The Best Pay-As-You-Go Car Insurance
Company Trusted For Over 25+ Years*
With insurance rates rising across the U.S., many drivers are turning to pay-as-you-go car insurance as a way to save money. Pay-as-you-drive auto insurance coverage is an umbrella term people use for two different models: pay-per-mile insurance, where you pay a monthly base rate plus a per-mile charge, and flexible short-term or prepaid insurance, where you buy coverage in smaller time blocks rather than by mileage.
Pay-per-mile insurance is the closest match to the traditional idea of “pay as you drive,” while flexible short-term coverage is better described as “pay for coverage only when you need it.” Although these models work very differently, both are commonly marketed under the pay-as-you-go label.
This guide covers the best-known U.S. insurers that fit into one of these two categories, explains how each option works, who it’s best for, key pros and cons, and then ranks them from typically cheapest to typically most expensive for low-mileage drivers, with important caveats.
A quick reality check before we dive in: there is no universal “cheapest pay-as-you-go insurer.” Your ZIP code, driving record, vehicle, coverage limits, and how you’re measured (miles vs driving behavior vs prepaid periods) can flip the results. Still, patterns do show up, and you can use those patterns to shop smarter.
How to Tell If a “Pay-As-You-Go” Policy Is Actually a Deal
Pay-as-you-go car insurance is most likely to save you money if:
- You drive low miles (often under 7,000–10,000 miles/year)
- You work from home, take rideshare/transit, or own a second car
- Your driving is mostly local and during daylight hours (for telematics programs)
- You can avoid unnecessary add-ons (roadside, rental, etc.) if you don’t need them
It may not save you money if:
- You drive average/high miles (commuting, road trips, sales routes)
- You hate the idea of mileage or driving tracking
- You need maximum convenience and don’t want apps/devices
- You have a high-risk profile where the “base rate” is already elevated
With that in mind, here are the major pay-as-you-go style insurers.
Metromile (Now Part of Lemonade)
Metromile is the classic pay-per-mile insurer people think of first. You pay a monthly base rate, then a per-mile rate that reflects how much you actually drive. Historically, Metromile used an in-car device (“Pulse”) for mileage tracking; in many situations today, mileage can be tracked via tech that varies by state and program.
Who it’s best for
Metromile tends to fit genuinely low-mileage drivers: remote workers, retirees, city dwellers, people with a second vehicle, and anyone who regularly drives well below average.
How pricing usually works
You’ll see two numbers when you quote:
- A base rate (covers the car being insured, even if it sits)
- A per-mile rate (kicks in as you drive)
If you barely drive, the base rate becomes the “floor” of your insurance costs. If you drive more, the per-mile component can push you toward or above traditional insurance pricing.
Pros
- Strong fit for low-mileage drivers because the pricing mechanism matches your lifestyle.
- Transparent structure: base + miles makes it easier to understand what’s driving the cost.
- Can feel fairer than a flat policy if your car spends most of the month parked.
- Often competitive for people who were overpaying on traditional plans due to low usage.
Cons
- If you start driving more, savings can evaporate quickly.
- Tracking is part of the model; if you dislike that, it’s a deal-breaker.
- Not available everywhere, so many drivers can’t access it.
- Base rates vary widely; some drivers discover their “floor” is not as low as expected.
Best shopping tip for Metromile
Ask yourself, “What happens in my ‘busy month’?” If you have a month with several road trips or family visits, run the math with a realistic high-mileage month, not your best-case month.
Milewise by Allstate
Allstate’s Milewise is also pay-per-mile, but it’s positioned as a major-carrier alternative with brand recognition and a more traditional insurance ecosystem around it. Like Metromile, you’ll typically see a base rate plus a per-mile charge.
Who it’s best for
Low-mileage drivers who want a big insurer behind the scenes. If you value bundled products, well-known claims infrastructure, or already like Allstate, Milewise can be appealing.
How pricing usually works
Base rate + per-mile rate. Tracking can be managed by device or app, depending on your state and how the program is set up.
Pros
- Big-carrier infrastructure: some people feel more comfortable with claims/service.
- Pay-per-mile structure is easy to understand.
- Good fit for low-mileage drivers who still want robust coverage options.
- Potentially easier to pair with other Allstate products (depending on state rules).
Cons
- Not as universally available as traditional Allstate auto policies.
- Rates can be less “aggressively low” than a specialist pay-per-mile insurer for some drivers.
- Discounts and program details vary a lot by state.
- If you drive more than expected, Milewise can lose its edge.
Best shopping tip for Milewise
Compare Milewise not only to Metromile/Mile Auto but also to a “standard” Allstate quote. Sometimes the pay-per-mile option wins; sometimes the regular policy plus discounts is surprisingly competitive.
SmartMiles by Nationwide
Nationwide SmartMiles is a pay-per-mile option offered under Nationwide’s umbrella. It usually behaves like “traditional insurance with a mileage-based adjustment,” meaning you may have more familiar policy structures while still tying a portion of the cost to miles driven.
Who it’s best for
Drivers who want a recognized national insurer, and who drive less than average but still want a more mainstream insurance feel than some specialist programs.
How pricing usually works
Commonly described as a base premium plus a variable portion related to mileage. Tracking can occur via a device or app, depending on availability.
Pros
- The mainstream insurer structure can feel easier to understand for many shoppers.
- Good option if you want pay-per-mile without switching to a specialist brand.
- Potentially smoother for households that prefer “one insurer” for multiple vehicles.
- Can be attractive for moderate-low mileage drivers who aren’t ultra-low mileage drivers.
Cons
- Availability varies; it’s not a “guaranteed everywhere” product.
- For very low-mileage drivers, specialist pay-per-mile programs may beat it.
- For higher-risk drivers, base pricing can still be high.
- Program mechanics differ by state, which can make comparison shopping harder.
Best shopping tip for SmartMiles
If you drive “low but not super low,” SmartMiles can be a sweet spot. If you drive extremely little, compare it to specialist pay-per-mile quotes where the per-mile rate can be sharper.
Hugo (Flexible, Short-Term “Pay As You Go”)
Hugo is often discussed in the pay-as-you-go conversation because it offers flexible coverage periods that can be purchased and managed in smaller increments than a standard 6-month policy. This is not usually “pay-per-mile.” It’s more “pay for coverage in chunks.”
Who it’s best for
Drivers who need maximum flexibility: people between jobs, people who drive only occasionally, drivers who want the ability to pause coverage (where allowed) or buy coverage for specific periods, and those who need insurance with low down payments.
How pricing usually works
Instead of a base+per-mile structure, you’re commonly choosing coverage and then paying for time blocks. Because it’s built for flexibility, the per-day or per-month cost can look higher than traditional insurance when averaged out, but it can still be useful if you truly need coverage only in certain windows.
Pros
- Extremely flexible payment structure compared to standard policies.
- It can be easier for people who can’t manage large upfront premiums.
- Useful for short-term needs (depending on state rules and eligibility).
- Straightforward “coverage when you need it” concept.
Cons
- If you need continuous full-time coverage, it may cost more than a standard policy.
- It’s not pay-per-mile; if your goal is “I drive 3,000 miles/year,” a per-mile insurer may beat it.
- Availability and eligibility rules matter a lot by state.
- Flexibility can tempt people into coverage gaps, which can raise future insurance costs.
Best shopping tip for Hugo
If you’re considering Hugo for affordability, also quote a standard 6-month policy with a higher deductible and only essential coverages. Sometimes the boring option is cheaper if you truly need year-round coverage.
Mile Auto
Mile Auto is a pay-per-mile specialist that stands out for its simpler tracking approach in many cases. Rather than a constant telematics-style feed, it’s often positioned around periodic odometer reporting (exact method depends on state and program).
Who it’s best for
Low-mileage drivers who want pay-per-mile pricing without feeling like their driving behavior is being graded. It can be especially appealing if you want a lighter-touch approach than a continuous tracker.
How pricing usually works
Still typically base + per-mile, but with mileage captured through verification methods that can feel simpler than always-on telematics.
Pros
- Often, a strong value proposition for true low-mileage drivers.
- Tracking may feel less intrusive than behavior-based telematics programs.
- Concept is straightforward: your miles drive a chunk of the price.
- Good fit for drivers who are confident in their low usage.
Cons
- Not offered everywhere.
- If you forget reporting steps or have administrative friction, it can be annoying.
- If you drive more than expected, the model can stop saving money.
- As with any insurer, claims experience varies by region and situation.
Best shopping tip for Mile Auto
If you’re shopping primarily to avoid invasive tracking, make sure you’re comparing “miles tracking” versus “behavior tracking.” These are not the same thing, and the savings can come with different tradeoffs.
Other “Usage-Based” Programs That People Confuse With Pay-As-You-Go Car Insurance
Programs like Snapshot (Progressive), Drive Safe & Save (State Farm), IntelliDrive (Travelers), and similar options from other major insurers are typically usage-based in the sense that they measure driving behavior (hard braking, time of day, acceleration, phone distraction proxies) rather than charging you per mile. They can still reduce premiums, and they are often available in many states, but they’re not the same as pay-per-mile or short-term prepaid insurance.
If your main goal is saving money and you’re open to telematics, it can be smart to compare these too. Just don’t assume “usage-based” automatically means “pay per mile.”
Cheapest to Most Expensive: A Practical Ranking for Low-Mileage Drivers
Because pricing changes constantly, treat this as a “typical outcome” ranking for genuinely low-mileage drivers who qualify cleanly and buy similar coverage. Your exact results may differ.
🚗 Often Cheapest for True Low-Mileage Drivers
- ⭐ Metromile
- ⭐ Mile Auto
These two are commonly the sharpest value propositions when you drive very little, because their core business model is built around mileage-linked pricing.
⚖️ Often Competitive, Mid-Range, Depending on Your Profile & State
- ⭐ Allstate Milewise
- ⭐ Nationwide SmartMiles
These can be excellent, but they sometimes price a little higher than specialists for ultra-low mileage drivers, while still beating traditional flat-rate insurance.
💎 Often Most Expensive on an “Apples to Apples, Year-Round” & Best Choice for Flexibility
- ⭐ Hugo
Hugo can be a lifesaver for payment flexibility, but if you keep continuous coverage, it may average out higher than pay-per-mile or a traditional policy. Where it can win is when your real need is irregular or when the main barrier are car insurance down payments
How to Do the Math Quickly
If you’re comparing pay-per-mile quotes, ask each insurer for:
- Monthly base rate
- Per-mile rate
Then plug in your realistic monthly mileage, including at least one “busy month.”
Below is a visual example demonstrating how this pricing model works (using example rates for illustration only):
📊 Cost Structure: Fixed Base + Variable Rate
Formula: $60 Base + $0.06/mile
300 Miles/Month
Base: $60
Mileage: $18 (300 × $0.06)
$78 Total
($0.26 per mile)
1,000 Miles/Month
Base: $60
Mileage: $60 (1,000 × $0.06)
$120 Total
($0.12 per mile)
Key Insight: Higher mileage spreads the fixed cost, reducing cost per mile. This is why mileage honety matters so much.
Pros and Cons Across All Pay-As-You-Go Insurers
If you’re trying to decide whether this category fits you at all, here’s the big picture.
Category-Level Pros
- You can stop subsidizing high-mileage drivers if you’re low-mileage
- Pricing can feel fairer and more transparent
- Often a strong fit for city living, remote work, and second cars
- Can reduce the pain of paying for a car that mostly sits
Category-Level Cons
- Availability is inconsistent; you may not have access in your state
- Tracking (mileage or app verification) is usually required
- Savings can disappear if your driving increases
- Not always ideal for households with unpredictable driving patterns
How to Choose the Right One Without Overthinking
Start with your “driver type,” then match the insurer.
If you drive very little and want maximum savings, start with Metromile and Mile Auto, then compare to Milewise and SmartMiles. If you drive low to moderate miles and want a major-carrier feel, compare Milewise and SmartMiles, then back-check with specialist quotes.
If your core problem is cash flow or you need short-term flexibility, look at Hugo, but also compare against a stripped-down traditional policy. If you hate tracking, you may still tolerate odometer-style verification better than behavior telematics, but if you can’t tolerate any tracking, pay-as-you-go may not be your category.
FAQs on Pay As You Drive Auto Insurance
Below are 10 common questions people have when shopping for pay-as-you-go car insurance.
What exactly counts as “pay-as-you-go” car insurance?
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Usually, either pay-per-mile (base + per-mile) or flexible short-term/prepaid insurance. Ads sometimes blur the terms, so always ask whether pricing is per mile or per time period.
Is pay-per-mile worth it if I drive 10,000 miles a year?
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Sometimes, but that’s near the border where savings often shrink. Many drivers see the best value well below average mileage. The only way to know is to run your miles through the base + per-mile math and compare it to a standard policy.
Do these policies track my location?
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It depends on the insurer and the tracking method. Some approaches track mileage without focusing on driving behavior; others may collect broader telematics data. Before enrolling, read exactly what the program captures and how it’s used.
Can I do pay-as-you-go insurance with full coverage (comp and collision)?
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Often yes, but options vary by insurer and state. Pay-per-mile affects pricing structure, not necessarily what coverages you can buy.
What if I don’t drive for a month?
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With pay-per-mile, you’ll usually still pay the base rate because the car remains insured. With flexible/prepaid models, you may be able to stop paying by not buying another time block, but be careful about coverage gaps.
Will my rate go up if I take a road trip?
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With pay-per-mile, your cost for that month will likely rise because you drove more miles. Plan for high-mile months.
Is pay-as-you-go insurance the same as usage-based insurance (UBI)?
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Not necessarily. Pay-per-mile charges you based on miles. UBI often adjusts your price based on driving behavior. Some programs overlap, but they’re not identical.
Does a lapse in coverage matter if I’m using a flexible plan?
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Yes. Even if a product makes it easy to pause, lapses can raise future premiums and complicate underwriting. If you truly need continuous coverage, it’s often cheaper long-term to keep it active.
How do I compare pay-as-you-go car insurance quotes fairly?
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Match coverage limits, deductibles, and add-ons across all quotes. Then compare the total expected cost using your realistic monthly mileage and include a busy month.
What’s the single fastest way to find the cheapest option?
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Get at least three quotes: one specialist pay-per-mile (Metromile or Mile Auto), one major-carrier pay-per-mile (Milewise or SmartMiles), and one traditional policy from a low-cost insurer in your area. Then run the numbers with your actual miles.
The Final Word On Pay As You Go Car Insurance
Pay-as-you-go car insurance can be a legit money-saver if you drive less than average and you’re willing to verify mileage. If you’re truly low-mileage, specialist pay-per-mile programs often make the most mathematical sense because their pricing is designed around low usage.
Major-carrier pay-per-mile programs can be a strong middle ground when you want a bigger brand and broader infrastructure, even if the pricing isn’t always as sharp for ultra-low miles. Flexible short-term products can be useful when your primary concern is cash flow or short coverage windows, but they can become expensive if kept active year-round.
The fastest way to avoid being misled by “pay as you go” marketing is to compare every option on the same basis: base rate, per-mile rate (if applicable), and your actual monthly miles, including at least one busy month. When you run that math, the right choice usually becomes obvious. Compare the cheapest pay-as-you-go car insurance quotes online and save more money on the coverage you need.