How you use your car will impact the type of insurance you need and therefore the premium rates you pay. A commuter vehicle is one that you use to commute on a daily basis, while a pleasure vehicle is one that you do not drive every day but, rather, only from time to time. Each of these vehicle types requires a different kind of insurance.
When you live in some of the nation’s busiest cities, you likely spend many hours among the miles of snarled traffic that can wreak havoc on your commute and require special insurance to keep you safe. Before you purchase your next insurance policy, it is important that you understand the difference between commuter and pleasure car insurance and how each can best benefit you with the best coverage at the right price.
Which do I use my vehicle for?
What many people don’t realize is that there is a big difference in commuter vs. pleasure car insurance, and this can affect how much you pay for your insurance premiums.
Pleasure
Pleasure insurance is the type of insurance coverage that you need when you do not drive your vehicle everyday. This is typically a good fit for people with sports cars or classic cars that are not suitable for daily commuting but are still driven from time to time.
For example, you may use the car for things like running errands, going to the grocery store or driving to the neighborhood bistro for a meal with friends. Maybe it is your favorite vehicle for weekend adventures or road trips with your friends. Either way, this is a car that is usually only driven occasionally, such as only on the weekends and at night. Regardless of when you use it, this vehicle is not used nearly as often as a commuter vehicle and likely spends most of the time in your garage or your driveway.
Commuting
A commuting vehicle is much different from a pleasure vehicle. This is a primary vehicle that is used to transport you and your family to work and school each day. As your regular transportation, you spend much more time in this vehicle than you do in a pleasure vehicle. Therefore, your commuting car faces a much higher risk on the road than you do when you are driving your pleasure vehicle.
Why does my insurance company care?
When car insurance companies determine the cost of your auto insurance, one of the factors that matter most is the risk that you pose to the company. If there is a higher likelihood of you filing a claim in the future, a company will adjust your rates accordingly to help cover that risk.
Will this impact my insurance rates?
Commuter car insurance is typically more expensive than pleasure insurance because commuter cars are used more frequently than pleasure vehicles. All of those extra miles on the road increase your risk of an accident and damages to your car, especially when you have so many cars on the road around you, like during rush hour. The distance you travel can also impact your insurance rates, with insurance companies often rewarding low-mileage drivers with cheaper rates than the ones that long-distance commuters can face.
However, insurance companies also consider the make and model of the car you have. A sports car or classic car may cost more to fix, so you may pay more for your insurance premiums when you have a higher-value vehicle. Insurance companies often weigh the value of your car against how likely you are to be involved in an accident.
To ensure that you find the cheapest car insurance for you, be sure to find and compare top auto insurance quotes. Many of the nation’s leading providers also provide nonstandard insurance, including commuter and pleasure insurance for all of your driving needs.
What is commuter vs. pleasure car insurance?
There are many types of car insurance that you can buy, but before you decide on coverage, you should consider your needs regarding commute vs. pleasure car insurance. If you are a commuter that spends a lot of time on the road, commuter insurance will fit your needs far better than the limited protections that pleasure car insurance provides.
If you have a vehicle that you do not drive every day, you should still be sure to protect your investment with adequate insurance to protect you in case of a loss. Pleasure car insurance is an easy way to insure that second vehicle without necessitating the full coverage required for an everyday vehicle.
When comparing commute vs. pleasure car insurance, you are essentially comparing usage. Commuter insurance generally covers regular, daily use, while pleasure car insurance typically constitutes occasional use. With greater use for commuter vehicles, your commuter insurance is typically more expensive.
Frequently asked questions
What is a pleasure vehicle?
A pleasure vehicle is a car that generally has minimal use. It is used during leisure time rather than a commuter vehicle, which is often used every day to transport you to school or work.
What is non-standard insurance?
Nonstandard insurance is a type of non-traditional insurance that some car insurance companies offer. It is used for high-risk drivers or vehicles that may require additional coverage beyond the standard auto insurance policy.
Why do I need different insurance for commuter and pleasure vehicles?
Use of a commuter vehicle is generally much more frequent than a pleasure vehicle, which most drivers tend to use in limited periods on the weekends or in the evenings. Because of the difference in usage, insurance companies will account for the difference in rates with different coverage and pricing.
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