What is low mileage car insurance?

Low mileage car insurance is specialist cover designed for drivers who use their cars less frequently or travel fewer miles annually.

Low mileage policies are typically offered as standard policies with discounts, but some insurers also provide pay-per-mile insurance, where premiums are calculated based on actual miles driven. This type of insurance is especially beneficial for occasional drivers or people who mainly use other modes of transport.

Is car insurance cheaper if you use your car less?

Car insurance can sometimes be cheaper if you drive less. If you are spending less time driving, you are seen as statistically less likely to make a claim. Insurers therefore view lower mileage drivers as a lower risk.

Many insurers factor mileage into their pricing, offering discounts for drivers who fall below certain thresholds. But mileage is just one aspect. The cost of car insurance premiums can vary depending on other factors too, including:

• Your age and driving history
  
  
• The type of car you drive
  
  
• The area you live in
  
  

For the most accurate quotes, it’s important to correctly report your mileage and avoid under or overestimating it.

What is classed as low mileage?

The definition of "low mileage" varies between insurers, but it generally refers to drivers who travel fewer than the average miles driven per car in the UK each year.

If you primarily use your car for short commutes, errands or occasional trips, you’re likely to qualify as a low-mileage driver and could be eligible for low mileage car insurance. Some insurers may also have specific thresholds for their discounts, so you’ll need to check this with them.

If you’re unsure about your annual mileage, a good way to estimate it is by checking your previous MOT certificates, which include the mileage recorded at each test. Also, your car’s service book should log the mileage from each service. These figures can help you calculate your average yearly mileage.

Who can get low mileage car insurance?

Low mileage car insurance is available to anyone who drives less frequently. For example:

• Retirees and seniors: Older drivers often drive fewer miles after retirement. Low mileage insurance for seniors can help reduce premiums while ensuring comprehensive coverage. For more information, read our over-50s car insurance guide.
  
  
• Remote workers: With the rise of remote work, many people no longer commute daily, making them eligible for lower mileage rates.
• Students: Students who only use their cars occasionally, such as driving home during holidays, can benefit from these policies.
  
  
• City livers: Urban residents who rely on public transport and only use their cars for weekend trips or emergencies.

How can I reduce my mileage?

Here are some practical tips on how you can reduce your mileage:

• Share rides with colleagues, friends or neighbours to cut down on daily driving.
  
  
• Choose buses, trains or trams for your commute.
  
  
• Combine multiple trips into a single trip to reduce unnecessary driving.
  
  
• For short distances, walking or cycling is a healthier and more eco-friendly alternative.
  
  
• Working from home may help reduce or eliminate your commuting mileage.

What do I need to get a quote?

To get a quote for low mileage car insurance, you’ll need the following information:

• Personal details: Name, age, address and occupation.
  
  
• Vehicle information: Make, model, year and any modifications.
  
  
• Annual mileage estimate: Be as accurate as possible when estimating your mileage. You may be asked for odometer readings as proof.
  
  
• Driving history: Details of your driving record, including accidents, claims or points on your licence.
  
  
• Intended usage: Specify whether the car is used for social, domestic or commuting.