Car Insurance for Occasional Drivers

When you drive only once a week or less, car insurance for occasional drivers, a type of coverage designed for people who use their vehicle infrequently. Also known as low mileage insurance, it’s built for those who commute by bike, take public transit, or use their car mainly for weekend trips. Most insurers assume you drive 12,000 miles a year—but if you drive under 5,000, you’re paying for coverage you don’t need.

Insurers track usage in different ways. Some use pay-per-mile insurance, a system where you pay a base rate plus a small fee for every mile driven. Also known as usage-based insurance, it’s ideal if you drive 3,000 miles or less annually. Others offer named driver insurance, a policy that lists only the primary driver and excludes others who rarely use the car. This cuts costs by reducing risk exposure. Then there’s temporary car insurance, short-term coverage that lasts from one day to 28 days, perfect for borrowing a car or taking a single road trip. These aren’t just niche products—they’re the standard for millions of drivers who don’t use their vehicles daily.

Why does this matter? Because if you’re on a standard policy but drive only 2,000 miles a year, you could be paying 30% to 50% more than needed. Some companies even ask for your annual mileage during signup—lie, and you risk voiding your claim. Be honest, then shop around. Compare quotes from providers like Milewise, By Miles, or Tempcover. They don’t just adjust your premium—they redesign how you pay.

Don’t assume your current insurer gives you the best rate for low usage. Many still push full-coverage plans with no discount for infrequent driving. But the market has changed. Telematics devices, smartphone apps, and GPS tracking now make it easy to prove you’re a low-mileage driver. Some policies even give you cash back at the end of the year if you didn’t use your car much.

And if you’re adding a second driver who only uses the car on holidays? Make sure they’re listed as a named driver—not just covered under your policy. Unlisted drivers can lead to denied claims. Same goes for seasonal vehicles: if you store your car for six months, you might qualify for laid-up insurance, which cuts your premium by 70%.

Below, you’ll find real-world advice from people who’ve cut their insurance costs by switching to the right plan. You’ll see how to read your policy for hidden clauses, how to prove your mileage, and which insurers actually reward low usage instead of punishing it. No fluff. No upsells. Just what works for drivers who don’t spend their lives behind the wheel.