“The average Florida driver spends over $3,000 per year on car insurance—but what if you only paid for the miles you actually drive?”
If you’re a low-mileage driver (think remote workers, retirees, or city dwellers), traditional insurance feels like a rip-off. You pay the same as someone driving 20,000 miles a year, even if you barely hit 5,000. That’s where pay-per-mile (PPM) insurance comes in.
But does it really save you money in Florida? And which companies offer the best deals?
This guide breaks down:
✔ How pay-per-mile insurance works in Florida (and who qualifies).
✔ The 4 best PPM providers (2024 rates compared).
✔ Real savings examples—how much you’d pay vs. traditional insurance.
✔ The catch—when PPM is a terrible deal.
Let’s find out if switching could slash your bill.
How Pay-Per-Mile Insurance Works in Florida
Unlike traditional insurance (where you pay a flat rate), PPM policies charge you:
- A low base rate (covers your car while parked).
- A per-mile fee (only for the miles you drive).
Example:
- Base rate: $50/month
- Per-mile fee: $0.06/mile
- Miles driven: 500
- Total cost: 50+(0.06 x 500) = $80
Compare that to a traditional policy at 150/month, and you’re saving70.
Who Should Seriously Consider Pay-Per-Mile?
✅ Remote workers (driving <7,000 miles/year).
✅ Retirees (no daily commute).
✅ City dwellers (using public transit often).
✅ Snowbirds (only driving seasonally).
4 Best Pay-Per-Mile Insurance Companies in Florida (2024)
We compared rates from Florida’s top PPM providers. Here’s who came out on top:
1. Milewise by Allstate – Best for Flexibility
- Base rate: 45–80/month
- Per-mile rate: 0.04–0.10
- Best for: Drivers who want no long-term contract.
- Downside: Higher base rates than competitors.
2. Nationwide SmartMiles – Best for Low-Mileage Drivers
- Base rate: 40–70/month
- Per-mile rate: 0.05–0.08
- Best for: Those driving <500 miles/month.
- Bonus: No mileage cap (unlike some competitors).
3. Metromile (Now Lemonade) – Best for Ultra-Low Mileage
- Base rate: 35–60/month
- Per-mile rate: 0.06–0.12
- Best for: Drivers under 4,000 miles/year.
- Watch out: Limited availability in Florida.
4. Mile Auto – Best for Privacy (No Tracking Device)
- Base rate: 50–90/month
- Per-mile rate: 0.05–0.09
- Best for: Drivers who hate telematics.
- How it works: You snap a photo of your odometer monthly.
Key Takeaway: If you drive fewer than 8,000 miles/year, you’ll likely save with PPM.
When Pay-Per-Mile Insurance Is a Bad Deal
PPM isn’t for everyone. Avoid it if you:
🚫 Drive more than 12,000 miles/year (traditional insurance will be cheaper).
🚫 Have a long daily commute (per-mile fees add up fast).
🚫 Don’t want mileage tracking (most PPM insurers use apps/devices).
Pro Tip: Calculate your break-even point:
(Base Rate ÷ Traditional Rate) x 100 = Max Miles Before PPM Costs More
Example: If your base rate is 60andtraditionalinsuranceis120, PPM only saves money if you drive under 1,000 miles/month.
How to Get the Best Pay-Per-Mile Rate in Florida
1. Bundle with Home/Renters Insurance
- Companies like Allstate and Nationwide offer 10–15% discounts for bundling.
2. Ask About Low-Mileage Discounts
- Some insurers (like GEICO) offer pay-as-you-go discounts even on traditional policies.
3. Adjust Your Coverage
- If your car is older, dropping collision can make PPM even cheaper.
4. Compare Quotes Every 6 Months
- PPM rates fluctuate. Shopping around ensures you’re not overpaying.
FAQs: Pay-Per-Mile Insurance in Florida
1. Does pay-per-mile insurance track my speed?
Most don’t. They only track mileage, not driving behavior (unlike usage-based insurance).
2. What if I go on a road trip?
- Some insurers cap daily miles (e.g., 250/day). Others charge extra—check the fine print.
3. Is pay-per-mile available everywhere in Florida?
Mostly, but not all providers cover rural areas. Metromile (Lemonade) has the most limited availability.