Good2Go is a pay-per-use auto insurance program, not a traditional monthly policy

Good2Go is a usage-based auto insurance product sold through Metromile (now owned by Lemonade) that lets you pay for coverage by the mile rather than by the month. You purchase a policy, set up it when you need it, and pay a base rate plus a per-mile charge for each day you drive. The coverage itself — liability, collision, comprehensive — works the same as standard auto insurance, but the billing model is built for people who drive infrequently or want to avoid paying for months when their car sits unused.

The program operates in a limited number of states. As of 2024, Good2Go is available in California, Oregon, Washington, Texas, and New Hampshire, though availability can change. You must own a vehicle with a compatible plug-in device (a small hardware unit that tracks mileage) or use the mobile app to log your miles manually. The device connects to your car's diagnostic port and reports odometer readings to Metromile's system.

Good2Go is most useful if you drive fewer than 10,000 miles per year, use your car sporadically, or want to pause coverage during periods when you do not drive. It is not a discount program layered onto a standard policy — it is a fundamentally different billing structure.

Key Takeaways

  • Good2Go charges a base monthly rate plus a per-mile fee, so you pay less if you drive fewer miles than a typical driver.
  • The program is only available in California, Oregon, Washington, Texas, and New Hampshire, and you need either a plug-in device or the mobile app to report miles.
  • Coverage types (liability, collision, comprehensive) are standard, but you choose your deductibles and limits the same way you would with any auto insurance policy.
  • You can pause your policy when you are not driving, which stops the base rate and per-mile charges until you restart it.
  • Good2Go does not lower your rate based on safe driving habits — the per-mile charge is the same for all policyholders in your state and rate class.

How the pricing structure works

Good2Go's cost has two parts: a base monthly rate and a per-mile charge. The base rate covers your policy and administrative costs and typically ranges from $10 to $30 per month depending on your state, age, driving record, and vehicle type. The per-mile rate is usually between $0.14 and $0.30 per mile, again varying by state and risk profile.

To estimate your annual cost, multiply your expected monthly miles by the per-mile rate, then add twelve times the base rate. If you drive 5,000 miles per year (about 417 per month) at $0.20 per mile with a $15 base rate, your annual cost would be roughly $1,260. A traditional insurer charging $100 per month would cost $1,200 annually, so Good2Go saves money only if your actual mileage is significantly below average.

The per-mile rate does not change based on where you drive, time of day, or driving behavior. It is a flat rate for your state and risk category. This differs from some other usage-based programs that adjust rates based on acceleration, braking, or time of day.

What coverage types are included

Good2Go policies include the same coverage options as traditional auto insurance: liability (bodily injury and property damage), collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist, and medical payments. You choose your deductible levels and coverage limits when you purchase the policy, just as you would with any insurer.

Liability coverage is required by law in every state where Good2Go operates. Collision and comprehensive are optional but often required by lenders if you have a car loan or lease. The per-mile charge applies regardless of which coverages you select — you are not charged differently for adding or removing optional coverage.

Good2Go does not offer roadside information, rental car reimbursement, or other add-on services as standard features. Some states or rate classes may have limited options for these, but they are not a core part of the product.

How to set up and pause your policy

Once you purchase a Good2Go policy, you do not have to keep it active when ready. You can hold the policy in an inactive state, which means you pay nothing — no base rate, no per-mile charges — until you choose to turn it on. This is useful if you own a car but do not drive it regularly, or if you know you will not need coverage for a few weeks.

To set up the policy, you log into the Good2Go app or website and switch your coverage to active. If you have a plug-in device, it begins reporting miles as soon as you drive. If you are using manual mileage reporting, you log your miles through the app. The base rate and per-mile charges begin accruing when ready.

You can pause the policy again at any time through the app. There is no penalty for pausing, and you can restart it as often as you need. This flexibility is one of Good2Go's main advantages over traditional monthly policies, which charge you for every day of the month regardless of whether you drive.

Mileage tracking: device versus manual reporting

Good2Go offers two ways to report your miles. The first is a plug-in device (sometimes called a telematics device) that you insert into your car's OBD-II port, usually located under the steering wheel or dashboard. The device automatically records your odometer reading each time you drive and transmits it to Metromile's servers. You do not have to do anything — the tracking is passive.

The second option is manual reporting through the mobile app. You photograph your odometer at the start and end of each driving day, and the app calculates the miles driven. Manual reporting requires discipline and is more prone to error, but it works if your vehicle does not have a compatible OBD-II port or if you prefer not to use a device.

The plug-in device is the default and is usually provided free or at a low cost when you purchase the policy. It does not drain your car battery, does not affect your vehicle's performance, and does not store personal location data — it only records mileage. If you lose or damage the device, you can switch to manual reporting or request a replacement.

States where Good2Go is available and coverage limits

Good2Go operates in California, Oregon, Washington, Texas, and New Hampshire. Availability in other states is not planned as of 2024, though this can change. If you move to a state where Good2Go does not operate, your policy will terminate, and you will need to purchase coverage from another insurer.

Within each state, Good2Go follows that state's minimum liability requirements. California requires $15,000 bodily injury per person and $30,000 per accident; Texas requires $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident; other states have their own minimums. You can purchase limits above the state minimum, and you should if you have significant assets to protect.

Deductible options typically range from $250 to $1,000 for collision and comprehensive. A higher deductible lowers your base rate and per-mile charge, but it means you pay more out of pocket if you have a claim. The trade-off depends on your financial situation and how often you expect to file claims.

When Good2Go makes financial sense

Good2Go is worth considering if you drive fewer than 8,000 to 10,000 miles per year. Below that threshold, the per-mile model usually costs less than a traditional monthly policy. It is also useful if your driving is seasonal — for example, if you use your car only in summer or only for weekend trips, you can pause coverage during months you do not drive.

Good2Go is less attractive if you drive more than 12,000 miles per year, because the per-mile charges will likely exceed what you would pay with a standard insurer. It is also not a good fit if you need roadside information, rental car coverage, or other add-ons that Good2Go does not offer, or if you live in a state where it is not available.

Compare Good2Go's estimated cost against quotes from traditional insurers in your state before deciding. Plug in your expected annual mileage, coverage limits, and deductible into both Good2Go's calculator and a traditional insurer's quote tool. The difference will show you whether the usage-based model saves money for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Good2Go if I have a bad driving record?

Yes. Good2Go uses the same underwriting criteria as traditional insurers — your age, driving history, vehicle type, and location all affect your rate. A poor driving record will increase your base rate and per-mile charge, but it will not disqualify you. You may pay more than someone with a clean record, but the usage-based model still saves money if you drive infrequently.

What happens if I drive more miles than I expected?

You straightforward pay the per-mile charge for every mile you drive. There is no cap or overage penalty. If you realize mid-month that you are driving more than usual, you can pause the policy to stop accruing charges, or you can continue and pay for the extra miles. The choice is yours.

Does Good2Go report to credit bureaus or affect my credit score?

No. Good2Go is an insurance policy, not a loan or credit product. It does not appear on your credit report and does not affect your credit score. If you fail to pay your premium, Good2Go may cancel your policy and report the unpaid balance to a collection agency, but that is separate from credit reporting.

Can I switch from Good2Go to a traditional policy mid-year?

Yes. You can cancel your Good2Go policy at any time without penalty. When you cancel, you will receive a refund for any unused base rate charges (prorated to the day you cancel). You can then purchase a traditional policy from another insurer. Some insurers offer discounts if you have prior coverage, so mention your Good2Go policy when you quote.

What if the plug-in device stops working or gets lost?

Contact Good2Go through the app or website to report the issue. If the device is defective, they will send a replacement. If you lose it, you can switch to manual mileage reporting through the app, or you can request a replacement device (which may have a fee). Your policy remains active during the transition.