What is pay-per-mile insurance and how much can you save?
Pay-per-mile insurance charges you only for the miles you actually drive, not a flat monthly rate. If you drive 5,000 miles per year instead of 12,000, you pay significantly less.
For immigrants who drive occasionally—to work, doctor visits, or errands—this model can cut your premium by 30-50% compared to traditional monthly insurance.
Companies like Metromile and Milewise use a small device or smartphone app to track your mileage safely and privately. Your driving data stays between you and the insurance company.
Can you get pay-per-mile insurance with an ITIN instead of an SSN?
Yes. Metromile and other pay-per-mile insurers accept ITIN numbers (Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers) in most states. You do not need a Social Security number to qualify.
You will need a valid US driver license or state ID. Some states now issue licenses to immigrants without legal status—check your state DMV or visit NCSL for a full list.
Apply for an ITIN through the IRS website if you do not have one. It is free and takes 2-4 weeks.
Who offers pay-per-mile insurance and what do they require?
Metromile is the largest pay-per-mile insurer in the US, operating in over 20 states. Milewise (formerly SafeAuto) and Milewise also offer mileage-based rates in select states.
All require: a valid driver license, vehicle registration, and proof of residence (utility bill, lease, or bank statement). They accept ITIN in place of SSN for most applications.
Rates vary by state, age, driving record, and vehicle type. Get a quote directly from each company—there is no charge to compare options, and your inquiry will not affect your immigration status.
Is your mileage data safe and private?
Yes. Insurance companies are strictly regulated under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, which protects your personal and financial information. They cannot share your data with immigration authorities or law enforcement without a court order.
Buying car insurance does not create a government record that puts you at risk. Your insurance contract is private between you and the insurer—it is not reported to ICE or Homeland Security.
The mileage-tracking device or app only records miles driven, not location or driving behavior. You control when data is collected, and you can review it anytime in your account.
| Provider | Base Fee + Per-Mile Rate | ITIN Accepted | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metromile | $29-35/month + $0.04-0.05/mile | Yes, with valid ID | Low-mileage drivers |
| Milewise (Allstate) | $25-35/month + $0.02-0.04/mile | Contact directly | Very low annual miles |
| Smartmile (Infinity) | Varies by state | Check availability | State-specific options |
| Inseego | Monthly subscription model | Varies by carrier | Occasional drivers |
| Typical savings | Up to 50% vs. standard | For under 10k miles/year | Immigrants not daily driving |
📋 Official Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Pay-per-mile insurance charges you a low monthly base fee plus a small amount per mile you actually drive, instead of a flat monthly premium. If you drive less than 10,000 miles per year, you could save up to 50% compared to standard insurance.
Yes. Companies like Metromile and Milewise accept ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead of an SSN. You will need a valid driver license or valid foreign license and proof of residency, but not a Social Security number.
No. Insurance companies are not immigration enforcement agencies and do not share customer data with ICE. Your insurance information is protected under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, which keeps financial and personal data private and confidential.
Metromile and Milewise (by Allstate) are the main providers of pay-per-mile insurance in the United States. Availability varies by state, so check their websites to see if service is available in your state.
Pay-per-mile insurers use a small plug-in device that connects to your cars diagnostic port (OBD-II), or a mobile app, to track only the miles you drive. The device or app does not track your location or personal movements, only mileage.
Yes, if you drive fewer than 10,000 miles per year. Pay-per-mile is especially valuable for immigrants in cities with public transit, or those who work from home and rarely use their car for commuting.