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Last updated: August 3, 2025Best Car Insurance for Seniors Who Drive Less Than 5,000 Miles a Year
Nationwide, Root, and USAA are our top picks for auto insurance for seniors who drive much less than average.
Best Widely-Available Provider
Best for Safe Drivers
Average Cost
- Pay-per-mile: $93 monthly
- Standard mileage: N/A – all policies are usage-based
Best for Veterans
Table of Contents
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As you get older, you may find that you’re driving less, especially if you’re retired and no longer have to commute. Lower mileage often means better auto insurance rates, as you’re on the road less and insurers consider you a lower risk.
Seniors often pay lower average rates than young drivers because they have more driving experience, but rates may eventually increase to account for the added risks that come with age. As a driver over 60 who drives fewer than 5,000 miles per year, you can find great deals on car insurance. Here are our top picks for providers and other tips on how to save money on your premium.
Top Car Insurance Providers for Low-Mileage Senior Drivers
- Best Widely-Available Provider: Nationwide
- Best for Safe Drivers: Root
- Best for Veterans: USAA
- Best for Unlimited Mileage: GEICO
- Best for Tech-Savvy Drivers: Lemonade
Buyer’s Guide: Best Auto Insurance for Seniors Who Drive Less than 5,000 Miles Annually
Based on our research, Nationwide, Root, and USAA offer some of the best options for both affordability and customer experience. Senior drivers who drive fewer than 5,000 miles per year may get the cheapest quotes from these providers. GEICO and Lemonade also offer cheap rates.
1. Best Widely-Available Provider - Nationwide
What We Like Most:
- Affordable pay-per-mile program available in most states
- Great loyalty perks
- Free insurance consultations
Nationwide’s pay-per-mile plan SmartMiles is a great option for low-mileage seniors. SmartMiles offers significant savings for low-mileage drivers over traditional car insurance by charging a base rate plus a small charge for each mile actually driven. Many policyholders see savings as high as 25 to 50 percent compared to regular policies, and someone who drives just 5,000 miles each year could potentially save hundreds of dollars annually.
SmartMiles is widely available in 44 states and the District of Columbia, giving most seniors across the United States easy access to this program. In addition to cost savings, eligible drivers can earn up to a 10 percent discount for safe driving behaviors after their first renewal, providing further incentive for cautious senior motorists.
The program uses a small plug-in device or, for some newer vehicles, a connected car feature to track miles (not speed or location). Only the first 250 miles driven in a single day count toward the bill—so occasional long trips, like visiting family, won’t dramatically increase the monthly cost.
Nationwide Pricing
| Full coverage | Nationwide Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Pay-per-mile (SmartMiles) | $87 monthly |
| Standard mileage | $151 monthly |
2. Best for Safe Drivers - Root
What We Like Most:
- Cheap rates for safe driving and low mileage
- Includes roadside assistance
- Highly rated mobile app
Root Insurance is an excellent choice for safe seniors and low-mileage drivers looking for affordable, flexible coverage. Root determines your rates based on how safely and how much you drive—so low-mileage, careful drivers can save significantly, with average pay-per-mile costs around $93 per month and some minimum coverage rates starting as low as $23 monthly.
Root automatically includes roadside assistance with every policy and has earned high marks for its easy-to-use mobile app, which tracks your driving habits to help reward safe behaviors. Available in more than 30 states and the District of Columbia, Root stands out for making usage-based insurance accessible to many drivers. With extras like bundled renters insurance discounts and the ability to qualify for good driver savings of up to 30 percent, Root is especially well-suited for seniors who drive less and value both savings and simplicity.
Root Pricing
| Full coverage | Root Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Pay-per-mile | $93 monthly |
| Standard mileage | N/A – all policies are usage-based |
3. Best for Veterans - USAA
What We Like Most:
- Usage-based insurance program, SafePilot Miles
- Wide range of discounts
- Caters to needs of military-affiliated drivers
USAA is a good choice for senior veterans thanks to its exclusive focus on serving military members, veterans, and their families. The company’s usage-based SafePilot Miles program allows low-mileage and safe drivers to maximize savings, with veterans potentially earning up to 20 percent off for driving less and up to 30 percent for consistently safe driving habits.
USAA offers a wide range of discounts tailored to military life, which other household members might benefit from, such as up to 15 percent off for garaging your vehicle on base and up to 60 percent off if you’re deployed or storing your car.
Beyond these competitive rates, USAA’s customer service, claims handling, and financial support resources are attuned to the needs of military-affiliated drivers—making coverage especially convenient for veterans transitioning to civilian life. USAA consistently earns high marks for customer and claims satisfaction.
USAA Pricing
| Full coverage | USAA Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Pay-per-mile (SafePilot Miles) | $107 monthly |
| Standard mileage | $117 monthly |
4. Best for Unlimited Mileage - GEICO
GEICO is a good choice for seniors seeking unlimited mileage coverage, especially those who drive more than average and want to avoid pay-per-mile restrictions. GEICO consistently offers some of the cheapest average rates, with minimum coverage averaging around $43 per month and full coverage at $144 per month. Unlike usage-based or pay-per-mile insurance, GEICO policies allow unlimited driving without increased costs for higher annual mileage, making it ideal for seniors who value flexibility or frequently take longer trips.
Discount opportunities are broad and easily accessible. Seniors can save with discounts for:
- Completion of approved defensive driving courses.
- Maintaining a clean driving record (up to 22 percent off).
- Being a retired government employee, military member, or federal worker (discounts of 12 to 15 percent).
- Bundling multiple policies (home, renters, etc.) for additional savings.
- Insuring multiple vehicles (up to 25 percent off).
- Features like airbags, anti-lock brakes, and anti-theft systems.
GEICO also offers the DriveEasy program—a telematics discount rewarding safe driving habits. Combining these potential savings with already low base rates often results in some of the most affordable unlimited mileage insurance available to seniors who don’t benefit from pay-per-mile plans.
GEICO Pricing
| Full coverage | GEICO Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Low mileage | $132 monthly |
| Standard mileage | $144 monthly |
5. Best for Tech-Savvy Drivers - Lemonade
What We Like Most:
- Discounts for hybrid and EV owners
- All policies include roadside assistance
- Excellent digital tools
Lemonade is a standout choice for tech-savvy drivers who want usage-based insurance with flexible savings, especially for those who drive less than average. Using its highly rated mobile app and AI tools, Lemonade tailors rates based on how much and how safely you drive—rewarding low-mileage seniors or those who prefer digital, hassle-free insurance management. Drivers benefit from perks like roadside assistance and optional coverage upgrades such as rental reimbursement, extended glass coverage, and even pet injury protection for covered accidents.
As of July 2025, Lemonade car insurance is available in: Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington.
Lemonade offers discounts for:
- Safe driving and low mileage (tracked via mobile app or plug-in device)
- Owning a hybrid or electric vehicle
- Completing a defensive driving course (where available)
- Bundling other Lemonade policies (renters, home, pet, or life insurance) with auto, up to 10 percent additional savings
- Insuring multiple vehicles, paying in full, or using smart technology features in your car
Because policies are pay-per-mile in some states and telematics-based in others, cost varies but can be especially affordable for low-mileage seniors—sometimes as low as $30 monthly for careful drivers. Mileage charges are capped at 250 miles per day, so occasional long trips won’t dramatically increase costs.
Lemonade is best for those who want fair, customizable rates, convenient bundling, and don’t mind managing their policy digitally. While currently not available nationwide, Lemonade’s presence is expanding and continues to provide an attractive option for seniors looking for modern, affordable car insurance in covered states.
Lemonade Pricing
| Full coverage | Lemonade Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Usage-based | $155 monthly |
| Standard mileage | N/A – all policies are usage-based |
Average Cost of Low-Mileage Auto Insurance by Company
On average, drivers with low mileage pay $1,819 annually for full coverage. That’s nearly $600 less per year than the standard mileage full coverage average, which is $2,399 annually. You can save even more, depending on the rate you’re quoted by a particular company.
| Company | Low Mileage Rate (Annual) | Low Mileage Rate (Monthly) | Difference vs. National Avg for Low Mileage | Difference vs. National Avg for Standard Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nationwide SmartMiles | $1,044 | $87 | -43% | -56% |
| Root | $1,120 | $93 | -38% | -53% |
| USAA | $1,284 | $107 | -29% | -46% |
| GEICO | $1,586 | $132 | -13% | -34% |
| Lemonade | $1,855 | $155 | +2% | -23% |
| Auto-Owners | $1,872 | $156 | +3% | -22% |
| State Farm | $1,947 | $162 | +7% | -19% |
| Progressive | $2,340 | $195 | +29% | -2% |
| Allstate Milewise | $2,414 | $201 | +33% | +1% |
| Farmers | $2,422 | $202 | +33% | +1% |
| Low mileage national average | $1,819 | $152 | – | -24% |
Why Driving Less Than Average Can Save You Money
The average driver in the U.S. drives around 13,000 miles each year.1 The more you drive, the higher the chances of getting into an accident or otherwise damaging your vehicle, and vice versa. Insurers may therefore take your average mileage into account when determining your risk profile and, in turn, your premium.
Depending on the insurer, there may also be specific discounts available to low-mileage drivers to reflect the lower risk they pose. Discounts generally apply to those who drive under 7,500 miles per year, but if you opt for a usage-based policy, you can save more by driving even less.
TIP:
To calculate your average annual mileage, track how much you drive throughout one week that’s representative of your typical driving habits (e.g., not when you’re going on a long once-a-year road trip) and multiply the number of miles by 52. This will give you an idea of how much you’re likely to drive in a given year.
Auto Insurance Options for Low-Mileage Drivers
There are several ways that driving less than average can save you money on car insurance. The best option for you will depend on your preferences and what policies and programs are available in your area.
Pay-Per-Mile Insurance
The best way to get rewarded for driving less is a specialized pay-per-mile policy that charges you based on how much you drive. Some companies, like Nationwide, Allstate, and USAA, offer standard policies but also have pay-per-mile policy options (called SmartMiles, Milewise, and SafePilot Miles, respectively.
These policies split your premium into a base rate and a variable, per-mile rate. Your rates are determined the same way a standard premium would be, based on factors like your driving record and location. However, the difference between a pay-per-mile and a standard policy is that your variable rate is weighted based on how much you drive.
For example, you may be quoted a base rate of $70 and a variable rate of $0.08 per mile. If you drive 500 miles in a given month, you’ll pay $110 for that month (0.08 x 500 + 70). If you only drive 400 miles the next month, you’ll pay less for that month.
| Base rate | $70 monthly |
|---|---|
| Per-mile rate | $0.08 per mile |
| Miles driven in a month | 500 miles |
| Monthly payment (example) | $110 (0.08 x 500 + 70) |
Most pay-per-mile programs have a road trip exception, meaning you won’t be charged more than 250 or 300 miles in a day.
FYI:
Pay-per-mile programs require the insurance company to track your driving so that it can charge you accordingly. Most use a mobile app, but you may also be required to install a small device in your vehicle. Make sure you’re comfortable with the insurer’s data tracking policies before signing up for this type of policy.
Telematics Programs
Telematics programs may be offered by standard insurers, such as State Farm and GEICO, as a discount opportunity, or they may be the primary policy type that a company provides, as seen with companies like Root or Lemonade.
These companies aim to offer auto insurance rates that are based primarily on each policyholder’s driving behavior as opposed to standard rating factors, so those who drive safely and less than average can save a potentially significant amount compared to a standard policy.
However, the potential downside to telematics programs compared with strictly pay-per-mile policies is that your rate will depend on additional factors beyond simply how much you drive, which may include your braking and acceleration, your speed, and what time of day you drive.
You will generally start with a base rate that will then be adjusted based on your driving. Root also offers a driving test period during which it tracks your driving before providing you with a rate estimate.
Here’s a look at how much you can stand to save by signing up for a telematics program with one of the major national insurers:
| Telematics Program | Potential Discount |
|---|---|
| State Farm Drive Safe & Save | 10% at signup and 30% at renewal |
| GEICO Drive Easy | 10% at signup and 25% at renewal |
| Nationwide SmartRide | 10% at signup and 40% at renewal |
| Progressive Snapshot | Average of $169 at signup and $231 at renewal |
| Allstate DriveWise | No longer advertised |
| Liberty Mutual RightTrack | 15% at signup and 30% at renewal |
| USAA SmartPilot | 10% at signup and 30% at renewal |
Low-Mileage Discounts
Seniors who drive fewer than 5,000 miles per year and prefer not to opt into a usage-based insurance program can still benefit from low-mileage discounts. These are just like any other discount applied to a standard policy premium.
Not every company offers specific low-mileage discounts, so it’s important to check your options when looking for quotes. Of the major national insurers, State Farm and USAA both offer low-mileage discounts. Keep in mind that even with a low-mileage discount, you may get a better rate from a different company, so it’s always best to get several quotes.
How To Get the Best Cheap Car Insurance for Low-Mileage Senior Drivers
If you’re an older driver who drives less than the average, you’re already in a good position to get an affordable car insurance rate. Here are some other tips to make sure you get the best deal.
Compare Policy Options
If you’re driving under 5,000 miles per year, chances are a pay-per-mile policy will be the best and cheapest option, but check rates from different companies and for different policy types before making a decision. In some cases, you may still get a lower rate for a standard policy at one company versus a pay-per-mile policy at another.
Crunch the numbers based on your estimated annual mileage to determine which option saves you the most money. Also, keep in mind that some usage-based companies like Root and Lemonade are only available in select states, so be sure to research options where you live.
Drive Safely
Whether you opt for a traditional policy or a telematics-based company, driving safely is key to getting the best rates. Having violations on your record will lead insurers to charge you higher premiums as they view you as a higher risk.
When it comes to telematics programs, your discount is directly determined by your driving habits, so the safer you drive, the lower your rate.
Complete a Defensive Driving Course
Many companies offer discounts to those over 55 who complete a defensive driving course, and some states, including California and Florida, even mandate that insurers offer this discount to help encourage seniors to keep their driving skills sharp.
If you’re interested in this discount, ask your insurer about eligibility and get a list of approved courses. Once you complete the course, you’ll need to show proof to your provider to get the discount applied.
Recap
Driving less than average can save you a lot of money on car insurance if you get the right policy. In particular, older drivers who drive fewer than 5,000 miles per year should look into pay-per-mile policies, telematics programs, and low-mileage discounts to find what offers them the best rate and what works best for them. Our top company recommendations for low-mileage senior drivers are Nationwide, Root, and USAA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which insurance company is best for seniors?
AARP, USAA, and Nationwide are some of the best companies for seniors, offering great service and affordable prices.
Does your car insurance go up when you turn 65?
Yes, your car insurance rates may start to go up when you turn 65. While adults between the ages of 30 and 60 pay the lowest rates on average, premiums tend to increase in your 60s as insurers account for the risks that come with age, such as vision decline and longer reaction times.
Is AARP car insurance good for seniors?
Yes, AARP is one of the best car insurance options for seniors in our most recent rankings. It is offered through a partnership with The Hartford and provides discounts, coverages, and benefits designed to cater to the needs of senior drivers.
Does Allstate offer a senior discount?
No, Allstate does not offer a specific senior discount. However, it may offer discounts for drivers over 55 who complete a defensive driving course. Check with an agent to see if the discount is available in your state.
Methodology
We analyze average premiums for full coverage pay-per-mile and standard mileage across providers. Your driving record, age, credit score, and location will all affect the cost of car insurance. We evaluate auto insurance providers based on four key factors:
- Price (40%): We analyze average premiums for full and minimum coverage for good drivers with good credit, as well as various driver profiles, including those with DUIs, accidents, or low credit. We also consider available discounts. Full coverage averages use the following limits:
- Bodily injury liability: $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $50,000 per accident
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury: $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident
- Comprehensive and collision: $500 deductible
- Claims Handling (25%): A good claims handling process from an auto insurer is prompt, transparent, and efficient, with clear communication throughout, fair evaluation of damages, and timely payment or resolution. We assess claims practices through sources like the CRASH Network Insurer Report Card and J.D. Power’s Claims Satisfaction Report, and financial strength from sources like AM Best and S&P Ratings. Real-life customer experiences are included when available.
- Customer Experience (25%): We evaluate the ease of the customer journey, from getting a quote and purchasing a policy to making changes or accessing documents. We consider the availability and quality of both online and agent interactions, as well as the functionality of the company’s website and mobile app. Our sources include J.D. Power studies, the NAIC complaint index, BBB ratings, and app store reviews.
- Coverage Options (10%): We review each company’s coverage offerings and value providers with options beyond the state required minimums, like accident forgiveness, gap coverage, rideshare coverage, and more.
Read more about our ratings and methodology.
Managing Editor & Industry Analyst
Maya Afilalo holds over 10 years of professional experience in writing, communications, and research, which she leverages to provide accurate and reliable information to empower consumers. In addition to overseeing content production, Maya has herself written many articles on auto insurance costs, company comparisons, state laws and requirements, and other topics. She is committed to helping consumers navigate the complex world of car insurance with clarity and confidence. Maya holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a master’s from North Carolina State University.
Citations
Average Annual Miles per Driver by Age Group. Federal Highway Administration. (2022, May 31).
https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ohim/onh00/bar8.htm
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