Owning a car that you don’t drive often—whether it’s a weekend cruiser, a secondary vehicle, or a car used primarily for errands, can mean you’re paying more than you need to for insurance. Many drivers with low-use vehicles don’t realize there are effective ways to reduce premiums without sacrificing essential protection.
At AimPro Insurance, we specialize in helping you find the “sweet spot” where your coverage meets your actual lifestyle. If your car spends more time in the garage than on the interstate, here is how you can lower your costs.
What Counts as a Low-Use Vehicle?
Insurance companies generally classify a vehicle as “low-use” if it is driven significantly less than the average 12,000 miles per year. Common examples include:
- Secondary Vehicles: A car used only when the primary vehicle is unavailable.
- Classic or Hobby Cars: Vintage vehicles driven only for shows or weekend pleasure.
- Commuter Alternatives: Cars owned by those who primarily use public transit or work from home.
- Seasonal Vehicles: Convertibles or sports cars that stay parked during winter months.
6 Ways to Save Without “Pay-Per-Mile” Tracking
You don’t need a tracking device or a “pay-per-mile” plan to save money. Most traditional carriers offer several levers to lower premiums for infrequent drivers.
- Qualify for the “Low-Mileage” Tier
Most traditional insurance applications ask for an estimate of your annual mileage. Many carriers have specific “brackets” (e.g., under 5,000 or 7,500 miles) that trigger automatic discounts. By providing an accurate, lower estimate, you ensure you aren’t being rated as a heavy commuter. - Strategic Deductible Adjustments
If you rarely drive, your statistical “per-mile” risk of an accident is lower. You may find it cost-effective to increase your Collision or Comprehensive deductibles. By taking on a bit more responsibility for minor repairs, you can significantly lower your fixed monthly or annual premium. - Review “Commute” vs. “Pleasure” Status
Insurers categorize how you use your vehicle. If your car is no longer used for a daily drive to an office, ensure it is rated for “Pleasure Use.” This simple administrative change can result in a lower rate compared to a vehicle used for a 20-mile daily commute. - Suspend Specific Coverages During Storage
If you have a vehicle that sits for months at a time (like a summer convertible), ask about “Storage Coverage.” In many cases, you can temporarily suspend Liability and Collision coverage while keeping Comprehensive coverage active to protect against theft, fire, or falling objects while the car is parked. - Leverage Multi-Policy Bundling
The most effective way to save on a low-use vehicle is often by bundling it with your primary auto policy or your home insurance. AimPro Insurance can help you find carriers that offer deep multi-car and multi-policy discounts, which often provide more savings than specialized niche plans. - Maintain a Clean Driving Record
Even if you drive less, a clean driving record demonstrates low risk to insurers. Avoid traffic violations and accidents to keep your premium low, especially when insurers check your history during renewal.
Why Work with AimPro Insurance?
We know that a “one-size-fits-all” approach doesn’t work for every garage. Our team takes the time to look at your entire “insurance picture.” We partner with top-rated traditional carriers to find the best discounts for your specific driving habits.
Ready to see if you’re overpaying? Contact us today or call (602) 494-2737. We’ll review your current mileage and usage to ensure your policy is as efficient as possible.
