Pay As You Drive Car Insurance
Learn about pay as you drive insurance and compare policies online today.
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Everyone needs car insurance, but cover can be expensive – even if you don’t drive far or often. Pay as you drive (PAYD) car insurance offers more occasional drivers an alternative, helping to ensure they don’t pay more than they need to or for distance they may not end up driving.
If you’re someone who drives less and wants to pay less for car insurance with a PAYD policy, you to compare quotes online in minutes to find a policy that suits your needs and budget.
What is pay as you drive car insurance and how does it work?
PAYD insurance – also known as pay as you go, pay per kilometre and usage-based car insurance – is a type of car insurance that calculates premiums based on the actual distance driven, charging drivers for the number of kilometres they travel.
Designed for cars driven less than the average amount per year (usually under 15,000km), PAYD plans generally offer the same level of coverage as a more traditional insurance policy. The difference is that the cost is based on how much you drive. Depending on the policy, drivers will either provide information about their estimated annual mileage or have it tracked in real time, with their insurance premiums determined accordingly.
The thinking behind this is that the less you drive, the less likely you are to get into an accident on the road, reducing the chances of your insurance company having to pay out a claim.
In Australia, two main methods are used to track the distance driven:
- Odometer readings: drivers decide their intended usage – under a set number of kilometres in a month or year – and provide their insurer with an initial odometer reading, which is used to calculate the insurance premium. Additional odometer readings will usually be required, sometimes monthly, including at the end of the policy period. In Australia, this is currently the most common way to track distance travelled under a PAYD car insurance policy.
- Tracking device: in some cases, a GPS or telematics device is connected to your car and tracks the exact number of kilometres driven in real time. This information is used by the insurer to determine how much you’ll pay for cover. This type of policy is commonly split into two parts: an upfront fee to cover insurance while parked and potentially the cost of the device, and a per-kilometre rate based on how much the car is driven, often charged monthly. This method is less common than manual odometer readings.
Can pay as you drive car insurance save me money?
If you’re a driver who uses their car less than average, you could pay less if you take out PAYD car insurance, as it’s generally cheaper than a standard comprehensive car insurance policy. By tracking your mileage, your insurer can calculate your premiums based on your specific driving habits, meaning you only pay for what you need.
However, if you exceed your kilometre range or need to extend it, there’s a risk your premiums will increase or you'll be charged an additional excess if you make a claim.
The actual cost savings will depend on your driving habits, mileage and insurance provider, so it’s worth comparing different insurance options to help determine which PAYD policy is the most suitable for your needs.
When might pay as you drive car insurance be suitable for me?
PAYD car insurance is designed for those who drive their car less, such as:
- Weekend drivers: these may be people who use public transport or cycle or walk to work during the week, only using their car during their days off.
- Retirees: with no daily commute and potentially fewer long road trips, senior citizens often drive less than working adults.
- Multiple car owners: if your household has multiple cars, there’s a chance they have a lower kilometre count per year than households with one car that does the bulk of the driving.
However, due to limits on kilometre usage (usually less than 15,000km a year), this kind of insurance may not be suitable for everyone, such as if you use your car more often than the average driver over a 12-month period. Before buying car insurance, it is important to assess your needs to ensure the policy meets your requirements.
What can I do if I reach the distance limit on my pay as you drive policy?
Due to the low mileage restrictions that characterise PAYD car insurance plans, it’s important to monitor your usage to ensure you stay within your limits. If your driving habits change and you think you may exceed the distance limit, you should contact your insurer to see if you can increase it (which most insurers will enable you to do). However, your premiums may increase as a result or, depending on your circumstances, you may be required to take out a new policy.
If you’re over your odometer limit and need to make a claim, you may be charged an additional excess. It’s therefore important to keep your insurer updated on any changes to ensure you are appropriately covered.
Types of car insurance you can choose from
The most basic type of optional cover available, TPPD insurance can offer protection for damage caused by your vehicle to other people's property. However, no damage to your vehicle will be covered.
A step up from TPPD, TPFT insurance can also cover damage to your vehicle sustained due to a fire or theft (or attempted theft) in addition to third-party property damage if you're in an at-fault accident.
The most extensive (and expensive) form of cover, comprehensive car insurance can also offer cover for damage to your vehicle in an accident, collision and certain weather events on top of the areas TPFT covers.
Pros & cons of pay as you drive car insurance
PROS
Can be cheaper
If you’re someone who drives less frequently, PAYD insurance offers potential cost savings. By only paying for the kilometres you drive, you may enjoy lower premiums than you would on a standard car insurance plan.
More flexible
PAYD car insurance policies allow you to tailor your policy to your driving habits, enabling you to pay based on your usage. Some policies may also let you adjust your coverage and premiums should you drive less or more or roll unused kilometres into subsequent policies.
Tailored more to your true usage
Unlike traditional insurance policies that rely on general usage assumptions, PAYD insurance’s usage-based pricing structure ensures drivers only pay for how much they drive and gives them greater control over policy costs.
CONS
Additional costs
If you increase your kilometre limit, you may face higher premiums, and if you exceed your limit, you could be charged an additional excess.
More limited
PAYD policies are designed for people who drive their car less often and for shorter distances, so may not be the best fit for those with different driving habits. In addition, they might not cover certain drivers in some cases, such as those under 25.
Constant monitoring
As PAYD insurance is based on how much you drive, you must make sure you don't exceed the amount stated in your policy. This requires you to keep track of your mileage and potentially submit regular odometer readings to your insurer.
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