Pleasure vs. Commuter Car Insurance

If you’re in the market for new car insurance, you’ve probably noticed that insurance companies ask many questions to personalize your car insurance rate. You may have also had to field questions about how many vehicles you have and whether you use them to commute or for pleasure. Insurance companies ask these questions because they assign rates differently depending on whether you use your car for pleasure or to commute.

Here’s what you should know about the differences between pleasure and commuter usage so you can understand how your vehicle usage can affect your auto insurance rates.

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What is pleasure use in car insurance?

Insurance companies consider a vehicle a pleasure-use vehicle if you don’t use it to commute to and from work. If you use your car on the weekends to run errands or take leisurely trips, it can save you money on your car insurance.

What is commuter use in car insurance?

Commuter use, for insurance purposes, is when you use your vehicle to commute to and from work, school, or other consistent appointments and activities. If your vehicle qualifies as a commuter vehicle, you’ll generally pay higher rates than if it was classified as pleasure use.

Pleasure vs. commuter car insurance costs

Pleasure-use insurance generally costs less than commuter insurance. This is because commuter vehicles have more exposure to other drivers and potentially hazardous road conditions, which increases the likelihood of an accident. Commuter vehicles are used in busier areas, at busier times, and for potentially longer distances.

You may be tempted to call a commuter vehicle a pleasure-use vehicle in order to save money. However, your insurer can pull a mileage report from public records and correct your designations. Such adjustments could cause your rates to go up. And if you’re judged to be dishonest about your vehicle usage or mileage, you could be guilty of insurance fraud and your insurer could decide not to renew your auto insurance policy. The company could also deny your claim that would otherwise qualify for coverage.

Fortunately, the price between pleasure and commuter-use vehicles doesn’t vary much. In the table below, you can see how rates fluctuate among leading insurers.

Factors that determine whether a vehicle is for pleasure or commute

Insurance companies look at mileage and frequency of use to decide whether a vehicle is used for pleasure or commuter purposes.

Other factors that affect car insurance rates

Vehicle usage is just one of the ways auto insurance companies decide how much to charge to cover a vehicle.^[1] Insurers also consider a driver’s:

• Age: Teen drivers and senior drivers carry a higher risk of an accident while on the road.^{[2] [3]}

• Gender: Men tend to be higher-risk drivers than women.

• ZIP code: Vehicles that frequent locations with higher incidents of crime are more likely to be vandalized or stolen.

• Driving record: Drivers with a record of at-fault accidents or traffic violations show that their driving habits aren’t the safest. Dangerous driving habits lead to more accidents.

• Vehicle type: Flashier vehicles can attract thieves and other negative attention.

• Insurance coverage: Full-coverage insurance will always be more expensive than liability-only coverage because it covers more.

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Alternatives to pleasure use car insurance

While you may be tempted to list your commuter vehicle as a pleasure vehicle, the risks and consequences outweigh the benefits. Fortunately, you have other types of insurance to consider if you want to save money on a policy.

Pay-per-mile car insurance

The price for pay-per-mile insurance varies based on how many miles you drive per day or month. Companies that carry this coverage option, like Mile Auto or Nationwide, typically charge a flat rate plus a certain amount per mile you’re on the road.

If you work from home, are a student, are retired, or use public transportation, you could save money on your coverage with pay-per-mile insurance. Meanwhile, if you use your vehicle often or drive long miles, you could spend more on this coverage than on a standard policy.

Usage-based auto insurance

Like pay-per-mile coverage, usage-based car insurance companies also consider how many miles you drive daily or monthly when deciding your rate. However, usage-based insurance also considers your driving habits when determining your rate. If you accelerate quickly, speed, or brake harshly, you’re more likely to get into an accident and will pay more for coverage.

On the other hand, if you’re a safe driver who spends little time on the road due to being unemployed, retired, or a remote worker, you can save with one of these programs.

Pleasure vs. commute FAQs