Top Direct Car Insurance Pennsylvania to Get With Full Coverage for Occasional, Infrequent Drivers

Finding affordable car insurance when you only drive occasionally can be a challenge. Most standard policies base rates on the assumption of daily driving and annual mileage of 10,000-15,000 miles or more. This puts infrequent drivers at a disadvantage.

Fortunately, many top insurers now offer usage-based discounts and policies to accommodate lower mileage drivers. This allows customizing coverages and rates to match actual driving habits.

Best 5 Car Insurance Companies in Pennsylvania

• State Farm : Offers competitive rates and quotes online for full coverage and cheap car insurance, ideal for new and young drivers.
• GEICO : Known for providing cheap car insurance quotes and low rates for full coverage, accessible online and near Pennsylvania residents.
• Allstate : Provides a range of car insurance options with no deposit required, tailored to new and experienced drivers seeking the best coverage.
• Country Financial : Offers personalized car insurance quotes and services, ensuring full coverage for young and mature drivers at competitive rates.
• Liberty Mutual : Delivers some of the best car insurance policies for new drivers and those looking for online quotes and affordable full coverage options.

We've compared leading insurers on policy options, rates, and service quality, specifically for occasional and infrequent drivers in Pennsylvania. Read on for an in-depth guide to help you make the right choice.

What is Considered an Occasional or Infrequent Driver?

Insurance companies define occasional and infrequent drivers differently. Typically, it means driving:

• Fewer than 5,000-7,500 miles per year
• Less than 3-4 days per week on average
• Less than 180 days total over a 6-12 month policy term

The exact thresholds to qualify for low mileage discounts vary by insurer. But driving patterns like these generally fall under "occasional use":

• Commuting to work just 1-2 days per week
• Only using a car on weekends
• Driving only for errands once or twice a week
• Having a car in college, you rarely use
• Owning a classic or collectible car driven infrequently

Retirees, people who primarily bike/walk/take public transit, and those with long daily commutes using company vehicles also often fall into the "occasional driver" category.

Benefits of Usage-Based Car Insurance

Infrequent drivers have unique insurance needs compared to everyday commuters. Usage-based insurance offerings from leading insurers like State Farm, GEICO, Allstate, and others aim to address these differences.

Key benefits include:

• Lower Rates -?By accurately reporting and verifying actual mileage and days driven, occasional drivers pay only for the coverage needed for their limited usage. This keeps rates as low as possible compared to rates based on industry-standard 12,000 miles per-year assumptions.
• Flexible Options -?Policies allow adjusting coverages up and down as driving habits change. Add or reduce liability limits, collision/comprehensive deductibles, uninsured motorist protection, and more to customize protection and pricing.
• No Penalties -?You won't be penalized for underestimating or overestimating mileage if adjustments are reported accurately throughout a policy term. Rates change proportionally with usage.
• Simple Enrollment -?Enrolling in low-mileage programs is usually straightforward when starting a new policy. No extra steps are required beyond reporting estimated annual mileage.
• Convenient Discounts -?Even insurers without specific low mileage programs offer hefty discounts of up to 30% for driving under 5,000-7,500 miles per year. Just report estimated mileage when obtaining quotes. Re-confirm details at renewal.

For Pennsylvania drivers who only use vehicles occasionally throughout the year, usage-based insurance brings welcome rate relief and flexibility. Make sure to compare all available options.

Factors That Impact Car Insurance Rates

In addition to mileage, insurers weigh many other risk factors when pricing policies:

• Driving Record -?Recent accidents, speeding tickets, DUIs, and other violations raise rates substantially. Occasional drivers with clean records save the most.
• Credit History -?Better credit correlates with lower claim risk. Regularly monitoring and improving your score can help lower premiums.
• Vehicle Type -?Insuring luxury cars, sports cars, and large SUVs that cost more to repair and are targeted for theft comes with higher rates.
• Location -?Urban areas with more accidents, crime, and traffic cost more to insure than rural and suburban regions.
• Age -?Teen and elderly drivers tend to have higher loss ratios, while middle-aged policyholders see lower rates. Experience reduces risk.
• Gender -?Statistically, young male drivers get in more accidents than females. Gender pricing differences reduce with age.
• Marital Status -?Data shows married policyholders tend to file fewer claims than single households.
• Coverage Limits -?Higher liability, medical payouts, uninsured driver protection, and comprehensive/collision deductibles raise premiums.
• Deductibles -?Choosing a higher deductible amount lowers rates but increases out-of-pocket costs per claim.
• Discounts -?Taking defensive driving courses, maintaining good student status, insuring multiple cars or a home, and more can qualify for discounts to reduce premiums.

While you can't control demographic factors, comparing usage-based policies with other discounts and adjustments provides the optimal value for infrequent Pennsylvania drivers.

Usage-Based Programs in Pennsylvania from Top Insurers

Now, let's examine some of the specific low-mileage insurance options available from leading insurers in the state.

State Farm

State Farm is Pennsylvania's #1 personal auto insurer with over 18% market share. They offer a "Low Mileage Discount" for drivers estimating they'll drive less than 7,500 miles annually. You can receive up to 30% off premiums.

State Farm also has an "Occasional Use" program ideal for low-mileage drivers piloting less than 3,000 miles annually. Just verify the number of days driven on their mobile app whenever you use your vehicle. Rates adjust based on recorded usage.

As an established national carrier, State Farm provides Pennsylvania policyholders with top-notch customer service, extensive agent support, and efficient claims processing. The tradeoff is rates may run slightly higher than some competitors.

GEICO

GEICO insures over 7% of Pennsylvania drivers. Their "Mileage Discount" provides up to a 30% discount for under 7,500 miles and a 45% discount for under 5,000 miles per year.

They also offer a "GEICO Adjustable Rate" usage-based program allowing even more precise rate customization based on estimated and actual mileage. You can request mileage estimate changes anytime without penalty.

GEICO can offer highly competitive rates thanks to its direct sales model and advanced data analytics capabilities. Policyholders also benefit from 24/7 mobile and online account access. However, in-person agent support is limited.

Allstate

With a 6% market share in Pennsylvania, Allstate provides strong coverage options for occasional drivers. Signing up for their "Pay Per Mile" program installs a small telematics device to record actual mileage driven, with monthly rates adjusted based on usage.

You can also get 5-10% discounts by self-reporting under 7,500 estimated annual miles on their standard policy. Allstate customers benefit from knowledgeable local agents and financial strength as the third-largest U.S. personal insurer. But telematics may appeal to only some drivers concerned about data privacy.

Country Financial

Country Financial , the no.4 player in PA, offers a "Snapshot" plug-in usage-based program to customize rates based on driving habits. You can try it risk-free for 30 days. Their standard policy also includes a low-mileage discount of up to 20% for driving under 7,500 miles annually.

An easy quoting process, good mobile apps, and many discounts make Country Financial appealing to infrequent drivers who don't necessarily need an agent relationship. However, financial ratings are lower than some competitors.

Liberty Mutual

Liberty Mutual offers a "Driving Habits" program nationwide in Pennsylvania that adjusts rates based on driving behavior metrics recorded by linking your smartphone. Their standard policy includes 10% discounts for estimating under 5,000 miles.

Liberty Mutual boasts strong financial backing and widespread coverage. However, satisfaction and service ratings have room for improvement vs. competitors. Their telematics option also requires carrying an additional device.

Erie Insurance

Regional insurer Erie Insurance serves over 3% of Pennsylvania auto policies. They offer a "Low Mileage Discount" for under 7,000 annual miles and a "Per-Mile Rate" usage-based program measuring actual miles driven to derive premium costs.

Erie enjoys excellent financial strength ratings and high marks for claims service. Costs may be higher than national players, but local agent relationships bring a more personalized touch.

The Hartford

Hartford rounds out the top 10 insurers in PA with over 2% market share. They offer a "True Mileage" app to record actual miles driven in return for discounted rates. Low mileage discounts are also available by self-reporting under specific thresholds on their standard policies.

National scale and good financial strength ratings are positives for The Hartford. However, rates and claims satisfaction rankings are middling compared to competitors. However, frequent usage-based discounts may offset these drawbacks for occasionally driving customers.

Other Pennsylvania Car Insurance Options

Several smaller regional and national companies like Travelers, Nationwide, USAA (for military members), and more also operate in Pennsylvania. Most offer low mileage discounts you can inquire about if you don't prefer one of the largest insurers.

Local agents from national brokerages like Unland and Stillman Insurance represent multiple insurers to shop and compare usage-based rates on your behalf.

Pennsylvania Minimum Coverage Requirements

Note that to operate a vehicle in PA legally, you must carry at least these liability coverage minimums:

• $15,000 bodily injury per person
• $30,000 bodily injury per accident
• $5,000 property damage

Occasional drivers with assets at risk should strongly consider exceeding these minimums, which may not fully cover major accident costs. Collision and comprehensive coverage are smart additions to protect your vehicle investment despite higher premium costs.

Comparing Car Insurance Quotes

Because each insurer uses proprietary methods to evaluate risk factors and price policies, premiums can vary widely for the same driver. That's why comparison shopping is crucial to find the best rates.

Follow these steps to compare usage-based quotes and maximize savings:

1. Determine your average annual mileage

To estimate annual miles driven, document your odometer readings over the last 6-12 months. Every 1,000 miles less can save up to $100 per year with some insurers.

2. Ask about all available discounts

Inquire about low mileage, safe driving, good student, anti-theft devices, paperless billing, and other discounts to save the most.

3. Adjust coverage limits and deductibles

Boost liability and uninsured driver limits for better protection while raising deductibles to cut costs. Find the optimal balance for your situation.

4. Compare quotes from at least five insurers

Check rates from both national direct and local agency companies. Independent agents can provide quick multi-carrier quotes.

5. Re-evaluate at renewal

Many usage-based discounts require re-submitting updated mileage estimates and driving history at renewal to maintain discounted pricing.

6. Review policy changes if your driving increases

Notify your insurer if you must drive more regularly to avoid insurance gaps. Usage-based policies make adjustments seamless.

With some legwork, Pennsylvania's top usage-based programs can save occasional drivers up to 50% off standard rates while providing flexible coverage and great service.

Usage-Based Insurance FAQs

How do insurers verify annual mileage for discounts?

For self-reported mileage discounts, insurers rely on honest estimates provided by policyholders. However, they may request odometer readings and maintenance records to confirm details if claims arise. Telematics programs actively monitor driving metrics for more precision.

Can I adjust mileage mid-term if my driving changes?

Yes, most usage-based programs allow hassle-free mileage estimate changes mid-policy. Rates are then adjusted up or down proportionally. Just report accurate, updated estimates.

How long do I need to keep low mileage limits?

Discounts based on mileage estimates typically apply for full 6-month or 12-month policy terms before renewal. Telematics rates adjust monthly based on actual usage.

Will my rate automatically go up after the first term?

Not necessarily. Discounts should continue at renewal if you re-verify that your mileage qualifies for the same lower usage tier. There are no short-term teaser rates.

If I exceed the estimated mileage, will I have to pay back the discount?

No, the insurer adjusts your rate higher at renewal based on the increased estimated mileage for the next term. There are no retroactive penalties or take-backs.

Can I switch back and forth between usage-based discounts and a standard policy?

Yes, you can change between low mileage discounts, telematics programs, and standard policies at renewal or when starting a new policy term.

Will my insurance cover infrequent, irregular usage?

Yes, you'll remain fully covered for liability, collision, comprehensive, medical payments, and other protections during all occasional usage that falls within your disclosed driving habits and mileage estimates.

Does low mileage use increase or reduce risk?

Driving less usually lowers risk exposure from accidents and claims. However, more frequent usage of unreliable vehicles can increase breakdown risks. Insurers account for both factors in rates and underwriting.

Key Takeaways:

• Comparison shop usage-based policies to maximize savings for driving less than 7,500 miles/year.
• Inquire about all applicable discounts beyond just mileage to lower premiums.
• Adjust liability limits, deductibles, and other coverages to optimize pricing.
• Usage-based insurance allows hassle-free adjustments if driving needs to change.
• Telematics programs precisely tie rates to actual mileage and habits
• Still, maintain adequate coverage minimums and extras like collision for protection

The Bottom Line

Occasional and infrequent Pennsylvania drivers deserve insurance rates matching their behind-the-wheel habits. The innovative usage-based insurance programs from top insurers finally make this possible.

Drivers logging under 5,000-7,500 miles annually stand to save hundreds of dollars per year on premiums while still securing comprehensive protection. Make sure to ask every prospective insurer about discounts available for low mileage. Comparison shopping also ensures finding the best fit for your needs at the lowest price.

With Pennsylvania's competitive car insurance market and focus on flexible usage-based options, there's never been a better time to pay only for the coverage you truly require.

Disclaimer:?The reviewed car insurance products are stand-alone services, and we have no direct involvement in their quotes or influence over rates and terms. Requesting a car insurance quote does not guarantee approval, and some products may perform other checks. Some car insurance products may only be available in some states. This article provides general information, and although we strive for accuracy, we are not liable for errors or omissions. Some links may be affiliate links; we may earn commissions if clicked. Verify information independently and seek professional advice before making decisions; use of this article implies acceptance of these terms.