Drivers opting for usage-based insurance amid COVID-19 pandemic, study finds By Aly Yale article If the pandemic has you driving less, this type of car insurance may be worth a look. (iStock) The pandemic had a huge impact on American’s driving habits in 2020. With shelter-in-place orders, countless businesses closed and the prevalence of work-from-home arrangements, Americans spent less time on the road than ever. In fact, according to the Federal Highway Administration, the average number of miles driven was down 41% at one point. To account for the dip, many car insurers began to offer rebates — often for 10 to 15% of the monthly premium — for policyholders across the nation.