Why do you pay more for insurance coverage if you drive a lot?

Asked by: Sigurd Halvorson DDS  |  Last update: April 10, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (71 votes)

It's pretty simple: the more you drive, the more opportunity there is to get in an accident. Let your car insurance company know if your lifestyle changes and you're driving less, because you may be eligible for lower rates.

Why do you pay more for insurance if you drive a lot?

Drivers who clock more miles than the average — about 12,000 miles per year — pay more for car insurance because of the heightened risk of being on the road more often than a low-mileage driver. The odds of a high-mileage driver getting into an accident are higher.

Does car insurance cost more with more drivers?

Yes. As long as all drivers are listed on the policy and someone pays the bills, you shouldn't have a problem sharing car insurance with multiple drivers. Your monthly premium will reflect the added risk of multiple drivers using one vehicle — so you'll most likely pay more than you would for a single-driver policy.

Can you get cheaper insurance if you don't drive much?

But here's the good news: If you're a low-mileage driver, you're probably eligible for lower insurance rates. Insurance companies often see less driving as less risk, which can mean savings for you.

Is $200 a month for car insurance bad?

Is $200 a lot for car insurance? Paying $200 per month is a little higher than average for car insurance. Nine states have average rates for full coverage that are higher than $200 per month, and no state has average rates that high for minimum coverage.

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Why did my car insurance go up $500?

More severe and frequent car accidents

Vehicles head east on a Los Angeles freeway during the evening rush hour commute on April 12, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. That has led to an increase in claims that is well above historical averages because of their severity, according to LexisNexis Risk Solutions data.

How to get a lower car insurance rate?

If you're wondering how to get a lower car insurance rate, use these methods for lowering your premium:
  1. Qualify for insurance discounts. ...
  2. Increase your deductible. ...
  3. Reduce your coverage. ...
  4. Compare rates. ...
  5. Try usage-based insurance. ...
  6. Take a defensive driving course. ...
  7. Get a car that's cheaper to insure.

Do I need to insure a car before I drive it off the lot?

Confirm your car insurance policy before buying a new car

In most states you need insurance to legally drive on the road. That means you'll need to be insured before you can legally drive your new vehicle off the lot. Some dealerships may require it, too.

What mileage is the cheapest for insurance?

In general, you'll see the most savings if you drive less than 5,000 miles annually. According to Insure.com, someone who drives 10,000 miles annually will pay 4% less than someone who drives 12,000 miles. Driving 7,500 miles annually could reduce your premiums 10% compared with driving 10,000 miles.

How can a driver reduce their insurance costs?

Ask for higher deductibles

Deductibles are what you pay before your insurance policy kicks in. By requesting higher deductibles, you can lower your costs substantially. For example, increasing your deductible from $200 to $500 could reduce your collision and comprehensive coverage cost by 15 to 30 percent.

Why did my insurance go up when I added a driver?

Adding a driver to your car insurance can increase your premium. Younger and less experienced drivers usually have higher premiums and can increase your premiums, while a clean driving record can help keep costs down.

What happens if I don't add my teenager to my car insurance?

Failing to add your teenager to your auto insurance can lead to coverage denial, legal penalties and policy cancellation. Lack of driving experience and perceived higher risk contribute to higher car premiums for teen drivers.

Why is my car insurance so high with a clean record?

The simple answer is that more factors go into the cost of car insurance than just your driving record. Your age, credit score, location, and more can all potentially influence what you end up paying for car insurance coverage, no matter how clean your driving record is.

Who normally has the cheapest car insurance?

Geico, Nationwide and Travelers are among the least expensive for car insurance. Americans are paying a lot for car insurance these days: Average annual rates for a full coverage policy are up to $2,638 per year, while minimum coverage averages $767 per year.

Does credit score affect car insurance?

How credit-based insurance scores work. Most U.S. insurance companies use credit-based insurance scores along with your driving history, claims history and many other factors to establish eligibility for payment plans and to help determine insurance rates. Again, except in California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts.

Why did my car insurance go up $100?

Reasons that might make car insurance rates go up

Common among them are speeding tickets, DUIs, credit and moving violations. But beyond that, insurers also consider specific risks like the rates of accidents, vandalism and theft in your area, which result in higher claim rates.

Does your car insurance go up if you drive more?

From California to New York, all states have varying car insurance rates because insurance companies look at geographic factors such as crime rate, number of auto accidents, and weather conditions to determine your premium. Miles You Drive: The more you drive, the more likely you will get into an accident.

What is considered high mileage for insurance?

If you drive a lot, insurance companies will charge you higher premiums because they're taking on more risk. Generally, anything over the U.S. average annual mileage (roughly 14,000 miles) is considered high and will result in a rate hike.

Can your insurance go up because of mileage?

Insurers often ask how many miles you drive. The more miles you drive, the higher your rate could be.

Can I drop insurance on a car I don't drive?

Depending on your state's rules and insurer, you may be able to pause your car insurance if you won't be driving for an extended period. If putting a pause on your car insurance isn't possible, you can reduce your coverages or cancel your policy for the time you don't need it.

Can you drive a car off the lot without financing?

NEVER DRIVE OFF THE DEALER'S LOT WITHOUT WRITTEN ASSURANCE OF LOAN OR LEASE APPROVAL. Buying a new car is an exciting experience, but it can quickly turn sour if you drive away without ensuring your loan or lease approval.

How much will my insurance go up with a new car?

Your premium is based on a number of factors that vary from person to person. These include your car's age, make and model, your driving record and, in some states, your age, gender and credit history. Because of this, it's impossible to say exactly how much your insurance will increase with a new car.

What are 3 factors that lower your cost for car insurance?

Here are some ways to save on car insurance1
  • Increase your deductible.
  • Check for discounts you qualify for.
  • Compare auto insurance quotes.
  • Maintain a good driving record.
  • Participate in a safe driving program.
  • Take a defensive driving course.
  • Explore payment options.
  • Improve your credit score.

At what point should you drop full coverage on your car?

Your vehicle holds a low value: As with collision, consider dropping comprehensive coverage if your vehicle's market value is lower than a few thousand dollars. Figure in your deductible as well and the potential insurance payout may not be worth the price of the coverage.

What age does car insurance go down?

Both male and female drivers see the biggest drop in average annual car insurance premiums between the ages of 18 and 19. This is because younger drivers are seen by most auto insurance companies as riskier to insure due to their overall inexperience behind the wheel.