If you have been looking for auto insurance, Metromile is a name you might have seen. It is a low-cost auto insurance option that is ideal for drivers who don’t drive a lot.
Most car insurance companies determine your rate by using complex formulas, but Metromile is a bit different. This company has a base rate, and then adds onto that an amount that is based on how many miles you drive each year.
Though this might sound great, is it the right auto insurance for you? We’ve looked at several Metromile auto insurance reviews in order to help you decide.
About Metromile Auto Insurance
You might wonder how Metromile comes up with the quotes it gives its customers. The company uses a base rate that its customers pay each month. This rate is based on things like driving history, your car, and the coverage you choose. The other part of the rate is based on the mileage you drive each month. The company combines these, and this is your rate.
Let’s say that the base rate is $40 a month and your mileage rate is $0.05. So, if you drive only 200 miles a month, your rate would be about $50 a month. Now, if you have a month where you drive 600 miles, your next bill would be $80 a month.
The cool thing is, no matter what, Metromile doesn’t charge its customers if they drive more than 250 miles a day, which is perfect for those who need to go on a road trip.
Metromile Coverage Options
- Property Damage Liability
- Bodily Injury
- Uninsured Motorist Insurance
- Medical Payments
- Personal Injury Protection
- Collision and Comprehensive insurance
- Rental Car Coverage
- 24/7 Roadside Assistance
Benefits of Metromile Policies
When reading through Metromile auto insurance reviews, there are lots of factors to take into consideration. However, in a nutshell, with the policies from Metromile, you will get the following advantages over other insurance companies:
- Trip Tracking
Since Metromile tracks the mileage you use each month, it also offers bonuses like helping you find where you parked your car, trip tracking, and average gas cost. It also helps you by monitoring your vehicle’s health, since the monitor is plugged right into the diagnostic port.
- Discounts
You can get discounts for things such as covering multiple vehicles, having anti-theft devices, low mileage, and safe drivers.
What Is Metromile Auto Insurance Good For?
When trying to decide on an auto insurance company, it’s important to look at what current customers like about it. Based on various Metromile auto insurance reviews we looked at, here are the advantages of getting an auto insurance policy from Metromile:
- Drivers Who Are on the Road Less than 10,000 Miles/Year
Since this company specializes in offering auto insurance for people who drive infrequently, you must put less than 10,000 miles per year on your car to get this insurance plan. If you go over that, you will be charged an additional fee.
- An Easy Shopping Experience
Getting an insurance policy through Metromile is perfect for those who are looking for a very easy insurable buying experience. You can buy a policy right online in a matter of moments, and there is a handy app where you can view your policy details, make payments, and even make a claim if you need it.
- Tech-Savvy
Thanks to its high-tech site, Metromile is ideal for people who are looking for a tech-savvy solution to their insurance policy. You can do everything for your auto insurance online or via the app, and you don’t ever have to talk to an agent if you don’t want to. This is perfect for people who don’t have a lot of time to sit on hold.
What Are the Cons of Metromile Insurance?
All auto insurance companies have some considerations to keep in mind, and Metromile is no exception. Here are some negatives to consider:
- If You Drive a Lot, This Isn’t for You
If you drive more than 10,000 miles a year, you are going to find that Metromile is probably not the best option. Remember, the company charges its customers a fee if they drive more than 10,000 miles a year. So, this could cost you a lot more in the long run, even though it is generally known as a low-cost option.
- Not Available in Every State
Metromile is only offered in Arizona, Illinois, California, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Washington, and Virginia. So, if you don’t live in these areas, you cannot get this insurance.
- Bills Change Each Month
Since most of the rate is based on your mileage, the bill from Metromile is ever-changing, and it will vary from one month to the next. Your mileage is tracked by a device that is placed into your vehicle. The data is gathered each month, and then you pay for the mileage you drive.
What We Think of Metromile Insurance
Metromile is a unique insurance company, and it is perfect for people who need insurance but don’t drive a lot. It is one of the cheapest options out there for those people, and we really like the affordability it offers.
About half of the rate is based on the miles you drive per year, and the rest is based on a flat rate. The company also takes into account the kind of car you drive, your driving history, and the type of coverage you choose.
Your mileage is tracked with a small device called the Metromile Pulse. It connects to the diagnostic port of your car, and it is used to track mileage. It also helps you to keep track of driving routes, shows gas cost estimates, and shows you where you parked.
All of these bits of information is available on the app too. We think this is a really cool feature that other car insurance companies should definitely consider!
What to Take Away from Metromile Auto Insurance
Again, Metromile is a great option for those who don’t drive a lot. It is very affordable, and it has some great perks, especially when it comes to the technological aspects.
Final Thoughts
Metromile is the perfect insurance for people who don’t drive a lot, like those who live in urban areas or those who have cars that they don’t drive or only drive for show. It is one of the only companies on the market offering pay-per-mile insurance, and it is all available through the company’s easy-to-use app.
If you drive less than 10,000 miles a year, have a good driving record, and a decent car, you can definitely save hundreds of dollars yearly over conventional auto insurance.
Just keep in mind that Metromile is only available in a few states, and if you drive over that 10,000-mile number per year, then the fees are quite high.
