8 Best Pay-Per-Mile Car Insurance of 2026

This list is for drivers who use their car less than most people, such as remote workers, retirees, city residents and households with a spare car, and who want to pay by the mile or by how they drive. We compared documented features, tracking methods and published prices on each insurer's own pages in November 2026. Rankozo weights value at 40%, features at 35% and ease of use at 25%. True pay-per-mile policies (Nationwide SmartMiles, Allstate Milewise, Mile Auto) charge a base rate plus a per-mile rate; usage-based programs (Progressive Snapshot, State Farm Drive Safe & Save, Root) discount a standard premium; Hugo charges by the day. Insurers rarely publish rates, so rows without a published price are marked pending.

1. 01Top value

   

   Nationwide SmartMiles

   8.9/10

   Pay-per-mile program from Nationwide that sets a flexible monthly rate from the miles a vehicle is driven each month.

   Price

   Check price

   See vendor pricing (USD check pending)

   US price check pending. Vendor pricing page

   Free plan

   No

   Value (40%)

   9.2

   Features (35%)

   8.8

   Ease of use (25%)

   8.4

   Best forLow-mileage drivers who want pay-per-mile pricing from a large national insurer

   SmartMiles is Nationwide's pay-per-mile car insurance, built for drivers with a short commute, people who work from home and households with an extra car that sits most of the week. The premium is not a flat six-month figure: Nationwide sets a Cost Per Mile for the coverages you pick and bills a variable amount each month based on the miles and days driven. Mileage comes from a small plug-in device, and some newer cars can send it through built-in technology instead. Nationwide's own agent guide says the program saves lower-mileage drivers 33% on average compared with a traditional Nationwide policy, a figure that includes an average 8% Safe Driving Behavior Discount earned after a term. Nationwide also states that the driving data is used for insurance purposes and never sold. The catch is transparency before you quote: Nationwide does not post sample base or per-mile rates, and the safe-driving discount is not offered in California.

   • ✓Average savings of 33% are published by Nationwide, including an average 8% safe-driving discount
   • ✓Nationwide states that driving data is never sold to third parties
   • ✓Higher-mileage cars on the same policy can use SmartRide instead

   • ✕Nationwide does not publish a base rate or per-mile rate online, so you need a quote
   • ✕Safe Driving Behavior Discount is not available in California
   • ✕Requires a plug-in device unless your car supports built-in data sharing

   Pricing model:

   Monthly rate that varies with miles driven

   Average savings:

   33% vs a traditional Nationwide policy

   Mileage tracking:

   Plug-in device or built-in car technology

   Safe driving discount:

   Applied at renewal, averages 8%

   Bottom line: Nationwide SmartMiles is the best choice for low-mileage drivers because Nationwide says it saves them 33% on average over a standard Nationwide policy.

   Visit nationwide.com ↗

2. 02

   

   Lemonade Car

   8.6/10

   App-based car insurance from Lemonade, the company that took over Metromile, with prices that factor in how much you drive.

   Price

   $30per month

   As low as $30 a month, based on your driving profile

   “As low as $30/mo, based on your driving profile” Quoted from the pricing page, November 11, 2026.

   Free plan

   No

   Value (40%)

   9.0

   Features (35%)

   7.8

   Ease of use (25%)

   9.2

   Best forLow-mileage drivers who want the lowest published starting price and an app for everything

   Lemonade Car is where Metromile customers ended up after Lemonade bought the pay-per-mile pioneer, and its policies are issued by Lemonade Insurance Company and Metromile Insurance Company. Lemonade says its car insurance prices factor in how much you drive, so safe, low-mileage drivers pay less, and it publishes a starting price of $30 a month based on your driving profile, the lowest published figure on this list. The app does most of the work: it uses location-based technology for pricing, faster claims and emergency help, and Lemonade counts mileage to plant trees against your car's emissions. Roadside assistance for tows, jump starts, tire changes and winching is included at no extra cost, and electric and hybrid cars get a discount plus cover for charging equipment. The trade-offs are that in some states disabling location services can change your price, rideshare cover is limited to select states, and Lemonade Car is not sold everywhere.

   • ✓Publishes a starting price of $30 a month
   • ✓Roadside assistance is included rather than sold as an add-on
   • ✓Policies are issued by Lemonade Insurance Company and Metromile Insurance Company

   • ✕In some states, turning off location services in the app can affect your price
   • ✕Rideshare coverage is only available in select states
   • ✕Not sold in every state, so check availability first

   Published price:

   As low as $30 a month

   Mileage in pricing:

   Yes, low-mileage drivers pay less

   Roadside assistance:

   Free

   Underwriters:

   Lemonade Insurance Company and Metromile Insurance Company

   Bottom line: Lemonade Car is the best choice for budget-minded low-mileage drivers because it publishes prices from $30 a month and includes free roadside assistance.

   Visit lemonade.com ↗

3. 03

   

   Mile Auto

   8.4/10

   Pay-per-mile car insurance that charges a monthly base rate plus a per-mile rate, with mileage taken from a monthly odometer photo.

   Price

   Customper month base rate plus per mile (vendor example)

   Base rate plus per-mile rate; Mile Auto's example driver pays a $48 base rate and $0.08 a mile

   “For example, Fred has a base rate of $48 and a per mile rate of $0.08.” Quoted from the pricing page, November 11, 2026.

   Free plan

   No

   Value (40%)

   9.0

   Features (35%)

   7.4

   Ease of use (25%)

   8.8

   Best forDrivers under 10,000 miles a year who do not want a tracking device or app monitoring

   Mile Auto is the simplest pay-per-mile policy to understand. The FairMiles plan charges a monthly base rate plus a per-mile rate, and the company shows the math on its homepage: a driver with a $48 base rate and an 8 cent per-mile rate who drives 300 miles pays $72 for the month. Instead of a plug-in device or a phone app watching your braking, Mile Auto texts and emails a link each month, you photograph the odometer, and its MVerity system reads and checks the reading. That makes it the most private option here, since there is no GPS and no driving-behavior scoring. Mile Auto says it suits drivers who cover 10,000 miles a year or less, that most customers save 30% to 40%, and that policies are underwritten by an AM Best "Excellent" rated national insurer. The downsides are the monthly photo chore and limited published detail on which states it serves.

   • ✓Does not track where or how you drive
   • ✓Publishes a worked example: $48 base plus 300 miles at 8 cents equals $72 for the month
   • ✓Mile Auto says most customers save 30% to 40%

   • ✕You must remember to send an odometer photo each month
   • ✕Mile Auto does not list its available states on its homepage
   • ✕Smaller company than the national insurers on this list

   Pricing model:

   Monthly base rate plus per-mile rate

   Example:

   $48 base and $0.08 a mile

   Mileage tracking:

   Monthly odometer photo, no device

   Good fit:

   10,000 miles a year or less

   Bottom line: Mile Auto is the best choice for privacy-minded low-mileage drivers because it bills by miles from a monthly odometer photo, with no GPS or plug-in device.

   Visit mileauto.com ↗

4. 04

   

   Allstate Milewise

   8.3/10

   Allstate's pay-as-you-go auto insurance that charges a daily rate plus a per-mile rate, tracked by a plug-in device.

   Price

   Check price

   See vendor pricing (USD check pending)

   US price check pending. Vendor pricing page

   Free plan

   No

   Value (40%)

   8.4

   Features (35%)

   8.4

   Ease of use (25%)

   8.0

   Best forAllstate shoppers who want per-mile billing with the option to mix per-mile and unlimited cars

   Milewise is Allstate's pay-as-you-go car insurance, sold under the line "Don't drive much? Don't pay much." Each vehicle gets a Daily Rate and, on the Pay-Per-Mile option, a Per-Mile Rate set from familiar factors such as driver age, vehicle type and driving history. Cars that are driven a lot can sit on the Unlimited option, which charges only the Daily Rate, and you can combine both on one policy. A plug-in device records miles, the Allstate mobile app shows trips and spending, and trip charges are deducted from your Milewise account after each trip is processed, usually within 48 hours. The model is close to a prepaid account, which suits people who want to watch costs day by day. Two details matter: if the device is unplugged or faulty, Allstate applies a default charge of 40 miles a day, and in certain states rates may move up or down. Allstate does not post sample rates on its support pages.

   • ✓Flexible mix of per-mile and unlimited vehicles
   • ✓Near real-time view of spending in the Allstate app
   • ✓Dedicated Milewise support line at 877-389-0047

   • ✕Allstate does not publish sample daily or per-mile rates on its Milewise help pages
   • ✕If the device stops reporting, Allstate charges a default of 40 miles a day
   • ✕In certain states, rates may fluctuate up or down

   Pricing model:

   Daily Rate plus Per-Mile Rate

   Unlimited option:

   Daily Rate only

   Mileage tracking:

   Plug-in device

   Device fault charge:

   40 miles a day

   Bottom line: Allstate Milewise is the best choice for multi-car households because it lets you put Pay-Per-Mile and Unlimited vehicles on one policy.

   Visit allstate.com ↗

5. 05

   

   Progressive Snapshot

   8.3/10

   Progressive's usage-based program that prices your renewal on how, how much and when you drive.

   Price

   Customper month, average liability-only policy

   Progressive's published average for a liability-only policy is $87.56 a month in low-cost states to $165.02 in high-cost states; Snapshot discounts apply on top

   “The average cost of Progressive car insurance ranges from $87.56 per month in low-cost states to $165.02 per month in high-cost states for a liability-only policy.” Quoted from the pricing page, November 11, 2026.

   Free plan

   No

   Value (40%)

   7.8

   Features (35%)

   8.6

   Ease of use (25%)

   8.6

   Best forModerate-mileage drivers with smooth habits who want a discount on a standard policy

   Snapshot is not pay-per-mile billing, but it is the usage-based option most drivers can actually buy, and it rewards low mileage alongside driving habits. Progressive says Snapshot prices you on how you drive, how much you drive and when you drive. New customers get an automatic participation discount in most states, which Progressive puts at $164 on average, and drivers who earn a discount at renewal save $328 a year on average. You can use the mobile app or a plug-in device that fits the car's OBD-II port, and the app shows trips and tips. Progressive also publishes what its liability-only customers pay: $87.56 a month on average in low-cost states up to $165.02 in high-cost states. The limits are real: Snapshot is not sold in California, the participation discount is not offered in New York, and risky driving can raise your rate, though Progressive says that happens to about 2 in 10 drivers.

   • ✓Progressive publishes average liability-only costs by state group
   • ✓Participation discount credited before your driving is scored
   • ✓Progressive says only about 2 out of 10 drivers get an increase

   • ✕Not available in California
   • ✕Rate can rise with high-risk driving
   • ✕Mileage is one factor among several, so it is not true pay-per-mile billing

   Pricing model:

   Usage-based discount on a six-month policy

   Sign-up discount:

   $164 on average

   Average savings:

   $328 a year for drivers who save

   Availability:

   Not available in California

   Bottom line: Progressive Snapshot is the best choice for drivers who want usage-based savings on a regular policy because those who save average $328 a year.

   Visit progressive.com ↗

6. 06

   

   State Farm Drive Safe & Save

   8.1/10

   State Farm's telematics discount that adjusts your premium on annual mileage and driving characteristics.

   Price

   Check price

   See vendor pricing (USD check pending)

   US price check pending. Vendor pricing page

   Free plan

   No

   Value (40%)

   7.8

   Features (35%)

   8.2

   Ease of use (25%)

   8.4

   Best forState Farm customers who drive less than average and want a discount without leaving their agent

   Drive Safe & Save is State Farm's usage-based discount, and for low-mileage drivers its useful feature is that the premium adjustment looks at annual mileage as well as driving characteristics such as acceleration, braking and cornering. You download the State Farm app, pair the Bluetooth beacon State Farm sends, and drive. State Farm gives a 10% initial participation decrease for signing up, and the discount can reach 30% depending on how you drive, with no charge for the service. State Farm also says the premium may change at future renewals to reflect your actual mileage, so a car that sits most of the week can earn more. The program stays a discount on a normal six-month premium, so you do not get the month-to-month swings of pay-per-mile billing. State Farm notes that mileage and odometer readings are excluded from the adjustment on certain policies in certain states, so ask your agent how it works where you live.

   • ✓Discount just for enrolling
   • ✓No fee for the beacon or service
   • ✓Works with a local State Farm agent

   • ✕Mileage is excluded from the premium adjustment on certain policies in certain states
   • ✕Discount on a standard premium, not per-mile billing
   • ✕Requires the State Farm app and beacon setup

   Maximum discount:

   Up to 30%

   Enrollment discount:

   10%

   Program cost:

   $0

   Data:

   Annual mileage and driving characteristics

   Bottom line: State Farm Drive Safe & Save is the best choice for agent-based customers because it gives 10% for enrolling and up to 30% based on mileage and driving.

   Visit statefarm.com ↗

7. 07

   

   Root

   7.9/10

   App-first car insurer that prices policies partly on driving data collected through its app.

   Price

   Check price

   See vendor pricing (USD check pending)

   US price check pending. Vendor pricing page

   Free plan

   No

   Value (40%)

   7.8

   Features (35%)

   7.4

   Ease of use (25%)

   8.8

   Best forSafe drivers who are comfortable sharing phone-based driving data for a lower rate

   Root built its car insurance around the phone. You get a quote in the app, and drivers who share their driving data could qualify for a better rate, which is how Root rewards careful drivers. It is usage-based rather than pay-per-mile, so your bill does not change month to month with miles, but light, smooth driving can still bring the price down. Root says you can buy a policy in less than 5 minutes, file a claim in as little as 3 minutes, and manage cards and coverage in the app; roadside assistance is an opt-in extra, and car and renters bundles are offered in select states. Root reports that drivers save $109 a month on average when they switch, a figure from a survey of customers who bought between February 2025 and February 2026 and reported savings. Root is not sold in every state, so check its availability page first.

   • ✓Root says drivers save $109 a month on average when they switch, based on a customer survey
   • ✓Over 3 million drivers have switched, according to Root
   • ✓Policy, cards and claims all handled in the app

   • ✕Not available in all states
   • ✕Usage-based pricing, not per-mile billing
   • ✕Savings figure is self-reported by customers who switched

   Pricing model:

   Rate that can reflect shared driving data

   Average switching savings:

   $109 a month (customer survey)

   Time to buy:

   Less than 5 minutes

   Claims:

   In the app in as little as 3 minutes

   Bottom line: Root is the best choice for app-first safe drivers because it can lower your rate based on driving data and sells a policy in under 5 minutes.

   Visit joinroot.com ↗

8. 08

   

   Hugo

   7.5/10

   Pay-as-you-go car insurance that lets you pay for coverage daily, weekly or monthly with no big upfront payment.

   Price

   Check price

   See vendor pricing (USD check pending)

   US price check pending. Vendor pricing page

   Free plan

   No

   Value (40%)

   7.8

   Features (35%)

   6.2

   Ease of use (25%)

   9.0

   Best forDrivers on a tight budget who need state-minimum liability and want to pay by the day

   Hugo answers the pay-as-you-go question differently from the pay-per-mile insurers: you pay by the day rather than by the mile. Its six-month policy is priced on a simple daily rate, and you can top up daily, weekly or monthly, starting with as little as 3 days of coverage and no large down payment. If you need cash back, Hugo lets you withdraw your available balance at no cost. Sign-up takes under 6 minutes including proof of insurance. The Basic Plan covers liability and the other coverages needed to meet your state's minimums, and Hugo says to get a quote to see extra options in your state. What it leaves out is significant: damage to your own vehicle, theft or vandalism, roadside assistance, rental cover and SR22 filings are not included. That makes Hugo a fit for older cars and drivers who mainly need to stay legal on a small budget, not for financed cars.

   • ✓$0 down payment, with fees spread over time rather than charged upfront
   • ✓Pay-at-your-own-pace model suits irregular paychecks
   • ✓Hugo reports 89% of users rate it Excellent on Trustpilot

   • ✕Basic Plan does not cover damage to your own car, theft or vandalism
   • ✕No roadside assistance, rental cover or SR22s
   • ✕Hugo does not publish a daily rate; you need a quote

   Pricing model:

   Daily rate, paid daily, weekly or monthly

   To start:

   Pay for 3 days

   Coverage:

   Liability to state minimums

   Excludes:

   Own-vehicle damage, theft, SR22s

   Bottom line: Hugo is the best choice for drivers who want to pay as they go by the day because coverage starts with just 3 days paid and no down payment.

   Visit withhugo.com ↗

Questions or corrections: editorial@rankozo.comSee our disclosure. Prices change; confirm on the vendor page before buying.