Is a tracking app worth it if I hardly drive?

I’ve been working from home the past couple years and honestly I hardly drive anymore — maybe 4,000 miles a year tops. Nationwide keeps sending me stuff about their SmartMiles program, but I’m not sure if it’s actually a deal or just another way to track everything I do. Does it really save money, or am I better off sticking with a regular policy?

SmartMiles is Nationwide’s pay-per-mile program, and it’s designed for exactly the situation you’re in — people who don’t drive much. Instead of paying a flat premium, you pay a smaller monthly base rate plus a per-mile charge. For someone driving only around 4,000 miles a year, it can often be cheaper than a traditional policy.

The catch is in how it works. Nationwide uses a device plugged into your car to track mileage, so you’ll know exactly how many miles you’re being billed for. It doesn’t monitor how you drive (like speeding or braking) — just how far. Some drivers don’t mind, while others feel uneasy about anything tracking their car.

A couple of things to consider:

• If your driving stays consistently low, SmartMiles could save you quite a bit over time.
• If your mileage goes up — say you change jobs or start commuting again — your costs will climb, sometimes more than a regular policy.
• If you want feedback on how you drive, Nationwide’s other program, SmartRide, tracks behaviors instead of miles.

So, if you know your low-mileage lifestyle isn’t changing soon, SmartMiles is worth a serious look. If you’d rather not deal with mileage tracking, or if there’s a chance you’ll start driving more, sticking with a traditional policy may feel safer.