Pleasure vs. commute car insurance: What's the difference?
While there's no distinction between a pleasure and a commute car insurance policy, car usage can be a factor that affects your car insurance quote and rate. You'll be asked about your car's primary use when you get car insurance, and it's important to be honest when answering. If you use your car for both commuting and pleasure, answer "commuting" as your primary vehicle use when requesting a quote; this will allow you to be covered for both commuting and pleasure purposes.
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What is pleasure vs. commute car insurance?
There's technically no difference between pleasure and commute car insurance; you'll need a basic auto insurance policy regardless of which purpose you primarily use your car. However, car usage can be one of several factors that determine your rate, along with others like your driving history, type of car, and age. It's important to answer your insurer's car usage questions honestly, as lying can be considered car insurance fraud.
Car insurance and commuting
If you plan to go anywhere regularly, you'll likely need to specify to your insurer that you'll be using the car for commuting purposes. Insurance companies typically view commuting as anything you do regularly — driving yourself to work or college, driving a family member to and from work, or even doing daily carpools to the kids' school. Learn more about how the amount you drive can affect your car insurance.
Note that if you use your car for work, such as if you drive for a ride-sharing app or make deliveries using your car, you may need to look into commercial auto insurance. But if it's a company car that you don't personally own, your company should handle the necessary insurance.
Car insurance and pleasure driving
Pleasure car insurance isn't an actual type of car insurance, but if you only drive your car for occasional pleasure, you should choose "pleasure" as your primary use when getting a quote. If you use your car only on weekends or for the occasional day trip, chances are you'll put fewer miles on your car each year than if you were also using it to commute, and that can be factored into your quote.
Pro tip:
If you're considering classic car insurance, note that many specialty insurers require the vehicle to only be used for occasional pleasure driving and attending classic car events. If you plan to drive your classic car to work or elsewhere on a daily basis, get a standard auto insurance policy quote instead.
Why do insurance companies ask whether I use my car for commuting or pleasure purposes?
The primary way you use your car is an important factor when calculating your insurance rate. You're more likely to be involved in an accident if you spend a lot of time on the road or if you tend to drive during times when auto mishaps are more likely.
What if I use my car for both commuting and pleasure purposes?
If you're planning to use your car for both commuting and pleasure, it's best to answer "commuting" as your primary vehicle usage. You'll still be able use your car for pleasure and be covered.
If you use your car for commuting but don't drive far, consider usage-based car insurance. Your low mileage could help you access a lower rate. Note that other datapoints gathered through a UBI device, such as if you tend to brake hard, accelerate quickly, or drive during dangerous times of the day, could result in an increase to your rate instead of a decrease.
Whether you're a daily commuter or an occasional driver, we can help you find the coverage you need. Get an auto insurance quote online or call 1-866-749-7436 today.
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