What Metromile Insurance Is
Metromile is a car insurance company that charges you based on how many miles you drive each month, rather than charging a flat monthly or annual rate. You pay a base rate that covers your car when it is parked, plus a per-mile charge when you drive. If you drive very little — under 10,000 miles per year — this structure can cost less than traditional insurance. If you drive a lot, it will probably cost more.
The company uses a small plug-in device called a Pulse that connects to your car's diagnostic port and tracks your mileage. Metromile reports this data to calculate your monthly bill. You can see your mileage and charges in real time through their app, so there is no guessing about what you will owe.
Metromile operates in about a dozen states, not nationwide. Availability depends on where you live and the age and type of your vehicle. The company does not insure commercial vehicles or rideshare cars.
Key Takeaways
- Metromile charges a base monthly rate plus a per-mile fee, so your bill changes each month based on actual driving.
- You need a compatible vehicle (generally 1995 or newer, with a working diagnostic port) and a smartphone to use the Pulse device and app.
- Low-mileage drivers — those under 10,000 miles per year — typically see savings compared to traditional insurance, while high-mileage drivers usually pay more.
- Metromile is available in only about a dozen states, so you must check whether your state and zip code are covered before getting a quote.
- The Pulse device tracks your mileage automatically, and you can monitor your charges through the Metromile app each month.
How the Pricing Works
Your monthly bill has two parts: a base rate and a per-mile charge. The base rate covers your vehicle when it is not being driven — liability and collision coverage explore whether the car is parked or on the road. This base rate varies by state, your driving record, the type of vehicle, and your coverage limits, just like traditional insurance.
The per-mile charge is typically between $0.15 and $0.30 per mile, depending on your state and coverage choices. Metromile does not charge you for miles driven on days when you do not have active coverage, so if you cancel temporarily or let a policy lapse, those days do not count.
Your total monthly bill is the base rate plus (miles driven × per-mile rate). If you drive 200 miles in a month with a $35 base rate and a $0.20 per-mile charge, your bill would be $35 + (200 × $0.20) = $75. The next month, if you drive 50 miles, your bill drops to $35 + (50 × $0.20) = $45.
What You Need to Use Metromile
Your vehicle must have an onboard diagnostic (OBD-II) port, which is standard on most cars manufactured in 1995 or later. The Pulse device plugs into this port — it is about the size of a car charger and does not require installation by a technician. You straightforward plug it in yourself, usually located under the steering wheel or in the dashboard area.
You also need a smartphone with the Metromile app to view your mileage, charges, and policy details. The app connects to the Pulse device via Bluetooth, so your phone must be in the car or nearby when you drive for the data to sync. If you forget your phone or the Bluetooth connection drops, Metromile still tracks your mileage — the app just updates when you reconnect.
Metromile will not insure vehicles that are salvage-titled, have an active lien that the lender will not allow, or are used for commercial purposes or rideshare. Some vehicles with modified engines or non-standard configurations may also be excluded.
States Where Metromile Operates
Metromile is available in Arizona, California, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia. Coverage may be available in some counties or zip codes within these states but not others, so you need to enter your specific address to see whether you can get a quote.
The company has expanded and contracted its service area over time, so if you checked availability a year or two ago and were told no, it is worth checking again. Conversely, if you are moving, confirm that your new state and zip code are covered before you rely on Metromile for your next policy.
When Metromile Saves You Money
Metromile makes the most financial sense if you drive fewer than 10,000 miles per year. This includes people who work from home, use public transit for commuting, or own a second vehicle for occasional use. A driver who puts 5,000 miles on their car annually might save $300 to $600 per year compared to a traditional policy, depending on their location and coverage choices.
You also benefit if your driving is unpredictable. If some months you drive very little and other months you drive more, Metromile's month-to-month variation means you pay less during your low-mileage months instead of paying a flat rate year-round.
Drivers with clean records and newer vehicles typically see better rates. Metromile factors in your driving history just like any insurer, so accidents or violations will raise your base rate. However, the per-mile structure means that even with a higher base rate, you still save if your annual mileage is low enough.
When Metromile Costs More
If you drive more than 15,000 miles per year, Metromile will almost certainly be more expensive than a traditional policy. A driver who puts 20,000 miles on their car annually could pay $400 to $800 more per year with Metromile, depending on the per-mile rate in their state and their coverage choices.
Metromile also does not offer discounts for bundling home and auto insurance, which many traditional insurers do. If you already have homeowners or renters insurance with another company, you lose that multi-policy discount by switching to Metromile for auto only.
Long commutes or frequent road trips make Metromile uneconomical. If your daily commute is 30 miles each way, you are already at 300 miles per week, which adds up quickly.
How to Get a Quote and What Happens Next
Visit Metromile's website and enter your zip code to confirm availability in your area. If your state and zip code are covered, you will be asked for basic information: your vehicle details (year, make, model, VIN), driving history, and the coverage limits you want. This takes about 10 minutes.
Metromile will show you an estimated monthly base rate and per-mile charge based on this information. This is not a binding quote — it is an estimate. To move forward, you will need to provide more detailed information and agree to a background check and driving record review, which typically takes a few business days.
Once your policy is approved, Metromile will mail you the Pulse device. You plug it in, read the app, and your coverage begins on the date you choose. You can cancel anytime without penalty, though you will be responsible for the days you were covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Metromile track where I drive or just how far?
The Pulse device tracks mileage only, not location. Metromile does not know where you go or when you drive — only the total miles accumulated. The company does not use GPS, so your location data is not collected or stored.
What happens if the Pulse device stops working?
Contact Metromile and they will send you a replacement device at no cost. Your coverage continues while you wait for the replacement. If the device is unplugged or disconnected, Metromile stops charging per-mile fees, but your base rate coverage remains active.
Can I pause my Metromile policy if I do not drive for a few months?
Yes. You can suspend your policy temporarily, and Metromile will not charge you the base rate or per-mile fees during the suspension period. You pay only for the days you have active coverage. This is useful if you store your car for winter or take an extended trip.
Does Metromile cover rideshare or delivery driving?
No. Metromile explicitly excludes commercial use, including rideshare (Uber, Lyft) and delivery services (DoorDash, Instacart). If you use your car for these purposes, you need a different insurance policy.
What coverage does Metromile offer?
Metromile offers the same types of coverage as traditional insurers: liability (bodily injury and property damage), collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist, and medical payments. You choose your coverage limits and deductibles just as you would with any other company. The per-mile pricing applies to all coverage types.