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Is Auto Insurance Tax Deductible? It Depends

Tax deductions are a way to lower your taxable income, so you can decrease the amount of taxes that you owe the government. Thinking about the different IRS-approved deductions as you prepare your tax returns may lead you to wonder: Is auto insurance tax deductible? The answer depends on how you use the car and other factors.

For specific questions about your own taxes, consult a tax professional for trusted advice. For general information, keep reading.

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Using a car for work

Generally, you can calculate business vehicle expenses one of two ways: the standard mileage rate or the actual expense method. Depending on your situation, you might qualify for one or both methods. If you qualify for both – and you don’t mind crunching the numbers – it might be worth it to calculate both ways to see which method gets you the bigger deduction.

  • Standard mileage rate: Auto insurance isn’t itemized as its own expense, but rolled into the government calculated rate (56 cents per mile driven for business use in 2021 or 58.5 cents per mile driven for business use in 2022, according to the IRS standard mileage rates).
  • Actual expense method: List the separate costs of operating the car (including gas, oil, repairs, tires and insurance) and deduct the percentage of those costs that can be attributed to miles driven for business.

Of course, it’s possible your car expenses (including auto insurance) might not be tax deductible at all. Here’s what to expect in a few common situations:

  • For business owners: According to the IRS, businesses that own and are dependent on the use of company cars or a fleet of vehicles may deduct auto insurance as a business expense if it is for your trade, business or profession. (Read our related guide to purchase and maintenance of company vehicles.
  • If you’re self-employed: If you are self-employed and use your car exclusively for your business, you may be able to deduct certain car expenses, including your insurance premium. Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, taxpayers can’t claim a miscellaneous itemized deduction for unreimbursed employee travel expenses.
  • If you use your car for both business and personal reasons: In this situation, only the portion used for business reasons is tax deductible. You can’t claim your commute to and from work, but there are deductions available for work-related driving duties like visiting clients or picking up work supplies.

For more information on business use of your car, read this tax topics guide on the IRS website.

What about expenses related to an auto insurance claim?

Using your car only for personal reasons like running errands or going shopping, it is not a write-off on your tax returns. But if your car was stolen or totaled after an accident that wasn’t your fault and the damage exceeds the limits in your insurance policy, you may be able to claim the loss as a tax deduction. Limitations may apply based on the damage costs and your income.

Read more about how a "totaled" car is determined (and what to know if it happens to you).

Ask a professional for advice

It’s a good idea to get in touch with a certified public accountant or tax professional to review the IRS guidelines for business expenses and make sure that you are entitled to these and other tax deductions. The latest tax guidance can be found at IRS.gov.

It can also be a good time to review your auto insurance policy to be sure that you have the coverages that you need. Contact your local ERIE agent for more information about insurance coverage.

This story was originally published in 2018. It was updated with new information in 2022.

ERIE® insurance products and services are provided by one or more of the following insurers: Erie Insurance Exchange, Erie Insurance Company, Erie Insurance Property & Casualty Company, Flagship City Insurance Company and Erie Family Life Insurance Company (home offices: Erie, Pennsylvania) or Erie Insurance Company of New York (home office: Rochester, New York).  The companies within the Erie Insurance Group are not licensed to operate in all states. Refer to the company licensure and states of operation information.

The insurance products and rates, if applicable, described in this blog are in effect as of January 2024 and may be changed at any time. 

Insurance products are subject to terms, conditions and exclusions not described in this blog. The policy contains the specific details of the coverages, terms, conditions and exclusions. 

The insurance products and services described in this blog are not offered in all states.  ERIE life insurance and annuity products are not available in New York.  ERIE Medicare supplement products are not available in the District of Columbia or New York.  ERIE long term care products are not available in the District of Columbia and New York. 

Eligibility will be determined at the time of application based upon applicable underwriting guidelines and rules in effect at that time.

Your ERIE agent can offer you practical guidance and answer questions you may have before you buy.