Metromile is a technology-driven auto insurance company that pioneered pay-per-mile pricing, charging drivers based primarily on how many miles they actually drive. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in San Francisco, Metromile targets low-mileage drivers who subsidize high-mileage drivers under traditional flat-rate insurance.
The company combines a low monthly base rate with a per-mile fee, allowing people who drive less to pay substantially less for coverage.
Metromile launched with a mission to make car insurance fairer for people who do not drive much. The company recognized that traditional flat-rate pricing means low-mileage drivers effectively subsidize those who drive far more, since both pay similar premiums despite very different risk exposure.
Metromile’s pay-per-mile model addresses this by tying a significant portion of the premium directly to miles driven.
Metromile uses a small wireless device called the Metromile Pulse that plugs into a vehicle’s diagnostic port to track mileage accurately. The company combines this usage data with traditional rating factors to set pricing.
Metromile was acquired by Lemonade in 2022, integrating pay-per-mile expertise into the broader insurtech platform while continuing to serve low-mileage drivers.
Products Offered
Metromile focuses on personal auto insurance with a pay-per-mile pricing model.
Coverage includes standard components such as liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured and underinsured motorist, and medical payments.
The pay-per-mile structure applies a low monthly base rate plus a per-mile charge, with daily mileage typically capped so long trips do not result in excessive charges.
Key Strengths
- Substantial savings for low-mileage drivers.
- Transparent pay-per-mile pricing tied to actual vehicle usage.
- Accurate mileage tracking through the Metromile Pulse device.
- Daily mileage cap that helps protect against expensive road trips.
- Fully digital and app-based customer experience.
- Smart driving tools with trip tracking and vehicle insights.
- Rewards drivers who spend less time on the road with fairer pricing.
Considerations
- Most beneficial for low-mileage drivers and may cost more for people who drive frequently.
- Requires installation of the Metromile Pulse device in the vehicle.
- Availability is limited to certain states rather than nationwide.
- No in-person agent support due to its digital-first business model.
- Drivers who prefer traditional flat-rate pricing may find conventional insurers more suitable.
States Served
Metromile operates in a limited number of US states rather than offering nationwide coverage. Availability has shifted over time, particularly following the Lemonade acquisition. Prospective customers should confirm current availability in their specific state before planning to enroll in pay-per-mile coverage.
Company Contact Information
- Official Website: https://www.metromile.com
- Customer Service Phone: (888) 595-5485
- Claims Phone: (888) 595-5484
- Email: customerservice@metromile.com
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States
Customer service and claims contact information are reported through company contact listings and insurance industry sources.
Official Social Media Profiles
Summary
Metromile is an innovative auto insurance provider that helped popularize pay-per-mile coverage for low-mileage drivers. Its pricing model can provide significant savings for people who drive infrequently, while its digital platform offers convenient policy management and mileage tracking. However, the company is not ideal for high-mileage drivers, and availability remains limited compared to major nationwide insurers.
