Do you have to buy car insurance if you only drive occasionally?

If you only drive occasionally, do you still have to buy car insurance? There are many reasons that a person may only drive from time to time.

• Age – One reason is that they are a new driver, such as a teen, whose parents won’t let them drive regularly until they get some experience (and age) under their belt.
• Location – Another common reason that someone might only drive occasionally is that they live close to everything: work, shopping, entertainment and so on.
• Public transportation access – Urban dwellers that live near public transportation may only use vehicles for vacations or occasional out of town business. There is a saying that only crazy people drive their own vehicles in the city.
• Medical limitations  – There are also those folks who can only drive at certain times of the day or in limited quantities due to medical issues. These vehicles sit in the driveway for the majority of the time.
• Work at home – Lastly, you have those lucky individuals who work from home. Many of these people don’t have to even meet with clients; they do everything via computer or the telephone, only getting out for recreational purposes or to run errands and so on.

Even in these situations, you are required to have auto insurance if you own a vehicle. In pretty much every state in the U.S., you must purchase auto insurance (or show proof of financial responsibility to the state) if you are going to drive — even if you don’t drive that often.Read on to learn some more details on why you have to purchase auto insurance even if you only drive occasionally and then enter your zip above to get started comparing car insurance rates online!

Infrequent Drivers STILL Need Auto Insurance

With so many different types of people using their cars for such short periods of time, the question is often raised as to whether they need auto insurance if they only drive occasionally.

The short answer to this question is yes, no matter how much you drive, if you own a car you have to have it insured.

If you want some details, read on and learn exactly why it is so important that you have appropriate coverage on your vehicle, even if you only drive once in a while.

Why You Need Auto Insurance No Matter What

There are two reasons that you need auto insurance, no matter how much you drive.

• The law – It doesn’t change or bend for occasional drivers. Your state has certain requirements for a registered vehicle and if you don’t meet them then you will have to face the consequences.
  • In some states, this could mean losing your license, registration and paying a fine.
  • In other states, you could lose your license, registration, pay a fine, and have your vehicle impounded until you purchase insurance for it.
  • In more severe states, you might face losing your license and registration, paying a fine, having your vehicle impounded and jail time as well. Those are some pretty serious consequences.
• Risk – Regardless of how little you drive, every time you get into your vehicle you are risking an auto accident. Here is the bottom line: no matter how careful you are, accidents happen. If you’re involved in an accident, the police will demand to see your proof of insurance regardless of whose fault it is.

Many states have a policy of proof on demand for auto insurance. What this means is that at any time a police officer can pull you over, and can demand that you show proof of insurance.You don’t have to be breaking the law for this to occur and you don’t have to be exhibiting suspicious behavior.If you are pulled over and you don’t have proof of insurance, then the police officer can force you to get out of your car and walk home. This is not a common occurrence, but you just need to be aware of the possibilities.Because every state is different, you should visit the National Association of Insurance Commissioners website to see specifics for your state.

The Coverage an Occasional Driver Needs

Now that you understand why you need coverage, you should determine just how much coverage you need. Here are some tips to help you find the best coverage to fit your needs:

• Financed vehicle demands extra coverage – As with any type of vehicle, if your car or truck is financed then you are going to have to have comprehensive and collision coverage in addition to your state-required minimum.
• Talk to your agent – You can, however, save some money on your premiums by explaining to your agent just how much you drive your vehicle.
  • There are several levels of drivers from what is considered recreational driving (less than 10 miles a week for most companies) to excessive or work driving (more than 150 miles a week). Typically, insurance companies recognize four to five tiers of driving levels but, as this can vary, you should check your insurance company’s policy.
  • In most cases, you can see a reduction of $200 or more dollars a year on your auto insurance for recreational driving.
• Consider lower coverage – If your vehicle isn’t financed, then you are in a position to save a great deal of money on your premiums.
  • Rather than comprehensive and collision insurance, you may want to consider maintaining the state’s minimums and collision insurance.
  • If you don’t have a garage to keep your vehicle in, you may want to keep a small comprehensive policy with a high deductible just in case someone steals your car or it’s vandalized, but the choice is yours.

Again, letting your insurance company know how many miles you drive a week will help to reduce your premiums.

Choosing the Right Car Insurance Company

If you already have auto insurance and you love your company, then you may feel that this section isn’t for you. Wrong!First of all, auto insurance rates typically change from year to year. This isn’t just based on your driving history, but also on what the Department of Insurance for each state determines is an acceptable base to start from for insurance.

What this means for you is that you could find a rate several hundred dollars less than what you are currently paying.

In addition, you may find that market rates have gone up, but as an established customer you aren’t seeing an increase in your premiums. It’s recommended that all drivers compare their auto insurance rates every six months or at least once a year.Also, read independent reviews about the different auto insurance companies before you make a choice. You will learn things like customer satisfaction rates and how easy their websites are to use.Many people think they are getting a good rate or that they are happy with the company they are with so they don’t mind paying a bit more, that is until they use a car insurance rate quote tool.Imagine finding out that you are spending $30 to $40 a month extra in premiums because you like the company you are with. The quote tool is free, it is easy to use and you are under no obligation to make a purchase. Why not try it out now?

1. https://www.apta.com/research-technical-resources/
2. https://dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/license-restrictions-medical-conditions
3. https://www.flickr.com/photos/monkeymashbutton/13928639742/sizes/h/
4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proof_of_insurance
5. https://content.naic.org/indexstate_web_map.htm
6. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/have-low-mileage-you-may_b_7338458
7. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-deadly-math-behind-rising-auto-insurance-rates/
8. https://content.naic.org/indexstate_web_map.htm

Case Studies: Car Insurance for Occasional Drivers

Case Study 1: Seasonal Vehicle Usage

John, a car owner who only uses his vehicle during specific seasons, such as for recreational purposes or during the summer months, wonders if he needs to purchase car insurance year-round. Given the limited usage, John questions whether he can opt for insurance coverage that aligns with the specific periods he drives his vehicle.

Case Study 2: Car-Sharing or Rental Services

Sarah, an individual who relies on car-sharing or rental services when occasional transportation is needed, wonders if she needs to obtain her own personal car insurance. Since the car-sharing or rental service provides insurance coverage, Sarah seeks clarification on whether additional coverage is necessary.

Case Study 3: Borrowing Vehicles

Mike, an individual who borrows vehicles from friends or family on an occasional basis, wonders if he needs to have his own car insurance. Since the vehicle owners already have insurance coverage, Mike questions whether he can rely on their coverage while driving their vehicles.

Case Study 4: Occasional Usage With Low Mileage

Samantha, a vehicle owner who only drives her car occasionally and has low annual mileage, wonders if she can obtain specialized insurance coverage that reflects her limited usage. Samantha wants to explore insurance options that align with her occasional driving patterns and low mileage.