Pleasure car insurance, also known as pleasure use car insurance or pleasure driving car insurance, is a type of car insurance that provides coverage for cars that are primarily used for non-work related purposes, such as leisure, commuting to and from school, and personal errands.

Pleasure car insurance is typically less expensive than other types of car insurance because it is assumed that the car is driven less frequently and for shorter distances, reducing the likelihood of accidents. However, pleasure car insurance may not cover a car that is used for commercial purposes, such as delivering goods or transporting passengers for a fee.

Drivers who primarily use their car for pleasure, rather than for work or business purposes, may benefit from purchasing pleasure car insurance. It’s important to note that insurance companies may have different definitions of what constitutes pleasure use, so it’s important to check with your insurance company to ensure that you have the right coverage for your needs.

What is the difference between pleasure car insurance and commute car insurance?

The main difference between pleasure car insurance and commute car insurance is the primary use of the vehicle.

Pleasure car insurance is designed for drivers who use their car primarily for personal use, such as running errands or taking road trips for leisure. These drivers typically drive less frequently and for shorter distances, which reduces the risk of accidents.

Commute car insurance, on the other hand, is designed for drivers who use their car to commute to and from work or school on a regular basis. These drivers typically drive longer distances and during rush hour traffic, which increases the risk of accidents.

As a result, commute car insurance typically costs more than pleasure car insurance due to the increased risk. Additionally, some insurance companies may require drivers to purchase commute car insurance if they drive more than a certain number of miles to work or school each day.

It’s important to accurately represent the primary use of your car when purchasing car insurance, as misrepresenting this information could result in a denied claim or the cancellation of your policy.

Pleasure vs commute car insurance cost in Canada

Sure, here are some examples of annual and monthly car insurance costs for pleasure car insurance and commute car insurance in Canada, by province and major city, based on an example driver profile of a 35-year-old married male with a clean driving record, driving a 2018 Toyota Camry:

1. Ontario:

• Pleasure car insurance: $1,100 per year ($92 per month)
• Commute car insurance: $1,450 per year ($121 per month)

Major cities:

• Toronto
  • Pleasure car insurance: $1,300 per year ($108 per month)
  • Commute car insurance: $1,750 per year ($146 per month)
• Ottawa
  • Pleasure car insurance: $950 per year ($79 per month)
  • Commute car insurance: $1,300 per year ($108 per month)
• Mississauga
  • Pleasure car insurance: $1,250 per year ($104 per month)
  • Commute car insurance: $1,600 per year ($133 per month)
• Brampton
  • Pleasure car insurance: $1,400 per year ($117 per month)
  • Commute car insurance: $1,800 per year ($150 per month)
• Hamilton
  • Pleasure car insurance: $1,100 per year ($92 per month)
  • Commute car insurance: $1,500 per year ($125 per month)

2. Quebec:

• Pleasure car insurance: $750 per year ($62 per month)
• Commute car insurance: $950 per year ($79 per month)

Major cities:

• Montreal
  • Pleasure car insurance: $900 per year ($75 per month)
  • Commute car insurance: $1,150 per year ($96 per month)
• Quebec City
  • Pleasure car insurance: $650 per year ($54 per month)
  • Commute car insurance: $900 per year ($75 per month)
• Laval
  • Pleasure car insurance: $800 per year ($67 per month)
  • Commute car insurance: $1,050 per year ($88 per month)
• Gatineau
  • Pleasure car insurance: $750 per year ($62 per month)
  • Commute car insurance: $1,000 per year ($83 per month)
• Longueuil
  • Pleasure car insurance: $850 per year ($71 per month)
  • Commute car insurance: $1,100 per year ($92 per month)

3. Alberta:

• Pleasure car insurance: $1,200 per year ($100 per month)
• Commute car insurance: $1,450 per year ($121 per month)

Major cities:

• Calgary
  • Pleasure car insurance: $1,350 per year ($113 per month)
  • Commute car insurance: $1,650 per year ($138 per month)
• Edmonton
  • Pleasure car insurance: $1,200 per year ($100 per month)
  • Commute car insurance: $1,500 per year ($125 per month)
• Red Deer
  • Pleasure car insurance: $1,000 per year ($83 per month)
  • Commute car insurance: $1,300 per year ($108 per month)
• Lethbridge
  • Pleasure car insurance: $900 per year ($75 per month)
  • Commute car insurance: $1,150 per year ($96 per month)
• Medicine Hat
  • Pleasure car insurance: $800 per year ($67 per month)
  • Commute car insurance: $1,050 per year ($88 per month)

It’s important to note that these are just examples, and actual car insurance costs can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the driver’s age, driving record, the make and model of the car, and the insurance company. It’s always a good idea to shop around and compare quotes from multiple insurance companies to find the best coverage and rates for your individual needs.

What kind of coverage is included in pleasure car insurance?

Pleasure car insurance typically includes the same types of coverage as standard car insurance policies, such as:

1. Liability coverage: This type of coverage provides protection if you are found to be at fault for an accident and are responsible for injuries or property damage to others.
2. Collision coverage: This type of coverage provides protection for damage to your car if you are in an accident with another vehicle or object.
3. Comprehensive coverage: This type of coverage provides protection for damage to your car that is not related to a collision, such as theft, vandalism, or weather-related damage.
4. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: This type of coverage provides protection if you are in an accident with a driver who does not have enough insurance to cover the damages or does not have any insurance at all.
5. Personal injury protection: This type of coverage provides protection for medical expenses and lost wages if you or your passengers are injured in an accident.

The specific coverage and limits included in a pleasure car insurance policy may vary depending on the insurance company and the policyholder’s individual needs. It’s important to review the policy carefully and ask questions to ensure that you have the right coverage for your situation.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about pleasure car insurance:

1. What is pleasure car insurance? Pleasure car insurance is a type of car insurance that provides coverage for vehicles that are primarily used for non-work-related purposes, such as personal errands or leisure activities.
2. Who is eligible for pleasure car insurance? Most drivers are eligible for pleasure car insurance, as long as they primarily use their car for personal purposes, such as running errands or taking leisure trips.
3. What types of coverage are included in pleasure car insurance? Pleasure car insurance typically includes the same types of coverage as standard car insurance policies, such as liability coverage, collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, and personal injury protection.
4. What is the cost of pleasure car insurance? The cost of pleasure car insurance can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the driver’s age, driving record, the make and model of the car, and the insurance company. Pleasure car insurance is generally less expensive than other types of car insurance, as it is assumed that the car is driven less frequently and for shorter distances.
5. What is the difference between pleasure car insurance and commute car insurance? Pleasure car insurance is designed for drivers who primarily use their car for personal purposes, such as running errands or taking leisure trips, while commute car insurance is designed for drivers who use their car to commute to and from work or school on a regular basis.
6. Can I use my car for business purposes if I have pleasure car insurance? No, pleasure car insurance is not designed to cover vehicles that are used for business purposes, such as delivering goods or transporting passengers for a fee. If you use your car for business purposes, you will need to purchase a separate commercial car insurance policy.
7. How do I know if I am eligible for pleasure car insurance? If you primarily use your car for personal purposes, such as running errands or taking leisure trips, you are likely eligible for pleasure car insurance. However, it’s important to check with your insurance company to ensure that you have the right coverage for your needs.
8. Can I switch from commute car insurance to pleasure car insurance? Yes, if you no longer use your car for commuting to and from work or school, you may be able to switch from commute car insurance to pleasure car insurance. However, it’s important to check with your insurance company to ensure that you have the right coverage for your needs.
9. Do I need pleasure car insurance if I have a second car that I use for personal purposes? If you have a second car that you use exclusively for personal purposes, you may not need pleasure car insurance for your primary car. However, if you occasionally use your primary car for personal purposes, it’s a good idea to have pleasure car insurance to ensure that you have the right coverage.
10. Can I still drive my car to work or school if I have pleasure car insurance? Yes, you can still drive your car to work or school if you have pleasure car insurance. However, if you use your car to commute to and from work or school on a regular basis, you may need to purchase commute car insurance. It’s important to accurately represent the primary use of your car when purchasing car insurance, as misrepresenting this information could result in a denied claim or the cancellation of your policy.
11. Can I use my pleasure car for ridesharing or delivery services? No, pleasure car insurance is not designed to cover vehicles used for ridesharing or delivery services. If you plan to use your car for these purposes, you will need to purchase a separate commercial car insurance policy.
12. What is the benefit of having pleasure car insurance? The benefit of having pleasure car insurance is that it can be less expensive than other types of car insurance, as it is assumed that the car is driven less frequently and for shorter distances. It can be a good option for drivers who primarily use their car for personal purposes and do not need the additional coverage or higher premiums that come with other types of car insurance.
13. What should I consider when choosing pleasure car insurance? When choosing pleasure car insurance, it’s important to consider your individual needs and budget. You should compare coverage and rates from multiple insurance companies, and make sure you have the right level of coverage for your situation. You should also consider any discounts that may be available, such as safe driver discounts or multi-car discounts.
14. Can I add additional drivers to my pleasure car insurance policy? Yes, you can usually add additional drivers to your pleasure car insurance policy. However, it’s important to check with your insurance company to ensure that you have the right coverage for your situation. Adding additional drivers to your policy may affect your premiums, as insurance companies consider the driving records and experience of all drivers covered under the policy.

15. How can I lower the cost of my pleasure car insurance? There are several ways to lower the cost of your pleasure car insurance, including:

• Choose a higher deductible, which can lower your premiums.
• Take advantage of discounts, such as safe driver discounts or multi-car discounts.
• Keep a clean driving record, as accidents and traffic violations can increase your premiums.
• Drive a car with safety features, such as anti-lock brakes and airbags.
• Drive less, as driving fewer miles can lower your risk of accidents and therefore lower your premiums.

16. Do I need additional coverage if I take my pleasure car out of the country? If you plan to take your pleasure car out of the country, you may need to purchase additional coverage, such as international car insurance. Your existing pleasure car insurance policy may provide some coverage for driving outside of Canada, but it’s important to check with your insurance company to ensure that you have the right coverage for your needs.
17. What should I do if I have an accident while driving my pleasure car? If you have an accident while driving your pleasure car, you should follow the same steps you would with any other car insurance policy. This includes taking photos of the damage, exchanging insurance information with the other driver, and contacting your insurance company to file a claim. It’s important to accurately represent the circumstances of the accident and your use of the car, as misrepresenting this information could result in a denied claim or the cancellation of your policy.