What Is Commuting on Car Insurance?

Ian Beevis - Clean Green Compare Insurance Expert
Written by Ian Beevis
Updated 13 May 2025
2 min read

When choosing your car insurance, you’ll need to select the class of use that best reflects how you drive. One of the most common options is Social, Domestic, Pleasure and Commuting, but what does this actually include, and is it right for you?

Choosing the correct class of use is important. If you select the wrong one, your insurer could reject a claim. So, let’s break down what this category covers and whether it suits your driving habits.

Key points

What Does Commuting Mean on Car Insurance?

Commuting on car insurance refers to using your vehicle to travel between your home and your regular place of work (or to a train station as part of your commute). It’s an important add-on to the standard “Social, Domestic and Pleasure” class.

If you drive to work, even just a few times a week, you should include commuting in your cover. Without it, your insurer may class any claims during commuting hours as invalid.

Woman driving to work

What Does Social, Domestic, Pleasure and Commuting Cover?

This class of use covers:

  • Day-to-day driving (e.g. school runs, shopping, visiting family)
  • Leisure activities (e.g. holidays, days out)
  • Commuting to a single, regular workplace
  • Driving to a railway station or park-and-ride as part of your work commute

However, it does not cover business use, such as visiting clients, travelling between multiple job sites, or carrying work equipment for business purposes. If you do that, you’ll need to look into a business insurance policy.

Why Commuting Insurance Matters

If you’re involved in an accident while commuting and your insurance only covers social, domestic, and pleasure use, your claim could be denied. Always be honest about your driving routine when getting a quote.

What if I only commute occasionally?

If there’s any chance you’ll drive to work, even once a week, it’s safer to include commuting in your policy.

Does commuting cover driving to college or university?

Yes, commuting generally includes travel to and from a place of study.

Can I change my class of use mid-policy?

Most insurers will allow you to update your class of use at any time, though an admin fee may apply.

Is commuting more expensive than social-only cover?

It can be slightly more expensive, but the extra cost is often minimal compared to the risk of being underinsured.

In Summary

  • Social, Domestic, Pleasure and Commuting covers everyday driving plus travel to a single workplace
  • Commuting includes driving to work, school, or a train station
  • It doesn’t cover business-related driving
  • Always match your class of use to your actual routine

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