So, you’ve swapped your commute for coffee at the kitchen table. Maybe your car’s collecting more dust than miles. If you’re a remote worker, that might have you wondering: do I still need auto insurance if I barely drive anymore?
Short answer? Yes. But that doesn’t mean you need to overpay for a policy that doesn’t reflect how you actually use your car now. You can still get great coverage tailored to your new driving habits, ensuring you’re protected without paying for more than you need. In fact, your work-from-home routine could open the door to real savings. When choosing an insurance provider, trust is essential—we want you to feel confident in the guidance and solutions we offer. We’re here to help you choose the best policy for your needs, so you can enjoy great coverage even if you’re working from home.
If your driving habits have changed, consider getting a quote to see if you qualify for lower auto insurance rates.
Let’s dig into how remote work affects your insurance—and what you can do to save.
Even if your car stays parked most days, car insurance is still required in nearly every state. Most states mandate at least liability coverage for anyone with a registered vehicle. So even if your drives are few and far between, you’re still legally on the hook.
But legality isn’t the only reason. Insurance helps protect you financially if your vehicle is damaged or stolen. The specific coverages you choose matter in determining how well your finances are protected against different risks. And yes, that risk still exists when your car is just sitting in your driveway or apartment lot.
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, over 1 million vehicles were stolen in the U.S. in 2022—a 7% increase over the previous year. Many of those thefts happened outside homes, not on busy city streets. That’s where comprehensive coverages come in—they cover incidents like theft, vandalism, and weather damage, even when you’re not driving.
And don’t forget—letting your insurance lapse (even for a few weeks) can come back to bite you. If you need to file claims during a lapse, you may not be covered, and many insurers will bump up your premiums if they see a gap in coverage, regardless of how much or how little you were driving. Maintaining a continuous policy term matters for keeping your coverage active and avoiding unnecessary premium increases.
So unless your car is unregistered, stored long-term, or in a garage with cobwebs on the tires, it’s smart (and usually required) to maintain at least basic coverage.
Here’s the good news: your reduced driving habits can reduce your rates. Insurers look at how often you drive, how far, and where you park, and may offer a discount if your mileage drops. Several factors, such as your updated mileage, driving behavior, and location, are considered when adjusting your premium. Some insurers use a variable rate that changes based on your actual driving behavior and mileage, giving you more control over your insurance costs. These programs allow drivers to have greater control over their policy and spending, as your rates may vary depending on your individual circumstances. If those things have changed since you started working from home, your premium should reflect that.
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Fewer miles usually means lower risk—which means lower rates, especially for low mileage drivers. The Federal Highway Administration pegs the national average annual mileage around 13,500 miles. If your commute now consists of a walk to your kitchen, chances are your mileage is well below that.
Many insurers offer low-mileage discounts for people driving less than a certain threshold—sometimes 7,500 or even 5,000 miles a year. Premiums are often determined by the actual miles driven, with the number of miles you drive directly impacting your monthly rate. Insurers may ask how many miles you drive each month to determine eligibility for discounts, and individual driver behavior and reporting can impact the savings you receive. In addition to low-mileage savings, a driver can also earn additional discounts by maintaining safe driving habits, as some insurers reward responsible driving with further savings. Those savings can add up fast.
Just be sure to report your mileage accurately. Your premium might not drop on its own unless you tell your insurer you’re not driving as much. And some providers only offer these discounts in specific states, so ask what’s available where you live.
If you’re barely behind the wheel these days, usage-based insurance (UBI) could be your best-kept secret to cutting costs.
Here’s how it works: your insurer uses a mobile app or a small device to track how much and how safely you drive. That includes things like mileage, speed, braking habits, and time of day. You can log each trip in the app to ensure accurate tracking of your mileage and driving behavior. If you need to, you can change trip details or trip type within the app to keep your data up to date. In short, if you’re driving less—and driving well—you can get rewarded with lower rates.
UBI isn’t just about data collection. Most apps let you see how you’re doing in real time, track your mileage, and even show projected savings. You can also manage your policy, access your account to view policy details, manage coverage, and integrate with the mobile app. You can view trip history and file claims, all from your phone.
A 2023 study by The Zebra found that drivers enrolled in telematics-based programs save between 6% and 23% depending on the provider and driving behavior. That’s real money back in your pocket just for doing what you’re already doing—driving less.
It’s easy to get started: apply for the program by following specific steps in the app or online. The first term involves setting up the app or small device and completing the initial requirements. Then, start logging your trips. Your rate adjusts based on actual usage, not a guess. And yes, you still get the same great coverage as you would with a traditional policy.
UBI programs are becoming more common, with 1 in 5 drivers enrolled as of 2022. If your driving is mostly short errands and weekend outings, this kind of plan can work hard in your favor.
The subject of coverage in usage-based insurance includes your mileage and driving behavior, which directly influence your premium. You can learn more about how usage-based insurance works and its benefits by checking out additional resources or videos.
Homebody partners with trusted providers who offer usage-based plans. If your car is mostly parked and patiently waiting, it might be time to let your insurance reflect that. If your car is only seeing daylight on grocery runs and weekend errands, this might be the smartest option for your wallet.
Your car’s location during the day plays a role in your premium. If your work-from-home setup means your vehicle is safely parked in a garage, private driveway, or secure lot, let your insurer know.
Insurers often offer discounts for "garaged" vehicles since they’re less likely to be stolen, vandalized, or damaged. It’s a small detail that can make a noticeable difference.
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Tempting as it may be, pausing or canceling your coverage usually isn’t worth it.
A lapse in insurance—even just a short one—can result in penalties, a spike in your future rates, and potential issues with your state’s vehicle registration rules. Plus, if you lease or finance your car, your lender likely requires continuous full coverage.
If your car is truly not in use (say, it’s in storage or you’re not planning to drive it for months), ask your insurer about adjusting your coverage. You may be able to remove collision while keeping comprehensive coverage, which still protects against theft or weather damage.
Some insurers also offer a “pleasure use” category for vehicles that aren’t used for commuting—just occasional errands or leisure. That can be a good fit if you still drive, just not daily.
When in doubt, call your provider. You can also consult with an insurance agent for personalized advice on adjusting your coverage or exploring discounts based on your current driving habits. Note that some insurance programs or discounts may not be available in certain states, such as Ohio. They can help you find the right setup based on how you use your car now.
If you’ve made the shift to working from home, it’s worth checking in with your insurer—and telling them more than just your address.
Here are a few key details that can help you qualify for lower rates:
The more accurate your profile, the more likely you are to get matched with a policy (and a rate) that actually fits your lifestyle. Don’t assume your insurer is keeping track—make sure you initiate the update.
Bonus tip: Keep an eye out for any “Work From Home” or “Low Mileage” promotions. Some insurers are now naming those discounts explicitly.
Some insurers also work with affiliates to offer additional benefits or discounts to policyholders.
Even if you’re no longer commuting, your car still needs protection—and your insurance should match your current lifestyle.
From low-mileage discounts to usage-based pricing and safe parking perks, remote work creates real opportunities to save. It just takes a little updating.
And if your policy hasn’t changed since the last time you sat in office traffic? It’s time.
Homebody helps renters like you get insurance that fits your actual life—not some outdated template based on your old routine. And yes, that includes car insurance designed for the WFH crowd.
If you have questions about your car insurance options or need help finding the right policy for your work-from-home lifestyle, reach out to our team for assistance.
Do I still need car insurance if I rarely drive?
Yes. Even if your car is mostly parked, insurance is typically required by law and protects you from theft, vandalism, or other non-driving-related incidents.
Can working from home lower my insurance premium?
It can. Driving less often may qualify you for low-mileage discounts or usage-based insurance programs that offer rates based on how little—and how well—you drive.
What’s usage-based insurance?
UBI uses apps or plug-in devices to track driving habits like speed, mileage, and braking. Safer, less frequent drivers are rewarded with lower premiums.
Should I cancel my car insurance if I’m not commuting anymore?
Usually not. Canceling your policy can lead to penalties, gaps in coverage, and higher rates later. Instead, ask your insurer about adjusting your policy to match your current use.
How do I get a safe parking discount?
Let your insurer know if your car is parked in a garage or off-street spot during the day. Many providers offer lower rates for "garaged" vehicles because they’re less likely to be damaged or stolen.
