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Not everyone drives year-round. Some people only use their vehicles during specific seasons, while others drive part-time. While these lifestyles mean less time on the road, they don’t eliminate the need for insurance. If your car spends most of its time parked in a garage or storage facility, risks like theft, vandalism, or weather damage still exist.
This blog explores car insurance for seasonal and part-time drivers. We’ll define who qualifies as a seasonal driver, examine their challenges, explore flexible coverage options, highlight strategies for saving money, and outline common mistakes to avoid. We’ll also show how tools like Beem, which provide personalized car insurance quotes, help ensure drivers don’t overpay for coverage they rarely use.
Who Counts as a Seasonal or Part-Time Driver?
Seasonal and part-time drivers represent a wide variety of lifestyles.
Snowbirds and Retirees
Snowbirds are retirees who migrate seasonally, often spending winters in warm states like Florida or Arizona and summers up north. Their cars may sit unused for months while they’re away. Even if the car isn’t driven, it may need comprehensive coverage for risks like storms or theft.
Example: A Michigan retiree who spends six months in Florida leaves one car behind in storage. A hailstorm could destroy the car without coverage, and the repair bill would be out-of-pocket.
College Students
Students often attend school far from home, leaving their cars behind for months. They may only drive when visiting home during holidays or summer breaks. Their families must decide whether to maintain full coverage year-round or adjust coverage to reflect lower usage.
Example: A student from Texas goes to college in New York and leaves their car with their parents. Adjusting to a “student away” discount can save the family hundreds yearly.
City Residents
Many residents in major cities like New York, Boston, or San Francisco rely on public transportation. Their cars are parked for long stretches and are used only on weekends or special trips. Despite limited usage, insurance is still legally required in most states.
Example: A Brooklyn resident uses their car only on weekend road trips. A pay-per-mile plan helps them save compared to traditional coverage.
Gig and Part-Time Workers
Drivers who only use their cars for occasional income—like ridesharing on weekends or freelance delivery work—don’t put in as many miles as full-time drivers. Their part-time status doesn’t exempt them from coverage, but it can change the type of policy that makes sense.
Example: A part-time Uber driver in Los Angeles works only two nights per week. Choosing a hybrid policy with rideshare coverage ensures they’re protected while minimizing costs.
Insurance Challenges for Seasonal & Part-Time Drivers
Driving less seems like it should reduce insurance headaches. However, for seasonal and part-time drivers, unique challenges arise.
Legal Requirements Don’t Disappear
Nearly every state requires continuous liability insurance, regardless of how often you drive. Cancelling coverage during non-driving months can lead to fines or penalties if you’re caught driving uninsured, even once.
Cost vs. Usage Imbalance
Paying full premiums year-round when you only drive a few months feels unfair. Insurers often don’t automatically adjust premiums based on mileage, meaning part-time drivers may subsidize full-time drivers.
Scenario: A retiree paying $1,200 annually for insurance but only driving three months per year is essentially paying four times the cost per mile compared to a commuter.
Risk of Lapses in Coverage
Cancelling a policy completely while not driving creates a coverage gap. Future insurers often see gaps as risky behavior and charge higher premiums when you reinstate coverage.
Storage Risks During Non-Use
Even when a car is off the road, risks remain:
- Theft or vandalism.
- Weather damage (storms, floods, hail).
- Fire damage in storage locations.
- Rodent damage to wiring or interiors.
A car sitting in a storage garage for months without coverage can quickly become a financial liability.
Coverage Options for Seasonal and Low-Mileage Drivers
Standard Auto Insurance With Adjusted Coverage
You can maintain a standard auto policy but adjust coverage based on usage. For example:
- Keep liability coverage active (since it’s legally required).
- Temporarily remove collision if the car is stored and not driven.
- Re-add coverage when the car goes back on the road.
This approach works best for snowbirds or students who don’t want to cancel their policies.
Comprehensive-Only Coverage During Storage
Collision coverage isn’t necessary when a car is in storage, but comprehensive coverage protects against non-driving risks like theft, vandalism, and natural disasters. Switching to comprehensive-only coverage reduces costs while still protecting the vehicle.
Example: A Chicago resident parks their car for winter and switches to comprehensive-only coverage, cutting their premium nearly in half while still being covered against break-ins.
Pay-Per-Mile or Usage-Based Insurance
Some insurers now offer pay-per-mile or usage-based insurance, which ties premiums to actual driving habits. This is ideal for:
- City residents who rarely drive.
- Students only driving during school breaks.
- Retirees who only drive seasonally.
Telematics devices or mobile apps often track mileage and driving habits, rewarding low mileage with lower premiums.
Scenario: A driver who drives only 3,000 miles annually might pay 40% less under a pay-per-mile plan than traditional coverage.
Temporary or Short-Term Car Insurance
Some states and insurers allow temporary policies lasting from a few days to a few months. These can be useful if you only drive for a limited time, such as during summer visits. However, availability is limited, so checking local rules is important.
Strategies to Save on Premiums
Switch to Higher Deductibles
If you rarely drive, you’re less likely to file a claim. Choosing a higher deductible reduces premiums, though you’ll pay more out-of-pocket in the event of an accident.
Explore Low-Mileage Discounts
Many insurers offer discounts if you drive fewer than 7,500 miles per year. If your mileage is significantly lower, report it and ask for a discount.
Bundle Policies
If you own a home, condo, or renters insurance, bundling with auto insurance can save 10–20%. This strategy often offsets the cost of maintaining continuous coverage year-round.
Adjust Coverage Seasonally
Notify your insurer when your driving habits change. For example, switch to comprehensive-only coverage when your car is stored for six months, then reinstate collision and liability when it’s back on the road.
Use Beem for Personalized Quotes
Platforms like Beem make it easier for seasonal drivers to compare personalized car insurance quotes. By factoring in your driving habits, mileage, and seasonal needs, Beem helps you identify policies that fit your lifestyle instead of paying for coverage designed for full-time drivers.
Mistakes to Avoid as a Part-Time Driver
Cancelling Policies Completely
Cancelling coverage while not driving may save money temporarily, but it creates gaps. Insurers typically raise rates once coverage is reinstated, often wiping out any savings.
Forgetting to Update Your Insurer
If your car’s garaging location changes seasonally (e.g., moving it to another state for winter), you must notify your insurer. Failure to do so may result in denied claims if an accident happens.
Overpaying for Coverage You Don’t Need
Many drivers forget to adjust coverage during non-driving months, continuing to pay for full collision coverage on vehicles parked in storage.
Underinsuring While Driving Occasionally
On the flip side, some drivers strip coverage down too far. If you take your car out a few times a month, it’s still at risk for accidents. Skimping on liability or uninsured motorist coverage could leave you financially vulnerable.
Conclusion
Seasonal and part-time drivers shouldn’t have to pay full-time insurance rates. But navigating state requirements, insurer rules, and storage risks can feel confusing. The key is finding a balance—maintaining the legal coverage you need while adjusting or reducing unnecessary add-ons when your car isn’t being used.
With platforms like Beem, you don’t have to guess which policy works best. By comparing personalized quotes, you can find coverage designed around your lifestyle instead of paying for miles you’ll never drive. Flexible insurance for flexible driving habits—it’s possible, and it starts with knowing your options. Download the app here.
FAQs for Car Insurance for Seasonal and Part-Time Drivers
Can I pause my car insurance if I only drive seasonally?
Most insurers don’t allow you to “pause” coverage, but you can reduce it to comprehensive-only while your car is stored, which lowers costs while keeping protection active.
Is pay-per-mile insurance available in all states?
No. Usage-based insurance is growing, but it isn’t universal yet. Availability depends on your state and insurer. Always check before assuming it’s an option.
What coverage should I keep if my car is in storage?
At a minimum, keep comprehensive coverage to protect against theft, fire, vandalism, and weather damage. Liability may not be necessary if the car won’t be driven, but laws differ by state.
Will a coverage lapse affect my future rates?
Yes. Insurers view gaps in coverage as high-risk behavior, even if you weren’t driving. Maintaining continuous coverage—even at a reduced level—is always better.
How can Beem help part-time drivers save on insurance?
Beem provides personalized car insurance quotes that reflect your driving habits. Instead of paying for full-time coverage, you can compare policies designed for low-mileage or seasonal driving, ensuring better alignment with your needs.
