differ significantly from coverage for full-time drivers. The main difference lies in the frequency of driving. Insurance premiums are typically based on various factors, including driving record, age, location, and the type of vehicle. Therefore, as a part-time driver, your premium may be influenced by your driving history and the limited time spent on the road.
Can I save money on car insurance as a part-time driver?
Part-time drivers may have opportunities to save money on car insurance. Here are a few potential ways to reduce costs:
- Low-mileage discount: If you drive fewer miles than the average driver, you may qualify for a low-mileage discount. Insurance providers often offer reduced premiums for drivers with lower annual mileage.
- Usage-based insurance: Some insurance companies offer usage-based insurance programs that track your driving habits using telematics devices or smartphone apps. By demonstrating safe driving behaviors and limited driving frequency, you may receive discounts or customized premium rates.
- Bundling policies: If you have other insurance policies, such as homeowners or renters insurance, consider bundling them with your car insurance. Many insurance providers offer discounts for customers who have multiple policies with them.
- Good driving record: Maintaining a clean driving record is important for all drivers, regardless of their driving frequency. By avoiding accidents and traffic violations, you can potentially qualify for lower premiums.
Free Car Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap car insurance rates.
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Joel Ohman
Founder & CFP®
Joel Ohman is the CEO of a private equity backed digital media company. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, author, angel investor, and serial entrepreneur who loves creating new things, whether books or businesses. He has also previously served as the founder and resident CFP® of a national insurance agency, Real Time Health Quotes. He has an MBA from the University of South Florida. Jo...
Founder & CFP®
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.