Car insurance for commuting to work
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 doesn't cost all that much more than pleasure use auto insurance. On average, a commuter car insurance policy costs about $900 every six months. Let’s assess some popular car insurance companies offering commuter policies.
What car insurance is appropriate for commuters?
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 vehicles only for their daily commute. See below common mileage classifications and insurance premiums for common vehicle uses.
AVERAGE ANNUAL INSURANCE PREMIUM BY VEHICLE USE
| Use of Vehicle | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Work | $904 | $151 |
| Pleasure | $903 | $150 |
| Farm | $848 | $141 |
| Business | $1,035 | $173 |
| Artisan | $1,035 | $173 |
Alternate vehicle uses
- Farm: Vehicles used on a farm for towing and other farm-related activities.
- Business: Vehicles in which there are limited commercial/business purposes functions.
Cheapest car insurance companies for a commuter
Using our user profile (methodology), we got car insurance rates for a commuter policy from top providers in the US.
AVERAGE PREMIUMS FOR COMMUTERS: BY COMPANY
| Carrier | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $1,259 | $210 |
| American Family | $913 | $152 |
| Farmers | $1,029 | $172 |
| GEICO | $803 | $134 |
| Nationwide | $879 | $146 |
| Progressive | $825 | $138 |
| State Farm | $652 | $109 |
| USAA | $660 | $110 |
For our user profile, USAA and State Farm are the cheapest car insurance provider for a commuter car insurance policy. If you do not qualify for USAA, you can also find below-average rates with GEICO and Progressive.
How to find cheap commuter car insurance
Search for usage-based insurance
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. Compare quotes online today to save on your next policy.
Change your commuter mileage
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.
Find the right policy in only a few minutes.
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About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
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The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
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The Zebra’s insurance content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
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The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
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The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.