Blog » Car Insurance 101

In a matter of seconds, you can get into a car accident. It might just be a fender bender in the best-case scenario. In the worst-case scenario, there could be injury or death. After assessing the situation and making sure you and other parties are safe, you have to take the next step and file a car insurance claim. That process alone can be overwhelming and may fill you with questions like how insurance claims work? We’re breaking down the insurance claims process and answering common car insurance claim FAQs. 

What is a car insurance claim? 

A car insurance claim is a type of report you submit to your car insurance provider after an accident to obtain financial compensation to cover damage related to the accident. The insurance claims process can vary depending on the provider and also by the type of car insurance you have. 

A car insurance claim will only be approved if your insurance policy covers it. For example, collision and comprehensive coverage typically will cover most things. However, liability insurance only covers property damage and/or bodily injury for the other driver if you’re found at fault. So it needs to fall within your car insurance coverage. 

The car insurance claims process can also differ depending on the nature of the event. For example, the insurance claim process for car accidents will be different from a stolen car insurance claim investigation.

How do insurance claims work, exactly? 

You generally need to file a car insurance claim after a car accident or instance of car theft or damage. Here’s a breakdown of how car insurance claims work. 

Step 1: Get details and information about the incident 

As part of the insurance claims process for car accidents, vehicle damage, or personal injury, you will want to get details about what happened first. Typically you’ll want to collect the following information to get started:

• Names and contact information for everyone involved
• Insurance policies for both parties (as part of a car accident claim procedure compared to a stolen car insurance claim investigation)
• The date, time, and location of the incident
• Photos of any damage 
• A copy of the police or accident report

Preparing this information ahead of time can make the next step in the process smoother and easier for everyone. 

Step 2: Contact your car insurance provider and file a claim 

After preparing all the information and documentation, the next step is to contact your car insurance provider and file a claim. 

When you file a claim with your car insurance provider, you’ll get connected with a claims adjuster. The adjuster will review all of the information and determine which party is at fault. In some states, an insurance company can find you partially at fault and therefore partially responsible.

Step 3: Get approved for a car insurance claim and receive a payout 

After you file a claim, it needs to be processed and approved to move forward. Remember, the details of the incident will be reviewed and based on what’s covered under your auto insurance policy. 

During the insurance claims process, the claims specialist will help determine who’s at fault in the incident. 

If the other party in the accident is found to be at fault, your car insurance company may seek payments from the other driver’s insurance provider. If you’re found to be at fault, you’ll have to pay the car insurance deductible which  would be applied toward damages to your vehicle.  

Step 4: Fix your vehicle and review your premium 

Once you file a car insurance claim and get it approved, you may receive a payout to fix the damage to your car. If you disagree with the settlement, you can get started with the car insurance claim dispute process.

Your car insurance provider may have a list of preferred auto body shops in their network for you to choose from to get your car fixed. 

Be sure to get any damage fixed ASAP to make sure you stay safe on the road (for example, your car may still be drivable but you want to make sure it’s safe and legal). If your car is in the shop, be sure to check with your insurance provider about rental reimbursement or any Lyft/Uber ride-sharing benefits. 

Once everything is settled, you want to review your car insurance coverage to make sure your policy still fits your needs.  If you were found to be at fault for the accident, it’s likely your car insurance premium will rise when it’s time to renew, which can be a good time to shop around for car insurance. 

How do car insurance deductibles work? 

A car insurance deductible is an amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance company covers anything. So let’s say you had a $1,000 deductible, and the damage to your car would cost $3,000; your car insurance provider would cover $2,000 for the repairs. 

It’s important to know how much your deductible is and what type of coverage you have, such as collision coverage or comprehensive coverage. 

Frequently asked questions about car insurance claims 

You might have a lot of questions about how auto insurance claims work, so here are some answers to some common FAQs. 

Do I need to file an auto insurance claim?

Yes, in most cases, it is advised to file a car insurance claim. You must report and file a claim if there has been an accident. If there are minimal damages and no injuries, some people think it’s a good idea to settle with the other party (Hint: it’s often not). 

You could open yourself up to trouble down the line if they realize the damage is more than they initially thought, and your car insurance company may not cover you since you didn’t report it. 

If the damage to your car is minor, for example, scraping the side door, and no one else is involved, you generally don’t need to file a claim. The cost of repair may be less than your car insurance deductible, which means you’ll have to pay for any necessary fixes out of pocket. It’s best to consult your insurance provider if you have any questions or concerns, so they can help you throughout this process.

When do I file an auto insurance claim?

You need to file a claim if there has been an accident or injury involving another party as soon as possible. Many states have certain thresholds that require a report to the DMV. Typically, this is handled throughout the claims process. However, if the damage is above the threshold and there was not a claim filed, you’d still have to file the report. For example, California has a $1k threshold which requires an SR-1 form. Failure to submit this could have consequences, including a suspended driver’s license or registration.  

If you’ve experienced car theft, file a claim quickly so your car insurance can get started with a stolen car insurance claim investigation.

Should I file a claim with my insurance or the other person’s insurance?

If a car accident is your fault, you’ll want to file a claim with your own insurance company. 

If you’re not at fault and have collision coverage, it’s a good idea to file a claim with your own insurance company. This is a good route if the other party isn’t cooperative or has issues with their insurance. 

Lastly, if you’re not at fault and want to avoid paying your car deductible, you can file a claim with the other party’s insurance. However, it’s recommended to file with your own insurance provider and you may qualify for a deductible waiver as your insurance will handle the process for you through subrogation. Regardless of which route you choose, always notify your insurance provider of a loss or any incident or accident. 

Should I use my insurance company’s network of repair shops?

After a car accident, your car insurance company may offer you a network of repair shops to help fix the damaged vehicle. These repair shops are vetted and help keep costs affordable, but you’re not required to use them. If you have another repair shop you’d rather work with, you can do so. 

Some people may get a payout if there is a total loss when the cost of repairs exceeds the vehicle’s value, so you may not need to visit a repair shop. 

How long do I have before I need to file an auto insurance claim? 

You should file a claim with your car insurance provider as soon as possible after an accident. Consult your insurance policy to see about claim filing requirements. 

Why the vehicle insurance claim process is important 

Whether you’re in an accident or dealing with car theft or some other issue, the car insurance claim process is important for a number of reasons. Car insurance can provide financial support or peace of mind during a difficult time.

The auto insurance claims process should ideally be easy to manage, but often, it can lead to a lot of back and forth. That’s why Metromile set out to create a car insurance claim procedure that is different from the rest. 

How car insurance claims work with Metromile

Traditional car insurance companies treat filing a claim differently than Metromile. Notably, Metromile aims to save you the hassle by using technology to help you with the car accident insurance claim procedure. In some cases, your entire claim could be completely automated, meaning you can be made whole again more quickly.

We have AVA, which is Metromile’s AI claims system that can make the car insurance claims process easier than ever. AVA guides you through getting damage photos, collecting information, and even same-day payments for some claims. Using this innovative technology, you can resolve the issue at hand sooner. For example, AVA can help determine what actually happened and connect you with local repair shops or rental cars for your convenience. 

Our goal is to make auto insurance seamless. Because when you’re in a position when you need to file a claim, the last thing you need is to add any more stress to your plate. 

The bottom line 

Having car insurance coverage is a great financial protection for drivers. No one wants to file a claim or get into an accident, but your car insurance is designed for situations just like this and helps protect you and make sure you can move on with your life. 
If you’re wondering how do car insurance claims work, now you have a better idea of the insurance claims process with this breakdown. If you want to shop for better insurance now or after an accident, consider Metromile. If you don’t drive frequently, you could see substantial savings by paying for miles you actually drive, instead of a flat rate for miles you aren’t. Grab a free quote today.

Melanie Lockert is a freelance writer, podcast host of the Mental Health and Wealth show, and author of Dear Debt. She’s a cat mom to two jazzy cats, Miles and Thelonious, an amateur boxer, music lover, and needs coffee to function.

When you sign up for an auto insurance policy, an insurance declaration page will be included in your paperwork. But what is an insurance declaration page? It’s typically the first page of your policy and highlights important points about your coverage. It’s sometimes referred to as “dec” and can come in handy when you need to refer to your policy. Read on to learn how to read a declaration page and what it includes and what it doesn’t.

How to read your insurance declaration page 

Your insurance declaration page includes important information about your auto insurance policy. To read your declaration page, here is the typically included information. 

1. Drivers covered by the auto insurance policy 

Your declarations page lists the driver(s) covered by the policy. That should include you and anyone else who drives your car. 

2. The car insurance policy period 

When you sign up for a car insurance policy, there are effective dates that outline the term of your coverage. Typically, this is six months to one year. You can see when your auto coverage starts and ends on the declarations page, so you know when you need to renew your policy. 

3. Your car insurance premium 

When you sign up for an auto insurance policy, you typically need to pay a monthly car insurance premium or pay it every six months. In this part of the declarations page, you’ll see what is included in the premium as well as the overall total. 

4. The vehicles covered by your car insurance policy 

Your insurance declarations page also lists out the vehicles covered under your auto insurance policy. In this section, you’ll see the VIN, make, model as well as year for the vehicle that is covered. 

5. The type of auto coverage you have 

You typically need a minimum amount of auto coverage in each state. On the declarations page, the type of auto coverage you have will be outlined. Make sure you have the right car insurance coverage for your particular needs and budget. For example, Metromile offers the following types of auto insurance coverage, as well as any other state-mandated optional coverage(s):

• Comprehensive coverage
• Liability coverage  
• Collision coverage 
• Uninsured and underinsured coverage
• Personal injury protection
• Medical payments insurance 
• Roadside assistance insurance 
• Rental car insurance   

6. Any loss payees 

If you’ve taken on car financing and secured an auto loan for your car, the lender is typically listed as the loss payee on the declarations page. In this section, the loss payee is outlined, such as a bank — and includes relevant information such as address and contact info. 

7. Your car insurance deductible 

Also included on your insurance declaration page is your car insurance deductible. Your deductible refers to how much you pay out of pocket when you file a claim before your insurance kicks in. Your deductible amount can vary based on your coverage. 

8. Your coverage limits 

Your auto insurance coverage limits are also broken down on your declarations page, so you know the maximum amount that is part of your policy. Depending on the type of coverage you have, you might see the maximum amount your insurer will cover in case of bodily injury or car damage. 

9. Any discounts you qualify for 

Your car insurance provider may offer some discounts for things like security and safety features (such as anti-theft devices) or for being a “good driver.” Any discounts you’ll qualify for will also be listed on the declaration page. 

What your insurance declaration page doesn’t cover 

Your insurance declaration page is designed to be easy to read and accessible so you can see the most important parts of your coverage. This page can include what’s part of your policy but may not outline what’s not covered and may not provide further definitions of the terms listed. If you have questions, you can contact your insurance provider directly or look at the rest of your insurance paperwork. 

When to use your insurance declaration page 

Your insurance declaration page can come in handy in a number of cases. For example, if you want to review the details of your policy, you can do so easily on the declaration page. If you’re on the lookout for a new vehicle, you typically need to show proof of insurance. In that case, your insurance provider may send the dealer your declarations page as a way to confirm that you’re insured and actively covered. 

The bottom line 

Your insurance declaration page is a nifty outline of your auto insurance coverage that can come in handy in a variety of situations. It’s also useful to reference if you’re searching for new auto coverage. It outlines all the essential terms and rates, so you can make an informed decision when looking at new quotes. If you’re a low-mileage driver, pay-per-mile car insurance is likely your best bet.

You pay for gas by the gallon, why not pay for auto coverage based on the miles you actually drive? Using Metromile, you get a low base rate and only pay several cents per mile. Get your free quote for comparison shopping today. 

​​Melanie Lockert is a freelance writer, podcast host of the Mental Health and Wealth show, and author of Dear Debt. She’s a cat mom to two jazzy cats, Miles and Thelonious, an amateur boxer, music lover, and needs coffee to function.

After going through your expenses, you might notice some trends. Your highest expenses are likely rent/mortgage, food, and transportation costs. Among transportation costs is your car insurance premium. If you feel you’re paying too much for car insurance, you might be trying to figure out how to lower your car insurance cost. If you want a lower rate for your car insurance premium, here are 10 tips to get started.

1. Understand your current coverage

The first thing you want to do is understand your current car insurance policy. You want to see where you currently stand, so you can evaluate whether the coverage and limits you originally purchased are still the right fit for you. 

You might have purchased your policy when your lifestyle was different. For example, if you are now driving an older car, you might not need as much coverage as when you had a newer model vehicle. Once you understand your current coverage, you can make an apples-to-apples comparison with other available policies to make a more informed financial decision.

2. Switch to pay-per-mile car insurance 

In many cases, if you have traditional car insurance, you pay a flat premium per month (or per term). This can mean that if you don’t drive that much, you may be overpaying for coverage. Car insurance is based on numerous factors that include risk assessment and vehicle use. Obviously, every time you start your car and get on the road, there’s a level of risk. 

So naturally, if you drive less, there’s less risk. So why not reward yourself for that and pay less for insurance at the same time? 

Using pay-per-mile insurance, you can do just that. If you drive less than 10,000 miles each year, you could be a good fit for pay-per-mile insurance and be able to slash your car insurance premium significantly. In fact, Metromile customers were able to save up to $947* after making the switch. 

3. Compare rates among car insurance providers 

Are you satisfied with your car insurance rate? Or do you want a way to figure out how to lower your car insurance rate? If it’s the latter, it’s important to take the time to comparison shop. You may have purchased a policy with your car insurance provider years ago based on a family or friend recommendation, but there may be better coverage out there now. Be sure to check among various car insurance providers to see prospective rates. You can look at traditional car insurance vs. pay-per-mile insurance and assess what is best for your unique situation. 

4. Make a switch and downsize your car 

Here’s something you may not want to hear. The type The type of car you have could be costing you more. Why? If you have a bigger or more luxurious vehicle, it’ll be more expensive to insure. If anything were to happen, the replacement costs would likely be higher. Additionally, costs can be higher with bigger vehicles because of the potential damage done to other cars in the event of an accident. If you downsize to a smaller or more fuel-efficient car, your car insurance costs may be reduced. 

5. Increase the deductible

If you have a good driving record and very rarely get into accidents, you could increase your deductible to save money on your car insurance. You generally pay more for car insurance if you have a lower deductible.

Keep in mind that your deductible is how much you need to pay before your insurance kicks in. For example, if your car needs $1,500 in repairs and your policy has a $500 deductible, you’ll be responsible for paying $500 before your insurance covers the remaining $1,000. If you increase your deductible, you might want to consider saving money to make sure your emergency fund could cover the difference to avoid any unwanted surprises later on.

6. Ask for discounts

A simple way to lower car insurance is to ask for discounts! (yes, really). It often goes unnoticed, but insurance companies have different discounts available depending upon your personal situation. When you signed up, you might have been unaware of the potential discounts that you qualified for. 

Additionally, your situation may have changed since you first purchased your policy, and you may now qualify for a discount. 

A common car insurance discount is a multi-vehicle discount if you insure more than one car on the same policy. There are also rate reductions available in some states based on the type of job you have, whether you’re married, or there may be rewards for being a safe driver. These discounts can add up, so it’s worthwhile to call your insurer to see if there are any available discounts you may qualify for. 

7. Review a car’s safety and anti-theft features

Your car’s unique safety and anti-theft features can help you score a lower car insurance premium. Your car’s airbags, anti-theft devices, brakes, and more all affect the overall safety of your car and can also affect how likely the car is to be stolen. If you reduce some of these risks by adding more safety features or getting a car that already has these features, you may be able to reduce your car insurance rate. 

8. Consider temporarily changing your coverage

Your car insurance policy should work for you. Fortunately, Metromile and some other insurance companies let you personalize your policies, including your coverage limits and totals. You can ask your insurer about any optional coverage unique to your state that you could temporarily reduce to help you save, for example.

Also, if you finance your car, review your financing information, as your lienholder or lease company could have coverage requirements or require you to let them know if you make any changes to your insurance policy.

If you do make any changes, make sure you remember to review your policy again later. You don’t want to get caught without the coverage you might need when you return to your usual driving habits.

9. Enroll in a defensive driving course 

Defensive driving courses aren’t just for new drivers. If you want to learn how to lower your car insurance, enrolling in a defensive driving course may help. 

This may also help you lower your driver’s license points in the case of a traffic ticket. Some insurance companies may reward you for taking a proactive role in promoting driver safety. 

10. Boost your credit  

There are various factors that can affect your auto insurance rate. In some states, insurers use your credit information to assess overall risk. 

If you want to learn how to lower car insurance, it’s best to boost your credit rating, so it doesn’t negatively impact your car insurance premium. Your best moves are to pay your bills on time and keep your overall balances low compared to your credit limits. Be mindful of borrowing too much and opening up too many new credit accounts in a short period of time. 

The bottom line 

If you’re wondering how to lower your car insurance, use these ten tips to help you get the best insurance rate possible. If you’re a low-mileage driver, your best bet might be to switch to pay-per-mile insurance coverage. If you’re still paying for miles you aren’t actually driving, it’s time to re-think your auto coverage. Grab a free quote with Metromile today to see your potential savings. 

There are two main ways to buy a car: pay cash or finance your purchase (i.e. take out an auto loan and pay it off over time). You can probably guess which option is more popular — as the average price of a new car has topped $45,000, it’s not surprising that a whopping 86% of new vehicles purchased in the US were financed in Q2 2020 according to Statista.

While financing a car can be a convenient way to purchase a vehicle without decimating your savings, it could cost you more than whatever interest rate your lender is charging. We’ll explain why and what you can do about it below.

What is a lienholder?

A lienholder is a lender who holds a lien (legal claim) on something you own because they lent you the money to purchase it. In the case of financing a car, the lienholder is your auto lender — whether that’s your bank, the car dealer, or an individual — and the “something you own” is your vehicle.

When you finance a car, your lender is considered the legal owner and may be listed on the vehicle title and your auto insurance policy until you pay off your loan and own the car outright. The lien basically gives the lender (your lienholder) a guarantee that it’ll receive repayment for your loan — either through your payments or repossession of the vehicle if you stop making payments.

If you’re not sure whether your vehicle has a lienholder, check your car’s Certificate of Title or your state’s DMV website, or run a Vehicle History Report (VHR).

Who needs a lienholder?

A lienholder is only needed if you financed your vehicle (i.e. have a car loan). If you paid for your car in cash, you own the car in full. If you’re leasing it, you’re basically renting it until your lease is over — you’re not giving someone money to eventually own the vehicle.

In rare cases, a mechanic may place a lien on your vehicle if you don’t pay your bill, but it may need to be approved by a court to be added.

How do lienholders impact car insurance?

Your lienholder can require you to purchase certain types of car insurance to protect their investment.

States usually only require liability insurance, which covers injuries to others or damage to their property — but doesn’t cover your car. Since the lienholder legally owns your car until you pay off the loan, they often require you to purchase insurance that’ll cover it if it gets damaged or stolen.

In practice, this usually means they’ll require you to get “full coverage” car insurance (comprehensive and collision insurance) — sometimes with a specific deductible amount — and add their name to your insurance policy. Collision insurance covers damages to your car from collisions, while comprehensive coverage covers theft and damage that happens to your car when it’s not being driven (think car branches falling on your car, animals running into it, hail, etc.).

If your policy coverage doesn’t meet the requirements of your lienholder, they might take out their own policy on the vehicle (often called force-placed insurance) and make you pay the premiums in addition to the policy you have.

Should your car get damaged, the money paid out by your insurance may be addressed to both you and the lienholder, and they may not endorse the check until you agree to certain stipulations. For example, they might want proof you actually used the money to repair the car. And if the vehicle is totaled or stolen, your insurance provider is required to reimburse the lender for their remaining interest before you receive anything.

Once you pay your loan off and remove the lienholder from your policy, you have full control over what car insurance to buy (though you do need to hit your state’s minimum).

What is a lienholder on a car title?

The lienholder listed on your car title is your auto loan lender. They’ll usually appear on your car title (or, in some states, keep the title) until you pay off the loan. The process generally looks something like this:

1. The lienholder files the lien with your state’s transportation agency or department of motor vehicles.
2. When you pay off the loan, they send a lien release document to the appropriate state transportation agency.
3. The car title gets updated and transferred to you.

How to add and remove a lienholder from your auto insurance policy

It’s relatively easy to add a lienholder to your auto insurance policy. First, adjust your policy to meet the lienholder’s requests (remember: they’ll usually require full coverage, which means you may need to add collision and comprehensive coverage with specified deductibles). Then, ask your insurance company to add the lienholder to your policy and notify the lienholder when they’ve done so. Finally, follow up with the lienholder to make sure the paperwork was filed properly.

To remove the lienholder from your policy, you’ll usually need to prove to your insurance company that you own the vehicle outright (for example, show the updated car title that only lists your name). Once you do that, they should be able to help you remove the lienholder from your policy — and adjust your policy if you wish.

Bottom line

While the insurance your lienholder requires can come in handy if you get into an accident or your car gets stolen, you’ll likely need to pay higher monthly premiums for this additional coverage. The good news is you could pay less with Metromile than with other insurance providers since the rate you pay for comprehensive coverage and collision coverage is based on your driving habits. Get a free quote to see how much you could save today!

There’s no doubt that getting into a car accident can shake you up in every way. It can do a number on your nervous system and put a damper on your day. But when it comes to types of car accidents, they differ in severity. There are the types of accidents that can result in injury and (gulp) death. 

On the other hand, there are fender benders, which  are typically minor and more of an annoyance to your day than a life-threatening accident. They’re also one of the most common types of accidents as well.

According to a report on Traffic Safety Facts in 2016 by The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about half of all accidents aren’t reported to the police and involve only minor property damage and no severe injuries. More recent data in 2019 shows that property-damage-only crashes have the highest numbers, coming in at more than 4 million, which is about double the amount of injury and fatal crashes combined. Read on to learn what to do in a fender bender and what you should know. 

What is a fender bender, exactly? 

You’ve probably heard the term before, but what is a fender bender? According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the term refers to “a minor automobile accident.”

The fender of your car is the part of the vehicle that curves over the wheels of the car to protect it. When you get into a fender bender, the fender can bend and become indented — hence the name fender bender. In general, these types of accidents cause minor or cosmetic property damage but typically not personal injuries. 

Top reasons fender benders happen

Fender benders are so common because it doesn’t take much to get into a minor accident. Your attention strays for a second when seeing an incoming text and suddenly you rear-end the person in front of you. Here are some common fender bender examples. 

• A driver doesn’t brake on time and rear-ends the car in front of them (this could be from texting, not paying attention, not slowing down far enough in advance, etc.)
• A driver is backing up and hits another car or vice versa — the other car hits the driver backing up. This could happen in a parking lot, narrow street, or areas with blind spots. 
• A driver isn’t paying close attention and hits a parked car (it happens!) 
• A driver doesn’t stop completely and hits another car

In many cases, fender benders occur at a slow to moderate speed which is why they typically aren’t as serious as an accident that causes injury or death. 

Fender benders can be caused by, among other things:

• Due to texting
• Being too close to another vehicle
• Not paying attention
• Not being aware of blind spots 

The best way to avoid fender benders is to stay focused, avoid distractions, and practice defensive driving. 

How to report a fender bender and file a claim 

Even if you stay on your A-game while driving, that doesn’t account for other people. Other drivers could be distracted and within mere seconds end up hitting you just enough for some bumper damage. Whether you’re at-fault or the other party is, here’s what to do in a fender bender.

Step 1: Stay calm and assess the situation 

Even though fender benders are relatively minor in the grand scheme of things, they’re still a shock to your nervous system. Take a deep breath and assess the situation. Is anyone hurt? Can everyone move, walk, and breathe properly? 

After determining that everyone is okay, then you can move the car to a safe spot and take a look at the damage on the vehicles. If there are injuries, call for medical attention right away. 

Step 2: Get to a safe spot 

Before you take an inventory of the damage, make sure to get to a safe spot. You might be in the middle of the road or blocking traffic, so see if you can go to the side of the road. If not, put on your emergency lights to remain visible to other drivers. 

Step 3: Take photos and exchange your information with the other driver 

In order to file a claim with insurance, you want to have all the information you need. First, start by taking photos of the car at all possible angles that include any damage. Next, you want to exchange your personal and car insurance information with the other driver. Each party in the fender bender should have:

• Full name
• Address
• Phone number
• Car insurance policy number
• Car insurance provider
• Details about time, date, location, etc. regarding the fender bender 

Getting all of this information ahead of time can make filing a claim easier and may help expedite the process.

Step 4: File a police report 

You also want to file a police report regarding the accident to have a paper trail. That can help your insurance claim. A police officer may come to the site of the fender bender or you may need to go to a station to file a report. In some cases, you may be legally required to file a police report if the property damage is over a certain amount. For example, in California that amount is $1,000. You can check out state reporting requirements here.

Be sure to get a copy for yourself to have it ready for your insurance. In the case of a fender bender, some people think it’s not necessary to call the police but it can help with your claim and make things official. 

Step 5: Contact your car insurance provider and file a claim 

After a fender bender or any accident, you want to contact your car insurance provider ASAP. Give them the information first regarding what went down. Give the insurance agent all of the details of the accident and file a claim. You’ll pay your car insurance deductible and submit a claim to receive funds for repairs. 

What to do after filing a car insurance claim for a fender bender 

After filing a claim for a fender bender, get the claim processed and pay your deductible. Once that happens, you may be eligible to receive funds to cover repair costs. 

Depending on your car insurance provider, you may need to do one of the following to get an estimate for repairs:

• You may have to submit photos 
• Go to an auto repair shop 
• An insurance adjuster may come to review the damage to your vehicle 

Once you’ve paid your deductible, if applicable,and received an estimate, you can go to an auto shop of your choice to fix the vehicle. If you’re unsure of options, you can always ask your car insurance provider for recommendations. 

How to prevent fender benders 

Fender benders are no fun to deal with. On one hand, you’re likely safe and okay, but on the other hand, you now have paperwork and repairs to deal with. Sometimes these things are out of your control but if you want to prevent fender benders, you can take some proactive measures. 

• Make sure there’s enough space between you and other cars on the road 
• Turn your phone off or put it on silent while behind the wheel
• Take extra precautions and drive slowly during severe weather conditions
• Practice defensive driving
• Brake on time to make full stops at red lights as well as stop signs 
• Follow all traffic signs
• Be aware of blind spots
• Drive slowly when backing up 

Taking these steps consistently can help you do your part to avoid a fender bender. 

The bottom line 

Figuring out what to do in a fender bender can be stressful, but following these steps can make the process smoother. Fender benders are nobody’s cup of tea, but they’re quite common. You can do your part to stay safe on the road and if you find yourself dealing with a fender bender, contact your insurance right away. 

If you’re looking for an insurance company that offers a simple way to file a claim, check out Metromile. You can use AVA, the AI claims assistant to walk you through the process. On top of that, you can score affordable coverage that you pay by the mile alongside a low base rate, so you never pay for more than you have to. Get a free quote with Metromile to see how much you could save. 

Melanie Lockert is a freelance writer, podcast host of the Mental Health and Wealth show, and author of Dear Debt. She’s a cat mom to two jazzy cats, Miles and Thelonious, an amateur boxer, music lover, and needs coffee to function.

While many people associate auto insurance with accidents and collisions, it can also cover other tragedies, such as theft — if you have the right type of coverage.

Whether your car insurance covers theft can also depend on what was stolen: your car, car parts (such as your catalytic converter), and/or items in your car.

We’ll cover what kind of insurance you need to cover each of these items below.

Does car insurance cover a stolen car?

While vehicle thefts have been trending downward since 1991, there were still 873,080 auto thefts in 2020 — a 9.2% increase compared to 2019.

Generally, if someone steals your vehicle, comprehensive coverage will cover up to its actual cash value (ACV), or replacement cost of your car — minus your deductible. For example, if your car is worth $5,000 and your policy has a $500 deductible, you’ll get a maximum insurance settlement of $4,500 for a covered claim.

While this can come in handy if your car is valuable, it may not be worth it if your car isn’t worth much more than your deductible.

Comprehensive insurance at a glance

In general, when you think of car theft insurance, you should think of comprehensive insurance. Like the name implies, comprehensive insurance covers a variety of car-theft scenarios, including:

• Stolen vehicle
• Vehicle crashed while stolen
• Stolen standard parts of your car, such as a catalytic converter
• Stolen keys or fob
• Damage to the car  that occurs during a break-in (such as broken door locks and windows)

Additionally, comprehensive coverage covers other damage not caused by a collision, such as destruction from falling tree limbs, fires, floods, animals, and more.

However, it won’t cover personal belongings stolen from your vehicle or the cost of a rental car (or alternate means of transportation). For these, you’ll need condo, renters, or homeowners insurance and rental reimbursement coverage , respectively.

If you only purchase the minimum car insurance coverage requirements in your state, you probably don’t have comprehensive coverage — it isn’t required by states (though if your car is leased or financed, your lender will likely require you to have it). This means if you want to protect your vehicle from theft, you may need to add comprehensive coverage to your auto insurance policy.

Is catalytic converter theft covered by insurance? 

These days, it feels like all anyone talks about on Nextdoor is stolen catalytic converters. And for good reason — catalytic converter thefts have skyrocketed since the start of COVID-19, especially as the value of metal continues to rise. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), in December 2019, 578 catalytic converters were stolen. A year later, in December 2020, that number grew to 2,347.

Fortunately, comprehensive insurance can also cover stolen parts of your vehicle, such as catalytic converters and keys. Keep in mind that it usually only applies to factory-installed parts, though, so if your custom stereo system and new rims get stolen, you may be out of luck.

Also, if your deductible is higher than the cost of the stolen parts, it may not be worth filing a claim. For reference, it can cost around $950-$2,500 to repair a catalytic converter.

Does car insurance cover theft of personal items from your car? 

No, car insurance doesn’t cover stolen items from your car — it generally only covers components that are permanent features of the vehicle.

Fortunately, your condo, renters, or homeowners insurance may protect your personal property. If you’re on the road a lot and/or travel with valuables such as laptops, photo equipment, and other electronics, you may want to check your coverage for personal property on your home policy and increase it if necessary.

As always, keep in mind that your coverage won’t kick in until you hit your deductible. This means if your deductible is more than what your stolen items were worth, you won’t get any money.

How the Metromile app can help you recover your stolen car?

While comprehensive coverage can help you avoid getting stuck with a huge bill when something unexpected happens to your vehicle, like it getting stolen, having to replace your car — even if it’s mostly paid for — can still be a pain.

At Metromile, while we usually tout our ability to save drivers money (for good reason — on average, our customers save 47%* compared to what they were paying their previous auto insurance provider), another huge, understated benefit is that our technology can help you track and recover your vehicle if it’s ever stolen.

To power our pay-per-mile insurance model, we have each customer plug a small GPS system called the Pulse into their car’s diagnostics port. While it’s mostly used to collect data about each individual’s driving, customers have also used the technology to locate their stolen car and recover it with police assistance.

Bottom line

While there are many things you can do to minimize the chance of theft (e.g. not keeping valuables in your car, locking your doors, and keeping your car in a well-lit area), sometimes tragedy strikes anyway.

Comprehensive car insurance can give you peace of mind, knowing you’re protected if something happens to your vehicle. At Metromile, the rate you pay for comprehensive insurance coverage is based on your driving habits, which means you could pay less for the same reliable coverage you’d get from another provider. Get a free quote to see how much you could save today.

*Average annual car insurance savings by new customers surveyed who saved with Metromile in 2018.

You’re heading out to your car to start your day and you notice something disturbing — you have slashed tires. Someone took a blade to your tires and went to town. After letting out a sigh of frustration and doing a mental recap of potential people you may have pissed off, you realize you need to get the issue fixed and move on. In this scenario, you might wonder, “Does insurance cover slashed tires?” and the answer is, it depends on your car insurance policy. Read on to learn what you need to know about insurance and slashed tires.

Most common reasons behind slashed tires 

First, let’s go over some of the most common reasons behind slashed tires. 

• Vandalism in the community, which can include property damage.
• Driving over sharp objects that can cut your tires open. 
• Purposeful destruction by another party — could be a complete stranger who is mad about something or feeling destructive or someone you know who is angry about something. 

Though you may have slashed tires because of something sharp, a case of slashed tires is premeditated and deliberate in many instances. So if you have a known enemy or a bitter ex seeking revenge, that, unfortunately, could be the reason for your slashed tires. 

For example, this Reddit poster was the victim of slashed tires from a ‘vindictive’ ex-roommate. This news report shares how a heartbroken man slashed his ex-girlfriend’s tires in front of an off-duty Highway Patrol trooper (whoops). 

Whether the action was premeditated or not, having slashed tires can be unsettling as you might not know who did it or why and have to deal with damage to your personal property. 

Does insurance cover slashed tires? 

When you’re trying to fix the issue and move on with your life, you might wonder does insurance cover slashed tires? It really depends on your car insurance policy. If you have the minimum liability coverage, you’re going to be out of luck. Liability coverage helps cover damages that “you” the driver are responsible for – bodily injury and property damage, not your own tires.

If you have comprehensive car insurance, your policy will cover the slashed tires. Given the name comprehensive, it covers most things including slashed tires due to vandalism or intentional property damage by another party. 

If your slashed tires were the result of driving over sharp objects, then collision coverage may help remedy the issue. 

It’s important to remember that you still have to pay your car insurance deductible, so you might want to crunch some numbers to see if filing a claim is worth it. 

For example, if it costs you $400 to replace your slashed tires but you have a $500 car insurance deductible, you’ll still be paying for the costs as your deductible is more than the total cost of replacing the tires. 

You may also want to file a police report as well to create a paper trail, which could be required to get slashed tires covered by insurance. 

Why your slashed tires claim might be denied? 

As noted above, if you have comprehensive or collision coverage, it’s likely that your slashed tires will be covered. But there are instances where your claim could be denied. 

For example, if your tires got slashed due to something you did, you’ll likely be denied. So if you were angry and caused the damage yourself or drove in a reckless way that caused the tire damage, your claim may not be covered by insurance. Basically, anything that could have been avoided with safe and calm driving likely won’t be covered. 

How to file a claim for slashed tires 

If you’re dealing with slashed tires and have decided it’s worth it to file a claim with your insurance, you want to take action right away. Here’s how to file a claim for slashed tires. 

Step 1: Take photos and write down details 

First, take pictures of the slashed tires with your phone and write down details of when you think it happened. If you haven’t been to your car in a few days, try to piece together the last time your tires were in good condition compared to when you noticed you had slashed tires. If you have an idea of who it might be, write that down as well. 

Step 2: File a police report 

In many cases, slashed tires are the result of vandalism or purposeful, deliberate property damage. If you’re wondering, does insurance cover slashed tires, that might only be the case if you file a police report. Your insurance provider may require it as part of the process. 

Step 3: File a claim with your insurance 

After having all the details and filing a police report, file a claim with your insurance provider. Contact them about the process and let them know about your situation, and ask about processing time. 

Step 4: After your claim is processed, get new tires 

Once your car insurance provider processes your claim and you get funds from your insurance company, you can purchase new tires and replace the slashed tires. 

Taking these steps can help you fix the issue at hand and move on. If you know the tire slasher, you can decide to press charges and pursue legal action. 

The bottom line 

After seeing your tires cut up like a Thanksgiving turkey, it can leave you in a frustrated panic. You want to know — does insurance cover slashed tires? It all comes down to your type of policy coverage, so it’s best to contact your insurance company if you have any questions. Also, remember to take your deductible into account, as it may not be worth filing a claim if your insurance won’t actually cover the out-of-pocket costs. 

If you want to get great car insurance coverage at an affordable price, check out pay-per-mile insurance coverage with Metromile. Pay a low base rate and only based on the miles you drive, so you’re never paying for more than you actually need. Grab a free quote today.


Melanie Lockert is a freelance writer, podcast host of the Mental Health and Wealth show, and author of Dear Debt. She’s a cat mom to two jazzy cats, Miles and Thelonious, an amateur boxer, music lover, and needs coffee to function.

You’re reviewing your monthly expenses and combing through the list and aside from food and housing, there’s one number that jumps out at you — your car insurance. If you’ve checked your car insurance bill and wondered “Why is my car insurance so high?!”, there are a variety of reasons. Read on to learn what factors make up your car insurance rate and why your car insurance might be expensive.

The type of car insurance you have 

If you look at your bill and let out a deep sigh and think “Why is car insurance so expensive?” it might have something to do with the type of insurance you have. 

Traditional car insurance rates take into account a number of factors that we’ll go over later, but you typically pay a standard monthly premium. You pay the same amount regardless of how much you drive. 

In many cases, that doesn’t make the most sense. When you drive more, you’re taking on more risk. But the converse is also true. If you drive less, you take on less risk and there is less wear and tear on the vehicle. Given we’re in pandemic times and many people have made the shift to working from home, you might be driving less than you ever have. Why wouldn’t you want to be rewarded for that?

The good news is you can be if you use pay-per-mile auto insurance. Pay-per-mile auto coverage with Metromile offers you the ability to pay a low base rate each month while paying just several cents for each mile you drive up to 250 miles per day. You pay for gas by the gallon, why not pay for insurance based on the miles you actually drive and not for anything more? 

Using Metromile, on average customers have saved $741 per year*. Imagine putting that money in the stock market, toward your student loans, or for a fun vacay. The type of insurance you have can heavily impact how much you pay for car insurance. 

Your location 

You know the saying “location, location, location” when it comes to real estate evaluations? Your location and where you live affect not only real estate values but also your car insurance. 

Consider how where you live might add additional risk factors that play into your car insurance rate. For example, do you live in a congested, population-dense city where the streets are narrow, parking is hard to come by, and break-ins are fairly commonplace? Or do you live somewhere more rural, where the streets are wide, there are more covered garages, and fewer instances of theft and damage? The weather where you live may also impact the rate as well. 

As you can see, there are many factors that are location-dependent that ultimately affect your car insurance rate. Car insurance providers use data from your zip code to make risk assessments about your area. 

How old you are 

In some cases, you might think age is “just a number” but that’s not the case when it comes to car insurance. If you’re a younger driver, you’re much more likely to have a higher car insurance premium compared to someone with more years of experience under their belt. 

Why? Well, it comes down to experience and risk. As a younger driver, you have less experience on the road and have a higher likelihood of an accident. In fact, according to CDC data, car accidents are the second leading cause of death for teens in the United States. 

The risk of dying in a car accident is about three times higher for teens ages 16 to 19 compared to drivers who are 20 and older. Teen male drivers within the 16 to 19 age group were two times more likely to die in a car accident compared to female drivers. On top of that, the risk of a car accident is higher for teens within the first few months of getting a driver’s license. 

Your driving history 

If you’re scratching your head thinking “Why is car insurance so expensive?” the first thing you want to consider is your driving history. Your driving history, or driving record, may play a big role in your car insurance rate. 

For example, if you have an at-fault accident or a speeding ticket on your record, that can affect how much you pay for car insurance. In fact, the financial site Bankrate.com states that drivers can see an average car insurance premium increase of 38% after an at-fault accident. 

If you have a DUI or DWI, that number could be even higher. If you have many back-to-back incidents, your car insurance provider may even drop you, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). 

The type of coverage you have 

When you get car insurance, there are different types of coverage you can get. For example, if you get comprehensive coverage and collision coverage, that will be at a higher price than liability only. Comprehensive, collision and liability in one policy can protect your finances in case of an accident. 

Those policies are higher priced because they cover more and help recoup costs for damages you may incur in case of an accident. Typically, you simply pay the car insurance deductible and your car insurance provider covers the rest. 

According to financial site WalletHub.com, liability coverage is on average 64% lower on its own than when combined with collision and comprehensive coverage. Most states require minimum liability coverage. While that may be more affordable, you also get what you pay for. So if you get in an accident, the financial burden may fall mostly on you. 

 Credit-based insurance score 

Your credit score and credit report aren’t just for applying for a loan or credit card. In fact, some states allow use of your credit information as a factor when determining car insurance premiums as part of creating a credit-based insurance score. The reasoning is that those with poor credit or no credit typically have a higher likelihood of filing a claim, according to the Insurance Information Institute. 

If you think this is an unfair metric to determine credit-based car insurance scores, there are some states that agree and have banned the use of credit scores in some capacity as it relates to car insurance. 

If you’re not in those states, the best way to boost your credit score is to make payments on your loans on time and in full, when possible. Some states may not use your credit score to set the car insurance rate but may have restrictions based on whether your policy can be canceled or non-renewed due to your credit. 

Your car’s make and model 

Do you dream of driving a corvette or mustang? You may end up paying more for car insurance because of it. In fact, your car’s make and model affect your car insurance rate. All of these factors play into the safety of the vehicle as well as how likely they are to get stolen. 

Cars that tend to be fancier and more expensive also have higher rates, as do newer cars and electric cars. So if you’re thinking of buying a car, you might want to consider how the make and model will affect your car insurance rate. 

Your insurance record 

If you want to know why is car insurance so expensive, you also want to consider your insurance record. Having car insurance is important as a driver. If there are gaps in coverage, even for a short period of time, it may impact your car insurance premium in certain states. If you switch car insurance providers, make sure there isn’t a lapse in your car insurance coverage. 

The number of miles you drive 

Do you drive a lot? That could impact your car insurance premium as well. Every time you get on the road, you’re gambling a bit with safety. The more miles you drive, the more risk you have which insurance providers have to take into account. 

When you sign-up for car insurance, you might have to provide the number of miles you drive per year which can affect your rate. If your mileage shifts, it makes sense to contact your car insurance provider. If you don’t drive that often, pay-per-mile insurance can make a lot more sense for your budget.

The bottom line 

If you’ve ever wondered “Why is my car insurance so high?” now you know there are many factors that affect how costly your premium is. There are some things that are out of your control but there are other things you can do to make car insurance more affordable. If you’re a low-mileage driver, check out pay-per-mile auto insurance. Don’t pay a penny more than you need to and only pay for the miles you drive, along with an affordable base rate. Get your free quote today.

​​Melanie Lockert is a freelance writer, podcast host of the Mental Health and Wealth show, and author of Dear Debt. She’s a cat mom to two jazzy cats, Miles and Thelonious, an amateur boxer, music lover, and needs coffee to function.

*Average annual car insurance savings by new customers surveyed who saved with Metromile in 2018.

While most states have minimum requirements for auto insurance, sometimes the coverage isn’t enough. Not every driver may be insured or have enough coverage. According to a 2021 study by the Insurance Research Council, one in eight drivers were uninsured.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can help protect you if you get into an accident with a driver who doesn’t have liability coverage or is underinsured. Here’s what you need to know about the car insurance coverage in California.

Why uninsured motorist coverage California is important?

California has minimum auto insurance requirements for every driver on the road. The minimum liability coverage in California is:

• $15,000 to cover the injury or death of a single person
• $30,000 to cover the injury or death involving more than one person or per accident
• $5,000 to cover property damage

But that doesn’t mean everyone is insured. It is estimated that 16.6 percent of motorists in California are uninsured, according to the Insurance Research Council. So, when these uninsured motorists in California end up getting into an at-fault accident, things can get messy. 

To help combat this issue, California car insurance providers must legally offer uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage. You can decline these coverages by signing a waiver, though that might not be the best idea. 
You can opt for uninsured motorist bodily injury, which covers medical costs for you as well as any passengers if an uninsured or underinsured motorist hits you. There’s also uninsured and underinsured motorist property damage, which covers the cost of physical damages to your vehicle after an accident.

Is uninsured motorist coverage in California required if I have health insurance?

If your primary concern is potential medical costs after an accident with an uninsured driver, you might wonder if you need uninsured motorist coverage in California if you already have health insurance. 

While health insurance can help lower costs and provide care, health insurance can also have pricey deductibles and copays. On top of that, your health insurance may not cover all the services you might need after a car accident, such as a chiropractor. 

Getting uninsured motorist coverage in California can help ensure you get access to the funds necessary for your health and wellbeing.

Getting the right amount of uninsured motorist coverage in California

If you’re considering uninsured motorist coverage or underinsured motorist coverage in California, you probably want to know just how much you need or what is the “right” amount. 

According to the California Department of Insurance, uninsured motorist bodily injury limits are equal to your liability coverage limits. If you get general underinsured motorist insurance, you’ll be covered for a limited amount if there is bodily injury due to an accident with someone who doesn’t have enough coverage to cover all the costs. 

Uninsured motorist property damage coverage in California offers up to $3,500 to cover vehicle damages due to an accident with another driver who is at-fault and doesn’t have insurance. It’s important to note that if you have collision coverage, you may not need this. On top of that, this coverage pays out only in cases where the driver is identified. So, if they drive off in a hurry, you may be out of luck if you’re involved in a hit-and-run accident.

How underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage in California works?

Let’s say that you’re on the road and get T-boned by another car. It’s not your fault, but there are major damages to your car, and you want to get your neck checked out. You have car insurance, but the other driver doesn’t. 

If you have uninsured motorist bodily injury insurance, and the driver has no coverage, your medical bills and any passengers’ will be paid for up to your overall coverage limit. The same goes for uninsured motorist property damage coverage in California. 

If the other driver is underinsured and can’t cover all the costs, both the uninsured motorist bodily injury and uninsured motorist property damage coverage can pay the difference for your medical bills and car repairs if the other party’s insurance doesn’t cover all the costs. 

For example, the other driver could have minimum liability coverage of $30,000 for injuries to more than one person. Let’s say your hospital bill is a whopping $55,000, and your car repairs that are required to fix your car total $25,000. The total cost of the accident is $80,000, but the other person only has $30,000 in coverage. When you have underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage in California, you can get help covering that difference. 

With Metromile, you can file a claim with the Metromile app soon after the accident. If you purchased underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage, and your claim is approved, a check will be on its way to help cover the costs to repair any damage to your car or other eligible expenses.

Other ways to recoup costs if an uninsured motorist hits you

If an uninsured motorist hits you, your health insurance plan may cover costs related to your healthcare. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, your health insurance is legally entitled to any proceeds from the policy as part of something referred to as subrogation. 

One option to consider is medical payments coverage, sometimes referred to as “med pay,” which covers the cost of any injuries regardless of who is ultimately found at fault. These payments aren’t part of subrogation, but you should know that the limits may not be as extensive as you need. 

Your best bet is to get uninsured motorist coverage. You can also look into an umbrella insurance policy for additional coverage and protection. If needed, you may want to consult with a lawyer or financial advisor for additional support navigating your situation.

The bottom line

Getting into an accident can be jarring and frustrating. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can help cover costs if you have to deal with an uninsured motorist or someone without enough coverage.

Metromile offers uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage so that you can stay protected.

Many drivers save money when they switch to Metromile and pay-per-mile auto insurance. Drivers can save $741 a year, according to a 2018 survey of new Metromile customers who saved, and they don’t have to sacrifice their coverage or experience. You can get a free quote to see whether you might save and how much uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage costs to add to your policy.

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Melanie Lockert is a freelance writer, podcast host of the Mental Health and Wealth show, and author of Dear Debt. She’s a cat mom to two jazzy cats, Miles and Thelonious, an amateur boxer, music lover, and needs coffee to function.

If you’re a military service member, you have a unique set of considerations. You could be deployed, need to relocate frequently, or store your car when you’re away. We hear you and understand this can make managing your bills and insurance coverage tricky.

The good news is there are military car insurance options that may be a good fit for you. Here’s what military service members should know about auto insurance.

Who is considered a military service member?

Many auto insurance companies offer military discounts on car insurance or specialized military car insurance policies. 

Military service members may be able to take advantage of these savings. In some cases, insurance companies might extend any benefits, discounts, or eligibility to family members or former military service members, including veterans. 

To qualify for most military car insurance, you typically must have an affiliation with one of the following branches of the Armed Forces:

• Air Force
• Army
• Coast Guard
• Marine Corps
• Navy

If you work in or are affiliated with one of these branches, you likely qualify for military car insurance. Drivers who are affiliated with the National Guard, Space Force, reserves, or other areas of the U.S. Department of Defense may also be eligible.

Can you get a military discount car insurance option?

If you’re looking for military car insurance, you might have encountered higher-than-expected costs. 

Because military service members may not use their cars as much as other drivers, especially when deployed, military car insurance rates may sometimes be higher than other types of car insurance.

When looking for car insurance coverage, military service members should consider many options and see what insurance companies can offer a military discount for car insurance.

Consider pay-per-mile auto insurance as an alternative

Because you likely won’t be driving much, you may want to consider pay-per-mile auto insurance. 

Pay-per-mile auto insurance is a usage-based car insurance, which means your rate is primarily based on how you use your car. If you don’t drive long distances or often, you could save hundreds of dollars compared to traditional car insurance policies.

How much could Metromile save me on car insurance?

Metromile offers affordable auto insurance coverage.

Drivers pay a low monthly base rate each month to keep their car covered, even when they aren’t driving. Then, they pay a few cents for each mile they drive.

Drivers can save 47% a year on average when they switch to Metromile, according to a 2018 survey of new customers who saved with Metromile.Depending on how much you drive, you could stand to save even more. Savings of about $1,000 or more a year are not uncommon with Metromile’s pay-how-you-drive auto insurance:

5 reasons why pay-per-mile car insurance makes sense for military personnel

Searching for military car insurance can be a hassle, but it doesn’t have to be.

It’s possible to find a low auto insurance rate without sacrificing your coverage or experience. Here are five reasons why pay-per-mile auto insurance could make sense for military service members:

1. You pay for the miles you drive.

Military service members and their families are often on the go and might not use their cars for long periods of time. If your vehicle spends more time in your garage or storage than on the road, you don’t need to pay more than you have to for auto insurance.

Pay-per-mile car insurance helps keep your bill reasonable, as you’ll pay for what you actually use.

2. All miles over 250 per day are completely free.

Pay-per-mile auto insurance can help you avoid bill surprises.

At Metromile, all miles over 250 in a single day (150 miles per day in New Jersey) are free. This bonus can help you keep costs manageable, even if you decide to drive more than you ordinarily would.

3. You can personalize your coverage from a variety of limits and deductible options.

Pay-per-mile auto insurance offers the same types of coverage as traditional insurance, including liability protection, comprehensive coverage, collision coverage, medical payments coverage, personal injury protection, roadside assistance, and more.

You can also adjust the limits and deductibles to help protect your vehicle, finances, and wellbeing.

Metromile gives you the opportunity to choose the type of auto insurance that’s right for your lifestyle, which can come in handy for the military lifestyle.

4. The claims process is simple.

Filing an insurance claim can be stressful, which isn’t helpful after a car accident. The claims process can be easy, even if you have a pay-per-mile auto insurance policy.

Metromile, a leading pay-per-mile insurer in the U.S., makes it easy for you to file a claim. You can file a claim 24/7 on the phone or online on the Metromile website or app.

Drivers have access to our AI claims assistant AVA, which can help guide you through the claims process from submitting photos of any damage, collecting other information, and submitting a claim. Some claims can also be automated end-to-end, which means your claim could get resolved more quickly.

5. You can access important data.

Pay-per-mile auto insurance policyholders typically have access to their past driving and trip data for as long as they are customers.

Drivers who have pay-per-mile auto insurance coverage with Metromile can access smart driving features for free through the Metromile app.

Metromile customers can set up alerts to avoid parking or street-sweeping tickets in select U.S. cities, check on their car’s health, locate their car if it’s ever lost or stolen, and review their fuel use and past trips with the gas and trip planners.

The bottom line

Military service members deserve flexibility for their lifestyles, and pay-per-mile auto insurance can help provide the right coverage.

Pay-per-mile auto insurance can also provide a lower rate than military discounts on car insurance because drivers pay for how far they drive.

You can try Metromile to see if pay-per-mile auto insurance is right for you. Download the Metromile app from your favorite app store and take a free Ride Along™. 

You’ll drive for about two weeks as you typically would (you should keep your current insurance policy to keep coverage during the trial), and then Metromile will tell you how much you could save if you switch insurance companies. You can even earn an extra discount of up to 15% off your initial Metromile quote if you show you’re a safe driver during your Ride Along™ in select states.

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Melanie Lockert is a freelance writer, podcast host of the Mental Health and Wealth show, and author of Dear Debt. She’s a cat mom to two jazzy cats, Miles and Thelonious, an amateur boxer, music lover, and needs coffee to function.