Pleasure-Use vs. Commuter Auto Insurance in 2024 (Compare Rates & Discounts)
You may be eligible for discounts on your pleasure-use or commuter auto insurance. On average, drivers with longer commutes pay $7.09 per month more than those who drive less. Auto insurance rates for pleasure or work don't have to be expensive — ask your provider about low mileage discounts to save.
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Jeff Root
Licensed Insurance Agent
Jeff is a well-known speaker and expert in insurance and financial planning. He has spoken at top insurance conferences around the U.S., including the InsuranceNewsNet Super Conference, the 8% Nation Insurance Wealth Conference, and the Digital Life Insurance Agent Mastermind. He has been featured and quoted in Nerdwallet, Bloomberg, Forbes, U.S. News & Money, USA Today, and other leading fina...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Oct 27, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Oct 27, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
Can you get cheap auto insurance if you only use your car for pleasure? Are there auto insurance discounts for pleasure vs. work mileage? What is the difference between pleasure and commuter? The best auto insurance companies offer a different premium rate if you drive your car for pleasure versus commuting daily to work. Many are looking for the cheapest primary use car insurance possible, which could cause people to be untruthful.
If you tell them you don’t drive it to work to pay less for insurance, don’t drive it to work. It would be bad to get into an accident driving to work without commuting car insurance. Commuter cars are not valid under pleasure vehicle insurance, meaning your insurance company may decide to refuse your claim.
Don’t wait another moment to insure your car against possible damage, even if you rarely drive it. For auto insurance quotes for pleasure or work, enter your ZIP code in the box below and get auto insurance rates for pleasure vs. commute.
- Mileage is a significant factor companies consider when setting rates
- You must get commercial coverage if you use your car for work
- The top companies offer discounts for pleasure vs. work use of your car
Comparing Personal vs. Commute Car Insurance
Pleasure vs. Commute Car Insurance
What is cheaper for car insurance, pleasure or commute?
If you have a longer commute to work each day, you’re going to be paying more for your auto insurance. It might not be as big of a factor as your driving record or credit history, but it does make an impact.
Commuting 30 miles each way to work on a daily basis will put a lot of wear and tear on your car much faster than the occasional grocery shopping trip, or beach day. How does distance affect car insurance for commuting to work? Even the best companies will charge more if you drive more.
More time spent on the road translates into the possibility of more accidents and other damage occurring to your vehicle. You might wonder, “is it better to put commute or pleasure for car insurance?” or “should I put pleasure or commute for car insurance?”. Be truthful when your auto insurance company asks how often and for what purpose you drive your car.
If you’re wondering how to lower your car insurance premium, this table shows which companies offer low-mileage auto insurance discounts.
Low Mileage Auto Insurance Discounts by Provider
Insurance Company | Discount Percentage |
---|---|
21st Century | 30% |
AAA | 20% |
Allstate | 30% |
American Family | 25% |
Ameriprise | 10% |
Amica | 5% |
Country Financial | 20% |
Esurance | 25% |
Farmers | 10% |
Geico | 15% |
Liberty Mutual | 10% |
MetLife | 20% |
Nationwide | 10% |
Progressive | 31% |
Safe Auto | 15% |
Safeco | 20% |
State Farm | 30% |
The General | 25% |
The Hanover | 10% |
The Hartford | 10% |
Travelers | 20% |
USAA | 20% |
If your vehicle gets qualified as a pleasure-use vehicle, you will pay quite a bit less for your auto insurance. That’s because pleasure-use car insurance is cheaper, as if it’s used less frequently, you’re less likely to get into an accident.
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Cheapest Car Insurance for Commuting
Is pleasure vs. commuter car insurance cheaper? Take a look at the table below to see how your rates will change based on pleasure vs. commuting insurance.
Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Commute
Insurance Company | 6,000 Miles Annually | 12,000 Miles Annually |
---|---|---|
$403.00 | $411.00 | |
$283.00 | $290.00 | |
$348 | $351.00 | |
$264 | $272.00 | |
$500 | $513.00 | |
$286 | $289.00 | |
$336 | $337.00 | |
$265 | $279 | |
$367 | $372 | |
$207 | $216.00 |
As you can see, your rates with these major insurers will increase anywhere from less than 1%-5%.
What Auto Insurance Companies Consider a Pleasure Vehicle
Although most of us would look at a Ferrari sitting in a garage and think of the pleasure of driving it to the beach, insurance companies judge the vehicle on how quickly the odometer turns over and not its head-turning capabilities.
There are many factors that affect auto insurance rates, including vehicle type, since insurance providers consider how difficult and expensive it will be to replace any damaged part. You might be curious about how primary use of a vehicle affects insurance.
However, a pleasure vehicle is determined by the number of miles you drive it on an annual basis.
You may be thinking, “can I negotiate a lower insurance premium?”. Driving less than the limit for pleasure mileage means you most likely qualify for discounts.
Most companies use the 7,500-mile benchmark. If you drive the car less than that, it's considered pleasure. If you drive the car more that, you're billed a higher premium.Scott W. Johnson Licensed Insurance Agent
A pleasure vehicle might be used sporadically, or you may drive it daily. The difference is that you don’t drive it very far even on the daily basis, maybe to the commuter parking lot or the train station to catch mass transit to work. However, car insurance for leisure use is still necessary to have even if you hardly are driving the vehicle in question.
The average mileage on your vehicles can help you determine whether to choose commute or personal for insurance policies.
Understanding Whether You Need Commercial Auto Insurance for a Work Vehicle
If you’re actually using your vehicle for work and not just driving it to work, you won’t need pleasure or commute insurance, you’ll need to get auto insurance for a business vehicle.
This goes for people who drive their cars for jobs such as delivering food, taking customers to and from the airport, and making sales calls.
Your personal auto insurance policy won’t cover any accidents, damage, or theft that occurs on a work vehicle.
Work with your insurance agent to determine whether you need a commercial insurance policy for your work vehicle and, if so, how much coverage is necessary. Getting car insurance for commute or pleasure ultimately is a very similar process.
Whether you need personal or commercial car insurance for business vehicles depends on who owns and drives the vehicle, how often you use the vehicle, and also the type, size, and weight of the vehicle.
If your business requires a higher liability auto insurance limit than is typically available through personal auto insurance policies, then you’ll also need commercial insurance coverage.
What are the advantages of commuting? If your work vehicle is owned by the business you work for, then you are not responsible for the insurance on that vehicle, your employer is. They can’t legally have you purchase the insurance on a work-owned vehicle.
Commercial Auto Insurance Discounts
Similar to personal auto insurance, providers offer some discounts on commercial auto insurance policies.
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— AutoInsurance.org (@AutoInsurance) August 10, 2023
These discounts vary from business to business, but some examples are:
- Multiple lines
- Experienced driver discounts
- Length of business
- Multiple policies
- Good student
Keeping your business vehicle fleet parked in a safe location could help you save money, as well as installing safety features, such as alarms, on the vehicles.
Many auto insurance companies now offer commercial auto insurance, so the market is pretty competitive. Ask about auto insurance discounts before you sign with an insurance provider.
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More About Pleasure-Use vs. Commuter Auto Insurance
Pleasure auto insurance could be right for you. Ready to buy auto insurance for pleasure or work? Type your ZIP code into the box and you’ll be able to find the companies offering auto insurance rates for your location right now, regardless if you’re looking for personal or commute car insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a pleasure insurance discount?
A pleasure use car insurance discount is a type of discount offered by insurance companies to policyholders who primarily use their vehicles for personal, non-business purposes, such as commuting to work or running errands.
How can I qualify for a pleasure use auto insurance discount?
To qualify for a pleasure use vehicle insurance discount, you typically need to provide information to your insurance company about your vehicle usage. This may include details about your commuting distance, the frequency of business-related trips, and any other relevant information requested by your insurer.
What are the benefits of a pleasure use auto insurance discount?
The benefits of a pleasure car insurance discount may include:
- Lower premiums: By demonstrating that your vehicle is primarily used for personal purposes, you may be eligible for lower insurance premiums.
- Cost savings: Lower premiums can help you save money on your auto insurance expenses.
- Customized coverage: Insurance companies often offer specialized coverage options for pleasure use vehicles, tailoring the policy to fit your specific needs.
Are there any disadvantages to a pleasure use auto insurance discount?
While pleasure driving insurance discounts can be beneficial, there are some potential disadvantages to consider:
- Limited coverage: Some leisure car insurance policies may have certain restrictions or limitations on coverage, particularly if you occasionally use your vehicle for business-related purposes.
- Proof requirements: You may need to provide evidence or documentation to prove that your primary use of vehicle is for personal purposes instead of commute, which can involve additional paperwork and documentation requirements.
- Reduced flexibility: If your circumstances change and you begin using your vehicle for business purposes more frequently, you may lose the pleasure use discount and have to adjust your coverage accordingly.
How can I apply for a pleasure use auto insurance discount?
To apply for a pleasure use auto insurance discount, follow these steps:
- Contact your insurance company: Get in touch with your insurance provider and inquire about pleasure use discounts.
- Provide information: Be prepared to provide accurate information about your vehicle usage, including commuting distances, business-related trips, and any other details requested.
- Update your policy: If you qualify for the discount, your insurance company will guide you through the process of updating your policy to reflect the pleasure use discount.
Is it better to say my car is for commute or pleasure on my car insurance policy?
Usually, it’s cheaper to say you use your car for pleasure than commute for insurance purposes. However, you’ll want to be truthful and tell your company if you use your vehicle for commuting.
What does commute mean in insurance?
A commuter vehicle transports you to and from work or school on a daily basis.
What is the difference between commuting and driving?
Commuting refers specifically to reoccurring trips to work and school. Driving refers to going anywhere in a vehicle.
Does driving count as commuting?
Not all driving is commuting, and not all commutes are from driving a vehicle. Some people’s work commute consists of walking, biking, taking a bus or taxi, getting a ride, or a combination of any of these methods.
What is a commuter vehicle?
A commuter vehicle refers to any car that is used for someone or multiple people’s daily or weekly commutes.
Why is it better to commute?
Commuting is a personal choice that someone makes due to it being more beneficial for them.
What is cheaper, commute or pleasure insurance?
Many wonder “is car insurance cheaper for pleasure or work?”. Generally, it’s cheaper to get pleasure-use insurance than pay for commuter insurance. The difference between commute to work vs. pleasure insurance should be considered above the price alone. Pleasure/personal vs. commute car insurance will need to be determined by the vehicle owner before purchasing an insurance plan.
Does annual mileage affect car insurance?
Annual mileage can affect some insurance policies.
Typically, annual mileage for pleasure vehicles tends to be lower. If your pleasure vehicle mileage is extremely high due to work commute, it would be better to have a commuter insurance policy.
Pleasure cars usually have much lower mileage than commuting cars.
To determine your annual mileage, add up the time you spent driving in a week and multiply the number by 12. Then, consult an insurance agent to help you decide between commute or pleasure car insurance.
Is insurance for commute or pleasure more expensive?
Commuting insurance is usually more costly than pleasure insurance for a vehicle.
Is it cheaper to insure a car for business or pleasure?
Cars used for business purposes may have higher insurance premiums because they tend to be on the road more often and are thus at a higher risk for accidents.
On the other hand, cars primarily used for pleasure or personal use may have lower insurance premiums because they’re generally driven less frequently and are at a lower risk for accidents.
What is the difference between pleasure and commute on auto insurance?
So, what is the difference between commute and personal on insurance? The difference between these two terms lies in how the vehicle is primarily used:
- Pleasure use applies to vehicles that are primarily used for personal or leisure purposes.
- Commute use applies to vehicles that are regularly used for commuting to and from work or school.
What does pleasure mean on car insurance?
Pleasure use in car insurance refers to the type of usage the vehicle is primarily intended for, such as personal errands, leisure activities, or occasional driving for non-work-related purposes.
What is pleasure driving insurance?
The meaning of pleasure car insurance refers to auto insurance coverage for vehicles primarily used for personal or recreational purposes, as opposed to business or commercial use.
What is the definition of commuting for car insurance?
So, what does commuting by car mean? Commuting, in the context of car insurance, refers to the regular travel between your home and your primary place of work or education.
Does primary use of vehicle affect insurance?
Yes, the primary use of a vehicle can significantly affect insurance premiums and coverage options. Insurance premiums are often higher for vehicles used for business or commercial purposes compared to those used for personal use.
What is considered a commuter?
So, what is called a commuter? A commuter is someone who regularly travels between their home and their workplace or educational institution, typically on a daily basis.
What is an example of a commuter?
An example of a commuter would be someone who drives or takes public transportation to work each weekday morning and returns home in the evening.
Is commuting the same as travelling?
While commuting involves travel, it is not exactly the same as traveling. Commuting refers to the regular journey between home and work or school, usually for the purpose of employment or education. Traveling, on the other hand, usually happens either for business, leisure, exploration, or other reasons.
What is a commuter transport?
Commuter transport refers to transportation services and infrastructure designed to accommodate commuters and facilitate their daily journeys between home and work or school.
What is the difference between a traveller and a commuter?
A traveler may embark on a journey for various reasons, such as vacations, business trips, sightseeing, or visiting friends and family. A commuter, on the other hand, typically travels between home and work or school, often on a daily basis, for the purpose of employment or education.
What’s the pleasure use vs. commuter auto insurance cost?
On average, you will pay $11 less per year for a pleasure use car insurance policy than a commuter car insurance policy.
What’s Geico’s pleasure vs. commute car insurance cost?
Geico’s pleasure insurance costs about $128 per month while insurance for work – one-way commute averages $127 per month.
What is the cheapest vehicle use for insurance?
In general, pleasure use tends to be less expensive than other vehicle uses for insurance purposes.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Jeff Root
Licensed Insurance Agent
Jeff is a well-known speaker and expert in insurance and financial planning. He has spoken at top insurance conferences around the U.S., including the InsuranceNewsNet Super Conference, the 8% Nation Insurance Wealth Conference, and the Digital Life Insurance Agent Mastermind. He has been featured and quoted in Nerdwallet, Bloomberg, Forbes, U.S. News & Money, USA Today, and other leading fina...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.