The morning sun streams through your window. It’s Saturday. The workweek’s grind is a fading memory, and the open road—or at least the road to the farmer’s market, your friend’s BBQ, or a hiking trail—calls your name. For millions of Americans, the car is no longer a daily commute machine; it’s a weekend liberation device. You are part of a growing tribe: the Weekend Driver.
This shift isn't just a lifestyle choice; it's a movement fueled by remote work, environmental consciousness, and the rising cost of vehicle ownership. Yet, when you open your mailbox, you might still find the same generic car insurance bill as your neighbor who battles rush hour traffic every single day. This is a financial disconnect. Why pay a premium designed for high-mileage, high-risk daily driving when your car spends most of its life parked? The good news is that the insurance world is finally catching up. Finding the best insurance for people who only drive on weekends is not just about saving money—it’s about paying for what you actually use.
Insurance companies calculate risk. The less you drive, the lower your statistical risk of being in an accident. It’s that simple. By driving primarily on weekends, you are automatically a safer bet in the eyes of an insurer. This is your leverage. Let’s break down the modern phenomena making weekend driving the new normal.
The post-pandemic world has fundamentally altered our relationship with the office. With a significant portion of the workforce now working from home either fully or hybrid, the daily commute has been erased for many. This isn't a minor adjustment; it's a seismic shift in driving patterns. A car that once logged 15,000 miles a year might now only see 5,000. This dramatic reduction in mileage is the single most important factor you can use to lower your premiums. When you apply for a new policy or review your existing one, declaring your remote work status is no longer a niche detail—it’s a primary rating factor that can unlock substantial discounts.
It's crucial to distinguish yourself from another modern driver: the gig economy worker. While you are driving less, someone using their car for food delivery or ride-sharing is driving more, and in more congested areas. Insurance companies view these activities as commercial use, which carries a much higher risk profile and requires a specific (and more expensive) type of policy. Your weekend-only driving for personal errands and leisure is at the opposite end of the risk spectrum. Make sure your insurer knows you are not engaging in commercial activities.
Not all insurance policies are created equal. The standard "one-size-fits-all" policy is often a poor fit for the weekend driver. Here are the key types of coverage and specific policies you should be asking about.
This is arguably the most innovative and logical solution for the low-mileage driver. Companies like Metromile and Allstate’s Milewise have pioneered this model. Here’s how it works:
For a weekend driver who might only drive 50-100 miles per week, the savings can be significant. You are literally paying for insurance by the mile. If your car sits in the garage during a busy workweek, you don’t pay for those days. It directly aligns your cost with your risk.
Often confused with pay-per-mile, UBI (also known as telematics) focuses more on how you drive rather than just how much. Programs like Progressive’s Snapshot, State Farm’s Drive Safe & Save, or Nationwide’s SmartMiles use similar technology to monitor your driving habits. They look for:
As a weekend driver who likely avoids late-night trips and rush-hour traffic, you are in an excellent position to excel in these programs. A clean driving report over a short monitoring period can lead to a hefty discount on your premium.
Even if you don't opt for a high-tech pay-per-mile or UBI plan, almost every traditional insurer offers a straightforward low-mileage discount. You typically self-report your estimated annual mileage. If you drive fewer than 7,500 or 5,000 miles a year, you could be eligible. The key is to be accurate and proactive. Don't just accept the default mileage assumption on your renewal notice.
Saving money isn't just about finding the cheapest policy; it's about having the right coverage. Your unique status as a weekend driver should influence your coverage choices.
While you drive less, the potential financial devastation of a serious at-fault accident is the same. If you cause an accident on your way to a Saturday brunch, you could be liable for the other party's medical bills and vehicle repairs. State minimums for liability are often dangerously low. It is highly recommended to carry high liability limits—think 100/300/100 ($100,000 per person, $300,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $100,000 for property damage) or more. The cost to increase these limits is usually minimal compared to the financial protection it offers.
Since your car spends a lot of time parked, it’s exposed to a different set of risks: hail damage, a tree branch falling on it, vandalism, or theft. Comprehensive coverage is what protects you from these non-collision events. For a weekend driver, this part of your policy becomes relatively more important. Given that your car is stationary and safe for most of the week, you might feel this coverage is essential for peace of mind.
Collision coverage pays for damage to your own car after an accident. Since your overall risk is lower, you might consider a higher deductible. Opting for a $1,000 deductible instead of a $500 one can lower your premium. This is a calculated risk: you're betting that the premium savings over time will outweigh the higher out-of-pocket cost if you have an accident. For a newer or more valuable car, this coverage is still crucial.
Where your car "lives" during the week matters immensely. Parking in a secure garage significantly reduces the risk of theft, vandalism, and weather-related damage compared to street parking. Be sure to tell your insurance company if you have access to a garage, as this can also lead to a small but welcome discount.
Ready to stop overpaying? Follow this step-by-step guide.
Pull out your current insurance documents. What is your stated annual mileage? Is it accurate? Track your actual driving for a month and extrapolate it. Note your coverage types, limits, and deductibles. This is your baseline.
Get quotes from a variety of insurers:
When you receive quotes, ensure they all have the same liability limits, comprehensive and collision deductibles, and any other optional coverages. The only variable should be the price and the company's reputation for customer service.
Your weekend-only driving habit likely contributes to a clean driving record. Combine this with other discounts you may qualify for, such as bundling with homeowners or renters insurance, being a good student, or having safety features in your car.
The era of the weekend driver is here. It’s a smarter, more sustainable, and often more enjoyable way to use a car. Your insurance should reflect that reality. By understanding the new insurance models available and proactively shopping for a policy that fits your life, you can ensure that your freedom on the weekend doesn’t come with a bloated monthly bill. Embrace your status as a low-mileage driver—it’s the key to unlocking serious savings and getting the coverage you truly need.
Copyright Statement:
Author: Car insurance officer
Link: https://carinsuranceofficer.github.io/blog/best-insurance-for-people-who-only-drive-on-weekends.htm
Source: Car insurance officer
The copyright of this article belongs to the author. Reproduction is not allowed without permission.