Do you remember how exciting it was to be 16 years old and driving for the first time? At the time, all you can think about is driving more, and it might take years before you start to brainstorm ways to drive less.
But things have changed.
Remember when you used to drive to work every day?
Back then, before companies turned to online video conference calls to replace meetings, you might have stopped by the dry cleaners now and then to freshen up your suit and tie. You still might drive to pick up groceries or take out from your favorite restaurants.
Historically, we may have relied too much on our vehicles.
But one unintended consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic is that it might have given you the boost you need to drive less frequently.
Cutting down on how much you drive every day can be a good way to stay safe in these times and save money on car insurance with pay-per-mile insurance like Metromile offers.
Here are six ways you might already be driving less without realizing it as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
1. Drive Less: Stay Healthy
Due to the coronavirus, many people are naturally driving less.
To stop the spread, state and local governments have issued a patchwork of travel bans, stay-at-home and shelter-in-place orders. If you live in one of these places, you might have already noticed that staying safe could also help you cut down on the miles you drive — and save money on car insurance.
2. Drive Less: Live closer to the places you go to most
You can’t live closer to work than walking from your bedroom to the couch every morning if your job has gone remote during the COVID-19 pandemic.
While that may be the case for millions of remote workers over the last year, for essential workers and other people who still go into the office, it can help to live closer to work.
Plus, the more destinations you can walk to, the less you’ll need to load up the car.
3. Drive Less: Shop online
Have you ever gone to the store just to browse? I think we’re all guilty there.
Window shopping is a favorite pastime for some. But as society copes with COVID-19, many shoppers are turning to online shopping. Not only could this help prevent the spread and keep you safe, but it could also save you money with a pay-per-mile car insurance policy.
Not to mention saving on the cost of gas!
4. Drive Less: Stay home and chill
The COVID-19 pandemic has put a halt to nightlife as we know it.
Instead of going to the movies until things get back to normal, a safer alternative may be to host an online TV watching session with your family or roommates.
While going out on the weekends may no longer be an option, that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop!
Not only could this keep you safe, but by reducing the miles you drive, it could also help you save money on car insurance.
5. Drive Less: Have food delivered
Whether you want food from your favorite restaurant or prefer to cook at home, there’s an app for that.
Food delivery apps for both restaurants and grocery stores have taken off during the COVID-19 pandemic, and people may now feel more comfortable choosing “touchless” or online platforms for their day-to-day needs.
Plus, the amount of money you save on car insurance by driving less might be able to help offset the cost of your food delivery.
6. Drive Less: Get some exercise
If you live close to your office, grocery store, or favorite restaurants, you could try walking or biking instead of driving.
After being cooped up inside for much of the last year, it will feel nice to get some fresh air.
It will also cut down on the miles you drive, which could save you money on auto insurance, gas, and car maintenance.
The bottom line
These days, we know we’re preaching to the choir. The fact is that most drivers have dramatically cut back on the time they spend on the road as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Metromile data, we found 22% fewer cars on the road in June 2020 than there were a year earlier, and those who still got behind the wheel drove 30% fewer miles.
So many of these tips may be things you’re already doing.
If any of these things resonate with you, why not get a free car insurance quote from Metromile to see how much you could save on car insurance?
You can also try Ride Along™ for free.
Ride Along is a free feature on the Metromile app that helps you get a more accurate rate. Download the app to start the trial period, and Metromile will consider your actual driving for about two weeks, including how many miles you drive. Then, you can see your rate so you have confidence you’ll save money before you switch and begin your coverage with Metromile after the trial period.
After all, why pay so much for a traditional car insurance policy you’re barely using?