Calculating how many miles you drive each year may seem like a daunting task, but it’s important to get it right. Mileage is one of the factors used by insurers to calculate your auto insurance quote, and underestimating it could result in your policy being invalidated.
Reading: What is annual mileage for car insurance
what does mileage mean?
Your annual mileage is the number of miles you drive in a year, and insurance companies will ask for it when it comes to getting or renewing a policy. 2016 statistics from the Department of Transportation show that the average mileage per year for all private cars was 7,500.
why is it important to know my mileage?
safe
Generally speaking, the higher your mileage, the higher your premium. Of course, there are other factors that can affect your premium as well, like her age, where she lives, and the car she drives, so don’t think you have to drastically change your driving habits to get cheaper car insurance. .
It’s worth spending some time figuring out what your annual mileage might be instead of just guessing. if you significantly underestimate, it could cost you later. If you file a claim and your insurer finds out that she misled them about your car usage and mileage, they may decide not to pay.
If your insurer suspects you have knowingly done the same thing about how you use your car and your expected mileage in order to get a cheaper quote, you could risk invalidating your entire policy.
On the other hand, if you’re overestimating your mileage, you could end up paying more than necessary for your premium. That said, don’t get bogged down with big sums, most insurers will accept a bit of a margin.
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If you’re a student, don’t forget to tell your insurer if you plan to leave your car at home during school, unless you’re planning to do a sorn, as your estimated mileage will decrease.
buy a car
In addition to helping you calculate your insurance, mileage is something to consider when buying a used car.
You might think you’d be better off with a low mileage car since they’ve been on the road less. but high mileage cars can actually be a good option. A vehicle that makes many short, stop-start trips and never warms up properly will experience more wear and tear than a higher-mileage vehicle that spends most of its time in a straight line, and at normal temperatures, on a freeway.
Some people who sell a used car illegally use timing (rolling back the odometer) to reduce the mileage and increase the value of the car. If you are suspicious of a car’s reported mileage, you can run a vehicle check or check the engine history.
Can I get a low mileage discount?
Some insurers may offer cheaper rates for very low mileage, anything significantly less than 7,500, so it’s always smart to ask. Look for restricted mileage car insurance if you drive less than a certain number of miles per day.
how do I calculate my mileage?
If you only use your car occasionally, you can use our mileage calculator to calculate the distance of a trip. Once you know how often you plan to make this trip, you’ll have an accurate mileage estimate.
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If this is your first year of driving, start by calculating the miles you expect to cover in a typical week.
here is how to calculate annual mileage
- Consider the distance to and from your workplace.
- Think about your weekly shopping habits.
- Consider trips to socialize, visit family, and run errands.
- then multiply by 52 and then add a bit for contingency.
- If you use your car frequently and expect to drive a certain number of miles every day, plus extra trips and trips, you can estimate an annual mileage by following our guide below.
If you use your car frequently and expect to drive a certain number of miles every day, plus extra trips and trips, you can estimate an annual mileage by following our guide below.
Alternatively, why not use the mileage recorded on your mot certificate between the last 2 consecutive mots?
This is a good indicator of annual mileage, though remember to make adjustments to reflect any changes in your lifestyle or circumstances.
Monitor your mileage as the year progresses, and if your estimate seems to be way off, contact your insurer to review your coverage.
Whether you drive a few miles, many miles, or somewhere in between, you’ll need auto insurance. we’re happy to offer you a competitive quote online, or if you’re planning a change in how often you use your car, get in touch today.
