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Your Journey, Protected - Choosing the Right Pay As You Go Car Insurance

If you only drive your own car occasionally, then a traditional car insurance policy with a fixed annual fee probably isn’t the best option since you’d end up paying more than you have to. Instead, it’d be better to get quotes from pay as you go car insurance companies. With PAYG car insurance, you only pay for what you drive, making it a cheaper option for occasional drivers, infrequent drivers, or even remote workers who don’t commute daily. Some providers offer usage-based insurance, where a tracking device records your driving habits and mileage, helping you drive safely while making it cost effective.

If you’re looking for pay as you go car insurance quotes, you’re in the right place. You can get tailored quotes that are perfectly suited to your needs now by simply clicking the green button.

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Did you know…?

Pay as you go policies are ideal for second cars that you don't use as much, your own car if you only drive occasionally, or even as a flexible alternative to a traditional policy.

Why Pay As You Go Car Insurance Is A Good Choice

Most standard car insurance policies charge a fixed premium, regardless of how much you spend driving. But if you don’t drive regularly, you might be overpaying. A PAYG car insurance policy lets you only pay for what you use, with some insurers offering an online dashboard to track your driving data. This can be especially beneficial for new drivers, younger drivers, or even high-risk motorists facing high premiums.

Unlike a traditional policy, which often comes with an annual fee, a PAYG insurance policy provides a flexible alternative, allowing you to cancel anytime without a hefty cancellation fee. It’s also a cheaper option for those with low annual mileage, such as remote workers, occasional drivers, or people who rely on public transport but still need coverage for long journeys.

Additionally, some insurers base their pricing on driving habits, meaning safe and responsible drivers could benefit from lower rates. If you’re an infrequent driver or only use your own car occasionally, a pay per mile policy could give you more control over your insurance costs. For those looking to compare quotes, many providers now offer usage-based insurance with added benefits like comprehensive cover and optional add-ons such as breakdown assistance.

Cover Options For Pay As You Go Car Insurance

Third-Party Only Insurance

: This is the most fundamental form of car insurance and is the minimum legal requirement in the UK. It takes care of injuries to others and damage to other people's property, but it does not cover any damage to your own vehicle.

Third-Party, Fire and Theft Insurance

: This includes everything within Third-Party Only coverage, with additional coverage against the loss or damage of your car due to fire and theft.

Comprehensive Car Insurance

: This offers the highest level of coverage. It includes all elements from the Third-Party, Fire and Theft policy, and might also assist in covering the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle, regardless of the cause of the accident.

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Did you know…?

With a PAYG car insurance policy, you only pay for the miles you drive rather than paying a flat fee for the year. This is known as a pay per mile policy, making it a great option for infrequent drivers or those with low annual mileage.

Getting Pay As You Go Car Insurance Quotes Is A Good Idea

Getting Pay As You Go Car Insurance quotes is always recommended. Below are a few of the reasons why.

  • They allow users to browse through various quotes from different insurers, offering a wide range of options that cater to every requirement.
  • The process is efficient, requiring users to enter their information only once, eliminating the need to fill out long forms for each provider.
  • These sites are accessible 24/7, accommodating busy individuals who can't shop for insurance during normal business hours.
  • Users can take note of extras included in some policies, like breakdown cover and legal protection.
  • The real-time comparison of prices from various insurers aids in making an informed decision.
  • Insurance comparison websites provide guidance and simplify the overwhelming process of looking for insurance.

Pay As You Go Car Insurance - Optional Cover

Below are some of the additional types of Pay As You Go Car Insurance cover you can with your policy.

  • Personal Accident Cover: In the unfortunate event of a serious accident, this cover provides financial support for you or any named driver, in case of certain injuries.
  • Key Cover: Ever lost your keys or had them nicked? This cover handles the cost of replacement, and even foots the locksmith's bill.
  • Foreign Use Cover: Planning a road trip abroad? This gives you the same level of cover as back home, giving you one less thing to worry about.
  • Excess Protection Cover: This takes care of your excess cost if you need to make a claim, meaning you won't be digging into your own pockets when you least expect it.
  • No Claims Discount Protection: This ensures your no claims discount stays untouched even if you make a claim, helping you keep your premiums low in the future.
  • Breakdown Cover: This add-on provides roadside assistance whenever your car decides to take an unexpected break, giving you peace of mind on every journey.
  • Windscreen Cover: Protects your windscreen from any unexpected damage, ensuring your view of the road is always top-notch.
  • Legal Cover: If you find yourself in a legal dispute due to a road incident, this cover gives you financial protection against any legal costs.
  • Misfuelling Cover: Accidentally filled up with the wrong fuel? This protects you against any resulting repair costs.
  • Uninsured Driver Protection: This ensures you're not left picking up the tab if an uninsured driver hits your vehicle, covering your excess and keeping your no claims discount safe.
  • Courtesy Car Cover: If your car needs a bit of TLC after an accident, this cover makes sure you're not left without wheels, providing a courtesy car.
  • Child Car Seat Cover: After an accident, this cover provides funds to replace any child car seats, even if they don't appear to be damaged.

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Did you know…?

As with standard car insurance policies, the price will vary for a PAYG policy depending on factors like your age, location, occupation, and driving habits.

Ways You Can Save Money On Pay As You Go Car Insurance

Save money on Pay As You Go Car Insurance using the methods below.

  • No Claims Discount: Insurers may offer discounts to drivers who have not made a claim in a while. The longer you go without making a claim, the larger the discount could be.
  • Higher Excess: Agreeing to pay a higher voluntary excess (the amount you pay towards any claim) can lower your insurance premium. However, ensure that you can afford the excess in case you need to make a claim.
  • Advanced Driving Courses: Some insurers may offer discounts if you've completed an advanced driving course, such as those offered by the Institute of Advanced Motorists.
  • Maintain a Good Credit Score: Some insurers consider credit score when determining premiums. A good credit score can demonstrate that you're reliable and may lead to lower costs.
  • Review Your Coverage Annually: As your life changes, so do your insurance needs. Review your policy annually to make sure you're not paying for unnecessary coverage.
  • Telematics Insurance: Also known as 'black box' insurance, this involves a device being fitted to your car to monitor your driving. Good, safe driving can lead to lower premiums.

Compare Pay As You Go Car Insurance Quotes Now!

Comparing makes the process of finding the right car insurance easy. Just follow these steps:
  • Enter your personal information.
  • Provide your vehicle's details.
  • Fill in your current insurance details.
  • Specialist insurance providers contact you with tailored quotations

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Pay As You Go Car Insurance FAQs

Is a pay as you go policy right for me?

This will depend on how often you use your car. If you use it daily, then a pay as you go policy wouldn’t be a good choice since it’d likely cost more than standard car insurance policies. However, if you only use it once a week for short periods or for long journeys, then you could easily benefit from pay as you go insurance as a cheaper option.

Will pay as you go car insurance be cheaper?

Providing you don’t use your car as often as a high mileage driver, you should find it’s cheaper when compared to a standard annual policy, especially if you’re opting for a pay as you go insurance policy. Low mileage drivers will benefit the most.

Is the type of policy I get the only thing that affects price?

No. Insurance providers will take other things into account too, such as the value of your vehicle, your age, no claims bonus, and where your car is parked when at home, which can all affect your premium-based policy.

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Pay As You Go Car Insurance Providers

Clean Green Compare have partnered with Quotezone.co.uk to help you save money on your Pay As You Go Car Insurance. Quotezone.co.uk is a trading style of Seopa Ltd who are a limited company registered in Northern Ireland, Registered number: NI46322. Registered office: Seopa Ltd, Floor 4, Blackstaff Studios, 8-10 Amelia Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT2 7GS. Seopa Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Their registered number is 313860.
Ian Beevis - Clean Green Compare Insurance Expert
Updated 9 May 2025Reviewed by Ian Beevis Insurance Expert