Car Insurance Pleasure Driving: Explained Simply

Insurance companies generally define pleasure driving as cars that are only driven occasionally. Insurance companies vary in what annual milage counts as pleasure driving, but it is well under 10,000 miles per year.

How much is the use of car insurance for pleasure driving? Pleasure use car insurance is usually cheaper than car insurance coverage for a commuter car. If you have a pleasure vehicle, keep track of your trips and annual mileage to see if you qualify for cheaper rates.

Do you want cheaper car insurance rates? Read on to see if your use of your car qualifies for pleasure driving, how to find cheaper pleasure use rates and more. 

What is the use of car insurance for pleasure driving?

Pleasure driving is a use of cars only used for pleasure and not driven every day, such as driving around town on the weekend or going to the grocery store. Therefore, you likely won’t qualify for pleasure driving insurance rates if you drive your car to work or school every day. 

If, for example, you only drive your car a few days a week, this generally counts as pleasure driving as you will probably only incur low mileage. However, if you drive more than a few days a week, you likely won’t qualify for pleasure driving rates. 

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How is pleasure use for car insurance calculated? 

Insurance companies vary in how each calculates pleasure driving versus commute driving, but it is generally determined by your mileage and driving habits. 

The average driver drives around 13,000 miles a year, which is well over 1,000 miles a month. Therefore, you must drive significantly less than this to get a pleasure driving rate. For the most part, insurance companies will give a discount for pleasure driving if you drive less than 7,000 miles, although some insurers require lower mileage. 

Driving habits, such as defensive driving, are also important. Insurance companies want to know what you are using your car for, regardless of mileage. For example, if you drive to work, you usually drive during rush hours, when crashes are more likely to happen. On the other hand, if you use your car to run errands during the day when there is less traffic, there is less of a chance you’ll get into a fender bender. 

How to Find Pleasure Driving Insurance 

The best way to find pleasure driving insurance is to shop around for quotes. Because some insurance companies have a higher annual mileage to qualify for a pleasure driving discount, you may find cheaper rates at that insurance company than an insurance company with a lower annual mileage requirement. 

Even if you don’t get a pleasure driving discount, shopping around can still allow you to save on car insurance. You can also consider usage-based auto insurance programs that calculate how much you drive to determine rates. Often, they involve downloading an app or installing a device in your car, and they then track your driving behaviors and distance. 

You can always call and speak with the insurance company you’re interested in if you have questions. A representative can help you determine what rates your annual usage qualifies for. 

How to Lower Annual Mileage for Car Insurance

If you want to qualify for a pleasure driving rate, there are a few things you can do to reduce your annual mileage. Consider these tips to keep your mileage from affecting your car insurance.

• Plan your route. Avoid making multiple trips and be as efficient as possible. For example, visiting various stores in an area on a single trip instead of driving back and forth on numerous trips can help cut your mileage. 

• Carpool with others. Carpooling with friends to work and other longer trips can help reduce your mileage. 
• Take other transportation. Using other transportation methods, from walking to riding a bus, can reduce your dependency on a car. Generally, this is easier if you live in a city, compared to a rural area. 

The lower your mileage, the likelier you are to earn a pleasure driving discount.

Read more: Does car insurance cover carpooling?

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Case Studies: Illustrating Car Insurance for Pleasure Driving

Case Study 1: Low Mileage Discount

John is a retiree who owns a classic car that he enjoys driving on weekends and for occasional outings. He rarely uses his car for commuting or running errands. With an annual mileage of approximately 3,000 miles, he falls well below the average annual mileage of 13,000 miles.

John qualifies for a pleasure driving discount due to his low mileage, which significantly lowers his car insurance rates compared to those for daily commuting.

Case Study 2: Commute vs. Pleasure Driving

Sarah lives in a suburban area and works in the city. She drives her car to work every day, covering an average of 15,000 miles per year. However, on weekends, Sarah only uses her car for leisurely activities, such as going to the movies or visiting friends.

While Sarah enjoys pleasure driving during her free time, her high annual mileage disqualifies her from receiving pleasure driving insurance rates. Instead, she pays higher rates for a commuter car due to the increased risk associated with frequent driving.

Case Study 3: Defensive Driving Habits

Mark is a cautious driver who consistently follows traffic rules and maintains a defensive driving approach. He primarily uses his car for pleasure driving, such as short trips to nearby parks and recreational activities.

Despite having an annual mileage slightly above the 7,000-mile threshold, Mark qualifies for pleasure driving rates due to his safe driving habits. Insurance companies consider his responsible driving behavior as a factor in determining the risk associated with pleasure driving, leading to more favorable insurance rates.

The Final Word on Pleasure Driving and Car Insurance 

If you don’t drive your car often, you may be able to find cheaper insurance based on your mileage. However, even if you don’t qualify for the use of car insurance for pleasure driving rates, there are still ways to save. One of the best ways to find cheaper car insurance is to shop around and get insurance quotes from multiple providers in your area.

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