Pleasure vs. commute car insurance: What's the difference?

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.

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.