Question
Can I get car insurance that only charges me when I drive?
I want to know if there is some insurance where I don't have to pay anything if my auto is sitting in a parking lot all month. I am 71 and drive a 1991 Honda Accord very rarely. I live close enough to walk to the store, so most of the time my car just sits. In 2025, I drove only 291.9 miles total and took 24 trips, which averages out to about two trips a month. The car was idle for 340 days.
Even so, I am paying more than $500 every six months for insurance. My credit is very good, and I keep careful records of my driving. Is there any kind of car insurance that only charges me when I actually use my car? I assume the answer is no, but I wanted to ask if there are any better options for someone in my situation.
Answer
Beth joined The Zebra in 2022 as an Associate Content Strategist. A licensed insurance agent, she specializes in creating clear, accessible content t…
Credentials
- Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
- Associate in Insurance (AINS)
- Professional Risk Consultant (PRC)
- Associate in Insurance Services (AIS)
If you rarely drive, there may be a few ways to lower your car insurance costs, but there usually is not an option that lets you pay only when you drive and nothing at all while the car is sitting.
One possible fit is pay-per-mile insurance. With this type of policy, you typically pay a base rate each month plus a per-mile charge when you drive. That means you may still owe something even during months when the car stays parked, but your premium could be lower than a standard policy if you drive very little.
A few things to keep in mind:
- The monthly base rate helps maintain continuous insurance coverage
- The exact cost depends on your coverage levels and other rating factors
- Some companies may ask for odometer readings or use a device or app to track mileage
The big caveat here: pay-per-mile insurance may not be available in Delaware; pay-per-mile availability varies by state.
Another option to ask about is storage coverage or reducing your coverage while the car is not being used. This is usually meant for vehicles that will stay parked for an extended period. Just keep in mind that if you choose storage coverage, you generally cannot legally drive the car until full coverage is turned back on.
If you still plan to drive occasionally, it may also be worth reviewing your current policy to see whether you can lower your premium by:
- Adjusting coverage on an older vehicle
- Raising your deductible
- Asking about low-mileage discounts
If you want help comparing your options, you can call our agency at 888-444-8949 or get a quote online through The Zebra.
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