How do your auto insurance premiums change when you select "commute" on your application?
If your primary use of your vehicle is driving to and from work, you should select a "commuter" car insurance policy. On average, commuter use car insurance costs $11 more per year than pleasure use auto insurance. On average, a commuter car insurance policy costs between $1,432 and $1,445 annually. Let’s assess some popular car insurance companies offering commuter policies.
Most car insurance companies distinguish commuting vehicles from pleasure use cars, which are usually driven less often. Insurers assign commuter insurance policies to drivers who use their vehicle only for their daily commute. See below common mileage classifications and insurance premiums for common vehicle uses.
| Primary Vehicle Use | Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Primary Vehicle Use | Average Annual Premium |
| Farm | $1,348 |
| Pleasure | $1,427 |
| Work — One-Way Commute (<10 Miles) | $1,432 |
| Work — One-Way Commute (10-15 Miles) | $1,436 |
| Work — One-Way Commute (15+ Miles) | $1,445 |
| Business | $1,577 |
The average annual cost of commuter car insurance is $1,438. This is just slightly more expensive than a pleasure use car insurance policy ($1,427).
Farm: Vehicles used on a farm for towing and other farm-related activities.
Business: Vehicles in which there are limited commercial/business purposes functions.
Using our user profile (methodology outlined here), we got car insurance rates for a commuter policy from top providers in the US.
| Car Insurance Company | Average Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Allstate | $1,890 |
| Farmers | $1,567 |
| GEICO | $1,220 |
| Liberty Mutual | $1,978 |
| Nationwide | $1,166 |
| Progressive | $1,667 |
| State Farm | $1,614 |
| USAA | $995 |
For our user profile, USAA is the cheapest car insurance provider for a commuter car insurance policy. USAA will set you back nearly $500 for a standard 6-month policy for $83 per month. If you do not qualify for USAA, you can also find below average rates with Nationwide and GEICO.
If you're a low mileage driver, a commuter policy might not be your most cost-efficient option. While relatively new to the world of auto insurance, usage-based insurance policies can be a great solution if you drive infrequently. Backed by telematics, usage-based insurance policies use how you drive and how much you drive to calculate your insurance policy. In theory, the less you drive, the more you can save. If you're looking for more information regarding these policies, including specific providers and quotes, see here.
Lowering the number of miles that you drive can lower your premium. While the savings are not likely to be dramatic, most car insurance companies will offer a lower rate to drivers who don't have long commutes. If the distance of your commute changes, logging this with your insurer can help you save money.
For those who find themselves no longer needing to commute, whether due to a change in your job or other circumstances, it's important to let your insurance company know. If you find that you are not driving at all, you could look into another option known as car storage insurance. This option allows you to drop collision coverage which can lower your rates.
If you’re interested in seeing commuter rates from some of the top car insurance companies, enter your ZIP code below to get started!
